11 Best Nursing Covers in 2021

Kids ‘N Such Arrow Nursing Apron

Bebe Au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover

Anikea Shawl Nursing Cover

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The first few weeks that follow after the birth of your baby is usually spent inside so you might not be thinking of breastfeeding in public, but eventually, you would like to leave the house.

It is not a must for breastfeeding mums to have a nursing cover; choosing to use one or not is a personal choice. But it is not practical to run into the nearest empty room when your baby is hungry, so if you choose to breastfeed in public, then a nursing cover can provide a sense of privacy and make you feel comfortable. A nursing cover can also protect your baby from the wind or the sun, and when your baby becomes more aware of his surroundings, then the nursing covers could help him feed without any distraction.

You could try using a blanket over your shoulder, but it won’t hold like a nursing cover would if your baby squirms, some nursing covers can even be worn as accessories in between nursing sessions. Some babies don’t like to be covered when nursing but others don’t mind feeding in a comfy cocoon.

There are different options available when it comes to choosing a nursing cover, picking the right one for you is all about comfortability. Nursing covers come in different styles, such as the apron-styled covers, the wearable covers that you drape over your body like a shawl or scarf. Then there are the convertible ones that are usually wide fabric loops that can be used as a nursing cover or even a blanket.

No matter what your needs are, there is a nursing cover for you. Here are some of the best nursing covers that have been reviewed.

The Best Nursing Covers Are Reviewed Below

1

Kids 'N Such Arrow Nursing Apron

This is a great apron for mums who want full coverage but also want enough airflow for their little ones. This apron is stylish, affordable and has a neutral colour that will match well with most outfits. It is made from breathable materials which allow the circulation of air and keep you and your baby comfortable.

The neckline allows you to peek down at your baby and make sure they’re doing good and allows you to have eye contact while nursing. The nursing cover also comes with a carrying pouch where you can just put the nursing cover over until you’re ready to use it, the carrying pouch keeps it clean and protected. It also features a burp cloth sewn into it. All these features make it a great nursing cover for every mum.

Key Features:

  • Made with baby-safe cotton
  • Rigid neckline allows for eye contact between mother and baby
  • It features a carrying pouch
  • It is extra wide

Specification:

  • Brand: Kids ‘N Such
  • Model: Kids ‘N Such Arrow Nursing
Pros
  • The neck strap is adjustable
  • It is washing machine and dryer safe
  • This apron offers full coverage
Cons
  • It might get a bit hot during summer
  • Plus-sized mothers might need a larger apron

2

Bebe Au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover

Some nursing covers tend to cut you off from bonding opportunities with your baby, so we love this nursing cover because it allows you to see your baby. This nursing cover is made from high-quality cotton and features patented end caps to prevent corners from jabbing your baby. However, the open neckline is the highlight of this nursing cover; it has a unique design that allows it to be flexible yet rigid enough to not stick to your body. This allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby and allows you to maintain eye contact with your baby, creating that special bond between you and your baby.

It also allows airflow and breathability and could also be multi-purposed as a stroller or car seat cover.

Key Features:

  • 100% cotton
  • Machine washable

Specification:

  • Brand: Bebe Au Lait
  • Model: Bebe Au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover
Pros
  • The design of the neckline allows you to bond with your baby while nursing
  • It is 100 percent cotton which is tender on you and your baby’s skin
  • End caps prevent scratching and poking
Cons
  • It is available in one size; adjustments may be needed to ensure a proper fit

3

Anikea Shawl Nursing Cover

This nursing cover is incredibly versatile; it can be used as a baby blanket, a stylish wrap, a scarf or a burp cloth. It has 360-degree coverage which will ensure your privacy even in a crowded room. It is 100 percent cotton which is soft and gentle on your little one’s skin; it is lightweight even during the summer months. It stays at a place so there won’t be any need for pulling and tugging. It is breathable but isn’t see-through, so you and your baby are protected.

Key Features:

  • 100 percent cotton
  • 360-degree coverage
  • Lightweight

Specification:

  • Brand: Anikea
  • Model: Anikea Shawl Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It can fit comfortably into a purse
  • It remains soft even after washing
  • It is versatile
Cons
  • It is in the moderate to high price range
  • It has only one choice in colour

4

Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover

Breastfeeding twins can be a handful, so you don’t need a nursing cover that will stress you out. The Hooters Hiders Nursing cover is our best pick for nursing twins; it is large enough to cover you and your babies properly. Its special Rigiflex neckline allows proper circulation of air by ensuring it keeps its bow shape, and it also allows you to maintain eye contact with your babies.

Its rigid neckline doesn’t prevent it from being folded due to its flexibility, so you can always fold it up and put it in its matching pouch anytime you don’t need it. The neck strap is adjustable, making it easy for you to get the perfect fit.

