BREASTFEEDING is one of the best ways to feed babies in their first year of life and beyond. Breast milk contains a healthy balance of vitamins, nutrients and hormones that will help your newborn stay healthy.
However, it comes with its fair share of aches, pains and leakages, which is where the best reusable breast pads come in super handy.
Disposable, often plastic, breast pads aren't very environmentally friendly compared to long-lasting, budget-friendly reusable breast pads, which can be washed and reused time and time again.
Reusable pads are typically made of bamboo or cotton, although you'll also find silicone pads, which do more than catch leaks; they also prevent them.
They tend to be soft and ultra-absorbent, and most come with laundry bags so you can easily throw them in the washing machine without losing any in the process. Some also come in a variety of colours, prints and playful shapes, which may not sound essential, but does make the whole 'leaking bodily fluids' thing easier to cope with, somehow.
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Best teardrop-shaped reusable breast pads: Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads
- Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads, 4 for £6.39 from Amazon - buy here
Lansinoh is a leading brand when it comes to breastfeeding essentials.
These washable nursing pads have a unique teardrop shape and are ultra-absorbent, thanks to a super soft core made from plant fibres.
They're ideal for sensitive skin, too - so no more nasty rashes or irritations for mum.
Fans like how they are nearly invisible under clothes because of their shape, as well as how soft they are.
Plus, there's a washbag included to maximise their lifespan. Lansinoh recommends washing at 40 degrees.
Best day to night breast pads: Bamboobies Washable Reusable Nursing Pads
- Bamboobies Washable Reusable Nursing Pads, 6 pairs for £19.69 from Amazon - buy here
Another household name in the reusable breast pad game is Bamboobies, which allows you to choose from different absorbency levels depending on whether you want them for night or day.
This set includes six pairs of cute heart-shaped and circular breast pads: three pairs of heart-shaped, thinner breast pads for everyday wear or light-to-moderate leaking; and three thicker pads of circular pads for heavier leaking, or trusty night-time wear.
Reviewers like how soft they feel - plus, they're barely visible under clothes despite the super soft velour bamboo pads being thick, super-absorbent and totally leak-proof.
Best designed reusable breast pads: Ana Wiz Bamboo Breast Pads
- Ana Wiz Washable Bamboo Breast Pads, 6 for £6.95 from Amazon - buy here
Who says a breast pad can't put a smile on an exhausted, breastfeeding mum's face?
These fantastic bamboo pads are fantastic value for money and super-slim line - the fun animal print is just a bonus.
They're discreet under clothing, and leakproof thanks to a breathable PUL membrane.
Fans love how much longer they last than disposable alternatives, as well as their size and softness - and it's recommended to wash them at 30 or 40 degrees.
Best reusable breast pads for soreness: Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Pack
From undersupply to engorgement, blocked ducts to cracked nipples and mastitis - there are plenty of times when breastfeeding mums just need some much-needed relief.
These pearlised pads can help: freeze them to calm engorged breasts, or warm them to aid with mastitis.
They can easily be used while feeding, and can help with pumping, too.
The PVC cover is wipe-clean, so you don't need to worry about leaking getting in the way.
Best reusable breast pads set: KeaBabies Organic Bamboo Breast Pads
- KeaBabies Organic Bamboo Breast Pads, 14 for £19.96 from Amazon - buy here
This handy pack of bamboo nursing pads has enough to get you through the week, plus a supplied wash bag for when you're ready to toss them in the washing machine.
Each pad has four layers, including three ultra absorbent bamboo layers. They're 100% organic, too, and safe for babies to start feeding from the breast straight after use.
The shape is a contoured cone design, and will fit nipples snugly while being discreet under clothes.
They've got over 15,000 rave reviews, with one fan writing: "Really impressed with these, they absorb any leaks and are comfortable to wear".
Best reusable silicone breast pads: LilyPadz Reusable Nursing Pads
- LilyPadz Reusable Nursing Pads, £15.95 from Amazon - buy here
This innovative, reusable breast pad design applies pressure to the breast to prevent leaking, enabling the wearer to do a range of otherwise tricky activities, like swimming, or wear tight-fitting clothes without leaking through.
Easy to wear and apply, they’re near invisible yet provide the protection you need – you can even skip the nursing bra when you put these on.
