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Best breast pads 2026: tried, tested and loved by real breastfeeding women
Breastfeeding is a strange process to get used to, particularly when it's your first time, and leaking breast milk is something that happens to almost everyone, especially in the first few weeks as your milk supply comes in. Finding the best breast pads - whether you're looking for washable, disposable or silicone - can make all the difference to your comfort and confidence.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Dec 30, 2025
While not everyone considers breast pads as essential an item to stock up on pre-baby as, say, a supply of baby bottles or a decent changing bag, as a mum-of-three who has clocked up a collective 40+ months of breastfeeding, I found them extremely useful, particularly in those leaky first few weeks postpartum.
Something that comes as a surprise to many parents-to-be is that you can start leaking breast milk even before the baby arrives. So buying at least a pack of disposables or one set of reusable nursing pads, even packing them into your hospital bag, is definitely worth it. Whichever type you choose, they tend to really come into their own in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding as your milk supply surges, often catching you by surprise.
The best breast pads 2026: at a glance
Best disposable breast pads: Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads | £10 (100-pack)
Best reusable breast pads: Baby Bliss Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads | £17 (14-pack)
Best breast pads budget buy: Boots Bump and Beyond Disposable Breast Pads | £2 (40-pack)
Best breast pads for sore nipples: Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads | £10 (2-pack)
Best breast pads for absorbency: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Daily Disposable Breast Pads | £8 (40-pack)
Best breast pads for larger breasts: CannyMum Soft Bamboo Reusable Breast Pads | £9 (16-pack
Best silicone breast pads: LilyPadz Non Absorbent Breast Pads | £19 (2-pack)
Best breathable breast pads: Medela Ultra-Breathable Nursing Pads | £10 (120-pack)
Best breast pad collection cup: Elvie Catch Milk Collection Shells | £20 (2-pack)
Best breast pads for smaller breasts: Cheeky Wipes Reusable Breast Pads | £15 (6-pack)
While some women need nursing pads before their babies are born, some only need them until their milk supply is established, while others need them every day even after they’ve stopped feeding.
For many breastfeeding mothers, leaks only happen at night time when they are going longer between feeds, while others find their ‘spare’ boob leaks as their baby feeds on the other side, and vice versa when they swap. By including as many different types of the best breast pads currently available in our listings (from those which claim to eradicate leaking completely to others which collect spare milk as you feed) we're confident you'll be able to find the best breast pads to cover you whatever your needs and preferences.
How to choose the best breast pads
The main choice when it comes to finding the best breast pads for you is deciding between disposable breast pads and reusable breast pads (which you wash and then wear again). The added bonus with disposables is that they often come with a sticky backing to fix them inside the bra, but lots of nursing bras have a little pocket for your breast pad so this shouldn’t put you off something without an adhesive strip.
As with our guides to the best breast pumps, baby monitors and pregnancy pillows, we've left no stone unturned in our mission to shortlist only the very best items which really do make parents' lives easier. Here's our pick of the best breast pads 2026.
Best disposable breast pads overall
Reasonably priced
Ultra thin
Claim to hold 20 times own weight in breast milk
Each pad is individually wrapped which results in more waste
Key specs
Price on writing: £10 for 100 | Type of pad: Disposable | Materials: Non-woven polypropylene fibre, Pulp tissue, Super Absorbent Polymer, Polyethylene, Synthetic Rubber
What Mumsnet users say
Lansinoh’s nipple cream is highly rated by Mumsnet users, as are their excellent value disposable nursing pads. They are very thin and lightweight, but can hold up to 20 times their own weight thanks to a special absorbent core.
They also have two adhesive strips to hold them in place. This helps you to shape them around your boobs for maximum coverage and minimal leaks. Breathable out and inner layers help prevent that ‘damp’ feeling in your bra, which in turn helps guard against thrush and sore, chafed nipples.
I personally used these breast pads in the first few weeks of breastfeeding when my milk could be quite unpredictable in terms of leakages and really appreciated how well they stayed in place and prevented leaks. I did end up switching to cheaper disposables with less packaging before opting for reusable breast pads after my first pack ran out and my milk production calmed down.
The pads are individually wrapped, and while this makes it easier to slip them into your changing bag and more hygienic than 'loose' pads, for an already less eco-friendly option it does lose them green points.