Key Features:

  • Patented Rigiflex neckline
  • Two internal pockets
  • Matching carry pouch
  • Adjustable neck strap
  • 100 percent cotton

Specification:

  • Brand: Hooters Hiders
  • Model: Hooters Hiders Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It is machine washable
  • It has two pockets where you can keep small items such as a pacifier
  • It is large enough to cover two babies
  • It is made from breathable cotton
  • It can be used as a car seat cover
Cons
  • It is only available in patterns
  • It takes a trial and error to get the right length for the neck strap

5

NuRoo Nursing Scarf

This nursing scarf is convenient and easy to use; it has snap closures which make it easy to switch between a nursing cover or an accessory. This scarf is versatile with a neutral pattern and can be used as a shrug, bandit or an open tunic. The fabric is soft, lightweight and breathable, which is great for you and your baby.

Key Features:

  • 90% polyester and 10% spandex
  • Washing machine and drier safe
  • Features snap closure

Specification:

  • Brand: NuRoo
  • Model: NuRoo Nursing Scarf
Pros
  • It is convenient
  • It offers complete coverage for you and your baby
  • It has a snap closure that allows it to stay in place
  • It is machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
  • It doesn’t allow eye contact between you and your baby
  • It is in the moderate to high price range

6

Kiddo Care Premium 4-In-1 Nursing Cover

This is an all-round nursing cover; it works great as a stroller cover, a car seat cover, a shopping cart cover, a scarf and a blanket. The fabric is soft and lightweight; it stretches without losing its elasticity which makes it easy to put on and take off.

It gives maximum coverage for both mum and baby. The material is thin, making it great for summer and it is also breathable, allowing your baby to get all the air he needs. You can keep it in the matching bag it comes with whenever you aren’t using it.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight
  • Multi-purpose

Specification:

  • Brand: Kiddo Care
  • Model: Kiddo Care Premium 4-In-1 Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It is versatile
  • The fabric is soft and comfortable
  • It offers maximum coverage
Cons
  • it may not be warm enough to use during winter except indoors
  • because it is so thin, it snags easily

7

Bamboobies Chic Nursing Shawl

Baby’s have sensitive skin which is vulnerable to the sun. Bamboobies nursing shawl provides UPF 50+ sun protection for you and your baby during the sunny days. It has an open side which makes nursing easy, and it can be worn as a shawl when not in use. It can also be used as a scarf, car seat cover and poncho. The fabric is made from renewable bamboo, which is soft against your baby’s skin.

Key Features:

  • 95% Bamboo Viscose, 5% Spandex
  • UPF 50+ sun protection

Specification:

  • Brand: Bamboobies
  • Model: Bamboobies Chic Nursing Shawl
Pros
  • It keeps your baby’s skin safe from sun rays
  • It is soft
  • It is machine washable
Cons
  • It is in the moderate to high price range

8

Udder Covers Nursing Cover

This nursing cover is great for plus-sized women with its 32-inches across and 24 inches in length. Its neckline has adjustable steel d-rings which allow you to get the perfect fit. It has a rigid neckline which prevents it from sticking to your body and also allows eye contact between you and your baby.

It is made out of cotton; the fabric is thin, which allows airflow. It will keep your baby cool during summer and keeps your baby warm during winter. The fabric is non-crease, so it will always look fresh and ironed even if you just unfolded it. This nursing cover comes in different patterns, so you can always find a pattern and colour that suits your needs.

Key Features:

  • 100% cotton
  • Non-crease fabric
  • Adjustable steel d-rings

Specification:

  • Brand: Udder Covers
  • Model: Udder Covers Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It is affordable
  • It is long and wide enough for taller mums
  • It folds easily and can be fit compactly into a diaper bag
Cons
  • It doesn’t come with a matching pouch
  • It might shrink after washing

9

Bozeman Baby Company Nursing Scarf

This infinity scarf has a double layer which makes it less transparent and some other covers. The material is soft and won’t cause any irritation to you or your baby. The scarf might look like it doesn’t cover much, but it covers your back, front and sides properly. If the scarf gets dirty, you can always clean it in the washing machine.

Key Features:

  • Soft, jersey knit fabric

Specification:

  • Brand: Bozeman Baby Company
  • Model: Bozeman Baby Company Nursing Scarf
Pros
  • It is affordable
  • It comes in 28 different colours
  • It can also be repurposed into a blanket
Cons
  • Some mums have complained about it having an unpleasant smell
  • It may not give optimal coverage to plus-size mums

10

Genovega Bamboo 360-Degree Nursing Cover

This nursing poncho provides you with all-round coverage; it has armholes which make it easy to reach for things without risking the cover coming off. You could turn this poncho into a stylish shirt if you tie up the extra ends. It is also versatile and can be used as a stroller cover to protect your baby from the sun or wind.

