Using a nursing cover while you’re breastfeeding is all about what makes you feel most comfortable. Although you certainly should never feel pressured to cover up during your baby’s mealtimes, you get to choose exactly what’s best for you and your baby. (And let’s face it, sometimes, the baby is the one doing the choosing.)
If you decide that you prefer a little extra coverage and privacy, a nursing cover belongs on your list of breastfeeding essentials. Here are the best nursing covers that will help you breastfeed in comfort.
What to Look for in a Nursing Cover
The best nursing cover is the one that is most comfortable and works well for you. As you start shopping around, take into account the fabric and its breathability, the amount of coverage it provides, and how easy it is to use.
- Keep your cool. Fabric and breathability matter for the comfort of both mom and baby. If you or your little one have sensitive skin, a natural fabric like 100% percent cotton will likely be the most comfortable on bare skin. Cotton tends to be more breathable, too, keeping you cooler while you’re nursing during warm months.
- Choose your coverage. Coverage varies from cover to cover. A poncho can provide you with 360-degree coverage if you desire more privacy. Other covers consist only of a smaller sheet in the front, making them less bulky and cooler to wear.
- Ask the experts. Ease of use may not be clear from the product description, but a deep dive into reviews can tell you what other nursing parents think. When you’ve got a hungry baby squawking for milk, the last thing you want is to find yourself tangled in a confusing mass of fabric.
Truly Mama’s Picks for the Best Nursing Covers
The Best Nursing Cover
Milk Snob Nursing Cover
Doubling as a car seat cover, the Milk Snob Nursing Cover is a versatile option for breastfeeding moms. Stretch it over your little one’s car seat to keep the sun and wind out of their face. Then, when it is time for your baby to eat, pop it over your head. The Milk Snob Nursing Cover offers full coverage, both in front and the back. It’s available in many patterns and colors—seriously, they have so many adorable options—so you’re certain to find one that suits your taste.
On Amazon, this bestseller has earned a 4.8-star rating from 10,229 reviews. Glowing recommendations from breastfeeding parents mention just how soft the fabric is and that it’s both lightweight while providing plenty of coverage.
The Best Muslin Nursing Cover
Bebe au Lait Premium Nursing Cover
A beautiful, lightweight option for nursing moms, the Bebe au Lait Premium Nursing Cover is one of our favorite options here at Truly Mama. Soft, breathable cotton is used for this cover, so it’s gentle on mom and baby’s skin. During warmer months, a lightweight fabric is definitely ideal for keeping mom and baby cool.
As far as ease of use, this one can’t be beat. The neckline is bowed with the brand’s unique RigidFlex lining, created by the makers to provide mom a clear view of her nursing babe from above. This is especially helpful for new moms who are learning to breastfeed and need their eyes on their baby’s latch but still desire privacy or if you have a little one who needs a little more careful watching.
The Best Full Coverage Nursing Cover
Lucine’s Multi-Use Cover
For nursing moms who are looking for 360-degree coverage, Lucine’s Multi-Use Cover is a great option. This poncho nursing cover slips over your head to cover mom on all sides. According to the makers, the fabric is soft and works well for sensitive skin.
Many reviewers state they love how versatile and easy-to-use this cover is. It works as a car seat and shopping cover as well and slips easily over mom’s head once the baby is ready to eat. One downside worth noting is that reviewers state the fabric is not all that breathable, making it a little less comfortable to wear.
The Best Cold Weather Nursing Cover
Kids N’ Such Carseat Canopy and Nursing Cover
If you plan to do any nursing outdoors during the winter months, keeping yourself and baby warm will take a little more planning. While we didn’t find any nursing covers specifically made for colder weather, we found one we think will do the trick.
The Carseat Canopy and Nursing Cover from Kids N’ Such is lined with a soft, minky fabric that adds extra warmth. It is available with grey chevron with the option of grey, light pink, blue, yellow, and hot pink lining. This cover has earned a 4.7 star rating from 1,925 ratings on Amazon, with reviewers saying their favorite features are the soft fabric lining and the versatility of the cover.
The Best Wearable Cover
Infinity Nursing Scarf
This Infinity Nursing Scarf doubles as a fashion accessory. It’s available in bright and colorful patterns, including anchors, blue arrows, and pink quatrefoil. Wear it as a cowl and then put it down in the front and back to convert it into a full-coverage nursing cover in an instant.
According reviewers, the fabric is lightweight and breathable. Several moms loved that it was wearable and available in so many cute fabrics. One negative aspect mentioned is that the scarf runs small so it might not fit people in larger bodies comfortably. The scarf is priced under $20 and the makers donate one scarf for every ten purchased to health departments for moms in need.
The Most Versatile Scarf
Weesprout 8-in-1 Nursing Cover
A few of the covers on this list have more than one use, but we were seriously impressed by the 8-in-1 Nursing Cover by Weesprout. Potential uses include a poncho, car seat cover, stroller and shopping cart cover, changing pad, and blanket.
Moms who have used this cover report that it is easy to use, providing a good view of the baby while they eat. We love the patterns of this cover too. Rose dots, cream stripes, black and white strips are more sophisticated than the other patterns we’ve seen from many other nursing covers. The 8-in-1 Nursing Cover by Weestspout has a 4.6 rating from 372 reviewers on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a nursing cover?
Absolutely not. You have the legal right to breastfeed without a cover if you wish and often times, the right nursing bra or tank can make staying private without a cover very simple too.
How do nursing covers work?
There are essentially two types of nursing covers: a stretchy fabric that will fit over you and your baby or a structured cover that “tents” in front of you to let you see your baby and creates more of a covered area.
