If you’re going to be breastfeeding during the summer, you need to be prepared. Check out this awesome resource for nursing clothing to wear when it’s hot. No more ugly clothes! Here are exactly the type of tops, dresses, and essentials you need to have a fun and pretty summer while breastfeeding!
I spent 3 summers in a row nursing a baby, and now I’m on track to tally my fifth (!!) summer.
Pre-kids, I looked forward to summer as a time to wear flirty dresses, fun sleeveless tops, and strapless rompers.
But dressing in a way that is both cute, cool, and comfortable as well as easy to nurse
Fashionable nursing clothes for warm weather
To be quite frank, I am not a fan of most nursing clothes. I bought a few nursing tanks after Ryan was born but didn’t like the fit.
Even more, I never found nursing specific clothes that felt fun and interesting rather than just functional and dated.
What to Wear When Breastfeeding in the Summer
So I don’t wear them. Instead, I wear strategically chosen “normal” clothes that I know will work for breastfeeding both at home and while we’re out.
Today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for dressing during warmer weather while feeding babe.
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The Essentials for breastfeeding in the summer:
Disposable Nursing Pads
Here’s the thing, my friends. Heat + breast milk = a stinky disaster. Protect your bra when out with breast pads (even if you don’t leak anymore!) and toss them after each feeding.
Seriously, you don’t want to walk around smelling like spoiled milk.
Shelf Tanks
Seriously, if you’re a nursing mother, go buy 5. They are perfect for layering under things and slipping a strap down to nurse. You can put any shirt on top and just lift to feed while still being totally covered.
V or Scoop Neck T-Shirts
99% of the time you’ll find me in a cami and a looser v-neck. It’s the easiest thing on the planet to nurse in without going out and buying a full set of clothes specific to nursing.
Nursing bra
A nursing bra that YOU like and find comfortable is so important. With Ryan, I wore sports bra type ones. With Owen, I got this lightly lined one and went back 2 days late for another.
A backup top
Really, all moms of babies should have one with them at all times, but especially in the summer. If your baby spits up or you leak all over your shirt, you are going to smell in the summer heat.
Plain and simple. I throw an extra t-shirt in my bag to change into when my happy spitters inevitably projectiles on me.
Find more breastfeeding essentials here
Button down dress // Floral Wrap Dress // Collared Shirt Dress // Cami Maxi Dress // Fitted Wrap Dress // Loose Cami Dress
Summer Nursing Dresses
Everyone loves a good dress in the hot summer days, and nursing mommas are no exception. Dresses with fun exposed backs, no straps, or high necklines might not be the best options, because we still need a bra.
But there are options!
Psssst! Find all of my favorite dresses for breastfeeding here!
Check out my guidelines and picks below to find your perfect dress.
What you’re looking for in dresses for breastfeeding
- Soft material with a V or low scoop neck that can easily be pulled down or pushed aside. Structured fabrics don’t work that well.
- Wrap tops are a nursing mom’s best friend. It’s like they were made to be pushed aside to breastfeed in.
- Buttons. Dresses with a few working buttons on the top can be easily unbuttoned to allow for easy access.
- Thin straps that can be pulled down. This is my preferred method, hence my love of camis. I just pull the strap down, undo my bra and have at it. This may not be the best option for moms who like to be more covered up.
- Dresses you can wear a “normal” bra with. Nobody wants to see your nursing bra, no matter how cute it is. Make sure that whatever dress you choose doesn’t have aspects that need a fancy bra.
- Length. This is a personal preference but beware of the length of your dress. Kids require bending and moving on your part.
Summer Nursing Tops
Graphic Tees // Tie Top Shirt // Button Down Tank // Wrap Top // Graphic Tank Top // Loose Tee
What you’re looking for in breastfeeding tops
- Loose and able to be pulled up. A great option that may be overlooked is a shirt that can be pulled up to nurse. Wearing a cami underneath, you can pull it a bit down and be covered. It’s the best way to get use out of pre-baby clothes.
- V or Scoop necks. Low scoops and v necks are perfect for pulling down and nursing.
- Wrap tops. Wrap tops are a nursing mom’s dream. They’re made for easy access and pulling aside.
- Thin straps that can be pulled down. Again, thin straps are perfect for pulling down and nursing without overheating. Bonus, it’s easy to layer.
- Buttons. Obviously, buttons are great for nursing moms. Unbutton just enough to get your bra down and feed babe.
Bonus: Rompers!
Rompers are awesome for nursing. This is because they’re usually spaghetti strap, wrap, or have buttons so they’re easy to nurse in. PLUS, since they’re usually looser on your midsection they cover up any after baby body you might be self-conscious about.
Nursing Friendly Rompers on Amazon
I hope that this collection of tips and outfit ideas is a great resource and starting point for breastfeeding mommas – Remember, you can still dress fun and trendy while breastfeeding in the summer!!
So tell me – What is your favorite thing to wear in the summer, breastfeeding in the summer or not? Is it warm near you yet? Let me know in the comments!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
o0o0o saving this for later! This is great–i love how you showed pictures too!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Great tips! I don’t have kids but can share with the new Mommies I know!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
All of these pieces are so cute! I loveee rompers in the summer time but only wear them around the house as they’re always slightly too short for public viewing (I am tall so clothes have a tendency to do that, haha)
Catherine @ foodiecology says
I lived in button downs and v-necks when I was nursing! It was more challenging in the winter, I think.
Jessica-Faithful Farmwife says
I second the loose V-neck with a shelf cami!! Two top method is the best!
Leslie says
I wish most of these suggestions worked for me. Sadly, spaghetti straps and shelf tanks are useless now while nursing. I will agree with you on keeping nursing pads around, though. Baby #3 is nearing 10 months old, and I sprung a leak just the other day! Also agree with wrap/surplice necklines. They are my best friends these days. A little tip to avoid showing too much in those: get a good bandeau. They stretch down below the chest for nursing sessions and aren’t as hot in the summer as a cami. (I’ve actually used my belly bands for this purpose, too!)
Celeste says
Great advice, Morgan! My sister is expecting a baby this summer and she lives in the hot and sunny south, so I’ll definitely be passing this along to her!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
These are great ideas, although I’m passed the baby stage-lol-this better not jinx me! I love the clothing items that you’ve chosen. They are stylish but accessible, every nursing mom’s dream!
Sandra Garth says
This is a valuable resource for nursing moms and the clothes are just plain cute! Thanks for sharing at Celebrate Your Story.
Anya says
I loved this post! So many cute outfits here. I think I know the answer to this, but just want to make sure::: does one have to be nursing in order to look cute in this attire??