As a new mom, you’ll need comfortable and practical nursing bras for breastfeeding. These bras should be made of stretchy material with adjustable straps to support your changing breast size. They should also have easy-to-use front clips that allow you to quickly feed your baby.
Many women skip maternity bras altogether and go straight for nursing bras. These bras offer better support and functionality than regular bras. However, choosing the right nursing bra can be challenging.
To help you find the best nursing bras, we’ve researched and tested a variety of options that cater to different body shapes and lifestyles. Our top picks are not only comfortable but also highly practical, making breastfeeding and pumping a breeze.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Nursing Bra: BRAVADO! DESIGNS Body Silk Nursing Bra
- Best Affordable Nursing Bra: iloveSIA Nursing Bra
- Best Wireless Nursing Bra: HOFISH Seamless Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing And Pumping Bra: Momcozy Nursing And Pumping Bra
- Best Nursing Bra For Large Breasts: Motherhood Maternity Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra For Small Breasts: Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra For Sagging Breasts: Playtex Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra For Sleep: Medela Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra For Support: Motherhood Maternity Lightly Lined Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra With Underwire: Forever Yours Nude Contour Nursing Bra
- Best Sexy Nursing Bra: Ayla Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Nursing Bras Picks
BRAVADO! DESIGNS Body Silk Nursing Bra – Best Overall Nursing Bra
- It supports when you put it on fresh after a wash and throughout that day
- No underwire digging or blocked milk ducts
- The pads are very thin (discreet) and removable if desired
- Shoulder straps are great material and are adjustable
- Not super supportive for heavy breastfeeding-breast
As a sustainable and comfortable option for expectant and nursing mothers, this bra made from recycled nylon is perfect. It stretches 360 degrees to adapt to your changing body, is seamless and wire-free, and is environmentally friendly. The 3D molded cups feature knit-in support zones for natural lift and separation while also offering minimal compression.
The contoured inserts with perforations are replaceable and increase ventilation and moisture wicking, ensuring dryness and comfort. With one-handed secure “B” breastfeeding clips, the complete drop-away cups enable maximum skin-to-skin contact.
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iloveSIA Nursing Bra – Best Affordable Nursing Bra
- These bras offer amazing support
- Inserts are thick and shaped great so no cold nipples!
- Can wear with any shirt and doesn’t look or feel like a nursing bra
- Super comfy
- Straps feel wide-doesn’t affect the bra but it feels strange at first
This nursing bra is made of buttery-soft, breathable fabric with 4-way high stretch that adjusts to your changing body during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The bra comes with adjustable shoulder straps, broad side wings, and inside nursing slings for adequate breast support, making it comfortable to wear in every nursing position. Plus, the detachable bra cup inserts and one-handed nursing clasp make it easy to use.
Moreover, this nursing bra is compatible with most pumping bra attachments, allowing for hands-free milk pumping. It’s ideal for maternity, postpartum, sleeping, relaxing, and daily wear. You and your baby will appreciate the comfort that this nursing bra provides.
HOFISH Seamless Nursing Bra – Best Wireless Nursing Bra
- The comfort level is amazing
- The bras come with a small plastic piece to adapt the bras into razorbacks
- The colors are fairly accurate to the pictures
- Easy to unclip
- The cups inside the bra are not sewed in so they move around
As a new mom, your body undergoes many changes, especially in your breast size due to milk supply changes. To ensure a perfect fit, adjustable straps can help with breast placement and lift. Additionally, this nursing bra’s replaceable insert pads offer seamless coverage, increased cleavage, and extra cup size.
Made from stretchy, tagless, ultra-soft cotton and bamboo fiber fabric, this nursing bra is comfortable to wear all day long. You can easily nurse your baby in public by wearing it with a nursing top or a loose-fitting top. With just one hand, you can remove the clasp, raise it up and out, and draw the cup down for a quick and discrete nursing session.
Momcozy Nursing And Pumping Bra – Best Nursing And Pumping Bra
- Mostly cotton; not thick, heavy, or bulky, so they dry quickly
- The straps can be adjusted from the front, are wide, and feel soft to the touch
- One-handed snap on and off clip for nursing
- The hole for pump flange placement is a really good size
- Cotton could be softer
Made of 93% cotton and 7% spandex, this bra is wearable all day, enabling you to go about your daily activities while keeping your breast pump close. With the ‘X’ Structure and Adjustable Shoulder Straps, the bottles and shield are held firmly and pleasantly in position. For further adjustability, you can cross the back straps, and the adjustable shoulder straps offer extra support.
