The initial months of breastfeeding are best handled when you have the baby gear and parental gear well prepared. While feeding, pumping, diaper change, and putting your baby to sleep, dealing with your sore nipples can be a very exhausting and painful task. The recurrent leaks and having to change your clothes over and over again can be extremely frustrating. And the worst part is leaking while being in public!
Even if you have the best pumping bras and breast pumps, a breast pad is essential to save yourself from sore nipples and wet clothes. Also, remember that the wet fabric against your skin can lead to several bacterial infections. By keeping nursing pads or breast pads under your bra, you will remain fresh and hygienic throughout the day and night.
Why You Need Nursing Pads?
Even if you have the best pumping bras and breast pumps, a breast pad is essential to save yourself from sore nipples and wet clothes.
Also, remember that the wet fabric against your skin can lead to several bacterial infections. By keeping nursing pads or breast pads under your bra, you will remain fresh and hygienic throughout the day and night.
There are so many different types of breast pads for every particular need. Some of them are-
These breast pads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, fabrics, and also prices. So you are less likely to run out of nursing pads to buy that best fit your need. Washable pads and disposable pads are found to be the most commonly used nursing pads.
Washable pads as you can understand from the name can be used for a longer period. They are also very eco-friendly and more affordable. In the case of disposable pads, they are most suitable while traveling. They usually come wrapped up which helps to maintain their cleanliness.
New mothers mostly tend to go for disposable pads as it requires less effort and time. But in the long run, washable breast pads are much better. Now you must be confused as to what type of breast pads fit your needs the most. Don’t worry as most mothers tend to stock up both pads.
Keep in mind the following factors to help yourself decide better while buying breast pads-
Now I would like to list down some of the best breast pads in the market and let you make the choice!
1. Kindred Bravely’s Organic Washable Breast Pads
They are made from the best and softest bamboo and therefore have strong absorption capabilities. Their outer layer is made using water-resistant fabric helping you pump without any leaks and also keeps your nipples dry. If you are searching for the most comfortable breast pads, I would say this is it.
Kindred Bravely’s breast pads are designed to fit perfectly and discreetly into your nursing bras. It is machine washable and dries quickly. The waterproof coating protects your clothes from milk leaks. There are 4 pairs in total so you have sufficient pads to use for multi-purpose. The product also comes with a wet bag eliminating the need to have separate bags to rid your used breast pads.
Pros
Cons
2. Medela Nursing Pads Disposable Breast Pad
It is said to be the no.1 doctor-recommended nursing pad in the United States. Medela disposable pads are quite popular as it lasts for several hours before replacing. They are made using ultra-absorbent materials and provide complete protection from leakage whether it is day or night.
The soft layer keeps the pad dry and protects the sensitive skin of the breasts. It has a double adhesive coating that allows the pads to stay in place. Each of them is packed inside separate boxes helping in portability and cleanliness.
Pros
Cons
3. Philips AVENT Maximum Comfort Disposable Breast Pads
These pads are designed in such a way that it allows easy breathing to your skin. It absorbs maximum wetness through the one-way top sheet and keeps your nipples and clothes dry. Also, the sheet is quite silky due to the honeycomb texture and enables mothers to express milk without any irritation.
No matter what size, shape, or type of bra you are using, Philips Avent disposable breast pads sit comfortably within preventing the need to adjust the bra frequently. The pad’s two adhesive strips help you to move freely without them falling out of place. Each pad has several layers and locks in moisture.
Pros
Cons
4. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Nursing Pads
Made of the best and purest organic cotton, these nursing pads can be referred to as one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable breast pads. They are manufactured using only natural materials and therefore you are safe from any skin allergies. Organyc breast pads make the perfect gift for nature-loving mothers.
Pros
Cons
5. Curve by Cache Coeur Reusable Nursing Pads
No matter how many times you wash these pads, their quality remains the same by securing you from leaks day and night. They protect you from leaks for as long as 9 hours. Made using the top antibacterial materials, Curve washable nursing pads keep you fresh and wet-free.
Their design is quite sleek and is available in any size. Their shape is more like a bra cup and therefore perfectly covers the breasts, even if you are using deep-cut bras.
Pros
Cons
6. NUK Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads
Although they are bulky due to the double layers of protection, they are utterly discreet. The protective outer layer avoids leaks and stains.
They do not have adhesive backing but at the same time do not move from their fixed position. It is mostly recommended for light leaks or stable milk production. The special MilkLock feature traps leaks and facilitates better breathing for the breasts.
Pros
Cons
7. Ameda ComfortGel Soothing Breastfeeding Pads
Popularly known among mothers and healthcare professionals, Ameda breast pads offer the best comfort due to their attractive features. They prevent cloth friction on the sore nipples and make you comfy. Most hospitals go for this brand as these cooler pads provide moist healing at a faster rate.
The best part is that these pads can be reused for a full 6 days without any discomfort. Your breasts and nipples are soothed thoroughly and the nipple cracks are healed.
Pros
Cons
8. Dr. Brown's Washable Breast Pads
If you are a mom with a busy lifestyle and need effective best pads that don’t require much effort, Dr.Brown’s washable breast pads may be the right option for you. They dry off pretty quickly and have 4 layers of ultra-soft cotton fabric to keep your nipples wet-free.
Pros
Cons
9. BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women's Washable and Reusable Nursing Breast Pads
The design and color of these breast pads are simply elegant. Created using a blend of cotton and polyester, these breast pads are of the perfect thickness for maximum absorption at the same time do not appear bulky.
They come with a small mesh layer that blocks moisture and odor. The double-layer cotton-modal core keeps you dry and allows you flexible movement without fear of leaks.
Pros
Cons
10. Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads
You must have already come across this brand a lot of times while looking for baby products. Lansinoh reusable breast pads are highly suitable for sensitive skin. Each pad is made using the best natural plant fibers and as a result, absorbs moisture to its maximum.
The absorption core consists of bamboo rayon for quick drying. It has the unique shape of a teardrop and therefore molds well to the breasts. The product comes with an additional mesh wash bag.
Pros
Cons
11. Hey Mama Disposable Nursing Pads
This one is a great choice for low-cost breast pads. Don’t worry about their quality as the company offers a 7 Day Money Back Guarantee and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Their ultra-soft design makes it easy to wear and their special adhesive coating maintains the pad in position until you finally replace it. They are thicker in size and acts as the perfect barrier for spots, leaks, and soaks.
Each of the pads is individually wrapped which helps you to carry and dispose of without any hassles. Hey Mama disposable breast pads are also one of the most favorite nursing pads of new mothers.
Pros
Cons
Even if you are using the best breast pads in the market, without following the right procedure, you invite unnecessary infection and soreness all over again. To prevent this, check out some of the key points you need to ensure while using breast pads-
Conclusion
Nursing pads make breastfeeding a lot more fun with their unique designs and shapes. So instead of changing clothes every time you leak and creating your own risk of infections, it would be better to go for quality breast pads as they offer you lasting protection and comfort.
Faq