As a mother, you may have experienced problems with controlling your milk letdown reflex. You need protection from the wetness milk-letdown leaves on clothes. You also need protection from the constant moisture, so that thrush or other infections don’t grow in the nipple area.
Using a nursing pad is an excellent way to avoid all this. I don’t travel on a flight without a good nursing pad as altitude sometimes plays havoc with my flow. But how do you decide which is the best nursing pad with the sheer number of choices available?
Got no time to read through the whole post? No worries!. Go to 'Our Favorite', and see which one we think is the best nursing pad.
Criteria Of A Good Nursing Pad
Before we look into which of the best nursing pad you should buy, first we look into what make a good nursing pad.
Price
A low priced nursing pad may seem like a good idea at first, but usually, the quality is compromised. While you might think all nursing pads are the same but better pads can help you to soak up the leaking breast milk and let you avoid public embarrassment.
Comfort level
Most likely each time after you breastfeed, you will end up with a sore and sensitive nipple. It’s important to choose a breast pad that is comfortable to wear since you will be wearing it throughout the day.
Leak-proof
It may seem obvious, but some nursing pad cannot hold many leaks if so happen you experiencing heavy leaking. The most important point is that the best breast pad should prevent milk leaking and soaked onto your top or bra.
Ease of wearing
Considering the breast pads will stay in your bra throughout the day; it’s important to wear a nursing pad that can stay still in your bra. They should not slip and cause discomfort as you go about your daily work.
Not visible
A nursing pad should not be easily seen through your clothes, and a thinner breast pad is great at staying unnoticeable. However, the thinner you go, the more absorbency you have to sacrifice. Look for ones that are reasonably discrete.
Disposable Nursing Pads vs. Washable Nursing Pads – Which One Is Right For You?
Disposable Nursing Pads
Disposable nursing pads are usually the best breast pad to buy for always-on-the-go moms and also commonly use by many breastfeeding mothers due to it convenience.
A disposable breast pad is easily replaced, and it’s efficient in soaking up breast milk in a short period. They whisk away moisture and leave you feeling dry.
Usually, all the best nursing pads brands come with a layer of adhesive or Velcro-like material for you to hold the nursing pad steadily inside your bra. They also will usually come with a layer of waterproof backing so that you do not need to worry if the breast milk gets soaked through your bra or top.
Good stuff about a disposable nursing pads
Almost invisible - Some disposable breast pad designs are thin; hence, they are very discreet. No one will realize you wear a nursing pad unless you announce it. Nice to use if you are attending a ball and need to wear your beautiful evening gown. A thin breast pad is what you need so that people will focus on your evening dress and not your nursing pad.
Hygienic - The disposable nursing pad usually comes with an individual pack and conveniently let you carry it with you everywhere. Pack a few of them and you are ready to go out for the whole day.
Waterproof - They are highly absorbent and also have a waterproof layer to prevent your breast milk from soaking through your bra or top.
Practical - They easily replace and discarded it away. An always on-the-go mother will find disposable pads very handy companion for their leaky boobies.
Cons
Not breathable - The waterproof lining of the disposable nursing pad does not allow air to flow through. Heat and moisture trapped can lead to thrush developing.
Price – Considering a disposable nursing pad cannot absorb a lot of breast milk compared to a re-useable nursing pad which made of thicker fabric, you will likely change more often which can be quite costly.
Skin irritation – Some nursing pads that are made with plastic materials can cause skin irritation to sensitive skin. You may not be comfortable keeping a plastic based product against your skin for extended periods of time.
Not environment-friendly – A disposable breast pad contributes towards landfill pollution and adds more greenhouse gasses to the environment. A re-useable nursing pad is definitely a better choice.
Washable Nursing Pads
Washable nursing pads are re-usable like how you use a washable diaper. Some of the best nursing pad are made with highly breathable cotton or bamboo fabric. They are the softest and most comfortable against your tender skin.
A large, well-made and good quality nursing pad can last you from one baby to the next.
