The Best Nursing Pads to Save Your Shirts From Leaks

When entrepreneur and mom of three Kerry Gilmartin couldn't find a nursing pad that didn't leak, she created her own from a square of bamboo. Gilmartin jokingly called it a "bamboobie," and these now-beloved, ultra-soft breastfeeding helpers were born. 

Today's Bamboobies are made from ‎rayon from 100 percent bamboo viscose on the inner part of the pad that’s soft against skin, with a cotton layer for absorbency and a polyester outer layer to contain leaks. This brand is known for their incredibly soft material, and many nursing moms who found disposable nursing pads too irritating say they prefer Bamboobies.

These nursing pads come in two sizes: a thinner heart-shaped version and a thicker overnight style. (The set pictured here includes six regular pairs and two overnight.) They can be laundered in the washing machine and dried on medium, so you can toss them in with the gazillion loads of newborn clothing you'll be doing anyway.

While Bamboobies are easy to use, easy to clean and supersoft against skin, some moms note that the regular pad may leak occasionally. They can also feel a little bulky inside a bra.

Material: ‎Rayon from 100 percent bamboo viscose

Number of pads per package: 4

Price per pad: $2.50

Reusable: Yes

If you're given nursing pads in the hospital maternity wing, they will likely come from this trusty brand. The individually-wrapped and disposable Lansinoh nursing pads are a tried-and-true favorite of breastfeeding parents, even winning Best Nursing Pads in the 2022 the What to Expect Feeding Awards. They make changing pads easy since they're disposable, which is especially important when you first start breastfeeding and are going through pads at a rapid rate.

“I tried a few different nursing pads, but found Lansinoh’s to be the most comfortable and absorbent,” says Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director. “Yet despite being super absorbant, they never felt heavy, which made them easy to wear.” Leah adds that the pads were thin enough to throw in her diaper bag or purse without taking up too much room. 

I had oversupply when breastfeeding each of my sons, which meant I was leaking milk constantly and found myself depending on nursing pads pretty much 24/7 for the entirety of my breastfeeding experience. Out of all the nursing pads I tried (and I tried a lot), these Lansinoh pads were the only ones that completely prevented leaks. They’re highly absorbent and keep you dry and comfortable for several hours.

Like many moms, I love how thin these are — they’re completely hidden under clothing, and the edges stay nice and flat without any bunching, even as they start to get saturated. There are adhesive strips that help them stay in place inside your bra, although some women say the pads are structured enough that you don't need to bother with them. Leah found the adhesive strips to be especially helpful at night, giving her an extra sense of security. 

Lansinoh doesn’t share the specific material the pads are made from, but the brand does say that they’re made from recycled materials and free of fragrances, BPA and BPS.

Material: Not listed (from recycled materials with a waterproof liner)

Number of pads per package: 100-200

Price per pad: $.18

Reusable: Yes

Sore, sensitive nipples can be excruciating, especially in the early postpartum days when you and baby are still trying to get the hang of nursing. For instant relief, many moms in the What to Expect community swear by Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads. 

“Lifesaving” is the word What to Expect moms often use to describe these gel pads. Made of all-natural vegetable-based glycerin, they adhere directly to your nipple to help promote healing and soothe soreness, which can be particularly helpful when your breasts are engorged. (And for an extra-cooling effect, many moms recommend popping them in the freezer.) 

These gel pads aren’t a traditional nursing pad — unlike others on this list, Soothies aren’t designed to absorb milk. Rather, they’re made to treat sore nipples and speed up the healing process. Because of that, you shouldn’t  wear these all day if you’re experiencing lots of leaking. You also can’t use them with nipple creams or lanolin, and you need to wash your nipples after removing them — some moms dislike this step. 

Material: Glycerin

Number of pads per package: 2

Price per pad: $5.50

Reusable: No

Kindred Bravely is best known for its popular nursing and pumping bras, but the brand also makes nursing pads in their signature supersoft fabric. Made of 100 percent organic viscose derived from bamboo with a waterproof microfiber liner, moms say that these reusable nursing pads are beautifully soft but still very absorbent. Plus, they’re 100 percent organic and made from OEKO-TEX certified material.

