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A postpartum symptom I wasn’t fully prepared for? Leaky breasts. It's very 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 — and this can happen whether or not you're breastfeeding your child. As a result, you won't want to be caught red-handed (or, rather, damp-shirted) without nursing pads, especially during the early postpartum days.
Nursing pads are small, absorbent pads that are placed inside your bra to catch milk leaks. 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.How we chose the best nursing pads
We reviewed and selected nursing pads based on the following criteria from leading experts, as well as What to Expect community members:Material: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding plastic-lined nursing pads, since this material can hold in moisture and contribute to painful, cracked nipples. Natural materials such as cotton or bamboo tend to be gentlest on your skin. Suzanne Chan, D.N.P., C.L.C., C.P.S.T., a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified lactation counselor (CLC) says you should avoid polyester, which can irritate sensitive skin. For reusable pads, look for machine-washable materials for ultra-convenience. Many can also be tossed in the dryer on low heat, but if not, at least look for a lightweight material that will air-dry quickly. 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. We prioritized nursing pads that are available in a number of different sizes.
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
When entrepreneur and mom of three Kerry Gilmartin couldn't find a nursing pad that didn't leak, she created her own from a square of bamboo. Gilmartin jokingly called it a "bamboobie," and these now-beloved, ultra-soft breastfeeding helpers were born.
Today's Bamboobies are made from rayon from 100 percent bamboo viscose on the inner part of the pad that’s soft against skin, with a cotton layer for absorbency and a polyester outer layer to contain leaks. This brand is known for their incredibly soft material, and many nursing moms who found disposable nursing pads too irritating say they prefer Bamboobies.
These nursing pads come in two sizes: a thinner heart-shaped version and a thicker overnight style. (The set pictured here includes six regular pairs and two overnight.) They can be laundered in the washing machine and dried on medium, so you can toss them in with the gazillion loads of newborn clothing you'll be doing anyway.
While Bamboobies are easy to use, easy to clean and supersoft against skin, some moms note that the regular pad may leak occasionally. They can also feel a little bulky inside a bra.
Material: Rayon from 100 percent bamboo viscose
Number of pads per package: 4
“These are my favorite! They’re the softest and hold up really well.”
“I used Bamboobies and they were so soft and comfortable. They actually got softer with use. I found the disposable ones painful.”
“Second [Bamboobies]! I barely leak and if I do, I don’t notice it. Because of this my nipples will stick to my bra, disposable pads and other reusable pads. But these, I’m not ripping my nipples off the pad.”
If you're given nursing pads in the hospital maternity wing, they will likely come from this trusty brand. The individually-wrapped and disposable Lansinoh nursing pads are a tried-and-true favorite of breastfeeding parents, even winning Best Nursing Pads in the 2022 the What to Expect Feeding Awards. They make changing pads easy since they're disposable, which is especially important when you first start breastfeeding and are going through pads at a rapid rate.
“I tried a few different nursing pads, but found Lansinoh’s to be the most comfortable and absorbent,” says Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director. “Yet despite being super absorbant, they never felt heavy, which made them easy to wear.” Leah adds that the pads were thin enough to throw in her diaper bag or purse without taking up too much room.
I had oversupply when breastfeeding each of my sons, which meant I was leaking milk constantly and found myself depending on nursing pads pretty much 24/7 for the entirety of my breastfeeding experience. Out of all the nursing pads I tried (and I tried a lot), these Lansinoh pads were the only ones that completely prevented leaks. They’re highly absorbent and keep you dry and comfortable for several hours.
Like many moms, I love how thin these are — they’re completely hidden under clothing, and the edges stay nice and flat without any bunching, even as they start to get saturated. There are adhesive strips that help them stay in place inside your bra, although some women say the pads are structured enough that you don't need to bother with them. Leah found the adhesive strips to be especially helpful at night, giving her an extra sense of security.
Lansinoh doesn’t share the specific material the pads are made from, but the brand does say that they’re made from recycled materials and free of fragrances, BPA and BPS.