Good stuff about a washable nursing pads
Durable - A quality set of washable nursing pads can be used over and over again. Not only can help you do some saving but also greener to the environment too!
Comfortable - They are soft and get softer with every wash, good for tender, sore skin.
No harsh chemicals - Unlike some plastic disposable pads, these washable breast pads are chemical free.
Breathable - They allow air through, so they do help keep away soreness and prevent infections like thrush.
Cheaper in the long run - You make just a one-time investment. There are no recurring costs in washable pads.
Greener option - Since you use it many times, you are not contributing to landfilland greenhouse gasses.
Cons
Not waterproof - Some of the re-useable breast pad do not have a waterproof lining so if you leak excessive milk it may wet other clothes.
More expensive - The initial cost is a tad bit higher compared to a disposable nursing pad.
May be visible under clothes - Usually, a washable nursing pad is larger and bulky. Some of the fabric may protrude out from your bra and visible to people.
Maintenance - Your laundry day must be coordinated, so you don’t run out of breast pad to use.
The 14 Best Nursing Pads Moms Love to Use – Disposable, Reusable, and Silicon
Disposable Nursing Pads
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads
The Lansinoh Disposable Nursing pad is the best breast pad you can find. You will love the ease and confidence you get from Lansinoh. They are super absorbent and are not at all visible. They have a dry layer that whisks away moisture. You will feel dry all the time They are wrapped separately, ready to go whenever you are!
Very likely any mothers you speak to will recommend the Lansinoh disposable nursing pad to you as it's very famous among the mother communities and the pad also received a high rating for its efficiency.
The Good Stuff
- Quilted honeycomb lining - leak-proof coverage and locks in moisture.
- Unique, breathable waterproof layer keeps clothing protected.
- Can be used in day and night.
- 2 non-slip tape to hold the pad on your bra.
- Individual wrapping.
Cons
- The price is more expensive compared to other brands. However, you can save by buying in bulk.
Johnson’s Nursing Pads
The Johnson’s nursing pads are the next best thing to Lansinoh. They are 50% more absorbent that other brands, firm, & have two sticky strips to hold the pad in place very well. Many of my friends swear by this brand!
The Good Stuff
- Good absorbent core - Specially design layers to pull and locks moisture away from the skin and maintain dryness.
- Breathable protective layer to avoid breastmilk soak through.
- Contour shape - Fit nicely on your breast.
- Unique nipple indentation - Provides soft, soothing comfort for sore nipples.
Cons
- The pads are thicker, so it may be visible under clothes, and only has 1 adhesive stripe. Also, there are mothers complain that the nursing pad stick to their nipple when it gets too wet.
- It's not individually wrapped.
- Might not be an ideal breast pad for larger breast women as the Johnson’s nursing pads cup size is rather small.
Nuk Ultra Thin Nursing Pads
The Nuk Ultra Thin Nursing pads are disposable and very thin. They do not show through your clothes, and they are comfortable to wear. The waterproof lining comes in handy, so you are always sure that your clothes are dry.
The Good Stuff
- Extra soft and breathable. The pad draw moisture away from your skin and into the pad, to help reduce irritation and keeping you dry.
- Super thin and discreet. It's the thinnest breast pad among other NUK nursing pads.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- They don’t have a sticky back. So they move when you insert them into your bra, so this causes them to bunch up. Also, this nursing pad is only moderate absorbency.
AVENT Day Nursing Pads
The AVENT Day Nursing pad packing is excellent. These nursing pads are absorbent. They keep you dry by taking moisture away from your skin. The lining ensures you don’t stain your clothes so you can go out with confidence!
The Good Stuff
- Ultra thin and very discreet.
- A contoured shape to hold nicely on your breast.
- Adhesive strip to keep pads in place.
- Multi-layers for excellent absorbency one-way top sheet that traps moisture inside the pad.
- Made from natural materials.
- Developed by breastfeeding experts.
- Individual wrapping.
Cons
- It has only one sticky strip, so the pad does have a tendency to move. Some mothers commented that they got uncomfortable with this nursing pad when their nipples are sore or sensitive.
