Deciding on the type of breast pads to buy used to be easy as there were only a few choices available. Now we are spoilt for choice! Reusable vs disposable? What features to look for? And are there other options available? Here’s a quick rundown below to make your choice easier.
Disposable:
The choice of many mums because of the convenience and easy availability. Wear and throw out after use. Quality, design and absorbency levels vary greatly between brands so try a few to find the one that works best for you.
OUR TIPS: Look for pads that draw moisture away from the breast as some brands use a plastic barrier (while this plastic may help to contain leakage, it keeps moisture against the nipple which can cause infections or other problems). Natural fibres such as cotton are the ideal choice. Some brands come with adhesive lining to secure pads in place; although this is handy it is not always necessary as most nursing bras are firm enough to keep them there.
PROS: Convenient and handy. Simply throw in the bin after use. Affordable choice for short-term use.
CONS: Expensive if you’re constantly changing or a long-term ‘leaker’. Not environmentally friendly as they take years to break down. Some brands use plastic barriers (which are a breeding ground for bacteria) or bleaching/chemical additives.
Reusable: Reusable breast pads (also known as washable) are becoming increasing popular as an economical alternative to disposables. Simply wash, dry and reuse again and again. Most reusable pads are made of natural materials and are able to be machine washed. Most are surprisingly absorbent.
OUR TIPS: Look for brands with stay-dry properties that draw moisture away from the breast.
PROS: Very economical, particularly if you need to wear for more than a month.
CONS: Need to store soggy pads when out and about (use a ziplock bag or waterproof bag such as the Snack Happened bag). Washing and drying required.
Other Options:
LilyPadz are unique reusable silicone nursing pads that are in a class of their own! Unlike traditional pads, they actually stop leakage altogether. The tacky surface adheres to breast and ‘pinches’ the nipple to stop any leakage (much in the same way as you would do with your fingers to delay let-down). Ideal for short-term use, they stay in place without a bra.
OUR TIPS: Great for short term or occasional use such as wearing with slinky tops (when you don't want bulky nursing pads showing through or to prevent leaking if not wearing a bra), at the pool (no leakage marks on cossie top), to bed or simply when you want a break from an uncomfortable bra or a bra-free day. Reusable for three months, although with proper care they’ll last at least double the time: make sure you clean well to remove the natural skin oil build up from surface.
PROS: Stops leakage without affecting milk supply. No bra required to hold in place.
CONS: Short-term use – you wouldn’t wear them all the time. Must be washed to remove skin oils so they remain tacky (use Simply Lily cleaning products or soap-free detergent for best results).
Please click here to view our complete range of nursing pads.
Disposable:
The choice of many mums because of the convenience and easy availability. Wear and throw out after use. Quality, design and absorbency levels vary greatly between brands so try a few to find the one that works best for you.
OUR TIPS: Look for pads that draw moisture away from the breast as some brands use a plastic barrier (while this plastic may help to contain leakage, it keeps moisture against the nipple which can cause infections or other problems). Natural fibres such as cotton are the ideal choice. Some brands come with adhesive lining to secure pads in place; although this is handy it is not always necessary as most nursing bras are firm enough to keep them there.
PROS: Convenient and handy. Simply throw in the bin after use. Affordable choice for short-term use.
CONS: Expensive if you’re constantly changing or a long-term ‘leaker’. Not environmentally friendly as they take years to break down. Some brands use plastic barriers (which are a breeding ground for bacteria) or bleaching/chemical additives.
Reusable: Reusable breast pads (also known as washable) are becoming increasing popular as an economical alternative to disposables. Simply wash, dry and reuse again and again. Most reusable pads are made of natural materials and are able to be machine washed. Most are surprisingly absorbent.
OUR TIPS: Look for brands with stay-dry properties that draw moisture away from the breast.
PROS: Very economical, particularly if you need to wear for more than a month.
CONS: Need to store soggy pads when out and about (use a ziplock bag or waterproof bag such as the Snack Happened bag). Washing and drying required.
Other Options:
LilyPadz are unique reusable silicone nursing pads that are in a class of their own! Unlike traditional pads, they actually stop leakage altogether. The tacky surface adheres to breast and ‘pinches’ the nipple to stop any leakage (much in the same way as you would do with your fingers to delay let-down). Ideal for short-term use, they stay in place without a bra.
OUR TIPS: Great for short term or occasional use such as wearing with slinky tops (when you don't want bulky nursing pads showing through or to prevent leaking if not wearing a bra), at the pool (no leakage marks on cossie top), to bed or simply when you want a break from an uncomfortable bra or a bra-free day. Reusable for three months, although with proper care they’ll last at least double the time: make sure you clean well to remove the natural skin oil build up from surface.
PROS: Stops leakage without affecting milk supply. No bra required to hold in place.
CONS: Short-term use – you wouldn’t wear them all the time. Must be washed to remove skin oils so they remain tacky (use Simply Lily cleaning products or soap-free detergent for best results).
Please click here to view our complete range of nursing pads.
