When you are new to breastfeeding in public, it can be nerve-racking. You can always start at friendly places that will give you the comfort and the confidence you need to do it with peace, such as at your local café or a breastfeeding group. If you want to be more discreet while breastfeeding, you can use breastfeeding covers for more coverage and privacy.
And according to the NHS: "The law protects breastfeeding mums. You are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public. That might be a café, shop, library or on public transport (basically any business that provides a service to the public). The Equality Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably if she is breastfeeding. If you feel self-conscious, try to remind yourself that you're doing the most natural thing for your baby. The more it's done, the more normal it will become."
Best at a glance:
• Best breastfeeding scarf: Mamascarf Breastfeeding Scarf, buy on here from Amazon
• Best multi-use breastfeeding cover: Cheeky Chompers Multimuslin Breastfeeding Cover, buy on here from John Lewis
• Best cotton breastfeeding cover: BebeChic Breastfeeding Cover, buy on here from Amazon
• Best organic breastfeeding cover: Organic Breastfeeding Cover, buy on here from Not On The Highstreet
Why buy a breastfeeding cover?
Most maternity tops on the market are breastfeeding-friendly, but if you want to keep using your old wardrobe, these covers will be an excellent addition to your daily life.
They're quite simple - they literally cover you and your baby while you breastfeed, acting as a shield to give you privacy if you so wish.
You might not know that there is more than one type of breastfeeding cover:
Shawl: the most common one is just a large piece of fabric that you can easily DIY with any muslin.
Poncho: this will cover not only your front but also your back, so are a great solution for colder days.
Scarf: as the name says, it can be worn around the neck when you’re not nursing.
Apron: it isn’t designed to be worn as regular clothing as it looks like an apron, they tie around your neck and drape over the baby.
Are breastfeeding covers safe to use?
Yes - specifically designed breastfeeding covers are safe for you and your baby to use; although always make sure your baby has plenty of room to breathe, and that air can circulate underneath the cover.
You also want to make sure you are comfortable while feeding, and that you don't overheat either. Wearing a cover can make you feel warm, so always make sure you are happy however you're feeding. Never feel any pressure to cover up - it is your choice and your decision on how and where to feed your baby.
If you would like to try a breastfeeding cover, here's our selection of favourites:
Best breastfeeding scarf
Doubling up as as a trendy scarf, this breastfeeding cover is great for nursing and accessorising, so it's one less thing to pack in your changing bag! It has a hidden pocket inside to store your breast pad too, which is super handy. One happy parent said: "I bought the feeding scarf after watching the video tutorial. It really is easy to use whilst feeding out and about. The scarf made me feel confident to breastfeed in public. The material is good quality - baby doesn't get too hot underneath it - that was my concern with other breastfeeding scarves. I would highly recommend the mama designs scarves."
Pros
- You can maintain eye contact with your baby throughout the feed
Cons
- Some mums thought the material was too thin
- Only 14 are left in stock
Best multi-use breastfeeding cover
www.johnlewis.com
Made from 70 per cent bamboo muslin and 30 per cent cotton muslin, this breastfeeding cover is natural, cuddle-able and super soft. It's versatile too as it can be used as a burp cloth, swaddle, pram cover and even a teething ring, making it a great present for any parent-to-be. First time mum said: "Such an excellent product that I wouldn't be without in my changing bag. As a first time mum breast feeding in public was so daunting but this product has helped give me confidence. I'm now 2 months in to the breastfeeding journey and generally only use it if I'm somewhere really busy for a bit of privacy while we feed or just while I get my baby to latch and then I move it out of the way. It then doubles perfectly as a muslin so once my baby has fed I flip it over my shoulder for winding. I've also used it as a comforter and swaddle and to shade my son on a walk when it was particularly windy. It's got so many uses and it's great quality and soft material. Highly recommended!"
Pros
- Has multiple uses
- A winding cloth
- Attachable teething rings made from food-grade silicone
Cons
- Some parents found the two rubber hooks that are attached to it are quite heavy
Best cotton breastfeeding cover
Made in the UK, this breastfeeding cover gives more coverage than many other brands. It's made from 100 per cent cotton fabric, resulting in a lighter, looser, and more comfortable cover. We love the polka dot design; it has a boned neckline, allowing you to keep eye contact with your baby while they feed. One parent who said BebeChic breastfeeding cover had helped her with self-confidence said: "This came in handy while breastfeeding out and about. I wasn't embarrassed about feeding, but whipping your chest out in a waiting room or on the street when you have to lift up your entire top, wasn't something I cared for - cold too! I was more embarrassed about my post-baby tummy than my boobs. This has great coverage, a nice design, and a handy wire that allows you to look down at your baby, and stops them getting a face full of apron. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Good length at 18 inches
- Boned 16" neckline allows eye contact with baby
Cons
- Neck strap isn't adjustable
Recommended
With over 5,500 reviews on Amazon, this cover is super popular. It's ultra-soft and breathable, allowing free and easy air movement to keep you and your baby relaxed and comfortable. Reviewers loved how it can be used for multiple different uses. Glad with its coverage, one parent said: "I dont often write reviews but this product is amazing.. I bought it as a nursing cover (which it is fantastic for) but I didn't expect to use it in so many other ways! As in photo I use it to protect from cold wind at the beach. Its handy to guide from glare of sun. Useful to keep settled on a nap or avoid distraction when trying to get baby to sleep. For nursing it's so handy, you can rummage about underneath without fear of flashing and it's much easier to take on and off than lots of other nursing covers - although I tend to just wear it round my neck as a scarf when out. Very soft. Handy wee bag. As you can see from the length of my review... I really can't recommend it enough. I'm buying another!"
