Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience for any mom. The connection that a mother and child feel at this stage is incomparable. For a new mom, it can become daunting especially when the need arises to feed the baby on the move.
Choosing the right clothes will make life easier during the busy days with a new baby – a choice and selection we recommend making before the baby is born. Nursing wear is specifically designed with front openings to allow the baby to breastfeed easily and comfortably without hassling the mother to find discreet corners to take off their tops or conceal themselves while feeding in public.
Before getting into the specific kinds of clothing articles suited for easy breastfeeding, below are some tips for picking out nursing wear:
- Avoid tops and dresses with zips, buttons or any other kind of hooks used for access to the breast. They can scratch or hurt the very delicate and sensitive skin and soft gums of a newborn baby. Concealed zips can also rub against and scratch the skin of the breastfeeding mother making it an uncomfortable piece of clothing.
- Choose smart capes and wraps which can double up as a nursing cover as well as an accessory to the outfit. However, make sure the cloth is of a breathable fabric and isn’t too long as it could get hot and suffocating for the feeding baby under the cover.
- Dark and solid covers make for a perfect choice for nursing wear as leak stains aren’t too visible. Also that they can be accessorized and hence add versatility to the wardrobe which is an added advantage!!
- The most critical piece of clothing is the nursing bra. Having the right nursing bra can make breastfeeding on-the-go in any outfit absolutely doable!
With this in mind, one can pick from various types of stylish & practical nursing wear available in the market that doesn’t limit a mom’s style statement.
Flap Access
In a top or dress with a flap access, the baby can be easily fed by lifting the flap & through the slits provided in the cloth layer beneath the flap. Without too much skin revealing, such designs allow for very discreet feeding. The layers have the added advantage of concealing leaks from engorged breasts.
Strappy Dresses or Tanks
This is a great addition to any nursing wardrobe with its casual chic look while still being a practical and super easy option for nursing. With straps that can unclip and pull down like a nursing bra, they allow easy access for breastfeeding the baby comfortably. Can be worn as is or styled under a cape or shrug adding further variety to the post-pregnancy wardrobe.
Front-Cross Wrap Nursing Tops or Dresses
The front-cross wrap style is perfect for on-the-go discreet breastfeeding. Feel like dressing up a little or want to step out for a party or dinner outing, nursing outfits with the front-cross wrap style is the perfect #OOTD. With easy access to the breast by simply pulling over the front wrap, the baby can feed thru the cross-cloth layer underneath. With no skin revealed, this style in our view is the perfect answer for discreet feeding in the most fashionable and chic way.
Pull-Down Tees or Dresses
Look for tees/ camis or dresses which allow for neckline access by simply pulling aside the neck or down to reach the breast. Such outfits make for quick and convenient breastfeeding when on the go. A simple wrap over the clothes can provide for discreet nursing.
Button-down Design or Front Opening
Simple and an easily available design is the button-down shirt or dress. It makes for a convenient opening and one doesn’t need to then restrict themselves to nursing wear only when choosing such styles in their clothes.
Nursing Cape
Apart from the nursing styles discussed above, some moms may add on a nursing cover for added privacy while feeding in the presence of another. For this one may choose a traditional cover-up/ wrap that can be draped over the chest area while the baby is nursing. An alternative could be a nursing cape which is worn as a top over whatever one is wearing: a dress, tank or maxis. The cape is usually designed in a short length enough to cover the baby for discreet feeding while on the move.
Nursing Nightwear
The second most essential item in our view after the nursing bra would be the purchase of comfortable nursing nightwear. It’s important to sleep comfortably while having the advantage of feeding the baby in the middle of the night easily and effortlessly.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful choice any mother can make for her baby. That is why a smart nursing wardrobe which supports a mother’s breastfeeding choice is essential to the mother-child journey.
Image Source: https://bellybandit.com/
Namratha Varadharajan
KSP Team
Kriti Rajat Sethi
