Washable Breast Pads

Washable or reusable breastfeeding pads are a great alternative to disposable pads. Here are some of the great options available.

The natural fibers cotton, bamboo, hemp are just some of the materials that can be used in washable breast pads.

By washing and reusing breastfeeding pads, nursing mothers can not only reduce the amount of landfill in the environment but also regulate what chemicals come into contact with not only their body but their baby. While it is hard to determine the chemicals involved in constructing a disposable breast pad, many washable breast pads are all-natural and can be washed with a natural detergent of choice.

Some of the larger pharmaceutical companies that produce disposable breastfeeding pads have also released ranges of reusable breast pads but there are also a number of smaller companies that have produced distinctive ranges. By researching reviews from nursing mothers at online consumer feedback sites we have produced a guide to the best washable breast pads on the market.

Babykicks Washable Breast Pads
These washable breast pads are made from 5 layers of organic hemp Jersey fabric and so are a natural alternative to disposable breastfeeding pads. Based on reviews nursing mothers have indicated they are better for home situations, where the possibility of a leakage is not potentially embarrassing and inconvenient. As they have no waterproof backing they would also be better for nursing mothers who have control over their milk let-down.

Babykicks Washable Breast Pads are approximately $11 for a pack of 6 and can be found at Amazon.


LilyPadz Reusable
A unique design in nursing pads these Lilypadz washable breast pads act like a semi-firm contact lens and remain attached to your nipple by applying a slight amount of pressure. By flipping the pad from a convex shape to a convex shape the middle dimple attaches itself to the nipple and slows/prevents leaks from happening. This means that a nursing mother can wear one of these at night instead of a bra with a traditional breastfeeding pad.

According to reviews these are great when they work well and do not show under fitting clothing. Some mothers have noted that air bubbles caught in the application process will enable the pad to leak. Like most pads they should be tried at night in a home situation before being used in public to make sure they fit well and are effective for your body shape.

Even though they can be washed and are reusable they are not biodegradable as they are made from silicone.

LilyPadz Reusable Nursing Pads are $22 for one pair.



La Leche League International Nursing Pads
Produced by the renowned La Leche League, international advocates of the benefits of breastfeeding these washable breast pads are one of the most well known pads on the market. They are small, fitted and thin so don’t show under clothing.
Some women had noted that they don’t keep their shape when washed and offer no waterproof component on the back side of the pad so large let downs are not covered and may result in leakages.

Recommended for nursing mothers who have an established milk supply and can control their let-down or have small milk releases.

La Leche League Nursing Pads are approximately $7 for 4 pads
Posh Pads
Posh Pads is a company started by two friends who have 11 children between them and after searching for a natural and stylish alternative to plain white disposable breastfeeding pads, decided to make their own. Posh Pads make washable breast pads in a variety of designs and fabrics and use organically grown bamboo as the main ingredient.

They are eye catching and comfortable and allow nursing mothers to break free from the stark white world of breast feeding accessories. Some feature flowers while others feature quirky patterns and swirls. There are also a pair with owl prints, affectionately called Hooters.

Like most breastfeeding pads you should try before you commit to buying a large quantity, to make sure the pads are right for your body shape and leakage levels.
Posh Pads retail for approximately $10 per pair and can be found for good prices at online sites such as Amazon.


Breastfeeding Pads

Find The Best Breastfeeding & Baby Subscriptions Plans From Amazon! The Best Deals On Washable & Disposable Breastfeeding Pads. As Voted by Mothers in 2010.

Women who breastfeed often find that let-down leaks occur before or after breastfeeding and sometimes just whenever you think about your child! Wearing breastfeeding pads that are discreet, comfortable and effective is reassuring when you are out and about in public.
Breastfeeding Pads

Types of Breastfeeding Pad

There are a number of varieties of breastfeeding pads on the market. From fully disposable cotton/paper and polymer combinations to reusable, washable fabric pads that can be washed and worn again.

Obviously women vary in their size and the amount that they leak so one option is not best for all and while some women prefer the convenience and reliability of disposable pads others will choose the personable nature and sustainability of reusable breastfeeding pads.

Below is a rundown of the main differences between Disposable and Reusable breastfeeding pads. 

Disposable Breastfeeding Pads
Disposable breastfeeding pads are aimed at women on the go who wish to spend as little time as possible doing laundry and require a highly reliable pad for public environments. Generally working women who breastfeed their child need the reassurance that disposable pads give combined with the ability to replace them easily.

Disposable pads are generally made of thin synthetic polymer elements wrapped inside a soft cotton/poly/paper covering that absorbs liquid but does not secrete it. Like a disposable menstrual pad, the disposable breastfeeding pad absorbs the liquid and keeps the surface of the pad dry so there is no feeling of wetness on your skin. There is also a sticky area on one side to make sure the pads stick to the bra and not slip out of place.

For mothers who need to continue their public life and career disposable breastfeeding pads offer the pace of mind that often reusable pads cannot offer. They are generally indiscreet, highly effective and easy to replace.

The downside to disposable breastfeeding pads is of course their disposable nature. The nature of the polymer tends to make it difficult to break down in landfill.

Based on reviews from online customer feedback sites we have put together a guide to the best disposable breastfeeding pads which have received positive ratings from mothers.
You can see our list of the best disposable nursing pads here.

Washable Reusable Breastfeeding Pads
If you are after a more natural feel to a breastfeeding pad you may want to try reusable pads. There are a great variety of reusable and washable breastfeeding pads from plain white styles to brightly colored and organic designs.

Reusable breastfeeding pads have come a long way in the last decade and aim to offer a viable alternative to disposable pads for mothers who want to feel they are doing the best for their child and their environment.

Many washable pads are unique in design and offer breastfeeding mothers the chance to pamper themselves in a small but significant way.  Not only that but they actually work so mothers can feel confident that there is little change of leakage.

Based on reviews from online customer feedback sites we have put together a summary of the best reusable breastfeeding pads which have received positive ratings from mothers.

You can see our list of the best washable breast pads here.