Finding the Perfect Nursing Cover

There are several different types of nursing covers available today and it can be overwhelming for a nursing mom or mom-to-be to know which cover will be right for her. Many moms end up spending unnecessary time and money trying out various nursing covers until they end up settling with one. Here we address the most common nursing covers and discuss their pros and cons so moms can be more informed prior to purchasing.

Smock or Aprons

Designed similar to a kitchen apron, with a loop that goes over the head and is open on the back and sides.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to put on with one hand, longer in the front than a lot of other covers.
Cons: Does not cover your back or sides so mom needs to wear a button-down shirt or special nursing blouse to stay covered.

Shawls or Capes

similar to ponchos but are much shorter, and only go down to just underneath the belly-button. They go over the head and cover the shoulders. They do not have any arm holes so it is completely open underneath.

Pros: These are usually more lightweight than other covers and are easy to hold the baby and get situated.
Cons: Large neck hole often slips off the shoulders so it is difficult to keep in place. Capes tend to be very short in front and back leaving exposed skin. Not fashionable – stands out.

Ponchos

go on directly over the head, have full coverage around the front, sides and back and fall down to the hips. These are very modern and new to the nursing cover market. The DRIA Cover is probably the best known.

Pros: These are full coverage but made of comfortable, breathable material. They are stylish and available in a variety of prints that can be worn just as a fashion accessory with a pair of jeans. These also double as a car seat and stroller cover.
Cons: Because these tend to be made of high-quality fabrics they are a bit more expensive than other covers.

Slings

Hang over one shoulder and cross mom’s body to the opposite side’s hip and around the back. The baby rests in the sash on mom’s belly.

Pros: These are great for carrying newborns and many can be used for nursing. Designed for the mom who is very comfortable nursing in public. Does not cover the baby so you can easily see what’s going on.
Cons: Because they are not covered, babies can be easily distracted. Material doesn’t always stay put. Nipple is exposed prior to latching and some breast will always show. Need to be wearing a button shirt or nursing blouse. Difficult to put on and get situated.

We hope this quick outline helps moms decide what types of nursing covers will be right for them!

About the Author:
Adria O’Donnell is the founder of the DRIA Nursing cover, a fashionable poncho for pregnant and nursing moms that doubles as a stroller and car seat cover. Having struggled to find a good nursing cover during her first pregnancy, she developed the DRIA Cover to help cover her as well as her baby, and stay stylish at the same time.