Never have a wet top again! Nursing pads help you keep milk from soaking through your clothes and causing stains. Still, there are many different types and a few things to consider, which our checklist will help you with. We’ve also listed the top 10 nursing pads below to help you decide!
Tip: Practical nursing cloths you can find in our guide for nursing cloths
Table of contents
Recommended Nursing Pads
Here you can find the top 10 most popular nursing pads.
Checklist For Nursing Pads
- Nursing pads are almost indispensable for you if you have recently become a mother and want to breastfeed your little treasure. It is worthwhile to have a pack on hand even before the birth to be well prepared for the onset of milk after the birth.
- Nursing pads help you keep your clothes clean and dry and protect your sensitive nipples.
- They are hygienic, breathable and absorb excess or leaking milk discreetly.
Ideally, they are shaped to be worn almost invisibly on the outside of your bra. - Some products are additionally antibacterial, supporting the health of your baby and your breast.
- There are two types of nursing pads: disposable and reusable.
- The disposable nursing pads are practical when you need to go quickly or when you are on the road a lot. After use, you simply dispose of them in the normal household waste.
- They are usually provided with fixing strips so that they cannot slip. The models have a high absorbency and are often equipped with a waterproof layer to protect your clothes optimally. They are also breathable.
- Look for pads that conform well to the shape of your bra and do not bulge.
- Reusable nursing pads, on the other hand, are made of natural materials such as (tree) wool, silk or bamboo. They are washable, particularly skin-friendly and the environmental factor is quite obvious here.
A little tip: Wool has a particularly high absorbency.
- There are many different materials from which nursing pads are made. These are the already mentioned wool, silk, cotton, bamboo, nonwovens, silicone, cellulose or viscose.
- Choose according to your needs and preferences. Feel free to try out which fabric feels good on your skin.
- Do you want them to be discreet and/or antimicrobial?
- Their purpose – to give you dry and clean skin and laundry – they all fulfill in their own way.
The Best Sellers Of Nursing Pads
We have compiled the most popular nursing pads for you in this bestseller list.
Tip: You can find the best baby carriers in our baby carrier guide
Current Offers For Nursing Pads
Here you will find a selection of offers that are currently available in the nursing pads section.
Nursing Pads Advice
Type A: Washable Nursing Pads
You think sustainable and don’t always want to buy new nursing pads? Then washable nursing pads are ideal for you, because you can reuse them.
My Recommendation
I recommend the nursing pads from Bamboo and Smartfami.
They are cuddly soft, extremely absorbent and reusable.
The washable pads last for the entire breastfeeding period.
Type B: Disposable Nursing Pads
You always want to have a new nursing pad on hand right away? Disposable nursing pads are ideal for when you’re on the go and need to go quickly.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Medela, Lansinoh and Nuk pads. Because they are individually wrapped, these pads are super hygienic. In addition, they have an adhesive strip that ensures a secure hold and a comfortable feel. See for yourself.
Nursing Pads Info
Find out here why you need nursing pads and what you need to consider when buying them.
What do I need nursing pads for?
New moms know it, the breast milk flows like crazy and very quickly form unsightly stains on the top. Here I explain why this is so and how you can avoid “leaking” in public. Breast milk doesn’t just leak out when you’re breastfeeding your baby, it can also happen during breaks from breastfeeding.
For example, if your breast is already very full and the next meal is coming soon, milk may leak out. This can also happen when your child cries. Your body then reflexively releases hormones that make the milk flow. This is perfectly normal, but to avoid the embarrassing stains, I recommend you to use nursing pads. Nursing pads are the collection net for the breast milk.
You simply place them in the right place and due to their absorbent material they prevent stains from appearing on your top. So you don’t have to change your clothes so often and you can walk around the city with confidence, knowing that no more accidents will happen to you.
In addition, nursing pads contribute to your health. They keep your nipples dry and clean. In this way, you reduce the risk of painful mastitis. For this to work, you should change your nursing pads regularly, preferably several times a day – if you have a low milk flow, once a day is enough (even if they feel dry). It is also recommended to “air” your breasts at least once a day, which also contributes to breast health.
For nursing pads to be really good for you, they should not only be absorbent but also breathable, because moisture softens the skin of your breasts, which leads to injuries and infections more quickly, because bacteria and fungi love a warm, moist climate.