AVENT Night Nursing Pads
The AVENT Night Nursing pad are absorbent and are individually wrapped. These pads are, like the name says, reliable at night. They are thick and keep in the heavier flow at night. My sister Shelly always uses these pads at night and they have never let her down.
The Good Stuff
- Wider design. Ideal for larger breast women.
- Double adhesive strips to secure the pad in place.
- Designed to absorb leaking even you are lying down.
- Multi-layers for excellent absorbency one-way top sheet that traps moisture inside the pad.
- Developed by breastfeeding experts.
- Individual wrapping.
Cons
- Since they are very thick, so it’s not very breathable. Due to the good absorbency, it’s advisable to use them in the daytime so you can change them before the breast pad get too wet which can lead to thrush.
Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
These breast pads are absorbent, adequately thin, and breathable. Many women are happy with Medela’s quality and competitive pricing. The waterproof backing prevents your breastmilk from soaking through your clothes.
The Good Stuff
- Made with very absorbent materials - cotton, nylon, and an absorbent polymer.
- Maintain dryness and prevent leakage.
- Discreet design. Not easily visible.
- Each pad is individually wrapped.
- Double adhesive tape keeps pads in place.
Cons
- Some mothers have complained the pad sticks to nipples when wet and make them not comfortable to use the pad longer.
Bamboobies Disposable Nursing Pads
These Bamboobies pads have a unique backing made of viscose bamboo instead of plastic, so they are breathable. They are absorbent, wrapped individually, and anti-bacterial. My friend Shelly loves this brand because of it contour design prevents them slipping or bunching. Many mothers agree with her and say it is the best nursing pad around!
The Good Stuff
- A bamboo viscose top layer, ultra-absorbant inner core, and milk-proof backing.
- 2 adhesive strips on the back of the pad to ensure they stay in place.
- Thin design and discreet.
- Soft and absorbent.
- A breathable milk-proof backing to prevent leak-throughs.
Cons
- They have a gel-filling which does sometimes open up to become messy.
Reusable Nursing Pads
Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads
Bamboobies washable nursing pad is rated as the best nursing pad. They are soft, absorbent and well design heart-shaped pads that fit well to the contour of the breast. They come in a pack of three or six. The six pack come with three different sizes for day and night wear.
The Good Stuff
- Ultra thin and discreet design.
- Made of soft bamboo rayon velour, cotton, and hemp fabrics.
- Good absorbent material - leaving your clothes dry and you feeling comfortable.
- Have milk-proof backing to prevent leak-throughs.
- Re-usable and green.
Cons
- If you use lanolin it will decrease their absorbency, so avoid lanolin when using them. See here for a list of best nipple cream that is safe to use for moms and babies.
Mother-Ease Cloth Nursing Pads
These are the next best breast pads after Bamboobies. They are big, soft, and airy. You get them in organic cotton terry, bamboo terry, or cotton terry with a stay-dry shield. This nursing pad is ideal for larger breast women. Many mothers comment that these pads for their fresh feel even after many washes!
The Good Stuff
- Thick and very absorbent.
- Suitable for larger breast women.
- Made of organic materials and lock moisture away from nipple so you stay dry all the time.
- Can be machine washable.
- A breathable and moisture resistant layer to prevent breastmilk from soaking over to your clothes.
- Contour design to be easily fit on your breast.
Cons
- They are thick; so it does not easily get dry after wash. Make sure to air-dry the pad under a hot sun to get them completely dry before keep to prevent growing mold.
Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads by EcoNursing Pads
The eco-friendly EcoNursing pads come in a cloth bag, and you get four pairs in pastel colors. They are really big, absorbent, airy, and soft. This nursing pad is ideal for larger breast women too. They keep moisture away from the nipples. You will love that the material used in them is all-organic!
The Good Stuff
- Made of organic harvested bamboo.
- Soft and very comfortable to wear for long hours.
- Come in 4 adorable colors.
- Inclusive a convenience cotton carry bag to store the nursing pad.
