If you are trying to decide which type you should buy. This quick guide outlines the benefits and disadvantages of reusable breast pads.
Benefits
There are many benefits to using reusable pads. These include;
- Soft and comfortable – Our range of washable pads is made with a cotton and bamboo mix. This is extremely soft and gentle for your tender nipples.
- Environmentally friendly – The biggest benefit of using reusables is their small environmental impact. These are made from eco-friendly and organic materials. We use cotton, bamboo and PUL Cotton to make ours. And after use, they can be washed and reused. Unlike disposables which end up in a landfill.
- Cost – Once these have been purchased there are no ongoing costs. While you will have to continually buy disposables.
- Use for later babies – Once you have finished using them you can store them for future use. This will also save you money in the long run.
- Better Air Circulation – They are also made from natural materials. So provide better air circulation. This helps sore nipples heal quicker.
- No chemicals – The reusable types are made with organic materials. While some disposables types may have chemicals used to make them. These are not only bad for our ecosystem but not good to put against your skin
- Prevent Milk Stains – Both types prevent milk stains. Saving you from extra cleaning and public embarrassment.
Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages to using reusable pads.
- Harder to Maintain – Disposables can be thrown in the bin while reusables need to be washed and dried.
- Upfront Cost – Buying reusable may be too much for people on a budget. One pair of reusables can equate to 74 disposables.
- Can be hard to find – You may find the reusable type harder to find than disposables. Disposables can be brought from supermarkets. While reusable ones will have to be brought from specialist baby shops like ours.
- More organisation – You will need to be more organised to make sure you have a set of pads clean, dried and ready to go. But if you find yourself without pads there are alternatives you can use in the interim.
- Can’t have as many – With disposables, you can keep them ready in a range of different places. For instance, in the car, pram, hospital bag and nappy bag. While reusable ones rely on you buying a few sets and keeping them clean. We recommend buying 7.
Our Preference
When buying pads it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing situation. You may want to mix and match with a pack of disposables and some reusables. But after weighing up the benefits and disadvantages. Our preference is to use more of the reusable types. They are the better option for the environment. They are also less expensive over the long run, especially if you plan to have more children. Although the care and maintenance are higher the benefits far outweigh this.
I hope you have found this article helpful. If you have any questions please see our large resources on washable breast pads or please contact me.
This article was written by Luisa Figueroa. I am the owner, designer, and maker of the My Little Love Heart range nursing pads. I am a mum to a beautiful daughter Natalia. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 15 years, specialising in baby accessories for the last 7. My love of fashion has enabled me to work and study around the world.