Even if you know your rights and you feel super comfortable to breastfeed in public, you still can’t avoid all those piercing stares and hostile looks from some people. Although some may really smile and nod your way to acknowledge and appreciate your breastfeeding practice, some people just can’t. However, breastfeeding moms should always remember that breastfeeding in public is not a crime. It is legal and protected by federal law. Legislation in most states gives women the right to nurse in public. But even if you’re living somewhere that doesn’t have such laws on the books, you totally have every right to feed your baby.
According to KellyMom, “Breastfeeding in public tends to be controversial. However, if a bottle-fed baby can have her dinner in public, why shouldn’t a breastfed baby have the same rights? I have certainly never seen a public restroom that I would like to feed my baby in! And I’m certainly not going to stay cooped up at home all the time because I’m afraid that my baby will get hungry while we’re gone.” Nursing covers are here to answer your woes. If getting covered up makes you a lot more comfortable, especially if you are a new mom, then do your own thing. Donning a nursing cover can protect you from all those unfriendly and judging stares, and we are here to help you choose the perfect one for you.
What are nursing covers
Nursing covers follow a very simple idea and concept - fabrics that can give you more privacy when nursing or breastfeeding. These nursing covers, as the name suggest, can cover you and your breasts while breastfeeding your baby in public places. They even come useful when you are also pumping milk at work.
It is always a great idea to have a nursing cover with you, even if you still are not sure if you need one. We know that when the time comes that you will desperately need one, you’ll be happy and relieved that you’ve always been keeping it inside your breast pump bag and taking it with you and your baby. Nursing covers will always come in handy during breastfeeding sessions that you might need privacy. Also during times when you want to avoid people’s icy and cold stares, or you don’t want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable.
But whether you breastfeed in public without the need for a cover or prefer using one, it’s always up to you. There’s no right or wrong way to breastfeed, finding ways to nourish your precious little ones is entirely up to you.
The Best Nursing Covers
Kiddo Care Nursing Scarf
The material of this nursing cover is super soft that you will not worry that it might irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Despite its opacity and good coverage, this nursing cover is thin enough making it breathable. It allows good airflow and will not make your baby feel too warm or have trouble getting air while feeding. However, this nursing cover won’t be warm enough for the winter season, unless you will remain indoors. The Kiddo Care nursing scarf comes with a matching bag for easy storage. Your baby will have no trouble getting enough air under this cover because the fabric is breathable.
Skip Hop Grab and Go, Hide and Chic Nursing Scarf
Some mothers complain of not being able to see well through the mesh but most moms say they can see perfectly well. Maybe it is just a matter of lighting. This nursing cover also has a great length. The hem reaches the waist and can cover a great deal of your back area. When you are not using this to cover your baby, this can be fabulously worn as a scarf. You don’t need to worry about the mesh area since it can be hidden well. This nursing cover only comes in plain black and a striped grey design.
Bebe Au Lait Premium Jersey Nursing Scarf
This nursing cover is super lightweight and breathable so will not have any problems when it comes to breathability. What’s really nice about getting pretty nursing cover scarves is that you can continually use them even you’ve already stopped breastfeeding. These jersey scarves are super stylish and fashionable that you can totally wear anytime. Jersey nursing covers are also cheaper than the Muslin ones.
Bamboobies Nursing Poncho
These nursing covers only come in two solid colors, a solid black and blackberry which is a gorgeous plum shade. This cover from Bamboonies is different from other ponchos. It is constructed as two squares stitched as one with a hole for the head and other side. If it is worn one side wraps on your arm and the other end will drape open. This will make it look very chic and elegant. A downside is that you can only use one side to breastfeed, you have to turn the whole nursing cover around so that you can feed on the other side. You just have to get used to wearing this poncho and find ways on working with this nursing cover that will be comfortable for you.
Duckery Kid Full Cover Nursing Poncho
The Duckery nursing poncho may be more on the expensive side but it is very worth every penny. This nursing cover also works great as a blanket for baby during instances you forgot to bring one. It is easy to clean, machine washable and you can low iron it too. This poncho is great for the cold seasons too.
Genovega Nursing Cover Poncho
Ponchos may be on the much higher price but moms continuously rave on how they are worth the price. The Genovega nursing poncho is made with high-quality bamboo fabric that is very soft and breathable so that both you and your baby can stay comfortable during breastfeeding sessions. The bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic so that it will not cause any irritation to your infant’s sensitive skin. It is also very stretchy making it very comfortable not only for you but also for baby. This cover can also be fashionably improved by doing a knot at the side to gather up the extra fabric and give it more structure when you aren’t breastfeeding.
