As a new parent, feeding your baby can be a challenging task, especially when you’re away from home. Finding a clean and comfortable place to breastfeed your little one can be a struggle, but a nursing cover can make all the difference.
While draping a blanket or swaddle over your shoulder can offer some privacy, a nursing cover is specially designed to provide ample coverage and remain in place even when your baby wiggles.
Nursing covers are also incredibly versatile. Many models can double as scarves, shopping cart covers, high chair covers, and even car seat shades for your baby. They come in various sizes, styles, and materials, so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your needs.
When selecting a nursing cover, there are several factors to consider, including design, material, ease of use and cleaning, durability, and cost. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best nursing covers to make your decision easier. These covers provide optimal coverage, comfort, and flexibility, making feeding your baby on the go a breeze.
Our Top Picks
- Best Nursing Cover Overall: Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Nursing Cover
- Best Lightweight Nursing Cover: Bebe au Lait Premium Muslin Nursing Cover
- Best Scarf Nursing Cover: LK Baby Infinity Nursing Scarf
- Best Apron Nursing Cover: Bebe au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover
- Best Nursing Shawl: Bamboobies Women’s Chic Nursing Shawl
- Best Nursing Poncho: LUCINE Nursing Poncho
- Best Nursing Cover For Plus Size Moms: Udder Covers Nursing Cover
- Best Nursing Cover For Summer: Kids N’ Such Baby Nursing Cover
- Best Nursing Cover For Car Seat: Milk Snob Original 5-in-1 Luxe Cover
- Best Nursing Cover For Airplane: WeeSprout Nursing Cover
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Nursing Covers Picks
Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Nursing Cover – Best Nursing Cover Overall
- Super stretchy
- Multipurpose use
- The fabric is very soft
- Great coverage and breathability all around
- It can get a bit hot while nursing
The stretchy fabric of this 5-in-1 nursing cover from Copper Pearl can accommodate most car seats, shopping carts, high chairs, and nursing moms. Additionally, it can be worn as a stylish infinity scarf. The covers are designed for all-year usage and provide weather protection.
They are made of high-quality rayon blend fabric that is both trendy and compact, making it easy to store. It is simple to put on and take off your car seat and watch your breastfeeding child.
Bebe au Lait Premium Muslin Nursing Cover – Best Lightweight Nursing Cover
- Not see through
- Very easy to wash
- Breathable fabric
- Good for hot summer days
- The neck strap gets wrinkled after washing
Bebe au Lait Premium Muslin Breastfeeding Covers are the lightest and most breathable nursing covers available on the market, offering the perfect solution for warm summer days or mothers and babies who are prone to overheating.
These covers are made of 100% open-weave cotton muslin, making them extremely breathable and comfortable. Moreover, the open neckline allows for proper ventilation and eye contact between you and your baby. This feature also enables you to check if your baby is latching correctly.
Additionally, the cover’s adjustability guarantees a secure and comfortable fit for any body type.
LK Baby Infinity Nursing Scarf – Best Scarf Nursing Cover
- Has plenty of material
- Very lightweight
- Very Soft
- Washes well
- The pattern is only on one side of this scarf
A mother created this chic infinity breastfeeding scarf with a contemporary grey cloth design, offering complete concealment and privacy while nursing. This nursing shawl is suitable for your baby’s delicate skin, being 100% AZO-free (free of hazardous colors) during breastfeeding. It is lightweight for your baby’s comfort.
The multipurpose nursing scarf is long enough for you to loop it once or twice and can also be worn as a simple wrap, double wrap, shawl, or poncho.
Bebe au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover – Best Apron Nursing Cover
- Non-see-through material
- Adequate coverage
- The rig flex neckline is amazing
- Comes with 2 pockets
- Can get a little toasty underneath
During the special bonding period between a mother and baby during breastfeeding, it’s important to have a nursing cover for when you’re on the go. However, many traditional nursing covers can make it difficult to engage in bonding activities with your child.
This nursing cover features innovative end caps that prevent the edges from touching and disturbing your baby and is crafted from the highest quality cotton fabric available. But what really sets it apart is the exposed neckline.