Material: Not listed (from recycled materials with a waterproof liner)
Number of pads per package: 100-200
“Lanisoh, hands down they were the BEST. I was a very heavy leaker and they were the only ones that I didn’t immediately leak through.”
“I exclusively breasfed both my babies. Lansinoh disposable breast pads are the best!”
“The Lansinoh disposable pads are my favorite! They seem to absorb way more than any of the other pads I’ve tried, both disposable and reusable.”
Sore, sensitive nipples can be excruciating, especially in the early postpartum days when you and baby are still trying to get the hang of nursing. For instant relief, many moms in the What to Expect community swear by Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads.
“Lifesaving” is the word What to Expect moms often use to describe these gel pads. Made of all-natural vegetable-based glycerin, they adhere directly to your nipple to help promote healing and soothe soreness, which can be particularly helpful when your breasts are engorged. (And for an extra-cooling effect, many moms recommend popping them in the freezer.)
These gel pads aren’t a traditional nursing pad — unlike others on this list, Soothies aren’t designed to absorb milk. Rather, they’re made to treat sore nipples and speed up the healing process. Because of that, you shouldn’t wear these all day if you’re experiencing lots of leaking. You also can’t use them with nipple creams or lanolin, and you need to wash your nipples after removing them — some moms dislike this step.
Number of pads per package: 2
“I used them my first few nights home when my boobs were really engorged. Highly recommended!”
“I loved them when I was in the hospital and starting to breastfeed. My nipples were so tender, and they felt AMAZING after a feeding, especially if I put them on ice beforehand. I put those on my nipples, and an ice pack on my boobs to help with engorgement. Positive vote from me!”
“Try [these] soothing gel pads. The LC at my hospital gave me a sample and they were life changing. I had severely damaged nipples from my LO not latching properly and these saved me.”
Kindred Bravely is best known for its popular nursing and pumping bras , but the brand also makes nursing pads in their signature supersoft fabric. Made of 100 percent organic viscose derived from bamboo with a waterproof microfiber liner, moms say that these reusable nursing pads are beautifully soft but still very absorbent. Plus, they’re 100 percent organic and made from OEKO-TEX certified material.
Moms rave about how thin and discreet these pads are, as well as how easy they are to use. There isn’t any adhesive, but they fit comfortably inside a bra, and reviewers say the fabric feels gentle on even the most sensitive, sore nipples. Also good: The pads are available in two sizes, including a bigger size designed for larger breasts. Your purchase includes a waterproof bag that’s ideal for storing used pads before you can wash them.
"I had another pair that were really bulky, so I really liked how much thinner these were," says Lisafe Carreon, What to Expect's Senior Product Manager.
While many moms find the Kindred Bravely nursing pads to be sufficiently absorbent, others say they can become saturated quickly — like most nursing pads, it probably depends a little on how much milk you’re producing and how prone you are to leaks. If you have oversupply, these might not be the best nursing pads for you.
Material: 100 percent organic viscose derived from bamboo
Number of pads per package: 10
“I love the Kindred Bravely ones. Smooth on the outside and shiny-like material. Inside is soft but super absorbent. Very very comfortable!”
“I got the Kindred Bravely reusable ones on Amazon and I love them.”
“I have their washable nursing pads. I like [that] the outer layer is anti-skid! And they don’t bunch up like bamboo pads do.”
Most nursing pads are available in just one size, and a few offer a second option for larger breasts. Baby Bliss Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads are one of the few nursing pads on the market to have three different sizes: medium, for A to B cups; large, for B to C cups; and extra large, for D cups and above. The largest size measures 14 centimeters across, making it significantly more generous than most other nursing pads.
In addition to their size options, these pads do a great job at preventing leaks. The fabric, which is bamboo cotton with a microfiber inner layer, is lightweight but highly absorbent. Moms find the material to be breathable and comfortable against the skin. At $.87 per pad, they’re also one of the more affordable reusable pads, and they come with a small storage bag that reviewers say is very convenient.
While they’re more affordable than most other reusable pad brands and feel comfortable, some moms do say that these aren’t quite as soft as Bamboobies, for example. If softness is a number-one priority, you may prefer a different brand.
