The healing power of cool temperatures is pretty magical. However, before cooling gel existed, you had no choice but to deal with the messiness of ice. Hydrogel: Hydrogel pads are not used for leaking. They help soothe and heal sore nipples, and they can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer so they can provide cool relief. Reusable: Reusable nursing pads are more cost-effective since you can wear them, wash them, and use them again and again. They're also environmentally friendly, but you'll have to buy several few pairs since you'll need to change them often, and you'll want to have a few pairs handy while others are in the laundry. We reviewed and selected nursing pads based on the following criteria from leading experts, as well as What to Expect community members:

Best nursing and breast pads for 2023 UK | MadeForMums

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.

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. While new mums are often told that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, in reality it may take a while for your nipples to get used to the frequency and length of your newborn’s feeds. This – combined with all the hormonal changes going on in your body in the early days after the birth – means you can get sensitive or sore nipples. Hydrogel pads can help by offering instant soothing and cooling nipple pain relief. They can also protect your nipples from clothing rubbing against them and support the healing process if your skin is damaged. 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.) If you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’ll want to have a supply of nursing pads to help keep you and your clothing dry and clean — or clean er, at least. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you’ll want to consider a number of factors, including: When you pictured what breastfeeding would be like, you probably never imagined sore nipples, engorgement pain, or milk leakage just because you heard a baby crying — and no one warned you it didn’t even have to be your own baby crying to get your milk flowing!

Pads - Healthline 8 Best Nursing Pads - Healthline

Nursing pads are designed for the nursing parent — not the baby. Choosing a nursing pad is a very personal decision. You’ll want one that stays in place over your nipple, absorbs any milk that you’re leaking, and doesn’t irritate your skin. 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. 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. Reusability. While some pads are designed to be thrown away after a few hours of use, reusable pads can be washed and worn again. The upfront cost for reusable pads is higher, and you’ll need to put in the effort to launder them correctly. However, these pads are made with super soft materials, may help you save money over time, and are often more environmentally friendly. The Ameda Difference means we stand by our breastfeeding products. Ameda's line of breastfeeding aids and pumps stand out even when compared to leading competitors.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. When you need to breastfeed your baby, simply remove the hydrogel pad and place it on a clean surface. Newborns feed frequently, so some parents like to use chilled silicone pads designed for sensitive nipples after feeding. However, others may prefer pads that can be thrown out after each use. In this case, it’s completely up to you. How can you stay dry while breastfeeding? 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.