What should I look for when buying – disposable or reusable?
With a baby it’s always good to have everything right at hand. It’s convenient if you can simply put a new nursing pad in your bra after breastfeeding and dispose of the old one in the same go. This is the great advantage of disposable nursing pads. Often these are also individually packaged, so that you can easily change them on the go.
Another advantage of disposable nursing pads are the adhesive strips that you can use to attach the pad to your bra. This way you can be sure that nothing slips out of place. Washable nursing pads need to be cleaned and dried first, which takes more time. In addition, they have no fixation points that provide a secure hold.
Nevertheless, they are more durable and cheaper in the long term than disposable pads. You use about three disposable nursing pads per day, which can add up in the long run. In the long-term comparison, washable nursing pads are therefore cheaper, since six are enough for the entire breastfeeding period.
Disposable Nursing Pads
Disposable nursing pads are practical: When replacing them, simply throw away the used ones, unpack the new ones and stick them in. It could hardly be quicker or easier. The disadvantages are higher costs and high waste production.
The inside of the nursing pads, i.e. the side facing the breast, consists of a soft inner fleece. Underneath this is the absorbent core. The inner fleece allows liquid to pass through to the absorbent core, so that the nipple remains dry. On the outside, there is a waterproof layer that keeps moisture away from clothing so that no unpleasant stains can occur.
A particularly great feature of the disposable nursing pads is the adhesive strip, which ensures that the pads always stay securely in place. Disposable nursing pads are also particularly good at preventing infections, as they usually have a higher absorbency and retain moisture better than washable nursing pads.
Reusable Nursing Pads
With washable and reusable nursing pads you save a lot of waste and above all a lot of money. The initial cost is higher than disposable nursing pads but in the long run it is worth it. Pads made of natural fibers are especially recommended, as they are considered particularly skin-friendly and breathable.
This makes them particularly well suited to prevent infections. Commonly used natural fibers include cotton, wool and silk. However, wool and silk are more prone to allergic reactions, which is why sensitive mothers should rather choose cotton.
Cotton Nursing Pads
Cotton nursing pads are robust and easy to care for. They can be easily washed at 60 degrees in the washing machine and dried in the dryer and are therefore also particularly hygienic. They are also particularly skin-friendly and breathable. This makes them the washable nursing pads with the least effort – really a good alternative to disposable nursing pads.
Unfortunately, this material also has its disadvantages. Cotton nursing pads need to be changed comparatively frequently, as they are not as absorbent and quickly feel damp on the skin, which in turn supports the growth of bacteria. The use of cotton nursing pads is therefore mainly recommended for women with a low milk discharge.
Wool Nursing Pads
Nursing pads made of wool are particularly good at keeping nipples dry, as wool is particularly absorbent. The wool fat is said to nourish the skin particularly well and counteract inflammation. However, it is precisely the lanolin against which so many develop an allergy. In addition, wool nursing pads are not as easy to care for as other models.
They should not be washed in the machine because they quickly shrink and lose their shape. The washing cycle would also destroy the wool grease, causing the inserts to lose their beneficial properties. Wool nursing pads should therefore be carefully washed by hand with a special wool detergent – you should avoid rubbing and rather clean the pads by gently pressing them. Drying takes about a day.
Silk nursing pads
Silk feels particularly pleasant and cool on the skin and is also said to prevent infections and support the healing of sore nipples. Silk is particularly permeable to air, which is good for the skin. Silk is also very sensitive to cleaning and shrinks easily, so you should avoid intensive washing at high temperatures.
Meanwhile, there are also nursing pads made of a wool and silk combination, which combine the positive properties of both natural fibers. Most of them have the pleasant silk layer on the inside and wool on the outside for reliable absorption of moisture.
Nevertheless, these nursing pads are more recommended for low to medium milk flow. For high milk flow, washable nursing pads with a double wool layer and a silky inner layer are recommended. The double wool layer absorbs more moisture and is therefore a good protection even with heavy milk flow. The disadvantage: the nursing pads are thicker than the double-layer nursing pads due to the additional layer, so they also wear more under clothing.
Nursing Pads Made Of Synthetic Fibers
Another option are nursing pads made of synthetic fibers, which usually offer higher protection and require less care. Mostly, natural fibers are combined with synthetic fibers to get the best out of both.
