The nursing shawl offers a versatile and convenient way to create a defined space around your body that just you and your baby share. If you are committed to breastfeeding but modest about doing so in public, or if your child is easily distracted by things around them while latching on, then a nursing shawl creates a quiet environment in the busiest of public places.
Nursing shawls are basically like other shawls or wraps but are generally made of cotton or a similar itch-free fabric that is lightweight, easy to care for and opaque yet breathable, enabling your child to nurse privately and comfortably without overheating. The shawls are also compact, able to be folded into a handbag or diaper bag without taking up too much space.
Of course being a modern mother you want the nursing shawl to look good as well and so the shawl must be a neutral enough color and style to match almost any outfit yet still be modern, elegant and stylish at the same time. Even if you don’t want to wear the nursing shawl all the time (and often this may be the case as accidents happen so easily!) then while you are feeding your child in a public space it is understandable if you don’t want passers by to stare at you struggling over a huge scratchy woollen blanket.
There are a number of stylish options, both general purpose fashion shawls that can also function as nursing shawls and specifically designed nursing shawls that you would wear only for feeding and then remove after.
Here are some of the best:
Bebe Au Lait and Hooter Hiders
The Bebe Au Lait brand also design and create the brand Hooter Hiders and you can choose which brand you buy under, the former for chic mothers and the latter for those with a sense of humor! Created by US entrepreneur Claire Ekelund when she began breastfeeding in public the style of shawl is unique because it offers a semi-rigid neckline that allows mothers to see their baby while breastfeeding and have that precious eye to eye contact that both baby and mother treasure. The unique neckline also releases hot air out the top so baby does not overheat.
Their designs are very modern and the funky prints vary in color and pattern and the brand has a growing legion of fans that appreciate the chic look and ingenious design of the shawl. Mothers also noted the portability of the shawl, it fold down into a small footprint that stows in a bag easily.
The BeBe Au Lait nursing shawl is available at Amazon for a reduced price at the moment and you can also check out the dozens of positive reviews from other mothers.
You can see how the Bebe Au Lait works on this video below:
Other mothers also recommended the following products:
An organic option is also available in this nursing shawl from NursEase, a design developed by mothers and doctors.