The Best Nursing Covers with Privacy, Function and Comfort in Mind
Whether you choose to cover up or not, feed your baby or pump on the go with confidence.
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The first few times you feed or pump in public can feel daunting. While you certainly don’t need a nursing cover when you’re breastfeeding in public—and you shouldn’t feel like you do—some nursing parents find that there are times when they want a little privacy.
You can throw a swaddle or other blanket over your shoulder to give you that privacy. But a nursing cover is designed to provide ample coverage and stay where you need it, whether you’re nursing a squirmy baby or managing your breast pump parts. Another bonus? Some nursing covers are also multitaskers. In between feeding sessions, some can shade baby in their car seat, cover shopping carts and restaurant high chairs and even be worn as a scarf. They’re typically lightweight and easy to fold, taking up just a little of the precious space in your diaper bag.
Our team has fed babies and pumped milk in all kinds of places, which means we’ve tested a ton of covers and done our research to find the best options for any parent. Konssy Muslin Nursing Cover is our best overall pick because it has everything parents could want and need in a nursing cover—from privacy and comfort to ease of use. The 100% cotton muslin material is breathable, which plays a huge role in comfort for both parent and baby. It also goes right over your neck instead of covering your shoulders, so you don’t feel confined within and it fits well in all kinds of bodies.
However, since we know that what works best for one family might not be the ideal pick for another, we picked five more nursing covers that we think are worth a look.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
As Babylist’s assistant editor and a mom of two who breastfed both for a total of three years, I know firsthand how it feels to be nervous to breastfeed in public. I used my insight from that experience and from what I later learned after becoming a certified lactation consultant (CLC) to choose the tried and true nursing covers on this list. Jen LaBracio, Babylist’s senior gear editor, has a decade of experience in the world of baby products, including nursing covers, and is also a parent of two young boys, ages ten and two. We also reviewed feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of thousands of Babylist users and talked to parents at Babylist for their input.
Best Overall Nursing Cover
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight + breathable
- Unique design keeps baby visible
Cons
- No back coverage
- Not multi-use
This nursing cover does exactly what any nursing or pumping parent needs it to do, which is why it’s our best overall pick. It’s thoughtfully designed to provide comfortable privacy while also allowing them to see what they’re doing underneath. The simple apron-like shape makes it easy to throw on and remove. The unique hoop design keeps its shape across the front to the top open, angling it away from your body so you can simply peek down and keep an eye on things.
It’s also super breathable. Ask any parent who’s used a nursing cover and you might hear how stuffy it was or that they ended up being more of a hassle than helpful (it’s me, I’m parents). Konssy’s cover is made of the same 100% cotton muslin material as some of your baby’s swaddles, which makes it ideal for a few different reasons. First, the material is naturally lightweight and breathable, so it’ll prevent you and your baby from overheating no matter what time of year it is. Second (and as an added bonus), it’s also absorbent—which can come in handy for accidental milk leaks or spit-ups following a feed.
There are a few things parents found lacking. Some wished it was a little bigger so it provided more coverage (especially when you’re trying to wrangle a wiggly baby for a feed). And though you can easily see baby, you may need to readjust the hoop to keep it open. And besides doubling as a burp cloth, it’s primarily a one-job product. You can’t use it as a car seat cover (like the Copper Pearl pick down below) if that’s something that’s important to you.
Best Nursing Cover for Tracking Feeds
Pros
- Structured neckline lets you see baby
- SlideLine ring helps you track feeds
- Open-back design keeps you cool
Cons
- Some parents say it runs small
Our second pick is similar to our best overall with one cool exception—a built-in feature to help you remember which side you fed or pumped last. Boppy, known for their soft yet supportive nursing pillows, designed this nursing cover to make life for lactating parents easier. You may have heard of the hair tie trick—switching between wrists to keep track of which side you fed baby on last—and this cover features that same idea in the form of a little plastic piece that slides from side to side along the front. Apron styles also allow for a bit more airflow than infinity wrap options. We also love that it folds up compactly into itself, taking up less space in your diaper bag.
The reason this didn’t make it into our best overall spot is the size. It’s not as full coverage as some parents would expect. Parents with larger chests (and particularly squirmy babies) noted they had trouble getting it to cover themselves and their baby, causing a little peek-a-boo window on either side. They also wish it came in more colors in addition to the two gray options.
Best Shawl Nursing Cover
Pros
- Buttery-soft material
- Versatile
- Large size
Cons
- A lot of fabric to navigate
- Pricey
Want a nursing cover you can also wear? And use as a car seat, high chair, or stroller cover? The Shawl, recently launched by Solly Baby, (the maker of one of our favorite baby wraps) might be for you.
Solly took that same well-loved buttery material and made it into this super versatile nursing cover. This cover is lightweight, super soft and easy to use. Simply throw it on and you’re ready to feed your baby or pump no matter where you are. It’s also generously sized—which has its benefits and challenges. While it’ll provide a ton of coverage for privacy, it’s a lot of fabric to work around. What makes it different from the Copper Pearl pick on this list is that it’s not fitted—allowing a bit more freedom of movement and airflow. It comes in Solly’s iconic colors and prints and you can even match or coordinate with your wrap carrier.