Pros
- Flexible material
- Features premium stretchable fabric that is easy to put on
- Ample coverage for you while allowing your baby to breathe and wiggle.
Cons
- Only a few left in stock
- Some reviewers wished it was more stretchy
Best breastfeeding apron
A one-size-fits-all apron, easy to roll up and carry with you wherever you go. It features two pockets, to pop in your phone and other stuff, and the strap is adjustable. It's machine washable and comes with a little bag to store it nicely away too. Impressed with this style, one buyer said: "Since purchasing the nursing cover I have been using this a lot for over 6 months without any issues. The style of the cover gives me great privacy and it is easy to put on/remove especially when holding my little one. Can adapt the neck strap easily and be able to see inside the cover. Material is great as it's not too thin or thick. Pockets are very handy for putting things in. I've washed this a lot and it still looks/feels great!"
Pros
- Adjustable nursing cover
- Roomy and comfortable
- Has a little storage bag for easy carrying
Cons
- Some customers felt this cover-up drew more attention to them breastfeeding compared to without it
The best lightweight breastefeeding cover
www.johnlewis.com
The BellaMoon Breastfeeding Privacy Cover is excellent for breastfeeding mothers because it provides comfort, discretion, and convenience while nursing. Its lightweight, breathable fabric ensures both mother and baby remain comfortable, even during extended feedings. In love with the design, a buyer said: "Really comfortable, breathable and can see baby easily. Light material, and structured neckline. Importantly for me, it gives privacy when feeding in public or in front of loved ones. Would highly recommend, lovely designs too". The cover offers full coverage, allowing mothers to breastfeed in public with privacy and confidence. It’s designed to be easy to wear and adjust, ensuring a snug fit without feeling restrictive.
Pros
- Perfect for mamas who want a little privacy when breastfeeding
- Structured with a boned neckline
- Extremely lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- One review said it made her newborn hot
Best organic breastfeding cover
www.notonthehighstreet.com
The Organic Breastfeeding Cover from Not On The High Street is great for nursing mothers because it combines comfort, privacy, and eco-friendly materials. Made from organic, breathable fabrics, it ensures both mother and baby are comfortable during feeding while being gentle on sensitive skin. The cover provides full coverage for discreet breastfeeding in public, helping mothers feel confident and at ease. Its stylish design makes it a functional accessory that’s also fashionable.
Pros
- Organic cotton nursing covers
- Perfect baby shower gift
- Adjustable strap
- Available in blue or pink shades flowers
Cons
- No onsite reviews
FAQs
How often should a mum breastfeed her baby?
If you're new to parenting and breastfeeding, you may be wondering how often you should breastfeed your baby. Of course, every baby is different so you can feed them as often as they want and for as long as they want. The NHS states it's fine to feed your baby whenever they are hungry, when your breasts feel full or if you just want to have a cuddle. The good news is that it's not possible to overfeed your baby.
In the first few days, you may find your baby wants to feed every hour for the first few days. However, this will reduce over time. According to research by nutritionjewel.com, babies who are one-week old need to be breastfed at least eight-12 times a day. 6–12-month-old babies will only need between three-four times a day. The first six weeks can be the toughest for a mum, but it should start to settle down around the three-month mark as your baby becomes a more efficient feeder.
Is it illegal to ask a breastfeeding mother to cover up?
Keep in mind that if you are choosing to breastfeed, it's against UK law to discriminate against breastfeeding. You have the right to do it wherever and whenever your baby needs it.
You should not ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. It is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a café, shop, or public transport, just for feeding her baby.
Sophie Knight is a hypnobirthing teacher and freelance journalist. She has worked with Mother&Baby for the past 12 years, and has also worked on sister titles including WhatsTheBest, Closer, Grazia, CAR, Parkers, and Today's Golfer, among many others. She is a mum of two, and an experienced product tester. Passionate about maternal mental health, Sophie is also a Mental Health First Aider, and a Reiki healer. Sophie has been teaching hypnobirthing with Bourne Hypnobirthing since 2023, having studied it following using the techniques for her own two births.