- Including a bonus, e-book gift with each purchase.
- Hypoallergenic pads and custom-designed with leak-proof backing.
Cons
- They are visible under clothes and have a slight tendency to bunch up. Some mothers complain that the carry bag sometimes comes defective.
Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads by Kiddo Care
Nursing pads by Kiddo care are super absorbent, have a waterproof backing, and are large and soft. This nursing pad is ideal for larger breast women too. They come in beautiful pastel colors as an eight-pack (four pairs!). They are organic, and you just cannot go wrong with organic!
The Good Stuff
- Made from superior quality bamboo fabric.
- 3 layered leak proof design will ensure no leak in the day and night.
- 2 Free ebooks on the topics of "Breastfeeding Basics" and "Baby Showers Revealed"
- Made of high-quality materials to last for a long time.
- Machine wash friendly and quickly dry.
- Gets softer and softer after each wash.
- Satisfaction guarantee - If you are not satisfied with the purchase, a full refund and no question asked.
Cons
- They are big, some smaller-breasted women do complain of slight wrinkling and bunching which makes it visible under clothing.
TL Care Organic Cotton Nursing Pads
The TL Care Organic Cotton Nursing Pads breast pad comes in a 6 pack or as three pairs. They are soft, absorbent and organic cotton. It’s important to wash these pads before using them as the organic cotton is not absorbent till you wash them. The more you wash the better the absorbent.
The Good Stuff
- 100% organic cotton.
- Constructed with 5 layers of 100% organic cotton.
- 4.5" wide measurement. Suitable for large breast women.
- Soft and breathable - Moisture locked in within the layer and leave your skin dry and comfortable.
Cons
- The edges fray fast; these pads absorb only small amounts. A big let-down will show through your clothes when you use them. Good for small leaks only and home use.
Silicon Nursing Pads
Lilypadz
Lilypadz is a soft, transparent, and thin silicone pad. It sticks firmly to your breast, so a bra isn’t necessary while using it. They are washable and excellent for short term use. Since it is not visible under clothing, you may use it while swimming.
The Good Stuff
- Thin design and discreet - Not easily noticeable.
- Prevents leaking rather than absorbing.
- Suitable if you want to sleep braless or go strapless or swimming.
- 100% medical grade silicone.
- Regular size - Fit majority women breast.
Cons
- It is not suitable if you leak excessively. The cost of these silicone pads is also quite expensive.
Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
The Lansinoh Soothies Gel pad may use up to 72 hours. They are ideal for when your breasts are sore, and you need to keep clothes from rubbing on them. The pad can be cooled to provide relief from sore nipples.
Lansinoh Soothies Gel pad is a good combination of silicone gel pad and a nursing pad, which is ideal for soothing an engorged or painful breast and at the same time provide protection for leaking.
The Good Stuff
- An ideal nursing pad to soothes and helps heal sore nipples.
- The breast pad can be refrigerated and provide cooling pain relief.
- A soft fabric layer backing to protects nipples from friction.
- Contained a layer of absorbent gel helps prevent leakage.
- A famous gel pad for breastfeeding moms.
- BPA-free.
Cons
- They are expensive and are not reusable.
Our Favourite
For the disposable nursing pad, the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing pad is the best nursing pad you can find. It does provide not only superior absorbent strength but also suitable to use for day and night. Also, the pad is designed with double non-slip tape to hold the breast pad firmly in your bra.
As for the washable nursing pad, most mothers pick the Bamboobies because of it ultra thin design and it's very discreet and cannot be easily seen. The pad is made of soft bamboo rayon velour, cotton, and hemp fabrics, and these materials provide an excellent absorbent strength too. Also, the milk-proof backing is a major plus for blocking the breast milk from soaking through to your bra.
So there you have it. I have listed the majority of the best nursing pad that loved by moms. If you feel that I left out any of the good stuff, do let me know, and I will cover them in my next update. Let me know which one is your favorite breast pad too!
This post was first appear on BabyDotDot.com
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