If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, you’ve probably seen nursing pads on every postpartum checklist. These small, absorbent pads sit inside your bra to catch milk leaks—something that’s common, especially in the early months.
But how many do you actually need? Should you stockpile hundreds? What if you use reusable ones? And how does your supply change over time?
Let’s break it down.
First, Do You Need Nursing Pads?
In most cases, yes. During the first few weeks or months after birth, many moms experience leaking milk, particularly:
- Between feedings
- When baby cries (letdown reflex)
- Overnight
- When feeding on one side and leaking from the other
Nursing pads help keep your clothes dry, prevent stains, and reduce the need for frequent wardrobe changes. As your milk supply regulates (usually after 3–4 months), leaking often becomes less frequent—but not always.
Types of Nursing Pads: Disposable vs. Reusable
Before calculating how many you’ll need, it’s important to choose between disposable and reusable pads (or a mix of both).
Disposable nursing pads:
- Single-use, ultra-absorbent
- Great for early postpartum and outings
- Convenient but not eco-friendly or budget-friendly long-term
Reusable nursing pads:
- Made of cotton, bamboo, or fleece
- Washable and cost-effective
- Better for the environment
- May need to be changed more often if less absorbent
How Many Nursing Pads Do You Use Per Day?
In the first few months, most moms use 4–8 pads per day (2–4 pairs), depending on:
- How much they leak
- How often they feed or pump
- Whether they’re using disposable or cloth pads
- If they change pads overnight
As milk supply evens out and leaking slows down, that number usually drops to 2–4 pads per day.
So, How Many Nursing Pads Do You Need in a Year?
Let’s do the math based on an average usage timeline.
Disposable Nursing Pads Estimate
0–3 months (heavy leaking)
6–8 pads/day = ~180–240 pads/month
Total for 3 months: 540–720 pads
4–6 months (moderate leaking)
4–6 pads/day = ~120–180 pads/month
Total for 3 months: 360–540 pads
7–12 months (light or occasional leaking)
2–4 pads/day = ~60–120 pads/month
Total for 6 months: 360–720 pads
Total for 1 year: approx. 1,260 to 1,980 disposable nursing pads
That’s 630 to 990 pairs, or about 20 to 35 boxes (if a box has 60 pads).
Reusable Nursing Pads Estimate
Reusable pads are sold in pairs, and how many you need depends on how often you do laundry.
If you wash every other day and use 3–4 pairs per day:
- You’ll need at least 10 to 14 pairs to rotate between wears and washes.
If you want fewer laundry loads, go with 16–20 pairs for convenience.
You may still want to keep a small box of disposables for travel or emergencies.
When to Change Nursing Pads
Change your nursing pads:
- As soon as they feel damp
- At least every few hours in early months
- After each feeding if you leak consistently
Wearing soaked pads for too long can cause irritation or increase the risk of nipple yeast infections or mastitis—so it’s worth changing regularly.
Signs You Might Need More Nursing Pads
- You’re doing laundry constantly just to keep up
- You find yourself reusing damp pads
- You’re leaking through to your clothes
- You want extras for your diaper bag, car, or work pump bag
How to Store Nursing Pads
For on-the-go:
- Use a zippered pouch to keep clean and used pads separate
- Keep a few pairs in your diaper bag and pump bag
At home:
- Store clean reusable pads in a drawer or bin
- Use a mesh laundry bag to wash them without losing any in the wash
Do You Need Nursing Pads for the Entire First Year?
Not necessarily. Some moms stop leaking after a few months, while others continue throughout their breastfeeding journey.
You can reevaluate around the 4–6 month mark and adjust your supply. If leaking slows down, you might switch to fewer pairs per day or stop using them altogether.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using disposable nursing pads, plan for up to 2,000 per year if breastfeeding full-time. For reusable pads, aim for 10–20 pairs, depending on your laundry habits and leak levels.
Every mom’s experience is different. Some stop leaking after a few months, while others need pads the whole time. Start with enough for the first 4–6 weeks, then adjust based on your body and lifestyle.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping you comfortable, confident, and dry during those early, leaky months of motherhood.
