All About the Best Nursing Bras
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As many new moms discover, nursing bras are a game changer. Not only do they give you the special support you need, but they also help make breastfeeding an easier task. Thanks to nearly 10,000 Pampers Parents who voted for their favorites, we’ve got the scoop on the best clip-down, pull-down, and hands-free nursing bras. Plus, we’ve rounded up helpful information regarding the benefits of nursing bras and what to look for when buying one.
Why Buy a Nursing Bra?
If you’re soon-to-be or currently breastfeeding, you might notice that your breasts are heavier and enlarged due to milk production. If that’s the case, there are a few perks associated with wearing a bra specific to nursing.
Support. Having the support of a good nursing bra can help make you more comfortable.
Convenience. Though some women may choose to stick with their regular bra style, many others find that a nursing bra with cups that they can open or pull down makes it easier and more convenient to breastfeed.
Nighttime leakage. At night, wearing a nursing bra with breast pads can help prevent breast milk from leaking through your clothes. These small and absorbent pads can be slipped inside your nursing bra cup. You can buy either disposable or washable breast pads at most pharmacies or grocery stores.
Types of Nursing Bras
Nursing bras give you extra support and comfort while providing easy access to your breast for feeding your baby. They do this with two types of closure styles commonly found on nursing bras:
Clip-down. These bras have a latch, hook, or snap of some sort to pull down the cup so you can easily access your breast.
Pull-down. Just as it sounds, these nursing bras are designed so you can simply pull the bra down and away from your breast when you need to feed your little one.
Styles of Nursing Bras
Just like regular bras, nursing bras come in many different styles. Here are some of the most common styles of nursing bras, many of which can also serve as maternity bras during pregnancy:
Soft-cup or seamless. A majority of the bras Pampers Parents love are seamless and have a soft cup that you can simply lower from a clip on the shoulder strap.
Sports nursing bras. These are usually made with stretchy nylon to give you extra support while exercising. The best sports bras for nursing moms are ones that can hold up to any movement as your breast size fluctuates.
Sleep. The best nursing bras for sleep are soft and seamless, meaning they’re comfortable for snoozing. These bras typically offer only light support, so you stay cozy at night.
Tank top. These are tank-top-style shirts with a built-in nursing bra.
Breast-pumping. You can wear these as an alternative to (or on top of) a regular nursing bra when you need to pump breast milk. They have openings around the nipple area where you can attach a breast pump flange to express milk with a powered breast pump.
Underwire vs. No Underwire
Underwire-style nursing bras offer extra support and shaping. Keep in mind, though, that some experts recommend avoiding nursing bras with an underwire as the wire can put pressure on your milk ducts. This pressure might cause inflammation and possibly blocked ducts. All the best nursing bras on the Pampers Parents list are underwire-free.
What to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Bra
Here are some important features that our Pampers Parents considered when selecting a nursing bra:
Size. It’s normal to need a larger cup size during pregnancy and when nursing; however, you may notice your rib cage area also expanding. This is so your lungs can take in more oxygen, and might warrant a larger band size, too. Of course, every woman is unique, but if your bra band feels too tight, it might be time to size up. It may be helpful to get a professional bra fitting at a maternity wear or department store to ensure you’ve got the right fit.
Fabric. A blend of stretchy fabric with 100 percent cotton cups may be a good choice, as these materials can adjust to fit your breasts as they fluctuate in size while breastfeeding. Just remember that more stretch offers less overall support, so your personal preference might be for just a slight stretch or none at all.
Easy access. If you’re holding your hungry baby, a nursing bra that you can easily open with one hand will save you a lot of time!
Style. Consider whether your nursing bra is for everyday use or for other activities like sleep or sports. You might like to get several nursing bras in different styles, so that you’re prepared for all kinds of situations.
Comfort. It’s important that a nursing bra is comfortable and offers good support without squeezing or putting pressure on your breast. You may want to try a few models before settling on one that works for you.
Best Clip-Down Nursing Bras
Many nursing bras work as maternity bras, too. Clip-downs proved to be popular among Pampers Parents, who voted for seven of these as being the best nursing bras.
1. Motherhood Maternity Women’s Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This bra won the majority of votes among Pampers Parents! It’s a comfortable, seamless bra offering full coverage with medium support and has adjustable straps, a hook and eye closure, and light lining. This bra has clip-down style cups for easy access when your baby is ready to breastfeed. Some Pampers Parents said that this bra runs on the small side, so you might consider sizing up. This bra is best for cup sizes A through D, although you’ll also find options for plus size nursing bras, too.
Highlights: The bra has soft cup inserts that you can remove to wash. Plus, the pockets for the padded inserts can hold extra nursing pads to help absorb leakage!
Price*: about $20.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons
2. iLoveSIA 3PACK Women's Full Bust Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This clip-down style nursing bra has removable foam cups to help hide your nipples, or you can insert breast pads. Some Pampers Parents mentioned that the foam insert can be great for a bit of extra coverage, but that it can slip around or get bunched up inside the bra. This bra is a full-coverage bra, and it has a wide sling inside each cup to help prevent sagging. The back has a four-level, four-row hook and eye closure to keep you comfortable and well supported.