Its unique design makes it both flexible and sturdy enough to stay away from your body, allowing you to maintain eye contact and conversation with your baby while they breastfeed.
Bamboobies Women’s Chic Nursing Shawl – Best Nursing Shawl
- Very stylish
- Lightweight
- Great for plus-size moms also
- The color is really beautiful
- It is on the shorter side
The Bamboobies Chic Nursing Shawl provides cover and discretion for nursing mothers. It has a simple, elegant drape that flatters all sizes and shapes, making it perfect for expecting, breastfeeding, or as a cover-up.
This nursing shawl can also be used as a fashionable scarf or a baby car seat cover. Plus, the bamboo rayon material dries quickly, is incredibly soft, and has a trace of spandex to ensure maximum comfort.
LUCINE Nursing Poncho – Best Nursing Poncho
- Very good coverage
- Comes with a little bag to keep it clean
- Lightweight
- Multiple uses
- It may difficult to see anything while you’re trying to nurse
This nursing poncho has multiple uses including as a shopping cart cover and car seat cover, among others. It provides full 360-degree coverage for nursing while keeping you stylish.
The lightweight fabric helps keep you and your baby cool and comfortable while on the go. Once you’re done nursing, you can even use it as an infinity scarf. Additionally, you can use it to wrap your baby in a blanket to keep them warm and comfortable while fully covered.
Udder Covers Nursing Cover – Best Nursing Cover For Plus Size Moms
- Great for warm weather
- Bows out so that you can see your little one easily
- Adjustable
- Large enough to cover everything
- The strap around the neck can easily fall off
The Udder Covers nursing cover accommodates plus-sized women, measuring 32 inches wide and 24 inches long. You can adjust the neckline using stainless steel d-rings to achieve the perfect fit and level of modesty.
The nursing cover features a stiff neckline that stays away from your neck and upper chest, providing space to easily check on your baby or maintain eye contact. Made entirely of cotton, the fabric is breathable and thin, keeping you and your baby cool in the summer and offering warmth in the winter.
Plus, it’s non-creasing, so it always looks clean and ironed, even straight out of the diaper bag. You can choose from eight distinct designs, from bright and colorful to subtle.
Kids N’ Such Baby Nursing Cover – Best Nursing Cover For Summer
- Very versatile for nursing, covering baby from wind in a car seat
- Very pretty pattern
- Breathable, stretchy fabric
- Nice to have an all-around piece as that makes less clutter in a diaper bag
- The neck opening could be bigger
Kids N’ Such Multi-Use Nursing Cover can be used for various purposes, such as a car seat canopy, high chair and shopping cart cover, scarf, blanket, changing mat, and more, according to its marketing materials. The soft fabric provides complete, 360-degree coverage for feeding, which some parents may appreciate, while others may feel a little constrained.
The cover’s composition of 95% rayon and 5% nylon makes it breathable during the hot summer months, but it is also incredibly elastic when and where it is needed. Buyers find this item essential for all parents, whether they are nursing or not, due to its versatility.
Milk Snob Original 5-in-1 Luxe Cover – Best Nursing Cover For Car Seat
- Very stretchy
- The color is very vibrant
- The cover is also thick enough to protect your infant from sunlight and wind when covered outside
- Breathable
- Expensive
The Milk Snob nursing cover offers versatility and proves to be a smart investment due to its multifunctionality. It provides complete privacy as a nursing cover with its 360-degree coverage. Furthermore, it can double as a blanket, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, and more, providing full protection from unwanted attention or harsh weather.
In the case of windy days, it shields your baby from allergens and high winds while breastfeeding outside. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer more privacy while nursing in public as the high-quality material and 360° coverage give you the necessary space, peace, and quiet.
WeeSprout Nursing Cover – Best Nursing Cover For Airplane
- Great soft poncho-style cover
- Very large
- Comfortable
- Great colors
- May be too big for small moms
When traveling on an airline, discreet breastfeeding may require extra comprehensive coverage. This nursing cover can provide you with just that, with its 360-degree covering. In addition, packing can be challenging with a newborn, so having a multi-purpose cover is essential.
