Nursing Covers
Nursing Covers, Scarves and Cover Up Cardigans
Feeding in public is easier when you are not thinking about it. This collection is nursing covers that do not look like nursing covers: poncho and scarf styles you wear as part of the outfit, and waterfall nursing cardigans that stay on all day and open when you need them.
The difference matters. A cover you have to carry, unfold and clip on gets left at home by week three. A scarf or cardigan you are already wearing is there every time, which is the whole point.
Which Type of Nursing Cover Should You Choose?
A poncho or scarf cover gives the most coverage and doubles as an actual accessory. Worn as a scarf it is just a scarf; pulled over it becomes a full cover with room for the baby underneath, and it packs down small enough to live in the pram basket.
A waterfall nursing cardigan suits anyone who would rather have a layer than a wrap. The open front gives cover at the sides while you feed, and it keeps working as an everyday cardigan long after you have stopped needing it for that.
What to Look For
- Coverage you can see through: enough drape to cover, light enough that you can still see the baby latch.
- Breathability: a cover traps heat, so lighter fabrics are more comfortable for both of you.
- Double duty: a scarf, poncho or cardigan you would wear anyway beats a single-purpose cover.
- Packs small: it needs to live in the bag without taking up the space a spare outfit needs.
- Washes easily: assume it will be spilled on regularly.
Free shipping applies on US orders over $100. If you would rather have feeding access built into the clothes themselves, see nursing tops and nursing dresses, which need no cover at all.
More Breastfeeding Essentials
- Breastfeeding clothes
- Nursing bras
- Nursing tops
- Nursing dresses
- Maternity knitwear and cardigans
- Postpartum clothes
- Hospital bag essentials
Nursing Cover FAQs
Do I actually need a nursing cover?
Plenty of people never use one, and nursing clothing with built-in access often removes the need entirely. A cover is worth having if you feel more relaxed with one, or for the specific situations where you would rather not think about it, like a restaurant table or a long flight.
What is the difference between a nursing cover, a nursing scarf and a poncho?
Mostly how you wear it when you are not feeding. A scarf and a poncho are worn as clothing and pulled into position when needed; a traditional cover is a separate item you put on and take off. The poncho and scarf styles here do both jobs.
Can I use a nursing cover in summer?
Yes, but weight matters more than it does in winter. A lighter, looser cover moves air; anything heavy will make a warm feed uncomfortable for both of you. Sitting somewhere shaded helps more than the cover choice does.
Will a waterfall nursing cardigan work as a normal cardigan?
That is the idea. The open waterfall front is a standard cardigan shape, so it carries on as an everyday layer long after the feeding stage, which makes it the better buy of the two if you only want one.
