Best Breastfeeding Clothes for Hiking
Nine months of Leo means nine months of breastfeeding, or ruby boobs apparently! Leo loves his solid food again (proper update soon) but we’re also still breastfeeding. I really think however you feed and nourish your baby - bottle, combo or breastfed - all are an incredible achievement to be celebrated. Everyone’s journey is so different and each has its unique challenges. I had no idea how my breastfeeding journey would go and have tried to keep an open mind but it has involved pain and a lot perseverance at times, and I’m proud that we’ve made it this far.
To celebrate, I’ve added a post about my favourite breastfeeding-friendly clothes for hiking because I’ve definitely found some are better than others. Before I began breastfeeding I had no idea what kind of clothes were out there or which would be best, so I’m hoping this might help someone looking for some pointers.
Day to day, I get a lot of use out of H&M breastfeeding tops, button-up tops, and of course you can’t beat the trusty one up one down method with a strap top under a tee, but I find that these be a bit of a faff while hiking and some tops can get very sweaty or stinky due to their material, so here are some of my favourite breastfeeding-friendly hiking gear and breastfeeding activewear.
Natal active
Wearing the NatalActive bamboo activewear top
I’m sure I’ve raved about these activewear breastfeeding clothes to everyone I know. I bought the long sleeve bamboo activewear top and the grey breastfeeding hoodie. Breastfeeding aside, I honestly think the hoody is my all time favourite hoody. It’s like dressing yourself in a hug. It fits perfectly, it’s ridiculously comfy and it’s so quick and discreet for feeding on the go, as long as you remember to zip back up (which I’ve forgotten to do numerous embarrassing times now 🤦♀️🙊). I wore this a lot on our winter hikes because it’s perfect for keeping the rest of you warm while you whip one out to feed.
Now that it’s warmer I find myself wearing the bamboo activewear top a lot more on it’s own. Again, it’s so lightweight and I find the material doesn’t make me sweat like some can, even after carrying Leo for a long time or in the heat.
Bshirt
These 100% cotton breastfeeding clothes from Bshirt are lovely. I got the black long sleeve top with lace embellishment and I love it. This one is great for wearing alone or layering up on hikes in colder weather. The only downside I’ve found is on more strenuous hikes or when it’s a bit warmer, the thick cotton can make me too hot. But Bshirt have all kinds of styles including breastfeeding vest tops, perfect for warmer weather. Still, I love this long sleeve breastfeeding top. I’ve had a lot of use out of it and wear it all the time under dungarees.
Base layers with long zips
Wearing the Peter Storm Women’s Zip up Base Layer
If you can find a base layer with a long zip these can be fantastic for breastfeeding while hiking. I managed to find this Peter Storm base layer from Blacks in the sale and it’s been brilliant.
Strap tops
With summer on the way, strap tops are perfect for quick and easy breastfeeding on the go. You can simply pull a strap top down and away you go, or there are special breastfeeding ones which un-clip for more discreet feeding. I use both.
Dungarees (especially Lucy & Yak)
I only really wear dungarees on shorter walks and active days out, but they’re a hard one to beat for comfort and discretion when breastfeeding in public. Have to say I highly rate my Lucy & Yak originals as they were ultra comfy during pregnancy and fab for feeding after. All I can say is wearing them feels like it’s become socially acceptable to wear pyjamas in public - they are THAT comfy.
I’m really proud of how far we’ve come on our breastfeeding journey and I hope to continue for as long as I can/as long as Leo wants to - whichever comes first. So if anyone has any more recommendations for great breastfeeding clothes while hiking please let me know below!