When it comes to feeding, the bra makes things simple. You can quickly drop the cups for convenient feeding and maintain your privacy with the one-step nursing clasp. Breast pumps from popular brands such as Lansinoh, Philips Avent, Spectra, and Evenflo are compatible with the Momcozy hands-free pumping and nursing bra.
Motherhood Maternity Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra For Large Breasts
- The wide straps don’t roll or fall so it exercises and sleeps well
- The body band is wide so it secures the back rolls
- Gives an overall secure fit for the ever-expanding and contracting girls
- Great adjustable bands
- The shoulder straps are thin
Parents who want comfort and simplicity while nursing will appreciate this seamless bra. Its soft fabric and complete coverage provide all-day support and comfort for expectant or postpartum mothers. Additionally, the adjustable strap and clip-down nursing feature make nursing simple and convenient.
The bra is lightly lined and designed for large busts. It has a seamless construction with a ribbed bottom band and center front featuring ribbed stitching that causes small shirring at the bust. The detachable cups and hook and eye closure add to the bra’s convenience.
Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra For Small Breasts
- Super soft
- Breathable fabric
- Comfy pull-on
- Racerback style
- No padded or removable cups
The French Terry Racerback Bra is a top pick for pregnant and postpartum mothers thanks to its pull-on clasp that makes it easy to wear. It has no hooks or snaps, which makes it even more comfortable for daily use. Moreover, it’s a Mom’s Choice Award Winner, which speaks volumes about its quality.
The wire-free nursing bra with ultra-soft French Terry Racerback provides simple pull-aside breastfeeding access. This nursing sleep bra is made of ultra-soft, elastic fabric to accommodate changing breast sizes, providing soothing support while you sleep during pregnancy. Additionally, it’s perfect for late-night feeding sessions and keeping breast pads in place.
Playtex Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra For Sagging Breasts
- Very comfortable
- The cup covers the whole breast
- No pad inserts to worry about
- the material is thick enough
- Can be a bit of an awkward fit
Playtex has created a range of nursing bras and camisoles that can easily adapt to your changing bra size, saving you the hassle of buying new sizes frequently. These bras come with patented fast strap clips for easy access, X-Temp fabric to keep you cool, and ultra-soft material for added comfort.
The front straps with Quickstrap clips are fully adjustable, ensuring convenient breastfeeding on the go. With its ComfortFlex simplified fit, this wire-free nursing bra is designed to stretch and adjust to your body’s changes. Additionally, the 4-way TruSupport design offers 360° of complete support, while the smooth foam cups provide added comfort and support during breastfeeding.
Medela Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra For Sleep
- Stays close at night
- Washable
- Comfortable
- Holds nursing pads in well and pulls down when needed
- The white is very see through
Nursing moms who are looking for comfort and support will appreciate the Medela Nursing Bra, which can be worn all day or during sleep. The bra’s seamless design and crisscross front make it easy to use during late-night feedings. Additionally, the racerback design and broad rib band provide added comfort.
Medela’s nursing bra features a new fabric blend that keeps moisture away from the body, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. The four-way stretch fabric allows for additional comfort and flexibility as your body changes. Plus, the bra is also easy to care for – simply machine-wash it in cold water with similar colors.
Medela’s Nursing Bra is made from high-quality Nylon and Spandex fabric that is free from harmful chemicals. This bra is available in a wide range of sizes (up to 42H/44F) and comes in white, black, and sizes S, M, and L.
Motherhood Maternity Lightly Lined Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra For Support
- Have full coverage
- Good for breastfeeding
- Comfortable for the most part
- Leakproof even without a breast pad
- It sometimes squeaks when you move my shoulders
Structured nursing bras are a popular choice for expectant and nursing mothers alike. During and after your pregnancy, the underwire provides the necessary comfort and support. This versatile bra can be used for nursing after pregnancy or while pregnant.
In addition, the adjustable strap and clip-down nursing feature provide added comfort and convenience for breastfeeding mothers. With its ability to complement a wide variety of outfits, this comfortable nursing bra provides complete coverage and support.
Forever Yours Nude Contour Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra With Underwire
- The bra is well padded
- The lining is a nice soft cotton
- True to size
- Good quality
- A bit pricey
This soft cup bra is perfect for both nursing and pregnancy. The minimal cover and frame support provide maximum support, while the cups have a 100% cotton lining that allows your skin to breathe.
In order to accommodate growth, the top cup of the bra has been designed with elasticity. You will appreciate the simple one-handed drop-down cups, while ribcage growth can be accommodated with the 6 hook and eye extensions. Additionally, the straps have a cotton lining for extra comfort, and the larger cups have wider straps for extra strength.