Moms rave about how thin and discreet these pads are, as well as how easy they are to use. There isn’t any adhesive, but they fit comfortably inside a bra, and reviewers say the fabric feels gentle on even the most sensitive, sore nipples. Also good: The pads are available in two sizes, including a bigger size designed for larger breasts. Your purchase includes a waterproof bag that’s ideal for storing used pads before you can wash them.

"I had another pair that were really bulky, so I really liked how much thinner these were," says Lisafe Carreon, What to Expect's Senior Product Manager.

While many moms find the Kindred Bravely nursing pads to be sufficiently absorbent, others say they can become saturated quickly — like most nursing pads, it probably depends a little on how much milk you’re producing and how prone you are to leaks. If you have oversupply, these might not be the best nursing pads for you. 

Material: 100 percent organic viscose derived from bamboo

Number of pads per package: 10

Price per pad: $1.60

Reusable: Yes

Most nursing pads are available in just one size, and a few offer a second option for larger breasts. Baby Bliss Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads are one of the few nursing pads on the market to have three different sizes: medium, for A to B cups; large, for B to C cups; and extra large, for D cups and above. The largest size measures 14 centimeters across, making it significantly more generous than most other nursing pads.

In addition to their size options, these pads do a great job at preventing leaks. The fabric, which is bamboo cotton with a microfiber inner layer, is lightweight but highly absorbent. Moms find the material to be breathable and comfortable against the skin. At $.87 per pad, they’re also one of the more affordable reusable pads, and they come with a small storage bag that reviewers say is very convenient.

While they’re more affordable than most other reusable pad brands and feel comfortable, some moms do say that these aren’t quite as soft as Bamboobies, for example. If softness is a number-one priority, you may prefer a different brand.

Material: Bamboo cotton, microfiber inner layer

Number of pads per package: 14

Price per pad: $1.21

Reusable: Yes

Many nursing moms use both disposable and reusable nursing pads.In fact, a common strategy is to wear disposables during the day (when you’re out and about and need to quickly replace a saturated pad) then use reusables at night, since they tend to be highly absorbent and soft.And when it comes to nighttime nursing pads, Bamboobies Ultra-Absorbent Overnight Nursing Pads are a popular option within the What to Expect community.

As with their regular nursing pads, the brand’s overnights are made with 100 percent bamboo viscose, but the round shape provides extra surface area to protect against nighttime leaks. If you have oversupply, some moms recommend stacking two on top of each other for a little extra protection.

At $2.25 per pad, Bamboobies are one of the more expensive reusable pads on the market. But many moms say the steeper price is worth it because the material is so comfortable, washes well and holds up over time.

Material: ‎100 percent bamboo viscose

Number of pads per package: 4

Price per pad: $1.75

Reusable: Yes

From the makers of the popular wearable breast pump, Momcozy’s nursing pads are a perfect choice for moms who need light leak protection. Just 0.16 centimeters thick, these are some of the thinnest nursing pads on the market. But they don’t skimp on the absorbency: There are six ultra thin, water-absorbing layers to prevent leaks from occurring without adding too much bulk to your bra.

In addition to being lightweight, these pads are also very breathable, thanks to tiny ventilation holes. Moms say they feel very soft and non-itchy, absorb a surprising amount of breast milk given their slim design and have a strong adhesive. And at $.11 each, they’re one of the most affordable nursing pads on this list, too.

While the Momcozy nursing pads do absorb breast milk very well, their slimmer shape doesn’t make these the best choice for those with oversupply. You also wouldn’t want to use them as an overnight nursing pad. For those times when you need heavy leak protection, a thicker nursing pad or reusable option would be better.

Material: Bamboo fibers 

Number of pads per package: 120 

Price per pad: $.11 

Reusable: No