Reusable Nursing Pads vs. Disposable: Which to Choose?

Let me tell you about my first week of breastfeeding. There I was, 3 AM, crying over my cracked nipples while my newborn wailed for another feeding. I'd already gone through an entire box of disposable nursing pads that kept bunching up awkwardly in my bra, and I was desperately searching for something—anything—that would make this journey easier.

That's when I stumbled into the world of reusable nursing pads, and honestly? It changed everything. Not just the practical stuff (though my bank account definitely thanked me), but the whole experience of early motherhood. I went from dreading every feeding to actually looking forward to those quiet moments with my little one.

Why I Made the Switch to Reusable Nursing Pads

Look, I'll be real with you—those first few weeks, I was leaking like a broken faucet. I'd wake up soaked through my shirt, and don't even get me started on those embarrassing moments at the grocery store. The disposable nursing pads I was using felt like I was strapping cardboard to my chest, and they'd bunch up in weird places, creating these awkward lumps under my shirt that made me look like I had some sort of geometric art project going on under there.

After burning through what felt like a million disposable breast pads, I finally decided to try washable ones. I started with just a few pairs of basic cotton nursing pads, but quickly discovered there's this whole world of options out there—bamboo, organic materials, different shapes and sizes. It was like finding the perfect bra after wearing the wrong size for years.

The Real Talk About Reusable vs. Disposable

Here's what nobody tells you about nipple pads: the disposable ones can actually make things worse. Those synthetic materials trapped moisture against my skin, which didn't exactly help with healing my sore nipples. But when I switched to reusable bra inserts, especially these amazing silver-infused ones from Go Mommy (which, by the way, were a total game-changer for my poor, battered nipples), everything started improving.

The Honest Truth About Cost

I did the math (because apparently, that's what my sleep-deprived brain decided to focus on at 2 AM). I was spending about $15 every week and a half on disposable pads. That's roughly $60 a month! When I invested in a set of quality reusable nursing pads, it paid for itself in less than two months. Plus, these breastfeeding essentials actually lasted through my entire nursing journey.

The natural color options meant I didn't have to worry about them showing through light-colored shirts (unlike those blindingly white disposables), and the material actually got softer with each wash. Speaking of washing—I bought 12 pairs of reusable nursing pads, which was plenty for my routine. I'd toss them in with the baby's laundry (because let's be honest, I was doing enough loads already), and they'd come out good as new.

Finding Your Perfect Match

After trying what felt like every brand out there (including those popular bamboobies everyone raves about), I learned that, just like everything else in motherhood, it's not one-size-fits-all. Some days called for thicker pads, others for something more discrete. The key was having options—and knowing how to use reusable nursing pads properly made all the difference.

And here's a pro tip I wish someone had told me: you don't need to change reusable nursing pads as often as disposable ones. They're actually designed to handle more, which means less fumbling around in public bathrooms trying to make the switch. When you do need to change them, just fold them in half and tuck them into a small wet bag. Trust me, your diaper bag has room for one more thing.

The Daily Reality of Using Reusable Nursing Pads

Let me paint you a picture of what my typical day looks like with reusable nursing pads. First off, how often to change reusable nursing pads? I usually swap them out 2-3 times a day, which is way less frequent than those disposable ones that would get soggy and uncomfortable within hours. The natural absorbency is seriously impressive—though I learned the hard way that having a spare set in your purse is always smart (hello, unexpected letdown in the middle of a Target run!).

My Morning Routine (Or What's Left of It)

Every morning, I grab a fresh pair of washable nursing pads from my drawer. I've got a nice little rotation system going now, but in the beginning, I was constantly wondering how many reusable nursing pads do I need? Through trial and error, I found that 12 pairs is my sweet spot—enough to get through a few days without doing emergency laundry at midnight.

Speaking of nighttime, can we talk about those middle-of-the-night feedings? The Silver Nursing Cups from Go Mommy have been an absolute lifesaver. Not only do they help with healing (which, trust me, you'll appreciate when your nipples feel like they've been through a cheese grater), but they're also incredibly comfortable to sleep in. No more waking up in a puddle!

The Learning Curve with Reusable Pads

Nobody tells you there's actually a right way for how to use reusable nursing pads. I spent the first week wondering why they kept shifting around until I realized I was putting them in upside down (sleep deprivation is real, folks). The contoured side goes against your breast, and make sure the waterproof backing faces out—game changer!

When Things Get Real

Let's be honest about leakage because it happens to all of us. I remember sitting in a meeting, feeling that familiar tingle, and praying my breast pads would hold up. The reusable ones have never let me down (unlike those disposable ones that would sometimes decide to just... give up). But here's the thing: you need to know how many reusable nursing pads you need for your specific situation. Heavy leaker? You might want to stock up on a few extra pairs.

And can we talk about washing? I've got a system down now, but at first, I was tossing them in with regular laundry and wondering why they weren't as absorbent. Pro tip: avoid fabric softener—it reduces absorbency. Also, those mesh laundry bags are your best friend. They keep your nursing pads from playing hide-and-seek in your washing machine.

The Real MVP Moments

There have been countless times when my reusable nursing pads saved the day, but my favorite was during a wedding. I was wearing a silk dress (ambitious, I know), and my little one was cluster feeding. Thanks to the reliable absorbency and perfect fit of my washable pads, I made it through the entire ceremony without a single visible leak. The bride never knew how close we came to a wardrobe disaster!

I've found that having different types for different occasions works best. The bamboo ones are perfect for everyday use, but those Silver Nursing Cups? They're my secret weapon for when things get really tough. Between the two, I'm covered for pretty much any situation motherhood throws at me—and believe me, it throws a lot!