Ayla Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra – Best Sexy Nursing Bra
- Great design idea, very convenient for hands-free pumping and nursing
- 6 eyelet band settings instead of the normal 3
- Sexy design
- Makes pumping anywhere easy
- Wide underwire
Despite its delicate appearance, this bra is strong and supportive. The demi-underwire provides lift and shape without any painful pinching.
With easy-access nursing clips and concealed flange apertures, you can breastfeed on one side and pump on the other without changing bras. This saves you time and allows you to wear it comfortably all day and night. Plus, the hook and eye closure with 4 inches of leeway allows you to adjust the fit as needed.
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How To Choose The Best Nursing Bras?
- Fit: For someone who is breastfeeding, finding the appropriate fit is crucial, whether they are wearing a nursing, sports, pumping, or daily bra, especially if your breast becomes engorged (1). Make sure that the bra is not too tight as it might lead to problems like the risk of breast cancer (2).
- Design: A soft cup bra will feel more comfortable for daily use than an underwire bra. To cradle your infant without fumbling for a clasp beneath your blouse, you might wish to get a bra that is easy to open with one hand.
- Material: Examine the bra’s construction to see if it is composed of natural materials like cotton. Synthetic fabrics can itch and hold moisture on your skin. Consumer Reports recommend bras that are made of 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and Lycra (3).
- Comfort: You want something that feels supple and elastic enough to grow with you.
Types Of Nursing Bra
- Clip-Down Bras: When it’s time to nurse, you may unclip the cups of these nursing bras, providing the infant with simple access and allowing skin-to-skin contact. Choose one that you can clip and unclip with one hand so you may hold your infant while doing it. There are several different types of clip-down bras, including seamless, sports bras, underwired, and more.
- Nursing And Pumping Combo Bras: Bras that integrate nursing and pumping functionality into one design. These bras have clip-down cups in addition to inserts that secure your pump flanges to your nipples. These are revolutionary for mothers who pump and breastfeed since you can wear the same bra all day long without having to change. Make sure you also check our selection of the best pumping bras.
- Sleep Bras: Because breastfeeding can make your breasts larger and heavier, you might wish to sleep with a bra on as well. In order to offer support and keep the nursing pads in place, many mothers decide to wear a sleeping bra.
- Leak-Proof Nursing Bra: Created specifically to stop leaks, these nursing bras are multi-layered, have detachable leak-proof cups, and have an antibacterial lining to aid with odor control.
Do I Need A Nursing Bra?
The answer is yes if you intend to breastfeed or use a breast pump for your child. Even with a flexible bra, getting your breast out of a conventional one can be excruciatingly unpleasant. There are additional benefits to a comfortable nursing bra that can enhance the postpartum period. Bras that are overly tight can obstruct milk ducts, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
When Should I Buy Nursing Bras?
It’s a good idea to go shopping for nursing bras around 36 weeks after delivery. If you decide to purchase nursing bras to wear while pregnant, make sure they allow for growth. When your baby is born and your milk starts to come in, your rib cage may continue to enlarge, and your breasts may increase by one or two cup sizes. To be able to let the bra out, choose one that fits while the clasp is on the tightest setting.
How Many Nursing Bras Do I Really Need?
Three nursing bras are typically desired: one to wear, one to wash, and one to spare. Knowing that you are ready for the unexpected leak, hot flash, or baby spit-up will make you feel more at ease. When the inevitable occurs, having a spare will prevent you from having to add yet another load of laundry.
You might discover that having a few sleep bras to wear during the day and night helps you perform properly. A variety of comfortable sleep bras fully covered daytime bras, and adaptable nursing tanks are often useful to women.
Can You Wear A Regular Bra While Nursing?
A well-fitting bra may provide much-needed support. A bra that presses too hard on your breasts may clog your ducts and cause uncomfortable breasts. Some moms choose to use a bra made specifically for breastfeeding. Others choose to dress in the same way they did before becoming pregnant. It is better to stay away from bras with underwiring or other hard structures in the early months, as they might cause clogged ducts and even mastitis (4).
Should Nursing Bras Be Padded?
There are many very excellent reasons why nursing women use padded nursing bras. It’s not about enlarging a nursing mother’s breasts because breastfeeding does a great job of it already. Along with utility, it’s also about comfort and style. An underwired nursing bra with padding can assist in hiding nipples and larger nursing pads that some mothers may require owing to leaking, especially in the first few months.
