If you’re interested in eco living, you may have decided to ditch the disposable nursing pads and opt for reusable nursing pads instead. But which are the best reusable pads for you? Read on to learn more about what you should be thinking about before you buy.
Reusable breast pads are a great alternative to disposable nursing pads. They’re made of soft, breathable fabric and come in different shapes, fabrics and sizes so they’ll fit your body and your preferences perfectly.
You can wash reusable nursing pads over and over again – which means you won’t have to buy any more! Therefore, using reusable pads can save you money, as well as helping you do your bit for the planet.
We know that breastfeeding is already hard enough without having to worry about leaks or discomfort from disposable pads. You deserve better protection from leaks when breastfeeding. That’s where reusable breast pads come in!
With reusable breast pads, you can rest easy knowing that no matter how much milk flows out of your breasts, it will be contained by these soft cotton pads.
What are Washable Breast Pads?
Reusable breast pads or sometimes called washable breast pads help keep breast milk leaks especially for nursing mums. These washable pads also help you reduce your waste which makes them eco friendly. Instead of throwing them away like you would do with disposable ones, you can wash these washable pads several times before needing to replace them.
Reusable breast pads are usually made of soft bamboo viscose, regular cotton and organic cotton and are easy to wash. These super soft pads are perfect for breastfeeding mums, and we’ve been told they are also excellent as makeup remover wipes when you no longer need them for your boobs.
These reusable breastfeeding nursing pads are usually soft and comfortable to wear. Some of them even have an inner layer that absorbs liquid and provides ample protection against leaks. And you don’t even have to worry about them because most of them comfortable fit in your nursing bra.
Washable breast pads are easy to wash in your machine, just pop them in a mesh bag to stop them getting lost. Give any of our washable breast pads a try and we’re sure you won’t be going back to disposable pads. Leave to air dry before using your nursing pads again- its best to pop the nursing pads back in to the laundry bag for drying as you don’t want to end up with a missing nursing pad!
It is also economical in the long run to use washable breast pads. Instead of buying disposable ones, you can wash these pads and use them for years to come which saves you money- the best nursing pads will be durable enough to keep for future pregnancies too.
Disposable Nursing Pads Vs Reusable Nursing Pads
It’s likely that you are more familiar with disposable nursing pads than washable nursing pads, but, even still, reusable pads are the best nursing pads for many new nursing mothers.
If you have sensitive skin, cracked nipples or just prefer an eco alternative, washable nursing pads are super absorbent, ultra thin and ultra soft. You can pick up sets of a few pairs for under £10, and these usually come with a handy laundry bag for washing. Over time there’s potential to save lots of money too.
With washable nursing pads, you can change nursing pads often knowing that you aren’t adding to landfill. Super soft cotton or organic bamboo nursing pads will also soothe sore nipples, while offering superior absorption compared to disposables. Simply pop them in to your bra cup and say goodbye to chafed or sore nipples- even if you have very sensitive skin!
It’s true that individually wrapped disposable nursing pads can be very handy to have in your diaper bag, and you won’t have to keep on top of washing them. Many disposable nursing pads, such as lansinoh pads, include sticky strips at the back of the pads, helping them stay put in your nursing bras.
Disposable breast pads have an ultra absorbent polymer core and, for extra leak protection, most disposable nursing pads also feature a waterproof outer layer which helps improve reliability. Disposable breast pads can also be handy if you are using nipple creams that would otherwise stain a reusable pad.
How Many Nursing Pads do I Need?
This varies a lot from mom to mom. You might leak lots, or very little. You might find that your breast pad on one side needs changing lots, and not the other. As you wear nursing pads, you will get used to how many nursing pads you will need.
If you opt for reusable nursing pads, 6 pairs should keep you covered, allowing time for washing and drying- though this does depend on your routine. These are made from super absorbent fabric and often have a stay dry layer to keep the nursing mother feeling dry at all times.
Lansinoh pads come in bulk boxes, so if you are using disposable nursing pads, we would suggest starting out with one of these. The lansinoh nursing pads come individually wrapped, so there’s no rush on using them which is handy. You will want to have dry disposable nursing pads on hand at all times, and keep them next to you wherever you usually nurse your baby.
Are Washable Nursing Pads Good for Overnight Nursing?
They are! You can either use regular daytime pads if you will be up for night feeds, or, if you are lucky to have a baby who sleeps through the night, you can also pick up overnight pads which use super absorbent material.
These may be a little thicker than your regular absorbent pads, but they won’t be seen under a padded bra! You should that your milk leakage reduces as your breasts adjust to this new routine anyway.
The Best Disposable Nursing Pads
In terms of disposable pads, there are some things to think about.
- Sensitive nipples? The best nursing pads for you will be contoured to prevent chaffing
- Adhesive strips to keep nursing pads in place are a handy feature you should find in most disposable nursing pads
- Choose nursing pads which are free of artificial scents or dyes.
- The best disposable nursing pads are ultra thin while still being super absorbent
- Packaging. Individually wrapped breast pads are handy, but have additional environmental impact.
- Opt for Stay Dry disposable nursing pads. For example, Lansinoh breast pads have a stay dry quilted honeycomb lining for your comfort
The Best Reusable Nursing Pads of 2022: Our Top Tips
There are a few things you might want to think about when you are buying reusable pads. There are lots of brands and types available, so, the good news is, you can afford to be pick to get the best reusable nursing pads for you.
- Would you like your nursing pads in pretty colours and prints?
- Which material would you like? Organic Cotton will be most breathable, while bamboo nursing pads are super soft
- Do you prefer a PUL backing fabric? This waterproof lining reduces breathability of breast pads but provides extra protection against leaks
- Are you looking for daytime pads or overnight pads?
- Do you have sensitive skin? If so, nursing pads with a contoured shape may be the best reusable pads for you.
- Cracked nipples? Perhaps silicone pads or washable nursing pads with cooling gel pads will help soothe your sensitive nipples.
- Would you like to collect leaking breast milk? Breast Milk Savers collect milk leakage rather than absorb it, so you can use the milk later. A life saver in those first few weeks when you are likely to have lots of breast milk leakage.
The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Ditch the Disposable Pads!
Ultimately, the best breast pads will be ultra soft and incredibly absorbent, so you needn’t worry about leaks when you hear your baby crying.
While a disposable nursing pad may feature a handy sticky strip, you’ll find that washable nursing pads sit comfortably in a well fitted nursing bra without it.
Of all the expensive baby gear out there, we think that the swap to resuable nursing pads is a no brainer. There are a huge number of options out there to suit all nursing moms, whether you have an established supply and need nipple pads to absorb just a few drops or a new mom needing something more absorbent.
In terms of fabrics, you can keep it simple with plain organic nursing pads, or your can go for bamboo rayon velour for a more luxurious touch. You can even pick up nursing pads in funky colours and prints! Simply pop a fresh pair of nursing pads in to your bra and you should stay dry all day long
