As if we Mums didn’t have it hard enough after giving birth. Not only do we need to recover from the physical pain of birth, lack of sleep and all the fun that breastfeeding is, to add insult to injury we run the risk of leaking patches around our nipples every time we leave home! (Because lets be honest, our boobs seem to know when we’re in our pyjamas and have the good grace not to leak until we’re actually dressed).
That’s why finding the best breast pads for keeping you dry and milk-stain-free is essential so read on to see my top picks!
How We Choose - Best breast pads
It's hard to know which breast pads are the best for you and your girls (and I don't mean your baby).
Breast pads can be a lifesaver, but it's hard to know which ones are the best. Do you go for disposable or washable? Ultra-thin or thick? With adhesive or without?
Fret not, I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best breast pads in each category below so that you can make the best choice.
Which type of breast pads are best?
There are many different types of breast pads on the market, but my personal favorite are reusable bamboo breast pads. They're environmentally friendly, and they stay in place better than disposable pads.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, disposable breast pads are a good choice. They can be a bit more rough on the skin (in my opinion), but they do the job well and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit every woman's needs.
Finally, some women prefer nipple cups over traditional breast pads. Nipple cups are made from silicone and they fit over the nipples to collect milk leakage. They're easy to use and very discreet, and they can be washed and reused multiple times.
Medela Safe & Dry Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads
Best disposable nursing pads
Medela Safe & Dry Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads
Why Mums Love Them
If you prefer a disposable nursing pad that easy to use and discard then you need something that is both super absorbent and thin. Mums loved Medela Safe & Dry Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads.
Medela disposable breast pads are perfect for breastfeeding mothers who want an easy-to-use option that doesn't add to their already full laundry load. Packaged in a convenient 120-count, these pads will last the average mom 2 months - making them a great value.
What You Need to Know
Leak-proof and absorbent, Medela's Safe & Dry Ultra Thin Disposable Nursing Pads have a waterproof back layer and flexible leak guard, so these pads keep you dry and comfortable all day long.
The wide adhesive strip ensures that the pads stay securely in place, while the hypoallergenic, natural-fiber honeycomb lining is gentle on sensitive skin.
Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads
Why Mums Love Them
Lansinoh's reusable nursing pads are reported by Mums to be a must-have for any breastfeeding mother. They love the soft, absorbent material, that they are easy to wash and especially great at keeping their shape, meaning you can use them over and over again.
They are also contoured to fit snugly in your bra, keeping them in place and they come in both black and soft pink, making them less noticeable no matter what color you're wearing.
What You Need to Know
Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads are made with bamboo rayon, so these contoured pads will fit securely to your breast and wash well after each use.
The pads are available in both pink and black to match your nursing bra, and can be washed in the provided mesh bag on the gentle/delicate cycle.
Was at (40°C/105°F) and do not use bleach or fabric softener, and lay flat to dry.
SILVERETTE The Original Silver Nursing Cups
Best silver breast cups for sore nipples and cracked nipples
SILVERETTE The Original Silver Nursing Cups
Why Mums Love Them
While not strictly a breast pad, if you've got dry or cracked nipples then this could be the best option for you. The most common review for these reuseable silver cups is that Mums wish they had ordered them earlier! Most reported an instant improvement after the first use.
SILVERETTE cups have been clinically tested in a hospital in Padua, Italy, for two years before being sold to the public and crafted by fully licensed silversmiths in Italy and come with a perfectly contoured shape to fit your breast.
What You Need to Know
These cups are unlike any other nursing cup on the market, made with lightest weight silver and an anatomical shape that has been tested to fit any size nipple without compressing it. The rounded apex and shape let air circulate, and the edges are refolded by hand to avoid any pain.
SILVERETTE's patented design is the best selling silver nursing cup in Italy, Europe, and around the world. Plus, they're nickel free and don't require any additional creams or lotions making them the perfect choice for mums and baby.
KeaBabies Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads
Why Mums Love Them
Mother’s favorite thing about these pads, as well as being good for the environment, is that they come in a range of sizes so can be tailored to your cup size.
They are reported to be soft, comfortable and do not leak with the added bonus that they come with a washing bag so don’t get stuck in your washing machine (I would have loved this as mine always got stuck!)
What You Need to Know
KeaBabies Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads are ultra-absorbent pads made with three layers of viscose from organic bamboo, sealed with a protective waterproof outer layer.
They're available in three sizes (Medium 3.9"(10cm) for A to C cup; Large 4.8" (12cm) for B to D cup; X-Large 5.5"(14cm) for D cup and beyond) to fit your needs, and come with a laundry bag and wet bag for easy care and storage.
