Are you expecting a baby or are a brand-new mum? This is a must-read for you. If you are planning to breastfeed but perhaps are unsure about doing so in public then I have the answer. Nursing covers. Perfect for giving you a little more privacy breastfeeding your little one when out and about.
Many people often ask if they are safe. Important question. They most definitely are. They have been designed specifically for this use. Always bear in mind, however, to make sure that the air can circulate around your little one so that they have plenty of room to breathe. Overheating during the summer is also something to look out for when using any nursing covers.
Now there are several different types of nursing covers…
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The Scarf:
This doubles up as… yup you guessed it… a scarf when not using it as a cover, so it’s great for winter months. Win win in my book. Super simple, it is worn around your neck and can then be draped over your shoulders and your baby when you need to feed.
This feeding scarf from JoJo is fantastic; super stylish as well as practical. It is an infinity style so no tying is required at all. Simply slip it around your neck and then down over your little one. Very easy to use if your baby gets to the screaming hungry stage! It is made of soft stretch cotton in a super subtle colour too. Not too expensive so it won’t break the bank either.
Marl Grey Stripe Infinity Feeding Scarf | JoJo Maman Bebe
2. The Shawl:
This is by far the easiest one to DIY with a large piece of muslin fabric, always handy as these are forever found in most change bags. It is simply a large piece of fabric which is draped over you and your baby. Some even come with buttons to help cover your baby within the fabric folds.
However, if you would like something a little more stylish then check out this grey bamboo wool blend scarf from Seraphine. Super versatile. It poppers at the shoulder and can be worn in several different ways. Seraphine says that it is, “hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, even helping to wick away moisture thus perfect for breastfeeding mums.” Although a little more expensive this would make a great gift either before the baby is born or after.
Grey Breastfeeding Cover Maternity Shawl | Seraphine
3. The Apron:
These look very similar to an apron you would tie around your neck for a spot of baking. They have wide coverage and often come with adjustable straps and a stiffened front top edge which comes in handy so that Mum and baby can see each other. Available in a wide range of patterned materials. There are many suppliers, such as Etsy and Amazon, where they can be sourced.
This one from Amazon does it all, not only is it breathable and light, 100% cotton. The bonded ridged neckline helps keep eye contact with your little one. As well as the adjustable straps it also comes with a front pocket and towelling corners to help with any post-feed spillage.
Breastfeeding Cover Up with Adjustable Strap | Amazon.co.uk
4. The Poncho:
Again as the same suggests this goes over the whole of your upper body with just a hole in for your head. Covering up not just your front but your back as well. Making it perfect for the not-so-warm British winters. The great thing about a poncho is that there is no slippage when it comes to using it. Super easy to just slip back in the changing bag after feeding too. To be honest any poncho will do the job, because who says you can’t be stylish when having to breastfeed? Such as this one from Next. The added bonus is these stylish layers can be used long after your nursing days are done.
Lipsy Button Front Poncho | Next
5. The All-in-0ne:
Now, most mums will love a baby item which doesn’t only do one job, but several.
This all-in-one solution from Cover Me Baby does just that. In fact, it covers several jobs…breastfeeding cover, car seat cover, lightweight blanket, highchair cover, shopping trolley cover as well as a changing cover. With so many jobs to do I wonder how often it is going to spend in the wash, however, so it might be worth having more than one! This particular brand comes in a range of fabric choices. Plus they are designed and made here in the UK.
Cover Me Baby | CoverMeBabyuk
But really when it comes to nursing covers there are so many other options. Much of the modern maternity wear has built-in discrete feeling panels to allow you to feed your baby without feeling like you are baring all to the world. Any piece of fabric you have to hand will do – muslin, your own scarfs. And for some babies feeding under a cover is just not an option and they will fight you all the way.
Whatever your preferred choice just remember that it is illegal to ask a woman to leave a public place whilst she’s breastfeeding. So that includes cafes and shops. I would always pick a place which would be comfortable first and foremost, for you and for baby.
SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | HORSHAM PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
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