It’s definitely on the pricier side of nursing covers and is quite a bit of fabric to manage on top of organizing your baby and your boobs. And wearing a shawl isn’t everyone’s style.
Best Versatile Nursing Cover
Pros
- Multi-tasker
- Folds up small
- Super stretchy
Cons
- Hard to see baby
- Gets hot
Copper Pearl’s multi-use cover definitely lives up to its name, which is why it’s our top pick for the most versatile. The super soft, stretchy rayon blend keeps this cover fitted snugly around you and your baby while nursing. It also works perfectly for pulling over your car seat to shield your baby from sun, wind and curious strangers (and their germs), and can protect your baby from restaurant high chairs and shopping cart seats. It also folds up small to fit in your baby’s bag when you’re out and about.
The infinity shape of these kinds of nursing covers isn’t for everyone. A few parents shared that the snug shape makes it hard to breastfeed in because you can’t see what you’re doing. Some also found it a bit hot and uncomfortable, for both themselves and their baby. And while the material is super stretchy and soft, some parents note that it gets holes easily (especially when used as a car seat cover and placed on rough surfaces). And speaking of using it as a car seat cover, it’s important to make sure your baby isn’t too hot inside. Be sure you always remove it from baby’s car seat before getting in the car.
Best Nursing Cover for Extra Protection
Pros
- Stretchy and breathable
- Antimicrobial technology inhibits germs
Cons
- Only available in one color
This multipurpose cover from Munchkin is made from soft a fabric that’s infused with silver-ion technology to prevent germ growth on the fabric’s surface. (Not to get too “sciency” but silver is known to have antimicrobial properties; it basically inhibits germs’ ability to replicate, which is why you might also see it used in certain bedding and exercise clothing).
As someone who became a parent in 2020, I was so intrigued by this germ-busting nursing cover. While you can’t completely avoid germs as a new parent, you definitely don’t want them hanging out on your nursing cover (which usually don’t get washed as often as our clothes). It has the same shape as Copper Pearl’s Multi-Use cover and a similar soft, stretchy fabric.
Keep in mind that it’s not impenetrable, and not all germs are bad germs. However, it does provide a level of peace of mind that many parents appreciate. Some say it’s not as breathable as they’d like, especially when using it on a warmer day. The infinity shape allows for limited visibility and movement while feeding or pumping. And the color options are also super limited—it only comes in this gray pattern.
How We Chose the Best Nursing Covers
We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled thousands of Babylist users, and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
We relied upon the insight and experience of the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, CPST, who has been an expert in the baby space for over six years, is a mom of two, and has tested a bunch of nursing covers. I also added my own insight as a mom of two who breastfed both babies (through many leaks), and I’m also a certified lactation counselor (CLC).
We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
Types of Nursing Covers
If you’re in the market for a nursing cover, there are a few different types to choose from.
Multi-purpose covers: These resemble the infinity scarves many of us were obsessed with in the 2010s. They’re made from stretchy, soft material like rayon, bamboo or jersey and have versatile uses from—yes—wearing them as a scarf, to providing some privacy while nursing to covering up the germy grocery cart while shopping. They’re also noteworthy because they can be used as infant car seat covers.
And speaking of versatile uses, there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on using yours as a car seat cover. Jen LaBracio, Babylist’s Gear Editor and Certified Passenger Safety Technician says it’s fine to cover your baby’s car seat when it’s out of the car or attached to their stroller—but never leave it on while driving. “Only products approved by the car seat manufacturer for use with your particular car seat are safe. You don't want to add anything that can interfere with the seat's functionality,” LaBracio says. This also includes things like head supports or harness covers (that did not come with your seat) and even car seat toys.
Apron covers: This type of nursing cover has an apron-like neck loop that’s adjustable and provides a good amount of coverage while still allowing you to peek into the top and see what you’re doing. These are not designed to cover infant car seats.
Shawl covers: Another wearable nursing cover option, this type is made of one continuous piece of fabric that you can wear over your clothing. Some also double as car seat covers, but be sure to check your specific model. (Tip: the Solly shawl on this list is one of those versatile options!)
Swaddle as a cover: You can also use one of the many swaddle blankets in your baby’s collection as a nursing cover, too. Simply drape one over your shoulder and baby during feeds for some privacy. The only downside of this is they can slip off if you’ve got a wiggly baby and it’s hard to see what you’re doing. But they’re a good option in a pinch.
Do I need a nursing cover?
You don’t need to use a nursing cover if you don’t want to and you shouldn’t feel like you have to either. You’re allowed and entitled to feed your baby whenever and wherever (in fact, it’s the law). To cover up or not is a deeply personal decision. Be sure to do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
I also recommend (and personally used once I was a little more comfortable feeding in public) the “two-shirt method” where you wear a nursing cami underneath your shirt. When you’re ready to nurse, simply unclip your nursing bra, lift your shirt up and let the cami keep you covered below and your shirt will take care of that up top. Check out this helpful guide from The Little Milk Bar for a quick demo.
