15 Best Nursing Pads In 2022 For Breastfeeding Mothers
Breast pads to soak up leaking milk and leave you feeling dry and fresh.
vibha navarathna 
Image: TheBridalBox Design Team
In This Article
Breastmilk leakage is a common and natural issue for nursing mothers, but it can be quite inconvenient and make you feel uncomfortable. Using nursing pads inside your bra is a great way to avoid this issue. The best nursing pads effectively absorb the extra milk leaking out of your breasts in between feeds, keeping your clothes from getting soiled.
Nursing pads are easy to insert and comfortable to wear. However, before purchasing them, you need to consider various factors such as absorbency, material, price, and reviews from other moms. Based on these factors, we have compiled a list of some of the most widely preferred brands of nursing pads, some of which are disposable while others are reusable.
Top Picks
Why Do You Need A Nursing Pad?
It is normal for the breast to leak in the early days of breastfeeding, especially during the first few weeks. Leakage may also happen if the child feeds on one breast, causing the other breast to start leaking. Sometimes your breast can even leak when you hear a baby cry or see a picture of your baby(1).
The nursing pad helps soak the leakage to prevent discomfort. These pads are of great help, especially in public places, in protecting your clothes from stains.
Types Of Nursing Pads
Nursing pads or breast pads are divided into the following types:
- Disposable nursing pads: As the name suggests, these pads must be disposed of after use. They come in handy while traveling where you have no time for washing. You can use them only once.
- Reusable nursing pads: These are washable pads that are cost-effective in the long run as you can wear, wash, dry, and use them repetitively. They are made of fabric and are soft to touch. Reusable pads are environmentally friendly.
- Silicone pads: They are non-absorbent pads with strong adhesive. They apply pressure on nipples to prevent leakage. You can wear them without a bra. Silicone pads are soft and have a sticky surface, making them suitable for low necklines, evening gowns, and swimwear.
- Hydrogel pads: These pads are not used to prevent leakage. Instead, they help soothe the irritant and sore nipples. They also work effectively for cracked nipples. You can refrigerate the hydrogel pads and use them to relax the nipples.
- Homemade nursing pads: These pads work as an alternative when breast pads are not available near you. You can cut any absorbent material like handkerchiefs, sanitary napkins, diapers, or cotton cloth into a round shape and tuck them in your bra to prevent leakage.
15 Best Nursing Pads For Women
1. Best For Nighttime Use: Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Disposable Nursing Pads
The ultimate protection nursing pads from Lansinoh are designed to offer maximum comfort and keep you dry. Each pad holds 20 times its weight in liquid. Also, it has two adhesive strips that keep it in place. This nursing pad is ideal for heavy breast flows and for night time use. This video offers a detailed review of the product.
Features:
- Blue InvisiLock Core technology captures and disperses moisture.
- Super soft lining with air pockets for maximum comfort.
- Contoured shape pads for a discreet fit.
- Non-toxic and latex-free.
- Breathable and waterproof layers to prevent wetting of clothes.
2. Best Breathable And Waterproof Lining: Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads
These disposable nursing pads from Lansinoh are designed to offer a discreet and comfortable fit for nursing moms. They leave you feeling dry and confident even during significant breast leaks. These pads come with adhesive strips that keep them firmly in one place. Check out this video to learn more.
Features:
- Quilted honeycomb layer and waterproof lining make it leak-proof.
- Pads are non-toxic and also latex-free.
- Breathable and soft waterproof lining.
- Unique one-way moisture technology to ensure dryness.
3. Best Lightweight And Absorbent: Bundlebliss Disposable Ultra-Thin Nursing Breast Pads
Disposable nursing pads from Bundlebliss are ultra-thin and can absorb more than 120ml of liquid. These milk-absorbents keep you dry and comfortable all day. Its super soft material is gentle on the skin, and these pads offer a discreet fit when combined with the nursing bras. You may check more about this product from this video.
Features:
- Lightweight and super soft.
- Ultra-thin with 1mm thickness.
- Quilted honeycomb pads absorb moisture quickly.
- Two adhesive strip tapes to keep the pad in place.
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: NatureBond Bamboo Cotton Nursing Pads
The cotton nursing pads from NatureBond are crafted from high-quality materials that make you feel comfortable and keep you dry in the case of breast leaks. The pads feel very soft on the skin and fit the shape of your breasts. They come in five different colors you can choose from.