Key Features:

  • Made with natural bamboo fabric
  • CP65 standard
  • Fit all size

Specification:

  • Brand: Genovega Bamboo
  • Model: Genovega Bamboo 360-Degree Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It is available in 27 different colours
  • It is large enough to fit plus-size mums
Cons
  • It is not dryer safe
  • It is a bit pricey when compared to some other products

11

Sprout’n Smiles Nursing Cover

Breastfeeding on an aeroplane can be a hassle, especially for new mums. There is really no private place to breastfeed on a plane so you would have to do it in your seat. You will definitely want full coverage because you might be seating next to strangers and you won’t want them to get a sneak peek. This nursing cover gives you 360-degree coverage and can be multi-purposed into a seat cover, shopping cart cover, high chair cover and a lot more, it helps you keep your baby safe from germs while you travel and it is compact so it won’t take a lot of space.

The fabric is breathable so you can be sure that your baby is getting enough air. It also works as a sunshade or blanket for your baby when you are not nursing. The fabric washes well in a washing machine, and it won’t lose its colour or elasticity.

Key Features:

  • Made with rayon fabric

Specification:

  • Brand: Sprout’n Smiles
  • Model: Sprout’n Smiles Nursing Cover
Pros
  • It can be multi-purposed into any form of cover which is great and resourceful
  • It comes with a drawstring storage bag
  • The material is incredibly soft
Cons
  • It is available in only one colour which is polka dots
  • Because of its dark colour, it may cause heat during the summer months

Buying Guide Questions

What is the best nursing cover?

There are a lot of nursing covers available for purchase. Still, when you are deciding what nursing cover to choose then, you need to consider the material, think about the season and choose a fabric that will be comfortable for you and your baby, muslin is great for summer and heavier cotton or wool for colder months. It is also great to get a nursing cover that can be multi-purposed because they don’t take a lot of space in a diaper bag but can be used as a lot of things.

Decide what style of nursing cover would be comfortable for you, if you are on your third of the fourth baby and you don’t care what people think then you can go for a scarf, but if you are shy or have big breasts, then a full-cover poncho might be best. Also, think about your baby’s comfort, experiment at home to find out if your baby is comfortable with their face covered or not, so they don’t end up fussing in public. Last but not least, choose a nursing cover that looks good, so you’ll have that extra confidence when you use it. After considering all that, then you can purchase the best nursing cover to suit you and your baby’s needs.

How do you discreetly breastfeed?

If you can’t breastfeed in your car or can’t find a feeding room, then you might have to breastfeed in public. Learning how to breastfeed discreetly is a combination of planning ahead, mastering discreet latching and wearing the right clothes.

To discreetly latch your baby make sure you turn your back on the room, hold your baby over the breast you plan to breastfeed from while you unhook your bra, use your baby’s head to cover your breast while you open your clothes, quickly move your baby to latch on the breast, so their head continues to shield your breast. Practice at home until you’re perfect at it.

Is a nursing cover necessary?

If you plan on breastfeeding, you might not worry about people catching a glimpse of your breast, but it may feel different when actually doing it. Stares from people can make even the most confident mum feel a bit shy at first. In America a mother is allowed to breastfeed her baby or use your breast pump in any public place, although you may have the law on your side, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be stared at.

Whether you use a nursing cover or not is up to you. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

What can I use as a nursing cover?

If you don’t have a nursing cover but need one, then you could use a blanket, scarf or a shawl, but it might not hold well as a nursing cover would. It is advised to get a nursing cover even if you think you don’t need it because when you might need it, you would regret not having one.

At what age is breastfeeding illegal?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies should be exclusively breastfed or offered breast milk ideally for six months, then slowly introduced to appropriate solid foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years. Still, if you feel you want to breastfeed your baby for longer, then that is your choice. WHO recommends this because of the nutritional value it gives the baby and the added benefits the mother receives, precisely because it has breast cancer prevention benefits. As long as you and your baby are comfortable with prolonged breastfeeding then you can breastfeed or use your breast pump for as long as you want.

Is it illegal to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding?

The law allows any woman to breastfeed in public, and no one can ask to stop breastfeeding or cover-up or move or refuse to offer their services. The law protects you for as long as you want to breastfeed your baby.

How do nursing covers work?

There are different styles of nursing covers, so it depends on the one you get. If it is an apron style nursing cover that has a stiff neck then practice wearing it at home, so you get comfortable. If it is an infinity scarf style, then the first thing is to drape it over one shoulder, then wrap the front of the scarf over your baby and the arm you’re holding your baby with then you can open your shirt and bra and latch properly.

Insider Tip to help augment breast milk production: lactation supplements will do the job

Can car seat canopy be used as a nursing cover?

There are nursing covers that can be repurposed as a car seat canopy that allows easy access to your baby and also protects your baby from harmful sun rays and the wind or rain.

Conclusion

It may feel a little strange at first and a bit out of your comfort zone, but breastfeeding is all about confidence. Take solace in the knowledge that you are doing what is right for your baby and smile at the onlookers. It might feel like all eyes are on you, but most people are polite and will just let you breastfeed without any stares. No matter what nursing cover you choose just make sure it works for both you and your baby and doesn’t cause any discomfort to either of you.

Insider Tip: if you absolutely cannot breastfeed in public one time, you can offer your baby some formula