Read next: Make nappy changes easier with our guides to the best nappy bins, changing mats, nappy rash cream and wipes
Best reusable breast pads
Comes in a choice of three sizes
Made from super soft bamboo as well as an absorbent microfibre layer
Comes with a handy wash bag
Not adhesive so might slip around in a looser fitting bra or top
Can take a while to dry
Key specs
Price on writing: £17 for 14 | Type of pad: Reusable| Materials: Bamboo, microfibre, polyester
These are the reusable breast pads I used with my last pregnancy and the reason why I rate them so highly is because five years after stopping breastfeeding, I'm still using them everyday as make-up removal pads.
BabyBliss’s reusable pads come in three sizes so you can easily find one to suit your cup size. They also come with an organza laundry bag to help keep them together in the wash (though having long since lost this, I just bung them in with my whites and they're fine).
Made from super-soft bamboo, these organic breast pads feel really comfy against the skin but also have three layers, including a polyester outer layer to make them really absorbent. They’re gently contoured to fit your natural breast shape.
Related: Discover the best sippy cups and highchairs to make mealtimes a breeze
Best breast pads budget buy
Absorbent and soft
Trusted brand
Individually wrapped for hygiene and convenience
Adhesive
Not recyclable
Needs to be changed regularly
Key specs
Price on writing: £2 for 40 | Type of pad: Disposable | Materials: Plant-based materials
Boots is one of the most trusted brands on Mumsnet for all things newborn and maternity-essential, and they've come up trumps with one of the most affordable disposable breast pad options. These individually wrapped disposable pads come in a bumper pack of 40 for less than £2 - a perfect option for the first few weeks as your supply establishes itself.
Made from soft, absorbent plant-based materials and featuring a useful adhesive strip to help them stay in place, the pads are individually wrapped for hygiene. They might not be as environmentally friendly as reusable options, but if you find that you don't actually need breast pads after the first few weeks of feeding (or even at all) then they're a good, cheap 'just in case' option to have on hand.
Related: Feed your baby in comfort with one of the best nursing chairs and breastfeeding pillows
Best breast pads for sore nipples
Hydrogel pads offers cooling relief to cracked, grazed and sore nipples
Each pad can be used for up to three days
Can be stored in the fridge for extra cooling effect
Includes a storage tray for protection between feeds
Some reviewers say that the cooling effect doesn't last very long
Expensive considering they're not reusable beyond three days
Key specs
Price on writing: £10 for 2 | Type of pad: Disposable | Materials: Hydrogel, fabric backing
These ‘Soothies’ are designed as a short-term solution rather than to be worn long-term as a breast pad, and they’re expensive for something that is, at the end of the day, disposable. However, many mums, particularly new mums, have sworn by them for getting through the early days of breastfeeding or getting past a tricky stage or sore or cracked nipples.
The absorbent pads have a cooling hydrogel inside them (which is vegan, by the way). You remove the sticky backing and carefully place it in your bra between feeds to bring much welcome, cooling, soothing relief to sore nipples. They come with a tray that you can put them on while feeding to prevent them getting lost or picking up fluff, and each pair can be used for up to 72 hours.
As we said, they’re a temporary measure. If you’re still in agony after 72 hours’ use, you do need to speak to the health visitor, midwife or GP, but as a crutch to get you through a difficult couple of days, they’re a must.
Read next: The best baby bath tubs, sterilisers and potties according to real parents
Best breast pads for absorbency
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Daily Disposable Breast Pads
Two sizes to choose from
Contoured to fit your bra without poking out of the sides or top
Adhesive
Not as cheap as other disposables
Some reviewers found the adhesive tape not as sticky as other brands
Key specs
Price on writing: £8 for 40 | Type of pad: Disposable | Materials: Cotton and synthetic materials
These breast pads from Mumsnet-favourite brand Tommee Tippee have been praised for their good level of absorbency. They feature two adhesive strips to keep them firmly in place, and the super soft materials are gentle on the skin.
They also come in a choice of sizes and feature a contoured shape designed with comfort and leak-proof protection in mind, so while they're not quite as cheap as the Boots disposables, they offer plenty of useful extra features to justify the extra spend.
Best breast pads for bigger breasts
Contoured shape
Includes a laundry bag
Washable and waterproof
Can slip in bra
Can take longer to dry
Key specs
Price on writing: £9 for 16 | Type of pad: Reusable| Materials: Bamboo, microfibre and PUL
Bamboo washable breast pads are widely considered the best breast pad option for larger breasts on Mumsnet, and these pads from CannyMum have the benefit of being contoured for better fit and stability.