Material: Bamboo cotton, microfiber inner layer
Number of pads per package: 14
“They are much softer. I just throw them in the laundry when doing baby clothes.”
“I prefer the washable/reusable pads to the disposable. So far, my fave are these. Super comfortable.
Many nursing moms use both disposable and reusable nursing pads.In fact, a common strategy is to wear disposables during the day (when you’re out and about and need to quickly replace a saturated pad) then use reusables at night, since they tend to be highly absorbent and soft. And when it comes to nighttime nursing pads, Bamboobies Ultra-Absorbent Overnight Nursing Pads are a popular option within the What to Expect community.
As with their regular nursing pads, the brand’s overnights are made with 100 percent bamboo viscose, but the round shape provides extra surface area to protect against nighttime leaks. If you have oversupply, some moms recommend stacking two on top of each other for a little extra protection.
At $2.25 per pad, Bamboobies are one of the more expensive reusable pads on the market. But many moms say the steeper price is worth it because the material is so comfortable, washes well and holds up over time.
Material: 100 percent bamboo viscose
Number of pads per package: 4
“I third the Bamboobies! Love that they're reusable and they're definitely bigger than the disposable ones I first tried. I use the overnight ones and the velour is so soft, I've never leaked out of them since using them.”
“I wear Bamboobies Overnight Nursing Pads while I sleep. There’s four to a pack so you can even stack two on top of each other. They are really absorbent and suuuuper soft. They’re also really big so even if they move around you’ll still have coverage.”
“I use Bamboobies reusable at night because they're softer.”
From the makers of the popular wearable breast pump, Momcozy’s nursing pads are a perfect choice for moms who need light leak protection. Just 0.16 centimeters thick, these are some of the thinnest nursing pads on the market. But they don’t skimp on the absorbency: There are six ultra thin, water-absorbing layers to prevent leaks from occurring without adding too much bulk to your bra.
In addition to being lightweight, these pads are also very breathable, thanks to tiny ventilation holes. Moms say they feel very soft and non-itchy, absorb a surprising amount of breast milk given their slim design and have a strong adhesive. And at $.11 each, they’re one of the most affordable nursing pads on this list, too.
While the Momcozy nursing pads do absorb breast milk very well, their slimmer shape doesn’t make these the best choice for those with oversupply. You also wouldn’t want to use them as an overnight nursing pad. For those times when you need heavy leak protection, a thicker nursing pad or reusable option would be better.
Number of pads per package: 120
We referenced guidelines on wearing nursing bras and treating breast pain from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and La Leche League International (LLLI).
We spoke to the following experts for additional information about nursing pads: Suzanne Chan, D.N.P., C.L.C., C.P.S.T., a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner working in the Infant Cardiac NICU at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York City who is also a certified lactation counselor (CLC)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
We utilized results from the 2022 What to Expect Mom Must-have Awards, which polled more than 5,000 parents in the What to Expect community.
Additionally, we consulted several What to Expect staff members, including:Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director, mom of a 1-year-oldLisafe Carreon, Senior Product Manager, mom of a 9-month-old
As a mom of two and former parenting editor, I’ve also included my experience breastfeeding and using nursing pads.
Finally, we canvassed the What to Expect community boards to learn which nursing pads moms felt were easiest to use, the most comfortable and best value.
"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."
Yes, there’s no reason why you can’t wear pads throughout the day as well as overnight. Just remember to change them frequently to prevent irritation. When you’re newly postpartum, this may be especially necessary, as your milk production is highest during that time and leaks are common. As your baby gets older and your supply stabilizes, you may find that you can use fewer nursing pads during the day.
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.
To prevent irritation, change your pads multiple times a day, ideally shortly after they get wet. “In tune with feeding schedules, in the beginning that can be as often as every two or three hours,” says Dr. Chan.
Ultimately, the number of nursing pads you need depends 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.
Reusable nursing pads can usually be either machine- or hand-washed with gentle detergents, according to Dr. Chan. “Always wash them before your first use, and they should be air dried or low heat in a dryer,” she adds. She also recommends avoiding fabric softeners, as they can damage the pads and may have added fragrances that can irritate your skin.
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