What to look for in a nursing cover

Unlike a crib or car seat, there aren’t any official guidelines or recommendations for nursing covers. There are plenty of solid breastfeeding covers out there, and picking the right option is really about finding one you feel comfortable wearing.

Ideally, your cover should be easy to use and adjust (no fumbling with a hungry, fussy baby, please!) and give you the coverage you want to nurse with confidence. The fabric should feel soft, touchable and breathable to ensure that your baby stays comfortable.

Also important: It should be machine-washable, because hand-washing spit up stains just isn’t something you need right now.

Types of nursing covers

Nursing covers come in a few different styles, and all have their benefits.

Apron-style nursing covers slip over your neck and drape over your chest and stomach — imagine an apron without a waist tie.

Wearable nursing covers are shawls, scarves or ponchos that you can wear throughout the day and convert into a cover when it’s time to nurse.

Convertible nursing covers are usually wide fabric loops that can be used as a nursing cover, but also multitask as a car seat cover, high chair cover, shopping cart cover or blanket.

What to look for in a nursing cover

Unlike a crib or car seat, there aren’t any official guidelines or recommendations for nursing covers. There are plenty of solid breastfeeding covers out there, and picking the right option is really about finding one you feel comfortable wearing.

Ideally, your cover should be easy to use and adjust (no fumbling with a hungry, fussy baby, please!) and give you the coverage you want to nurse with confidence. The fabric should feel soft, touchable and breathable to ensure that your baby stays comfortable.

Also important: It should be machine-washable, because hand-washing spit up stains just isn’t something you need right now.

Types of nursing covers

Nursing covers come in a few different styles, and all have their benefits.

Apron-style nursing covers slip over your neck and drape over your chest and stomach — imagine an apron without a waist tie.

Wearable nursing covers are shawls, scarves or ponchos that you can wear throughout the day and convert into a cover when it’s time to nurse.

Convertible nursing covers are usually wide fabric loops that can be used as a nursing cover, but also multitask as a car seat cover, high chair cover, shopping cart cover or blanket.