This nursing cover can be used as a baby seat cover, high chair cover, or shopping cart cover, which helps minimize your child’s exposure to germs while traveling. It can also be used as a baby blanket or parasol when your baby is not breastfeeding.
The fabric is breathable, ensuring your child gets enough oxygen, and can withstand multiple cycles in the washing machine if it becomes soiled.
Related: Best Nursing Pajamas
How To Choose A Nursing Cover?
- Material: Look for a nursing cover made from a breathable and lightweight material, such as cotton or bamboo rayon. You’ll want something that won’t overheat you or your baby, especially during warmer months.
- Coverage: Consider the coverage the nursing cover offers. A 360-degree coverage cover will provide complete privacy, while other covers may only offer partial coverage. Decide how much coverage you need and choose accordingly.
- Adjustability: Check if the cover has adjustable straps or d-rings to customize the fit. This can help you achieve the desired level of modesty and coverage.
- Purpose: If you are pumping milk from both breasts, it is necessary to use a full-coverage apron or poncho. However, if you are nursing one side at a time, a well-positioned scarf or wrap may suffice.
- Versatility: As a parent of a newborn, you want to carry as little extra baggage as possible. Fortunately, there are nursing covers that serve multiple purposes, allowing you to make the most of your investment and the space in your diaper bag. Many nursing covers can also be used as scarves and car seat covers.
Types Of Nursing Covers
- Apron-Style Covers: These are designed like a full-coverage apron and have a strap around the neck to hold it in place. They usually provide full coverage and come in a variety of fabrics and designs.
- Infinity Scarves: These are versatile covers that can be worn as a scarf when not in use. They are usually made of stretchy and breathable fabric and can be easily adjusted to provide coverage while nursing.
- Ponchos: These are similar to apron-style covers but offer more coverage and are designed to drape over both shoulders. They are a good choice for moms who want more coverage and privacy.
- Shawls: These are large, lightweight coverings that can be draped over the shoulders and around the body. They are a good option for moms who want to stay covered while nursing but prefer a more fashionable look.
Is A Nursing Cover Necessary?
Whether or not a nursing cover is necessary is a personal choice of the parent. Some parents prefer to use a nursing cover for privacy and modesty while breastfeeding in public or around others, while others may feel comfortable nursing without one. A nursing cover can also help protect the baby from external factors such as wind, sun, or germs.
It is important to take note that a mother is legally entitled to breastfeed her baby in any public place she has the right to be in the US. Although public opinions may vary depending on the location, it’s important to note that a mother cannot be requested to relocate, conceal herself, or depart just because her actions are making others feel uneasy (1).
Can You Use A Blanket As A Nursing Cover?
Yes, a blanket can be used as a nursing cover in a pinch. However, it is important to keep in mind that a blanket may not provide the same level of coverage and security as a nursing cover designed specifically for breastfeeding.
Can You Use A Swaddle As A Nursing Cover?
While it is possible to use a swaddle as a nursing cover in a pinch, it may not be the most practical or effective solution. Swaddles are designed to wrap around a baby to provide a snug and secure feeling, and they may not be large enough to cover both the baby and the mother while nursing fully.
Are Nursing Covers Safe?
Nursing covers are generally safe to use when used properly. It is important to ensure that the baby has proper ventilation and is not overheated while nursing under a cover. Some nursing covers also have a wire or stiffened neckline to allow mothers to see their baby while nursing, and care should be taken to ensure that this does not obstruct the baby’s airways or cause any discomfort.
How Do I Clean My Nursing Cover?
To ensure the proper care of your nursing cover, it’s important to follow the care instructions specific to your cover since every cover is unique. Regular cleaning of your nursing cover is also important. Depending on the environment, you may not need to clean it after every feeding, but it’s recommended to do so every few feedings.
Choosing a machine-washable nursing cover is a practical option, as it’s likely that your baby will spit up or you may experience breast milk leaks or sprays.