Highlights: Each package includes three bras, and you get a choice of different color combinations.
Price*: about $27.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
3. Kindred Bravely Marvella Maternity & Nursing Underwire Free Bra
Why pick this one? This molded cup nursing bra is underwire free and designed to help lift and separate your breasts. It’s a clip-down nursing bra that comes in your choice of two styles: either the Classic style, which is a pull-over racerback, or the Luxe hook-and-eye closure style with a back O-ring clasp, so you can wear the straps in a standard tank look or as a racerback. The Luxe style with the hook and eye closure comes with a band extender. Both the Classic and Luxe styles come in several colors, but several Pampers Parents mentioned that this bra doesn’t offer enough support for larger sizes.
Highlights: This nursing bra doesn’t look like a standard nursing bra, and it’s designed to give you the special support you’ll need as a breastfeeding mom.
Price*: about $49.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
4. HOFISH Seamless Clip Down Deep V Neck Push Up Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This clip-down nursing bra is seamless with a V-cut design in the front. Removable, molded foam cups help shape your breasts with built-in push-up padding. A few Pampers Parents mentioned that while they like how the push-up padding shapes them, they found the padding could sometimes slide around. This bra has adjustable straps and a back hook and eye closure to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. It comes in a three-pack with matching band extenders and extra bra strap clips.
Highlights: This manufacturer offers free bra pad replacements if you receive padding that’s misshapen or unsatisfactory.
Price*: about $29.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
5. STELLE Body Silk Seamless Maternity Nursing Bra with Pads
Why pick this one? With easy one-hand access to a hook and eye closure, you can nurse your baby with just one quick move. It offers full coverage with a bralette style, so you’ll feel comfy all day. Some Pampers Parents noted that they also work as a nursing sleep bra. As your body changes through your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey, you can use the adjustments, which feature four band lengths and movable straps. Hide your nipples or breast pads with foam inserts, although some parents noted that the foam padding tends to move around.
Highlights: The bra’s four-way stretch accommodates a changing body and fluctuating breast size.
Price*: about $24.59 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
6. BRAVADO DESIGNS Women’s Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This nursing bra is made with four-way stretch fabric to accommodate your changing shape. The clip-down cups fully drop away to provide as much skin-to-skin contact with your little one as possible during feeding times. The bra features large, molded foam cup inserts that are removable, which is a perk as a few Pampers Parents mentioned that the foam cups were a bit strangely shaped. This bra also has a built-in inner sling for extra lift and has a supportive band for a very wide range of cup sizes: A through J.
Highlights: This seamless nursing bra comes with a conversion kit that allows you to turn it into a regular bra for when you’re no longer breastfeeding your little one.
Price*: about $44.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
7. Suekaphin Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This seamless, breathable nursing bra offers a clip-down style for easy breastfeeding. The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the band has a hook and eye closure in the back. Some Pampers Parents said they thought the fabric felt a little rough, especially on their nipples and under the strap. But the fabric softened after a couple of washings.
Highlights: This bra comes in a two-pack with a choice of color combinations. Also included are matching band extenders to adjust to your changing body shape.
Price*: about $16.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Favorite Pull-Down Nursing Bra
You may prefer a pull-down nursing bra rather than one that clips up and down. Of all the best pull-down nursing bras, this one was a top favorite for Pampers Parents. It’s great for comfort and sleep.
Medela Nursing Bra
Why pick this one? This pullover bra is made with a four-way stretch fabric that adjusts to your changing body. This bra is seamless and has a crisscross front that’s easy to pull down, so it’s suitable to use as a sleep bra for nighttime feedings. A few Pampers Parents mentioned that this bra is better suited for small to medium sizes.
Highlights: This bra is made of a stretchy fabric blend that keeps moisture away from your body.
Price*: about $15.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Favorite Hands-Free Pumping Nursing Bra
If you prefer to pump or need to find a bra that works for pumping at work or on the go, then you’ll need a different style than those listed above. For the best nursing bra that fits breast pumps, Pampers Parents selected this multifunctional and hands-free style.
Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bra
Why pick this one? It’s not always easy to find time to pump, especially with your hands full! Hands-free pumping nursing bras can be a huge help. This is one of the best nursing bras because it’s multifunctional. You can wear it as a traditional nursing bra, but also as a pumping bra. As a breastfeeding mom, you'll appreciate the breathable, cotton blend fabric of this bra. You can adjust the straps as needed, without affecting the easy-to-use detachable clip design. Many of the best nursing bras feature padding, but Pampers Parents noted that the inserts tend to move around. This bra ditches the padding to avoid the problem, but some parents missed that extra support.
Highlights: The manufacturer made this bra to fit all breast pump brands, so you can use it regardless of what model you have.
Price*: about $19.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Bottom Line
Familiarizing yourself with the different features of nursing bras will help you choose a few that suit your needs. Some of the best nursing bras double for sleep or sports, and many offer adjustable features for a changing body. To find the best bra, you might need to be patient and put up with some trial and error. It’ll be worth it in the end with a comfortable, durable, and easy-to-use nursing bra.
For more help navigating the world of breastfeeding, check out our baby feeding chart for the first year or download our Breastfeeding Guide.
Recall Notice
Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association *Prices are correct at the time of writing.
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