FAQs
I have put together a list of the most asked questions to help you figure out what is important when shopping for the best breast pads.
What material is best for nursing pads?
There are a lot of different materials out there for nursing pads, but the best one really depends on what you're looking for. If you want something that's absorbent and durable, then you should go with a cotton pad.
But if you have sensitive nipples and you're looking for something softer and more discreet, then you might want to try a bamboo pad.
Then if you are using reusable pads, you might want to consider bamboo or silver. Ultimately, it really comes down to personal preference. So try out a few different types and see which one works best for you.
Are reusable nursing pads worth it?
Yes, reusable nursing pads are definitely worth it in my opinion. They're a more environmentally-friendly option than disposable nursing pads, and they also tend to be a bit more absorbent than disposable pads.
Plus, washable nursing pads can last for quite a while if you take care of them properly.
Should I wear breast pads all the time?
Again this is up to personal preference, I don't wear mine at home, only when I'm out and about. But it can save on laundry to wear them all the time!
Unless you are leaking milk, breast pads are not necessary and can actually be a bit uncomfortable. If you're worried about leaks, try wearing a light layer of clothing that will absorb any moisture. And if you do end up leaking, just be sure to change your pad regularly.
When should you get breast pads?
Some women find they need pads earlier on in their breastfeeding journey, while others don't start using them until later on. Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body and trust your instincts.
If you're not sure whether you need pads or not, here are a few signs that might help you make a decision:
- If your breasts feel heavy and full, even after you've emptied them- If your nipples are leaking milk between feedings- If you experience breast pain or engorgement- If your clothes are constantly soaked with leakage from your breasts
How many nursing pads do I need per day?
It depends on how heavy your flow is and how often you change them. Most women will need at least 8-10 disposable nursing pads per day, or less for reusable pads. However, it's always a good idea to have a few extra pads on hand in case of leaks or accidents.
What are the pros and cons of reusable pads?
There are many pros to using reusable breast pads:
1. You're helping the environment by reducing waste.
2. They're often cheaper in the long run than disposable pads.
3. They can be washed and reused many times, so you don't have to worry about staining or hygiene issues.
4. Some women find that they stay in place better than disposable pads, which can shift and bunch up throughout the day.
However, there are a few cons to consider as well:
1. It can take a little bit of time to get used to using them, especially if you're not used to wearing anything on your breasts besides a bra.
- Some pads are not as absorbent as disposable pads.
Are bamboo breast pads good?
I personally used bamboo breast pads as i loved that they are soft and good for the environment. I found them to be very absorbent and stayed in one spot in my bra, which I didn't get with the disposable pads.
How do I keep my breast pads in place?
There are a few ways to do this. One is to use breast pads that have wings, which will help keep them in place.
Another is to wear a bra that has tight-fitting straps, which will help keep the breast pads in place.
Finally, you can also try using double-sided tape to keep the breast pads in place, some disposable pads come with adhesive strips already in place.
Why is it best not to use breast pads most of the time?
You don't want to use breast pads most of the time because they can create a moist, warm environment that is perfect for bacteria growth. This can lead to breast infection (mastitis) in some cases.
Breast pads also can be bulky and uncomfortable, so you may not want to use them all the time. Instead, try using a light cotton bra or camisole when you're not wearing a shirt that will show your outline. This will help absorb any leakage until you can get to the bathroom to clean up.
How often should you change washable breast pads?
There's no one definitive answer to this question since it depends on a variety of factors including the size of your breasts, how active you are, and how much breast milk you produce.
That said, most people find that washable breast pads need to be changed every 4-8 hours depending on the aforementioned factors. So if you're using washable breast pads, be sure to change them often so that you stay comfortable and avoid embarrassing leaks.
Should you wash nursing pads before use?
Nursing pads come sealed and individually wrapped for a reason – because they’re sterile! Once you take them out of the wrapper and start using them, they are no longer sterile. The moisture and warmth from your body will help bacteria grow, so it’s important to wash them after each use.
Just like anything else that comes into contact with your breast milk, it’s important to keep nursing pads clean and free of bacteria. Bacteria can cause mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, so it’s best to be safe and wash your nursing pads after each use.
Conclusion - what are the best best nursing pads?
Seeing as these little pieces of joy are going to be sat snug in our bras for the entire day, we want breast pads that are soft, comfortable and do what they say on the tin so have a look at the options and decide which you'd like to try first. Remember, there's no harm experimenting with a few different types.
I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the breast pads above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which breast pads work best for you.
Thanks for reading!