Features:
- Ideal for sensitive skin.
- 3D contour for a better fit and absorption.
- Offers maximum absorption and is leak-proof.
- Washable and reusable.
5. Best Reusable And Washable: BabyBliss Natural Bamboo Reusable Nursing Pads
These reusable nursing pads from BabyBliss is made of 78.5% of bamboo rayon and 21.5% of polyester. The pads are very soft on the skin and keep any breastmilk leakage discreet in public. It comes in three sizes.
Feature:
- Contoured, shape-wear design.
- Reusable and washable.
- Ultra-absorbent breast pads.
- Comes with a mesh laundry bag.
6. Best For New Mothers: Kindred Bravely Washable Organic Nursing Pads
Made from 100% organic bamboo, these washable nursing pads provide maximum absorbency. They can be used with or without nipple cream to provide breastfeeding comfort to new mothers.
Features:
- Washable and reusable.
- They are contoured to fit the breast shape and size better.
- OEKO Tex and FDA Certified.
- Ultra-soft and hypoallergenic.
- Package includes a waterproof carry bag.
7. Best Machine- And Dryer-Friendly: M&Y Organic Nursing Pads
The nursing pads from M&Y are layered with organic bamboo, an absorbent, and a waterproof layer. These pads can be used with nipple creams and are ideal for chafed nipples. These reusable pads remain discreetly hidden inside your nursing bra or camisole.
Features:
- Bamboo layer feels soft and soothing against the skin.
- Contoured pads comfortably fit your breasts.
- Machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
- Reusable pads.
- Hypoallergenic and have antibacterial properties.
8. Best Eco-Friendly: EcoNursingPads Contoured Washable Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads
These custom-designed breastfeeding pads from EcoNursingPads come in two different types. One is a flower-shaped pad for the day time use, and the other one is round for a heavier night time flow. The high-quality material used in its fabrication ensures leak-proof protection for your clothes.
Features:
- Contoured to fit the breast size.
- Ultra-soft and comfortable pads.
- Maximum absorbency.
- Breathable and eco-friendly material.
- Can be used with nipple cream.
9. Best Travel-Friendly: BabyVoice Nursing Pads
The nursing pads from BabyVoice have been designed to keep you comfortable and dry in the case of breast milk leakage. They are made from organic bamboo that makes it an eco-friendly and safe product. It has a 100% leak-proof cover that prevents wetting of the clothes.
Features:
- Comfortable and soft.
- OEKO-TEX certified organic bamboo.
- More absorbency than cotton or hemp.
- Machine-washable.
- Comes with a laundry bag and a travel pouch.
10. Best Side Leakage Protection: Babygoal Breastfeeding Pads
The nursing pads from Babygoal are made of bamboo rayon, polyester, and polyamide fiber. The high-quality fabric used in its design is gentle on the skin and keeps you comfortable and dry. The pack contains six pair of pads in different colors.
Features:
- Machine-washable with tumble-dry.
- Prevents leakage from the side.
- Eco-friendly, breathable, and reusable nursing pads.
11. Best For Chafed And Sore Nipples: Glangels Contoured Organic Bamboo Reusable Nursing Pads
Glangels nursing pads are designed with excellent workmanship that makes them comfortable to wear. These contoured pads securely fit in place and provide complete care to the breastfeeding moms. Also, the pads are hidden discreetly inside the bra, making them unnoticeable outside.
Features:
- Comfortable to wear.
- Contoured pads to fit the breast size.
- Antibacterial and reusable organic bamboo nursing pads.
- Soothes chafed or sore nipples.
- Eco-friendly and latex-free pads.
12. Best For Heavier Breast Leaks: Bamboobies Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding
Ultra-soft nursing pads from Bamboobies are made from57% bamboo rayon, 23% polyester, and 20% cotton. These pads help in soothing chafed nipples and are ideal for heavier breast leaks. They come in two shapes: a heart-shaped designed for light leakages and the round pads for heavier leaks.
Features:
- Thicker and super absorbent.
- Outer milk-proof liner to prevent leaks.
- Reusable and machine washable.
- The pads are eco-friendly.
13. Best Discreet: Medela Nursing Pads
These nursing pads from Medela are made from ultra-absorbent materials that make them leakproof. They stay hidden discreetly inside the bra and keep you comfortable and dry through the day and night.
