7 Best Nursing Bras

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby will always primarily revolve around your newborn’s needs. Crib? Check. Stroller? Check. Clothes, feeding bottles, and diapers? Triple check.

We’re almost always imagining every single thing our babies could possibly need. But once the nursery is filled with all the relevant necessities, it’s time to ask yourself: What do YOU need to ensure your own comfort and happiness as a new mom?

Although nursing bras seem to be less of a necessity compared to your baby’s needs, it can actually make a huge difference in your postpartum and breastfeeding journey. The best nursing bras are designed for comfort and convenience. And when you’re comfortable and happy, chances are, that positivity will rub off on your baby, too.

We created this buying guide to help you choose the best nursing bra for your needs—ultimately helping you have a smoother and more fulfilling breastfeeding experience. Choosing the right nursing bra is definitely a lot more complicated than regular bra shopping—and we ladies know that even that is hard enough in itself.

So sit back, relax, and read on. We got you!

Why invest in a nursing bra?

They make nursing easier and more convenient.

Bringing your baby to your breast to nurse may not be easy with most regular bras. Because they’re so structured, you’re usually left with no other choice but to take off your bra or disrobe completely.

Nursing bras, on the other hand, sport cups that either fold down, clip down, or pull aside for quick and easy access. Many nursing bras even make prepping and positioning using just one hand possible, which makes them all the more convenient.

When used with the right top, nursing bras enable you to easily and discreetly feed your baby anywhere you go.

They work with your body, not against it.

One thing that’s unique about pregnancy and breastfeeding is the fact that your breasts can undergo significant changes in size. The size of your breasts can fluctuate anywhere from one up to four cup sizes. These changes may take place on a daily basis. As such, you need something that can readily adjust to your body’s demands.

A good nursing bra will have enough stretch to accommodate these fluctuations in size. Many traditional bras simply don’t offer the same flexibility.

They provide comfort.

Conventional bras may not be the most comfortable thing to wear for breastfeeding moms. Traditional bra fabrics like nylon and lace may be irritating for sore nipples. The underwire may hurt your swollen breasts and the band may leave painful red marks on your skin. What’s more, the straps used in regular bras may not be thick enough to provide support.

Nursing bras are specifically constructed with your comfort in mind. They use breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo to protect your breasts from irritation.

What’s more, nursing bras are designed to provide enough support while remaining comfortable. They have thick strips and a soft but supportive band—both of which are perfect for your needs. In effect, nursing bras help reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain.

How many nursing bras do you need?

In general, we recommend that you keep at least three nursing bras in your rotation. You can’t expect to wear the same nursing bra every single day, so having at least three of them will come in handy. The less frequently you do your laundry, the more you should invest in several nursing bras.

The world of breastfeeding is a colorful one—unexpected situations such as leaks, baby spit-ups, and hot flashes often arise. If you’re lucky, you wouldn’t have to deal with these mishaps, but it’s always better to come into the battlefield fully prepared. After all, it can be quite tiring to keep doing the laundry every time the inevitable happens.

Having several nursing bras will also allow you to shop for a variety of styles that will suit different occasions. Many moms find it helpful to have a nice mix of soft and comfy sleep bras and more supportive daytime bras.

How to measure your nursing bra size

When it comes to buying a nursing bra, two measurements are of utmost importance: your underbust and bust. Many of you are probably familiar with these measurements as they’re frequently used in sizing regular bras, as well.

The underbust and bust measurements are used to calculate band size and cup size. Now, sizing may differ across different brands, so it’s always best to double-check a particular brand’s sizing chart before making an online purchase. If you’re buying from a physical store, you may ask to get professionally measured.

Also, some nursing bras don’t use the conventional band size + cup size scale. You’ll find that some styles use the S, M, L scale instead. Even then, sizing charts will usually tell you how to convert your measurements into your actual size.

Measuring your underbust:

Take your measuring tape and wrap it around your torso. Make sure that the tape runs directly under your breasts. Double-check to ensure that the tape is even. It should feel snug but not tight.

Measuring your bust:

As for your bust measurement, do the same thing as the first step. Only this time, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Again, make sure that the tape is at an even height all throughout. Assuming you’re already nursing, take your bust measurement before a feeding or pumping session—that is, when your breasts are at their fullest state.

Finding the right fit

Finding the perfect nursing bra in terms of fit can be tricky. After all, your body constantly undergoes significant changes all throughout your pregnancy and nursing journey. However, that’s not to say that it’s impossible. With a few guidelines, you should be able to tell right off the bat if a nursing bra provides a good fit.

The right fit:

When you put on a new bra, it should feel amazing on your body. Why waste money on something that doesn’t make you feel incredible?

The band should feel snug but never tight, and it should stay low and even underneath your breasts and around your torso. There shouldn’t be any pinching, pulling, or slipping.

To accurately assess how well a bra fits, make sure to try different positions when fitting it for the first time. Try standing up, sitting down, bending over, twisting your torso a little bit to the sides, and lying down. No matter what position you’re in, your nursing bra should feel comfortable.

The best type of fit is when it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. You shouldn’t have to pull and tug at your bra all day. Trust us: taking your time in finding the right fit will be worth it in the end.

Your nursing bra might be too small if:

• The underwire feels too tight or pokes your chest.
• Your breasts spill out of the sides and the top of the cups.
• The straps are digging into your shoulders, leaving marks and causing discomfort.
• The center panel in between the cups doesn’t lie flat in between your breasts.

Your nursing bra might be too big if:

• The cups have visible wrinkles.
• Your breasts tend to slide into the bottom band.
• The straps are constantly slipping off your shoulders no matter how often you adjust them.
• The band has a tendency to ride up your back.

Types of Nursing Bras

Sleep or Comfort bra

Sleep nursing bras or Comfort bras provide unparalleled softness and comfort. They provide the least amount of support, which makes them ideal for sleeping or lounging around the house.

Sleep bras allow easy nursing access. After all, fumbling with hooks and clips is the last thing you’d want to deal with as you wake up in the middle of the night to feed your baby. Made of smooth and super stretchy material, sleep bras are the most accommodating of breast size fluctuations.

Clip-down cup nursing bra

Clip-down cup nursing bras offer more support than comfort bras. These are ideal daytime bras for new moms who are running errands, working, or are trying to get active.

Contoured cup nursing bra

These bras have a more structured but smooth design that lightly shapes your breasts and lays nicely underneath clothing. They usually employ fold-down cups for easy nursing access.

They are also the least flexible, so contoured bras are best reserved for when you’re at least three to four months postpartum. Because these bras do not stretch and adapt as well as the two aforementioned bra types, it’s best to wait until your milk supply and breast size have both stabilized before purchasing this style.