Getting used to breastfeeding can be quite overwhelming. That also goes with pumping. Whether it is your very first time doing it, or you just haven’t nursed since your last child, it can be such a different experience than you have had before. For many moms, one key to making the adjustment smoother is having an amazing nursing cover! Feeling confident that you can get out of the house and resume your normal daily activities, without the stress of where you will hide yourself when it is time to feed the baby, is so wonderful. Although some are more popular than others, there are multiple types of covers, and each one has its pros and cons.
Apron Style
This cover type has been around for years, so you have likely seen them around. They look a lot like a cooking apron but they don’t have a waist tie. All you have to do is slip the top strap around your neck and you are good to go! Many of these covers have some sort of wiring or boning at the top. It gives the top of the cover some weight and pulls it away enough that you can peek down and help the baby when you need to, or adjust pumping parts. From what I have heard, some moms love that feature and some don't. Apron covers are quick and easy to put on, buuuuut they can also be pulled or kicked away by a flailing baby just as easily. If you are just pumping, you obviously won’t have the flailing issue, and the fact that you can see what you are doing is a big plus! This style is probably your best bet if you are an exclusive or frequent covering pumper!Scarf Style
If you are really into scarves, then a scarf nursing cover could be perfect for you. These covers are made as infinity scarves, so they are one continuous circle of fabric. Use is pretty self-explanatory; circle twice around your neck for scarf wear, or just hang the cover around your neck and under one shoulder to nurse. The fabric falls to your waist covering front and back! These are different than the multi-use covers because they do not have the ability to be worn over both shoulders, and will not serve as anything more than a nursing cover and a scarf. Coverage is obviously more complete with this style because it wraps completely around your front and back. Flailing baby won’t be exposing you! This type of cover lays flush with your body because it doesn't have boning or wiring in the top. It can be a bit more difficult to see your baby as you nurse or adjust your pump parts. But, the security of knowing you won’t be exposed to the world around you is worth the adjustment for many moms!Poncho or Multi-Use Style
Covered Goods Multi-Use Cover These covers are the clear winners in the nursing-cover world these days. They are almost like a shirt; covering both shoulders, your front and back, and down to your waist. Like the scarf type, it gives you complete coverage everywhere! Many of these covers, like Covered Goods, can actually be used as a scarf, car seat cover, and shopping cart/highchair cover as well. Since there is plenty to carry around as a mom, getting multiple different uses out of one item is really something to be excited about! Again there is not a rigid neck or border on these, so like the scarf style, this can be a bit more tricky when trying to pump. However, it makes everything else super convenient. Not having to worry about someone seeing "the girls" while you nurse sure is nice!