Bebe Au Lait Premium Cloth Nursing Cover
The Bebe au Lait Premium Cloth nursing cover is made to be a one size fit all. It is made with two internal terry cloth pockets for instant cleanups and easy storage. These nursing covers are easy to clean since they are machine washable. Moms love using this nursing cover during the summertime since they don’t give you too much warmth. The material is thick enough to cover but is still very lightweight and breathable.
Kids n Such Nursing Cover with Sewn-in burp cloth
The Kids n Such nursing cover is made of breathable and baby safe cotton. The material allows mothers and babies to stay cool while breastfeeding. Although some moms claim that using this cover can make you feel a bit hotter in the summer. This nursing cover also comes with a free carrying pouch so your nursing apron can stay clean and fresh when you aren’t using it. You can pop it in the pump bag and it will stay clean and fresh. However, if they get dirty, moms don’t have to worry since they can go in the machine wash and dryer. They are very easy to clean and quick to dry as well.
Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover
These covers are wide enough and generously sized. This is to give you complete coverage even when you have two babies with you. Plus it comes with an adjustable neck strap to make sure you can find the perfect fit. This nursing cover also comes with two pockets on the inside. The pockets are super convenient for storing pacifiers, nipples, and breast pads. It is also super easy to clean since it is machine washable. The Hooter Hiders nursing covers are super affordable. One downside is that they only come in design patterns and no plain colors are available.
Types of nursing covers
Infinity Scarf
These nursing scarfs are very versatile that can be used as a nursing cover, be fashionably worn, and used as a cradle to carry the baby. This nursing cover really looks like a scarf that you can easily wear around your neck when you are not nursing. That way you save your space in your nursing bag.
A nursing scarf will also be great when you will traveling with your baby since it can cover you and keep you warm as well. You can use it as a blanket for your baby too. You can wear this cover all day long and no one will ever get a hint that you’ll be using it as a nursing cover. There are a lot of fab colors, prints, and designs of a nursing cover scarf that mom can choose from. So they may be to match it with their outfit or even with their breast pump bag that they take to work. Most nursing scarfs are made of lightweight and breathable materials.
Poncho
This type of nursing cover may be on the expensive side, but there are still a lot of brands that produce cheap nursing ponchos. It is a poncho so you can just typically wear this and be a part of your outfit. Just like the scarf, the poncho can also save a lot of space in your bag. These covers do not only work for the front but also the back as well so you’re sure you’ll be totally covered. The poncho type nursing covers also double as a fashionable and comfortable maternity top, a canopy for your baby’s stroller, and car seat cover too. They do not have a rigid neckline and are made of lightweight and breathable materials.
Apron
These are the most common and traditional type of nursing cover. Basically, these nursing covers look a lot like an apron. It is a large squared-shape fabric with straps that are adjustable for your comfort. You put these fabrics on your neck just like an apron. Most apron type nursing covers are made with a rigid neckline that will allow proper airflow and will let you look at your baby while breastfeeding. The apron design only effectively covers the front area and is most useful when you have a very young baby that you need to keep a constant eye on while breastfeeding.
A good nursing cover...
Provide good coverage
An efficient nursing cover should be able to adequately cover areas that you mean to cover. If you will mostly be outdoors or in an office choose covers that will also be able to cover your sides and back. A good nursing cover should not worry you about showing a few parts that you don’t want to be exposed. Being worry-free means you can focus on breastfeeding your baby.
Lightweight and breathable
Avoid nursing covers that are too thick. It will create an environment that will be too warm and humid for the baby. A good nursing cover should not block proper ventilation and have airways for your baby. Proper and good airflow is very important so that babies will not have difficulty in breathing while feeding.
Easy to clean
You can't always keep your nursing cover squeaky clean. Breast milk may leak and babies spit up and you use the cover to wipe them. A dirty nursing cover is not nice to use and wear so it is important that you regularly clean it. Cleaning should not be a stressful task. It will be helpful to get a nursing cover which is very easy to clean and quick to dry.
Allows you to see your baby
You should be able to see how your precious little one is doing while feeding. That is so you can make sure that they are doing fine and comfortable while under the nursing cover.
Multi-functional
A nursing cover will become better if it will work not only as a cover while breastfeeding. Many nursing covers available are also good as fashionable scarfs and ponchos. They can also serve as a seat cover and a canopy and cradle for the baby. A good nursing cover should also be able to work in more ways than one.
Stylish and good-looking
Moms would be totally pleased if a nursing cover is not only efficient but fashionable as well. As a nursing mother, you will most likely be wearing or carrying these more than once a week. Not just because you are breastfeeding, you can no longer strut in style. There are many nursing scarves and ponchos that will look great with your wardrobe. Much of the apron nursing covers are printed and designed elegantly. So that it will be no trouble using them in public, and even at work.