Best Nursing Pajamas

You expect a lot of changes when there’s a baby on the way – including changes to your body. But it’s nothing to be inconvenienced by since there are helpful solutions around every corner. 

One of the most common new-mother problems is clothing, since your weight and size change drastically in nine months. Pajamas are harder to come by once you consider things such as nursing or breastfeeding. Fortunately, this is where the best nursing pajamas come into play; pajamas made specifically for breastfeeding mothers.

What are Nursing Pajamas? 

Nursing pajamas are made specifically for new mothers and pregnant women who need more comfortable and conventional pajamas. These pajamas are made for easier nursing or using a breast pump. To make it easier on both the mother and the baby, these pajamas are made with breastfeeding in mind. 

The pajamas come with pull-down or pull-apart fabric, which makes it easier to breastfeed your child without removing your entire pajama piece. They’re extremely handy for nighttime feeding and at-home breastfeeding. 

Best Nursing Pajamas

How Do You Use Nursing Pajamas? 

Nursing pajamas are exactly the same as regular pajamas. Only the top is made to be opened for breastfeeding. Just open it when you need to or pull down the neckline since many shirts are also made to be used in this manner. 

Nursing pajamas are comfortable and meant to be used for at-home use as well, so you can always wear something that’s breastfeeding-friendly. It’s meant to be your go-to outfit for when you’re at home lounging or watching over your baby. 

Pros and Cons of Nursing Pajamas 

Nursing pajamas are made with the convenience of new mothers in mind. There is a lot of change happening to the body throughout pregnancy as well as after, and there are not many clothes made to accommodate this. Nursing pajamas are adjustable, elastic, and made with the need of breastfeeding in mind. 

You get a few options to choose from, the main two being pajama suits and nightgowns. A nightgown is free-flowing and comfortable for both you and your baby. It doesn’t restrict your figure, so it’s also a great option for during the pregnancy. Pajamas are two pieces with a shirt and pants. They’re comfortable, and diverse in style, and the pants are elastic and adjustable, meaning you can have a perfect snug fit no matter the stage of pregnancy. 

However, nightgowns are not made for winters and chilly nights, especially since layering up underneath ruins their purpose. They can also be quite revealing, meaning they’re a better option for when you’re home alone or with the family, not when others are around. 

Pajamas don’t always get it right either. Though they’re comfortable and warm, the biggest challenge a good pair of pajamas face is weight change. Pajamas come with adjustable waistbands to help adjust to the weight changes, but not all pajamas are made with the best quality. You have to keep this in mind and be picky with your choices when looking for the perfect pair of pajamas.

Features to Look for in Nursing Pajamas

— Type of Nursing Pajamas

As I previously said, there are two types of nursing pajamas you can look into. 

Nightgowns and two-piece pajamas. In the end, it’ll come down to preference, whether you like the open structure of a nightgown or the snug layered fit of a pajama. 

— Nursing Access 

There are different types of nursing access to look into. 

• There could be an elastic scoop neck that allows you to pull the neckline down without ruining it. 
• Some flaps can open the shirt for your child, and flaps with snaps to keep them secured in place. 
• There are also classic button-ups that can help you reveal two breasts if you have twins or want more skin-on-skin contact with your child. 

— Breast Support 

The dilemma of breast support in nursing pajamas. The issue here is that most pajamas are not made with this consideration in mind. The expectation is that women will be wearing their own bras underneath their pajamas, so this isn’t a concern that pajama manufacturers actually consider. 

The concern mothers now have is purchasing a spacious enough pajama or nightgown which will allow them to wear a bra comfortably under their clothes. 

— Waistline 

Perhaps the most important part of the pajama, a good waistline does not dig into your stomach. It’s adjustable and does not create any unnecessary strain over your stomach. Any kind of pressure or tension can become uncomfortable or even painful for women during and after pregnancy. 

Your waistline will change a lot, so it’s best to look into pants that have a drawstring. This makes it even more adjustable, so you can wear your pants throughout any stage of pregnancy. 

— Material 

Material is a highly important consideration since you want to be your most comfortable during these transitional times. There are several materials you can come across which can offer you different levels of flexibility and comfort. 

• Cotton 

Cotton is a common material which is used frequently in clothing. It’s natural, soft, and breathable, making it a great material for warmer weather and casual wear. 

It may not be the best material to wear for nighttime since it’s an absorbent material that can make you uncomfortable if your breasts leak during feeding or when you’re asleep. 

• Bamboo 

Bamboo is the material used by environmentally friendly and higher quality brands. It’s a softer material option and can pull moisture away from the body, making it more comfortable and ideal for breastfeeding mothers. It’s not found as commonly as cotton pajamas are, but it certainly is an upgrade worth looking for. 

• Polyester 

The synthetic cousin to cotton, polyester is a flexible and breathable material that does well in warm weather. You’ll feel fresher and cleaner since it can also handle moisture the same way bamboo does. 

Polyester does not compare to cotton or bamboo when it comes to softness and comfort, however. 

• Fleece 

Fleece is a warmer option if you’re looking for something to wear in the winter. It still manages to be breathable while also retaining heat during colder nights. It pulls moisture away from the body and keeps you comfortable and clean. 

• Silk 

Finally, there is the luxury of silk. Some people have silk pajamas and would therefore know the irreplaceable comfort of it. 

The bad news is that silk is not meant to meddle with moisture. Breastfeeding and silk are a bad combination. If you’re currently wearing silk pajamas and you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, then it’s best to look for an alternative because getting silk wet can be permanently damaging. 

The Verdict

Nursing pajamas are a good idea if you’re going to be a new mother. You’ll want both you and your baby to be as comfortable as possible during these times, and nursing pajamas intend to make the journey much easier. You can find fashionable and friendly options perfect for yourself, all it takes is a little research and some nudges in the right direction. 

If you have any expecting friends or family who need that little nudge, then be sure to share this article with them.

Photo credit: Shaposhnikova Anna/Shutterstock; Sergey Granev/Shutterstock;
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