The pads feature three absorbent layers, with the super-soft bamboo being the closest to your skin for softness, moisture-wicking protection and natural anti-bacterial properties. They can take a while to dry, but you can tumble dry on low heat if you're in a hurry.
You get 16 in a pack and they also come with a laundry bag to help stop any going missing in a big washing load.
Best silicone breast pads
Can be used without a bra
Prevents leaking rather than absorbing
Can be used for swimming
More discreet than other breast pads
Might not be best option for those with heavier milk flow
Key specs
Price on writing: £19 for two | Type of pad: Reusable silicone | Materials: 100% Medical Grade Silicone
What Mumsnet users say
LilyPadz are a great alternative to conventional breast pads. Rather than soaking up your breast milk as a regular reusable pad would, they are actually non-absorbent and designed, instead, to use a small amount of pressure to stick to your breasts and therefore limit leaks – although you may want to avoid these if you have a history of mastitis.
The makers also reckon you can go braless with them, although that would very much depend on the stage of your breastfeeding journey and how sore your boobs are.
The pads have been midwife-approved and clinical trial-tested. They are washable and reusable for weeks. Wash with a moisturiser and oil-free detergent when needed, then air dry and re-apply. Don’t towel dry these - they tend to easily get bits of lint stuck to them which you’ll never quite get off again.
Related: The best manual breast pumps, reusable nappies and bottle warmers according to real parents
Best breathable breast pads
Medela Ultra-Breathable Nursing Pads
Absorbs 50 x its own weight in breast milk
Outer layer wicks moisture away from skin for extra breathability
Contours to your shape
Some reviewers reported skin irritability with these pads
Quite large
Key specs
Price on writing: £10 for 120 | Type of pad: Disposable | Materials: Triple layer polymer
If you're firmly in the disposable breast pad camp, this 120 pack from popular breast pump manufacturer Medela should keep you well-stocked. Made with triple-layer polymer in a contoured shape, these breast pads have been made with breathability and absorbency at the fore.
Medela’s breast pads have a natural-fibre lining, making them extra gentle on the skin. They’re ideal for the early days of feeding when it’s likely your breasts will be super sensitive.
Each one comes individually wrapped to keep them clean and lint-free, and making it easy to just pop a spare into your changing bag. And with two adhesive strips at the back on the waterproof layer, these pads won’t slip around.
Best breast milk collection cups
Catches up to 30ml of breast milk so not a drop is wasted
Easy to pour into bottle or storage bag
Discreet
Not as soothing as other options
Not recommended for use overnight or when lying down
Key specs
Price on writing: £20 for two | Type of pad: Reusable | Materials: Silicone
Elvie, the makers of one of our favourite wearable breast pumps, have designed an alternative to breast pads that don’t just absorb leaked milk, they collect it – up to 1oz or 30ml per cup, making them slightly different to the silicone LilyPadz we also review on this page, which aim to prevent leaks rather than simply collect the milk. If you’re suffering with mastitis or other breastfeeding issues, the Elvie ones might be the better choice as they let your milk flow freely
The silicone cups sit neatly in your bra and you can then use the collected milk as a top-up feed or to put in your baby’s bath or on their skin – breast milk is supposed to be good for baby acne, cracked nipples or episiotomy stitches, too.
Each cup is surrounded by a silicone skirt that prevents slippage and can be rotated to find your best fit. Once in place, the cup can collect milk for up to three hours before it needs emptying, cleaning and drying.
Best breast pads for smaller breasts
Tapered shape offers a good fit for smaller breasts and bras
Bamboo
11cm wide, smaller than other breast pads
Not adhesive
Key specs
Price on writing: £15 for 6 | Type of pad: Reusable | Materials: Bamboo
Cheeky Wipes' Bamboo Breast Pads are shaped for a close fit, making them ideal for smaller boobs. They come in a pack of six (three pairs) and are 11cm in diameter. We liked the fact that they are available in black as well as white, too.
There’s a fast wicking soft layer against your skin, absorbent bamboo and a PUL backing, meaning they are thinner than many disposable pads and soft to wear. You can wash them at 40 degrees, too so it’s easy to keep them feeling fresh.
What are the different kinds of breast pads available?
Breast pads are either reusable or disposable. Disposable breast pads usually have adhesive to hold them in place and are thrown away once you’ve used them. Reusable breast pads can be made from bamboo, cotton, polyester or even silicone.