They're designed to hold leaking at bay, rather than absorb it since they're made of 100% medical-grade silicone.
Best handmade reusable breast pads: NatureBond Bamboo Nursing Pads
- NatureBond Bamboo Nursing Pads, 10 for £15.99 from Amazon - buy here
This reusable breast pad kit has it all: 10 hypoallergenic, washable nursing pads (decorated with lace to match your bra, if you're so inclined), and they come beautifully packaged in a box with an added laundry bag.
These have a bevy of five-star reviews from happy users, who appreciate the quality, absorbency, durability and savings, compared with disposable breast pads.
Reviewers claim the lace helps hold the pad in your bra, and they're hypoallergic, so are super soft and non-irritable on skin.
What's more is the box can act as a lovely place to keep precious mementos of your little one, like a strand of hair, or their first dummy.
Best reusable breast pads for travelling: Close Pop-In
- Close Pop-In Reusable Breast Pads, 6 for £12 from JoJo Maman Bebe - buy here
These Close Pop-In Reusable Breast Pads, available to purchase from JoJo Maman Bebe, are discreet, and super-handy for travelling.
They come in a mini drawstring bag, which can be easily chucked in both your backpack and washing machine, and come as a pack of six.
They're a blend of fast-wicking polyester with a core of bamboo viscose terry, known for its natural softness, and absorbency.
There's also a full layer of waterproof laminate to stop any leaks from reaching your bra and it has thermo-regulating qualities, too.
It's advised that these should be machine washed at 40 degrees.
Best eco-credentials: Bloom & Nora
- Bloom & Nora Reusable Breast Pads, 6 for £9.95 from Boots - buy here
From the makers of renowned, gorgeous reusable period products you can expect reliable maternity products.
These Reusable Breast Pads from Bloom & Nora are good for you, your skin and the environment.
They're made with recycled PET plastic and apparently can be reused and washed over and over again, for up to 10 years.
The breast pads are teardrop-shaped, breathable, discreet and fast-drying once machine washed under 60 degrees.
Best reusable breast pad gift set: Myrtle & Maude
- Myrtle & Maude Breastfeeding Gift Bundle, £19 from Amazon - buy here
Any mum who receives this gorgeous gift set from Myrtle & Maude will surely rejoice at its contents.
For under £20, the lucky mum will receive six individual bamboo breast pads which are machine-washable and reusable, as well as an array of goodies.
Also included in the set is two blends of organic lactation tea to boost post-birth healing and promote healthy milk production, as well as a six-layer, 100% cotton baby muslin cloth, for wiping up any leaks or accidents.
Best reusable breast pads for beginners: Etsy
We get it, you want to take a trial run because you're on a budget, or you're unsure if investing copious amounts of cash on breast pads is a good idea because you might not like them.
For £3.99 from Etsy, you get two pairs of reusable bamboo breast pads as part of a Trial Pack.
The nursing pads are absorbent, soft and long-lasting - thanks to the bamboo - and offer great air circulation for added comfort.
They also help heal sore nipples by being super-soft, and won't compromise on leak protection in the meantime.
For the price, it's well worth a shot.
Best reusable breast pads for night-time: Curve
- Curve 4 Night Essential Washable Breast Pads, £24.50 from Lily & Ribbon - buy here
These Curve breast pads are ideal for those who leak that little extra overnight.
The concave shape is ergonomic and stays moulded to the breast overnight without slipping.
Each pad is ultra-absorbent, 100% leak-proof, and anti-bacterial as well as anti-odour.
Where can I buy reusable breast pads?
Thankfully, you can buy reusable breast pads from a range of places - all according to your needs, and budget.
You can buy them from high-street shops like Boots and on handmade online gift shops like Etsy.
Amazon has the biggest range, though, and you can search according to design, needs and price-points.
How many reusable breast pads do you need per day?
The amount of reusable breast pads you need per day depends entirely on the wearer - you may find that you leak more overnight, than you do during the day, but everybody is different.
Mums usually recommend owning about six breast pads, at first - four for during the day, plus an extra pair for emergencies, or in the wash at any given time.
How often do you wash reusable breast pads?
For hygiene purposes, you should wash your reusable breast pads after every single use.
Wash according to packet instructions, often on a 30 or 40 degree wash - usually in the provided wash bag, to extend lifespan and to make sure you don't lose them.
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