Features:
- Feature an additional soft layer to keep moisture away.
- Disposable pads.
- Double adhesive tape to keep the pads in place.
- Super soft materials for exceptional comfort.
14. Best Non-Slip: Johnson’s Nursing Pads
The nursing pads from Johnson’s are designed for leak protection and discreet confidence in nursing moms. These disposable pads provide soft and soothing comfort to the nipples. A non-slip adhesive strip secures the pad in place.
Features:
- Breathable protective cover.
- Cushiony-soft lining for comfort.
- Special polymer used as an absorbent to lock moisture.
- They are contoured for a comfortable fit.
15. Best Hypoallergenic And Antibacterial: Enovoe Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads
The nursing pads from Enovoe are layered with organic bamboo, an absorbent, and a waterproof layer. These pads remain discreetly hidden inside your nursing bra or camisole. Also, these pads are soothing on chafed or irritated nipples.
Features:
- Bamboo layer feels soft and soothing against the skin.
- Contoured pads comfortably fit your breasts.
- Washable and reusable pads.
- Hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
Nursing pads make it easier for nursing moms to be out and about without worrying about leakage. They’re designed to absorb the milk that leaks between feeds. When choosing the right nursing pad, ensure it is easy to wear, comfortable, and soft. Those made from bamboo layers and organic cotton are suitable if you’re looking for soft and breathable pads that don’t irritate the skin. They should also be antibacterial so that you can feed your infant worry-free. So, choose between reusable and disposable pads and go about your day without sudden leaks causing a mess.
How To Choose The Right Nursing Pad?
Consider the following factors when choosing the right nursing pad.
- Reason: If you experience high leakage and need to change the breast pads frequently, rely on reusable breast pads as they are practical for the long run. If you are traveling and looking for an option to avoid leakage in public places, disposable pads serve the purpose. Otherwise, if you want to smooth the sore nipples, hydrogel pads might be the best.
- Material: Look for nursing pads made of breathable material. Moisture-wicking pads are safe for your skin as it keeps your breast moist-free, preventing infection. Some disposable pads come with plastic linings that are not to be used for more than two hours.
- Quality: Ensure the nursing pads you choose are high-quality, as low-quality pads offer poor fitting and result in leakage. If you are using a disposable one, be sure the pads have excellent absorbency.
How To Use Nursing Pads?
Here are some steps to follow while using a nursing pad.
- Prepare your nipples by cleaning them and letting them dry. If your nipples feel irritated, apply nipple cream and let it dry.
- Take a clean nursing pad and secure it in your bra cups safely. If your pads have adhesive properties, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Adjust the pads for proper fit. Reusable pads are thicker than disposable pads. So for reusable pads, you need to switch to thicker bras that won’t show your breast pads.
- Remove the breast pad if you feel it is wet or has become heavier than usual. If you are away from home, place the pads in a zip-lock bag until you reach home.
- Wash them as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and air dry thoroughly. Remember that different materials have different washing rules.
Tips For Using Nursing Pads
- Always clean your breasts before and after using nursing pads.
- Use your nursing pads only when the area is dry and moist-free.
- Ensure you are not wearing the breast pad for a long time.
- Keep changing your breast pad throughout the day.
- Sometimes reusable pads are hard to remove. In such cases, apply water to remove the pad.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Breastfeeding comes with its own set of challenges. One common concern for a nursing mother is leakage of breastmilk. To help you with this, we bring you a list of the best nursing pads after scanning through various reliable web sources and reviews. This list is compiled considering the nursing pads’ quality, affordability, and absorbing capacity. We also share a few aspects to check before choosing the most suitable product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Often Should I Change Nursing Pads?
Changing your nursing pads depends on the leakage you are experiencing. If you use total-absorbent pads, they may become moist, resulting in bacterial growth that may cause infection and irritate your nipples. However, if your pads are dry, you can continue using them for a few more hours. Some nursing pads have a dry outer layer and an inner absorbent material. Even with such pads, you need to change them when they are wet or feel heavier than usual.
2. When To Stop Using Nursing Pads?
Once you establish regular feeding, you can experience a reduction in leakage and eventually, it will stop. At that point, you can stop using nursing pads.
Do you use nursing pads? Share your experience with the product in the comment section below.
References
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Out and About
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breastfeed-outabout.html
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