Best Nursing Pads

Whether or not you're breastfeeding your child, your breasts may leak after giving birth. So, you won't want to be caught red-handed (or, rather, damp-shirted) without nursing pads. It's common for breasts to leak or drip milk after giving birth as your body adjusts to producing the amount of milk you need for your baby. Because you can experience leaking for several weeks, stocking up on a set of breast pads will keep your clothes from staining and your breasts dry as your body gets used to a feeding schedule. But, as with most products, nursing pads can different greatly, and finding the best nursing pad for you may take some trial and error.

What are nursing pads?

Nursing pads are, in short, small absorbent pads that are placed inside your bra to catch milk leaks.

Breasts can leak milk after birth whether you decide to breastfeed or not, because of the let-down reflex, which ensures that your milk is ready to flow. Breastfeeding parents can experience leaking any time of day without warning, as it's caused by both physical and emotional triggers. For instance, it may occur when you've gone a while between nursing or pumping sessions, drip from the unused breast during a feeding, or even happen you hear someone else's newborn cry (which seems especially unfair). On the other hand, for parents who either choose not to or cannot breastfeed, leaking is also normal and can happen for a few days after birth to up to several weeks.

These circles of wetness aren't good for your clothes (they can leave stains if not treated immediately), nor are they good for your skin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should avoid exposing your nipples to excessive moisture between feedings to avoid soreness or skin can cause irritation. This is also why you should change your nursing pads throughout the day.

Do I need nursing pads?

"Not all mothers need nursing pads—not all people leak milk," says Diane L. Spatz, Ph.D., a professor of perinatal nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and nurse researcher at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "If someone does not experience a lot of leaking, [they] really don't have to spend the money on purchasing breast pads. They only need a comfortable bra or cami that does not have any underwires."

But, if you find that you're regularly leaking into your bra—and your clothes—nursing pads are definitely worth considering.

Types of nursing pads

Nursing pads come in both reusable and disposable styles, and both have their benefits.

• Reusable: Also known as washable nursing pads, this option can be worn again and again, making them both eco-friendly and a more affordable long-term option.
• Disposable: This option comes individually pre-wrapped, almost like a maxi pad, to maintain their cleanliness and adhesiveness. They are a great time-saver and helpful if you're traveling and may not have access to laundry.

As far as whether reusable or disposable nursing pads are better, it's really a matter of personal preference. It's best to experiment with a few types as you're getting the hang of breastfeeding. Consider buying a single box of disposable nursing pads (don't get lured by those bulk deals!) and one or two pairs of reusable nursing pads so you can test and see which is best for you. Dr. Spatz actually thinks this is wise to do throughout your postpartum journey.

What to look for in a nursing pad

Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for nursing pads.

• Size: Even though the pad mainly needs to stay on and around the nipple area, larger-breasted women may prefer more coverage than some pads allow. In this case, you might want to look for pads that provide full-coverage to ensure the entire area is covered.
• Color: Cute shades and patterns might look fun online, but the reality is that black or nude may be more discreet under clothing, especially if you're wearing thinner bras while you nurse.
• Material: If it's a reusable pad, look for machine-washable materials for ultra-convenience. Many can also be tossed in the dryer, but if not, at least look for a lightweight material that will air-dry quickly. Softer pads made of cotton or bamboo might also be more gentle on your skin for extra comfort.
• Adhesive: Some disposable pads come with sticky strips that help them stay put inside your bra, which many love. But these might not be for everyone, especially women with very sensitive skin.

How many nursing pads do I need?

Ultimately, the number of nursing pads you need is reliant on how much leakage you experience. The amount can also vary over time while breastfeeding, as leakage may decrease as you settle into a routine.  The quantity you need may vary depending on the type of pad you choose. For instance, if you've opted for reusable pads, you'll want to have enough handy while others are in the wash, so investing a few sets might be wise. Disposable breastfeeding pads come in larger packs of up to 200 pads, making it possible for you to change them out when they're damp.

How we chose the best nursing pads

Because everyone's breastfeeding journey looks different, we looked at the most popular nursing pads among the What to Expect community to ensure we had a wide range of options so you can find what works best for your lifestyle and situation. We also considered the most popular options on the market and looked at online reviews, while weighing advice from Dr. Spatz on what qualities to look for in a breast pad. Finally, we selected nursing pads based on their unique features and usability to find the ones that work best for new moms.

Find the list of best nursing pads below — there really is a style and brand for every type of situation.