You don’t realize how inconvenient nursing can be until you’re a new mom sitting in your car holding your hungry baby in one arm while you’re hiking your entire ankle-length dress up to your bra with your other hand in 80-degree weather. 

Having clothing that makes it easier to nurse your baby in is an absolute must. Just because you are breastfeeding, should you have to sacrifice the quality, comfortability, and style of your clothing? Absolutely not.

The key to finding perfect nursing clothing that will make feeding your baby a breeze (and also have strangers stop to ask you where you got your top from) is to know what to look for. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know.

Let’s first talk about what to steer clear of to make this process less of a hassle for you. 

Certain types of clothing will not be your friends as you are learning to breastfeed your baby, especially when you’re trying to maneuver your baby, your clothing, and who knows what else.

Look for clothes that are comfy and provide easy access to nursing bras. Some examples include nursing tank tops, nursing hoodies, nursing t-shirts, or clothes with easy-to-work- zippers, buttons, and slits.

Sometimes, maternity clothes can continue to fit the bill for nursing — items like maternity leggings are still comfy when your baby arrives. However, if you start nursing, you’ll want to make sure any maternity dresses or maternity tops still work for breastfeeding.

When it comes to dresses, they can either be fantastic for breastfeeding or the biggest struggle.

That high-neck jumpsuit or dress you love that you need a friend to unbutton every time you go to the bathroom? Yeah, that’s not the best option at the moment, bestie. But luckily, we have tons of other options that marry fashion, function, and a fussy baby.

Having clothing that fits your lifestyle is key. 

At Hatch, we know what it’s like to be a mom who is just trying to feed her child without having to wrestle her top off. We want to use our experience as moms to make your nursing experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. 

So, what clothing makes nursing less stressful? 

To start off, you need clothes that give you easy access to your breasts. If you try on a piece of clothing and can pull the top down easily or pull it up to your bra without a struggle, it’s considered a nursing-friendly piece.

Let’s look at some nursing-friendly clothing that you don’t need to think twice about.

Grabbing a stack of nursing tops is essential for a nursing-friendly wardrobe. Having plenty of different styles of tops to choose from makes breastfeeding easier (and maybe more fun??) than ever.

Below are a few of our favorite options:

The Softest Rib Nursing Tank is a staple to have this summer while nursing. This super cute and casual tank comes in three dreamy colors. It allows you to pull the top down or even unbutton it to begin feeding your baby.

This sleeveless piece can be used as loungewear around the house or paired with a cardigan for a dressier look while running errands. Add it to a pair of mom jeans for that 90s throwback chill vibe. 

The Early Days Nursing Sweatshirt offers the warmth and comfortability of a sweatshirt without completely blocking off your access to your breasts. This stylish, high-quality sweatshirt is designed with a deep V-neck so you can nurse with ease. Made from luxe French Terry, your skin will feel as loved as your baby. 

The Long Sleeve Nursing Tee may look like a typical long sleeve at first glance. However, it’s a mom’s secret weapon. This tee allows you to feed your baby while not having to lift your whole shirt up. 

This 100% organic Supima cotton top has a moveable top layer that can be lifted to reveal a slit in the middle of the shirt to access your bra. Not only does this shirt help breastfeed, but it also doubles as a nursing cover. Lay the top layer over your baby so you can discreetly feed anytime or place.

The Luxe Nursing Tee is designed similarly to the short sleeve nursing tee. With its front layer that moves, you can quickly feed your baby. This is a great plain tee that looks super cute with a pair of jeans or summer shorts. 

The 24/7 Nursing Tank is your go-to tank top that you could wear every day in those early breastfeeding months. It comes in four neutral colors that will match anything, from high heels to house slippers.

This soft and stretchy tank is made with removable clasps on the straps so you can unhook them faster than a baby can start crying the minute the waiter comes to take your order. These are essentials and great to have and wear, even when you stop breastfeeding.

There are many different types and styles of dresses that work great for nursing. Finding dresses that can easily allow you to get to your bra will make a world of difference. 

Here are some eye-catching and adorable nursing dresses that will make you feel beautiful and make breastfeeding convenient. 

The Softest Rib Nursing Tank Dress is a flowy, just-below-knee-length dress with a scoop neckline and snap buttons all the way down the front. There’s no doubt about it, this dress is perfect for nursing and can be paired with a cute jean jacket and some sandals. 

The Softest Rib Nursing Dress looks and feels very similar to the tank dress. Instead, it incorporates long sleeves with a deep V-neckline. It goes down to just above the ankles: soft and elegant, perfect for almost any occasion.

The Short Secret Nursing Dress is a flowy, three-quarter sleeve button-down summer dress that sits just above the knees. It has hidden slits in the front of the dress where your bra would be that are closed by snap buttons. When you’re ready to feed your baby, you just unsnap the buttons to open the slits, and voila — you’re ready to nurse. 

The Back In the Game Nursing Dress is not only the cutest must-have summer dress, but it’s the must-have “my baby is hangry” essential. This long, flowy A-line dress has a deep V-neckline with a double layer at the chest area that reveals open slits so your baby can grab a snack as you cheer on your favorite soccer team.

To make this dress even cuter, it has tied shoulder straps and comes in the most beautiful amber brown shade.

The Smocked Secret Nursing Dress is a trendy cotton gingham dress that is flowy and ideal for those hotter summer days. (Or winter days when the postpartum night sweats refuse to leave you alone.)

Its stretchy neckline makes nursing easy, and its ruffles are a cute touch. As if the dress couldn’t get better: it. also. has. pockets. With shades of lilac and black, you have one adorable summer dress in two iconic variations.

We saved the best for last. How often do you see nursing jumpsuits? Just because you are a nursing mama does not mean your style and wardrobe should be limited.

Here are some absolutely adorable jumpsuits designed with you and your baby in mind:

After learning about the differences between clothing that is and isn’t nursing-friendly, you not only know what to look for but have some amazing options available to choose from. 

As a breastfeeding mama, you shouldn’t have to go searching to the ends of the earth to find quality clothing that allows you to feed your baby without a hassle. 

These tops, dresses, and jumpsuits are fashionable and convenient for you no matter where you go. Wear what makes you confident and serves a purpose for you — struggling with your dress in the car does not need to be your narrative! 

Enjoy this time with your baby. You’re forming that oh-so-special bond that is shared between mother and child. Then, when they start to talk, then you can share all your fashion secrets that made this time in your life so fabulous.

Sources:

The Advantages of Cotton Clothing | livestrong

39 Breastfeeding Secrets Every New Mother Should Know | Parents

Postpartum Night Sweats: What to Do | Healthline