Synthetic fibers are mainly used to provide better protection to the outside, so that it does not come to the formation of stains on the clothes. Combinations of cotton and microfiber with polyurethane coatings are often used. They are easy to care for and can usually be washed at 60 to 90 degrees and can also be put in the dryer.
Silicone Nursing Pads
Silicone nursing pads work quite differently than the fabric models. They do not absorb the milk, but put pressure on the nipples, preventing the breast milk from coming out. Silicone nursing pads have several advantages: they are waterproof, self-adhesive and yet breathable.
They are a special recommendation when you go to the pool as a breastfeeding mom, or even when exercising in general. Many mothers especially like to use silicone inserts at night, because they can sleep without a bra. When attaching the nipples are pressed in to suppress the milk donor reflex
Unfortunately, this does not work equally well with every nipple shape. As soon as moisture forms under the pads, the pads should be replaced and cleaned. Silicone nursing pads are easily cleaned with a pH-neutral dishwashing detergent and warm water. To ensure that they retain their self-adhesive properties, vigorous rubbing should be avoided.
Milk Collection Trays
Especially in the case of heavy milk flow, many mothers turn to so-called milk collection trays because normal nursing pads are not sufficient. However, these are not necessarily recommended. They press on the areola, causing more breast milk to emerge. The moist and warm air increases the risk of infection and the milk ducts were squeezed, which could cause engorgement.
Let’s do some quick math on this to see which is the most beneficial:
With Six Months Of Breastfeeding:
Consumption disposable pads: 540 pieces = € 89.85 (based on the pack price of the bestseller Lansinoh).
Consumption of washable pads: 6 pads at €2.75 (based on the price of the bestseller Medela Washable Nursing Pads) = €16.50.
The savings of about 73 euros clearly speaks for the washable pads. Of course, you still have to consider the additional water and detergent consumption, but with this product you are in any case cheaper. However, the disposable nursing pads are much more comfortable for everyday use.
Which material is best suited?
Some mothers not only have problems with milk flow during breastfeeding, but also with sore, inflamed or sensitive nipples. If you have pain while breastfeeding, or at the slightest touch of your breast, you should pay special attention to the choice of the material of the nursing pad.
A high polyester content, which most disposable nursing pads have, is not recommended for sensitive skin, as these pads are not breathable enough. The following materials are suitable for irritated nipples:
Silk: Washable nursing pads with a high silk content, have a soothing effect on sore nipples and support the healing process.
Wool/virgin wool: Wool is usually combined with silk. However, some women are allergic to wool.
Cotton:Cotton wears comfortably on the skin and is highly recommended for sore nipples.
Silver-plated: Washable nursing pads with incorporated silver yarn, have an antibacterial effect, that can help with inflamed nipples. The silver fabric cools and feels pleasant on the skin.
Flectalon: This material, which originally comes from space travel, can help with various breastfeeding problems. It reflects the heat of the body and amplifies it, stimulating the flow of milk and keeping the nipples supple.
Special case silicone: sometimes there are also washable nursing pads made of silicone, they adhere well, are thin and also very inconspicuous, so they are perfect for use under a light summer dress. However, silicone is not as absorbent.
Absorbency Of Nursing Pads
It is essential that the nursing pads are absorbent so that you can avoid the unsightly staining. Fluid depot or fleece provides good protection.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
You have to find out for yourself which nursing pads you feel most comfortable with. However, we definitely recommend multi-purpose pads, as they are better for the environment and wool, for example, also has a high absorbency. SmartFami’s bamboo nursing pads, for example, received very good ratings.
At the latest, when the nursing pads are completely soaked with milk, they need to be changed. Otherwise, you should change the pads at least once a day.
If you have 14 days of nursing pads at home, you are on the safe side.
Nursing pads are indispensable, especially at the beginning of breastfeeding. As a rule, the milk flow only decreases after a few weeks to months, at which point the pads can slowly be discontinued.
You should have nursing pads on hand from the time of birth at the latest. We recommend that you buy nursing pads before the birth.
Nursing pads are small pads that absorb breast milk. Especially at the beginning of breastfeeding, there is often an excess of milk, which also runs out when not breastfeeding. This prevents stains on clothing.
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