The Ultimate Guide to Using Disposable Nursing Pads

(From One Leaky Mama to Another)

When I first started breastfeeding, let me tell you — I thought I had it all figured out. I’d read the books, watched the videos, bought the cute nursing bras, and even stocked up on those round things everyone said I’d need — nursing pads.

But when it came time to actually use them? Cue the confusion.

Do I stick them to my skin or my bra? Do I wear two at night? Am I supposed to change them every hour? I once layered two pads on each side like I was prepping for battle. Spoiler alert: That is not the move.

If you’ve ever stared at a box of nursing pads like it held the secrets of the universe, this guide is for you. We’re talking real talk — the what, why, and how of using disposable nursing pads without losing your mind (or soaking through your favorite T-shirt in public again — true story).

What Even Are Nursing Pads?

Okay, let’s start at the beginning. Nursing pads — also called breast pads or bra pads — are little absorbent shields that sit inside your bra. They’re designed to catch leaks between feedings or pumping sessions. That way, you’re not walking around with suspicious wet spots or damp, irritated nipples.

Think of nursing pads like:

• A protective barrier between your boobs and your shirt
• A way to keep ointments and creams from rubbing off
• A mental safety net that says, “Go ahead and leave the house, you’re covered”

There are a ton of types — cotton, bamboo, reusable, disposable, stick-on, silicone — and the quality varies a lot. I’ve tried the itchy ones. I’ve worn the ones that crumple like a tissue inside your bra. I’ve experienced the ones that move so much, they might as well be a game of peekaboo with your nipple.

And then I found Boob Aid Nursing Pads.
Breathable, ultra-comfy silicone with a built-in healing reservoir? Mama, I cried a little (and not from pain this time).

Step-By-Step: How to Use Nursing Pads Like a Pro

So now that we know what they are, let’s break down how to actually use them.

1. Prep Your Boobs (Yes, Seriously)

Right after nursing or pumping, gently pat your nipple area dry. Even a tiny bit of lingering moisture can cause irritation (or make your pad slide around like it’s on a slip ‘n slide).

If you’re using ointment, this is the time to apply it. And if you’re using Boob Aid, the healing reservoir will hold it right where it needs to be — no greasy mess, no wasted product.

2. Open the Pad and Place It

With traditional disposable pads:

• Peel off the little adhesive strip (if it has one)
• Stick it to the inside of your bra
• Adjust until it covers your nipple and doesn’t feel bunched

With Boob Aid Nursing Pads:

• No sticky stuff needed
• Just gently place the silicone pad directly over your nipple
• The soft silicone naturally grips your skin and stays put

3. Adjust for Comfort

Give yourself a second to make sure everything feels right. The pad should sit flat against your skin and completely cover the nipple area. If it feels off, readjust. No shame in taking your time — your comfort matters.

4. Change When Needed

This is where Boob Aid really shines.

Most traditional pads get soggy fast and need to be changed every couple of hours (sometimes more if you’re producing a lot of milk). They can start to feel heavy, itchy, and downright gross.

Boob Aid Nursing Pads, on the other hand:

• Stay dry longer thanks to better absorption
• Keep your skin cooler and less irritated
• Let you go longer between changes — which means more peace, fewer interruptions

5. Toss and Replace

At the end of the day (or when they feel damp), simply throw them away and pop in a fresh pair. Keep extras in your diaper bag, purse, glove compartment — anywhere you might need a backup.

Mama-to-Mama Tips: What I Wish I’d Known Sooner

Here’s what I wish someone had told me at 3 a.m. during week two of breastfeeding, when I was leaking, tired, and sitting in the dark googling “how to use nursing bra pads” while crying into a granola bar.

Wear the Right Bra

Soft, wireless nursing bras are your best friend. Avoid anything too tight or rigid, especially in the early weeks when your breasts are adjusting and changing sizes every 15 minutes.

Don’t Double Up (Usually)

You really don’t need to stack pads — even overnight. If you’re using Boob Aid, one pad per breast is plenty. They’re designed for all-day (and night) comfort and leak protection.

Rotate Often

Don’t leave the same pad on for hours if it’s wet. That’s a fast track to irritation and even thrush (a yeast infection — not fun). Even though Boob Aid lasts longer, always change when it starts to feel damp.

Watch for Redness or Itching

Your skin is sensitive right now, so if anything feels “off,” trust your gut. Redness, itching, or burning can be signs it’s time to switch products. Go for something breathable, gentle, and safe for irritated skin — like, you guessed it, Boob Aid.

Why I Switched to Boob Aid — And Never Looked Back

Here’s what I noticed immediately:

• No soggy pad squish when I moved around
• No shifting, even when chasing a toddler or nursing in a carrier
• No wasted ointment — the healing reservoir kept it right on my nipple, not soaked into a cotton pad
• No stink (yep, old pads can get funky if left too long)
• No awkward crinkly noises — just smooth, quiet, leak-proof comfort

And yes, they’re disposable, but they’re thoughtfully made with your healing and comfort in mind. Honestly, Boob Aid felt like a nursing pad made by a mom who had actually been there — because it was.

Final Thoughts: Pads Shouldn’t Be a Pain

Nursing pads might seem like a tiny part of breastfeeding, but when you’re wearing them 24/7? That tiny thing makes a huge difference.

Getting the right pad — one that feels good, stays put, works with ointments, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re wearing a soggy napkin — is a form of self-care. And mama, you deserve that comfort.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, leaky, or just plain unsure of what pads to use or how to use them — take a breath. You’re not alone. And with Boob Aid, you don’t have to figure it out by trial and error.

FAQ: Disposable Nursing Pads 101

1. Can I use nipple cream with nursing pads?
With most traditional cotton pads, the ointment gets absorbed into the material and doesn’t stay on your skin. But Boob Aid Nursing Pads are designed with a healing reservoir that holds your ointment exactly where it needs to be — on your nipple — without wasting a drop.

2. How often should I change my nursing pads?
Change pads as soon as they feel damp to avoid irritation or infection. With Boob Aid, you’ll find you can go longer between changes because of their superior leak protection and breathability.

3. Do I need to wear nursing pads at night?
If you leak overnight (and most of us do at some point), yes! Boob Aid Nursing Pads are great for nighttime wear because they stay put and stay dry, even when you’re tossing and turning.

4. Can I wear nursing pads without a bra?
While it’s best to wear nursing pads inside a soft nursing bra for support, Boob Aid’s gentle silicone grip means they can stay in place better than most pads — even with lighter support.

5. What makes Boob Aid different from other disposable pads?
Boob Aid Nursing Pads are made from medical-grade breathable silicone, feature a patented healing reservoir, and offer superior leak protection, skin comfort, and flexibility — no sticky adhesives, no soggy mess, just comfort and care where you need it most.

Still wondering if Boob Aid is right for you?
Mama, try them for yourself. Comfort, protection, and a little less chaos — all in one tiny pad.
👉 Visit BoobAidNursingPads.com — you’ve got this!