When baby is hungry and wants to nurse, he will let you know, whether you are at home or out in public.
As a new mom, I felt somewhat awkward and a little embarrassed nursing my baby in public.
And while it would be wonderful if there were clean, comfy nursing rooms on every corner, the reality is somewhat different.
There will be times when you’ll have to find the closest spot to sit and breastfeed your baby.
Privacy goes out the window.
This is where nursing covers can come in handy.
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What are nursing covers?
A nursing cover is essentially a piece of fabric that covers and prevents strangers from looking at your boobies while you breastfeed your baby or pump in public.
Think of a nursing cover as the screens that go around a hospital bed. At a moment’s notice they can be pulled shut, blocking out the outside world.
Why use a nursing cover? Are nursing covers necessary.
If you are a new mom and plan to breastfeed in public, I would advise to have a nursing cover to hand just in case.
The reality is like with most things to do with motherhood we envisage it to be one way and then in practice is and feels different.
I think I am a confident woman and didn’t think I needed a nursing cover, but the first time I had to breastfeed in public was a nightmare.
Trying to get baby to latch on, find a quiet spot and not letting other people see my boobs made me feel super uncomfortable and flustered.
Sometimes there are no good options when you’re breastfeeding, other than exposing yourself or letting your baby cry, and neither of those worked for me.
This is where a nursing cover helped me and spares you some stress or awkwardness.
In America, a mother can legally breastfeed her baby in any public place, you cannot be asked to move or leave or told to cover up because others may feel uncomfortable.
However it also depends on you and your level of comfort.
I personally like to cover my boobies and having a nursing cover gave me the freedom and confidence to be out and about with my baby.
As I had more children I didn’t want to be cooped up indoors, between soccer practice and ballet there was no way I could just sit at home and breastfeed all day.
I can’t leave home without it and have used mine on the subway, plane and park to name a few.
When my husband’s colleagues came to visit us when I had my baby, I was able to be in the same room as my guests and feed my baby without having my boobies on show.
Ultimately using a nursing cover is up to you. Do not feel pressurized by anyone.
It’s not fair to anyone to say you should cover up or you shouldn’t cover up.
Whether you breastfeed openly or you use a nursing cover is totally up to you.
It’s your body and your baby, the choice is yours.
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What should a nursing cover do?
Cover: A nursing cover should cover your breasts and nipple areas as well as the top and sides of your boobs.
Allow your baby to breath: Nursing covers tend to cover the majority of a baby’s face and a cover that doesn’t allow air to circulate can cause a baby to not be able to breathe and also get too hot.
A baby falling asleep at your nipple may be a sign that he is not getting enough oxygen through the nursing cover.
Easily cleaned: Babies spit up and breast milk can go everywhere it’s best if your nursing cover is easy to clean then this will not be a big deal at all.
What should I look for in a nursing cover?
Material: consider the season and choose fabric that’ll be most comfortable.
Modesty: decide what level of cover you’re comfortable with and how much you would like to cover
Comfort: Some babies don’t mind having their faces covered while they feed, others hate it.
Experiment with covers to see what your baby prefers.
You don’t want to fuss or end up pulling it away, you both need to feel comfortable.
Adaptability: A nursing cover can be used for many other things other than a tool for breastfeeding; it can be used as a shade, a blanket, or scarf.
Choose a nursing cover that has multipurpose.
Pumping: If you’re pumping milk on both sides, a full cover apron or poncho is a probably best.
If you’re breastfeeding on only one side at a time, you can get away with a carefully placed scarf or wrap.
Style: There are many many different styles, colours and prints, choose one that makes you feel happy and confident.
Are nursing covers safe?
Yes. However, as you will likely completely cover your baby with the nursing cover you will need to make sure there is space to allow a flow of air so there is plenty of oxygen and that it doesn’t get too hot.
A baby falling asleep at your nipple may be a sign that he is not getting enough oxygen through the nursing cover.
How Many Nursing Covers Do I Need?
It honestly depends on you, some moms can get away with having one, wash, dry, and packed in your diaper bag ready for the next day.
This also works for moms who may nurse occasionally.
However, if you’re like many busy moms where you’re constantly struggling to stay organized, you would benefit from having two or more nursing covers.
You may also need to consider the climate of where you live.
If the weather changes throughout the year you may opt for lighter ones during the summer and thicker ones in the winter.
During one winter I chose a nursing color that was the same color as my coat.
The Best Nursing Cover of 2021
Best Nursing Covers for Summer
- BREATHABLE COTTON: Crafted with soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric, these cover for breastfeeding ensure maximum comfort for both mother and baby, promoting airflow and preventing overheating during feedings.
- AJUSTABLE NECKLINE: The adjustable neckline provides a secure fit that allows mothers to maintain eye contact with their babies and ensures full coverage for public nursing.
- PORTABLE AND COMPACT: Easily foldable into a compact size, breast feeding covers for women fit in any diaper bag, making them perfect for on-the-go parents who need a quick and discreet solution for feeding their infants.
Best Nursing Apron
Best Multipurpose Cover
- SUPER SOFT & STRETCHY - The first thing you will notice about our premium quality multi-use covers is the luxuriously soft, breathable fabric. You’ll love the feel and fit as you pull the cover over your car seat or use it as a breastfeeding cover up and realize how it stretches but never loses its shape, creating a safe and soothing space for your baby to feed or sleep.
- DESIGNED BY MOMS FOR MOMS - At Pobi Baby, we know how hard it can be to find quality baby products that are easy to use, safe for baby, and beautifully designed. We started this company because we’re customers just like you, and we knew we could provide a better product by paying attention to the details and refusing to compromise.
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY - It’s an infant car seat cover, breastfeeding cover up, shopping cart cover, high chair cover for baby, AND an infinity scarf for moms all in one item, and it’s with you wherever you go! The ultimate stroller accessory.
Best Nursing Poncho
- Multi Use Cover for Every Mother: car seat canopy, baby car seat cover, privacy nursing cover, light blanket ,shopping cart cover, feeding chair cover, diaper changing cover and even a infinity scarf.
- 360° Full Privacy Breastfeeding Coverage: Poncho Design gives breastfeeding mother provides full coverage and private space when breastfeeding in public. Just take 5 seconds to wear nursing cover, everything is so simple! With 9.84ft hem, it can suit for various size bodies.
- Full Protection for Your Baby: Keeps your baby from sunlight, summer heat and wind, while maintaining your privacy.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding moms, how do you handle nursing your baby when you’re away from home? Do you have any tips and tricks how you feed your baby in public? If so, please share and comment below to help those moms who are just starting out.