Making the Switch: Honest Talk About Reusable Nursing Pads

Look, I get it—switching to reusable nursing pads feels like a big leap. When I first considered it, I had about a million questions, starting with how often to change reusable nursing pads. After months of real-world testing (and some hilariously awkward moments), I've got some truth bombs to drop about making the transition.

The Investment That Actually Pays Off

I'll be straight with you—the upfront cost of reusable bra inserts made me wince. But after doing the math (yes, I actually sat down with a calculator at 3 AM during a feeding), I realized I was spending a small fortune on disposables. Those nipple pads add up fast! Within two months, my reusable ones had paid for themselves, and they're still going strong.

Speaking of strong, let's talk about durability. Remember when I mentioned those Silver Nursing Cups from Go Mommy? They've become my ride-or-die breastfeeding essentials. Unlike regular breast pads that need constant replacing, these cups are the gift that keeps on giving. They've survived countless washing cycles and still look (and work) like new.

Real Talk: The Good, The Bad, and The Leaky

Here's what nobody tells you about washable nursing pads: they get better with time. Those first few washes might feel a bit stiff, but trust me, they'll soften up. I learned this after panic-buying three different brands because I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. (Spoiler alert: I hadn't.)

Finding Your Perfect Match

When it comes to natural color options, I actually prefer the unbleached ones. They might not be Instagram-worthy, but they're gentler on sensitive skin. And let's be real—nobody's seeing them anyway! I've tried everything from basic cotton to fancy bamboo (looking at you, bamboobies), and I've found that having a mix is ideal.

One night, while using my Silver Nursing Cups between feeds, I had an epiphany: breastfeeding doesn't have to be a choose-your-own-adventure of discomfort. Sometimes it's about finding the right tools and giving yourself grace. Those cups, combined with my regular rotation of reusable pads, have been absolute game-changers.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

Want to know how many reusable nursing pads you actually need? Ignore those minimalist influencers suggesting you can get by with four pairs. In my experience, you need at least 12-14 pairs to maintain your sanity. This gives you enough buffer for laundry days and those times when your little one decides to cluster feed like they're training for an Olympic sport.

And here's something I wish I'd known earlier: storing your clean pads properly matters. I keep mine in a dedicated drawer (away from the dryer sheets—remember what I said about absorbency!). It's these little systems that make the whole reusable journey so much smoother. Plus, having a wet bag for used ones has saved my diaper bag from turning into a science experiment more times than I can count.

The bottom line? Making the switch to reusables isn't just about being eco-friendly—though that's a fantastic bonus. It's about finding what actually works for you and your baby. And sometimes that means combining approaches, like using those Silver Nursing Cups for overnight and keeping your favorite reusable pads for daytime adventures. Whatever keeps you comfortable and confident is the right choice.

My Final Thoughts on the Reusable Journey

After nearly a year of navigating this whole reusable nursing pad situation, I've learned that motherhood is basically one giant experiment in finding what works. Some days, you're a leaky mess wondering how to use reusable nursing pads without soaking through your favorite shirt (been there). Other days, you feel like you've finally cracked the code.

The Real MVP: A Mixed Approach

Here's what eventually worked for me: I keep a mix of solutions on hand. My Silver Nursing Cups from Go Mommy are my overnight saviors—seriously, they've prevented countless 3 AM sheet changes. During the day, I rotate between my favorite washable pads and occasionally throw in a disposable when I'm heading to something important (because Murphy's Law of Motherhood states that's exactly when your milk will decide to come in full force).

When people ask me how often to change reusable nursing pads, I tell them to trust their instincts—and their shirt. If it feels damp, change it. I typically swap mine out 3-4 times a day, more if it's a particularly leaky day or if I'm dealing with those lovely hormone surges that turn you into a human sprinkler system.

Building Your Breastfeeding Arsenal

After trying what feels like every brand under the sun, including those trendy bamboobies everyone raves about, I've found that having variety is key. Some days your nipples want the softness of organic cotton; other days, they need the healing touch of silver. It's like having different bras for different occasions—except this time, it's all about keeping your actual bras dry.

I keep a stash of about 14 reusable pads in rotation (remember when I wondered how many reusable nursing pads do you need? The answer is: more than you think). This number lets me do laundry every few days without stressing about running out. Plus, I always have my trusty Silver Nursing Cups as backup when things get rough.

The Bottom Line on Breast Pads

If there's one thing I've learned on this journey, it's that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Some days you'll feel like a sustainable warrior with your washable nursing pads, and other days you'll be grateful for modern conveniences like that portable bottle warmer I keep in my car (another Go Mommy lifesaver, by the way).

The key is finding what works for YOU. Maybe that's a full set of reusables, maybe it's a mix of different solutions, or maybe it's something else entirely. Whatever keeps you comfortable and your shirts dry is the right answer. And remember, those tough early days of figuring out how to use reusable nursing pads and dealing with leaks? They don't last forever.

So here's my final piece of advice: be gentle with yourself. Stock up on more pads than you think you need, invest in solutions that actually work (those Silver Nursing Cups were a game-changer for me), and remember that every mom's journey is different. You're doing great, leaky boobs and all.

Discover how Silver Nursing Cups can soothe and protect – your breastfeeding journey made easier.

References

 

• [1] https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/comments/4wz1zy/disposable_nursing_pads_vs_reusable_what_would/
• [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/comments/1ge0jju/what_are_we_doing_about_nursing_pads/
• [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/comments/sa2j5w/reusable_vs_disposable_nursing_pads/
• [4] https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/comments/uyp2wx/disposable_vs_reusable_nursing_pads/
• [5] https://www.reddit.com/r/moderatelygranolamoms/comments/tfbrqa/reusable_breast_pads/
• [6] https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/comments/1g84iwl/what_are_the_best_nursing_pads/