Make sure you opt for ones that are breathable – you can do this by avoiding pads with plastic or waterproof liners. Silicone breast pads are a bit of an exception here; often their purpose is to prevent leaks rather than absorb them, but if you’re suffering with mastitis or similar, it’s best to give them a miss until you’re back on an even keel.
How often do I need to change my breast pad?
You should change your breast pads whenever they get dampas moisture around the nipple can lead to bacteria growth, but otherwise, see how you go. There’s no one answer to how often you should change your breast pad. Some women never leak and never need breast pads. Some need lots in the early days until their supply is established. Some only leak when they experience let-down, while others need breast pads for the whole time they feed and beyond.
In the early days, you might find you need to change your disposable breast pad at every feed – which can be 10 or more times a day. Sometimes you might need to change them after every other feed or you may need to change the side you are not feeding from.
By the time your supply is established, you’ll likely use between one and three pairs of breast pads a day, but some particularly absorbent pads might even last you all day.
Do reusable breast pads work?
Disposable breast pads are great when you're on the go and come individually wrapped for maximum hygiene. But reusable breast pads work just as well and can be used again and again, making them an eco-friendly and a more affordable option than disposable pads.
They can also be more comfortable against the skin than disposable nursing pads, particularly if they’re made from cotton or bamboo. Washing them actually makes them even softer and more comfortable to wear. This can make all the difference in the early days, especially if your nipples are cracked or sore.
Can breast pads cause mastitis?
No, breast pads don’t cause mastitis; it’s usually caused by engorgement and blocked ducts or cracked nipples caused by a poor latch. However, bacterial growth at the nipple can be a contributory factor so you should keep the area clean and dry. As long as you ensure you change your breast pads often enough and don’t let the area become warm and damp, which can lead to bacterial growth, you’ll be fine.
Should I wash breast pads before use?
It’s perhaps a good idea to wash reusable pads before you use them just so you know they’re completely clean. They might feel a little softer for a wash, too.
How many breast pads should I pack in my hospital bag?
Buy a pack of disposables for hospital so you can see if you need breast pads or not. You may find you don’t but you’ll be glad you had them if you do leak. A box of 20-40 should get you through a good few days and decide if you need more or if you want to invest in some reusables.
How long do I wear breast pads for?
Some women find they only need them when they first start breastfeeding. Others carry on using them all the way through and while they wean their baby off the breast, too. It completely depends on how your body works.
Should I wear breast pads at night?
If you want to. Some women prefer to ‘hang free’ a bit at night and let a bit of air at them, but lots of mums find that night time is when they leak most as they’re often going longer between feeds then, so you might want to wear some pads inside a sleep bra if you’re finding you’re waking up in a pool of milk regularly. There’s certainly no reason not to wear them at night.
What are the best breast pads to buy?
Lansinoh really seem to understand breastfeeding and their Disposable Breast Pads are a firm favourite among Mumsnet users. Their domed shape and secure adhesive make them ideal for leaks.
When it comes to reusable breast pads, BabyBliss Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads are very absorbent, yet discreet, making them a firm favourite with many breastfeeding mums.
How we chose our recommendations
To ensure we only ever show you the best of the best products, we always do our research thoroughly and make sure every product comes carefully vetted, tested, evaluated and with a clutch of honest reviews to recommend it.
Recommendations from real parents
We know that the best reviews come not from press releases, but from real parents who have tried the products in question, which is why, before recommending any new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month.
We know we can rely on Mumsnetters for honest feedback, both positive and negative and the mums we went to for advice on buying the best breast pads all had lots of useful information to share on a plethora of products.
Expert advice
We always ensure our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so you can rely on it, and we research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to scrutiny. We also consulted La Leche League for general advice on breastfeeding as well as the NCT for information on dealing with sore nipples while breastfeeding.
Consumer feedback
Having scoured Mumsnet for real and honest reviews, we also always check out real customer reviews across the internet from parents who have bought the products themselves, and given both positive and negative feedback to ensure every product we recommend comes with a clutch of good reviews.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we always check to see which products have won consumer awards and industry accolades or received recognition from trusted sources and feed this into our analysis, too, to help us choose the best breast pads on the market.
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About the author
Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys, games and tech.
Jenny has more than 16 years of experience working as a professional writer and journalist including stints as a local newspaper reporter, radio news reader, TV researcher and editor of a trades magazine and website. Becoming a mum in 2013 ignited a passion for writing about parenting, a theme which started as a light-hearted blog and has made its way into three published fiction novels and several guest articles for national publications.