It is completely normal to feel self-conscious about breastfeeding outside the home. You probably have questions like: Is it legal? Is it rude? How do I keep myself covered without fumbling?
We talked to the experts, including lactation consultants, doctors, and veteran moms, to get the answers you need. Here is how to make nursing in public work for you and your baby so you can leave the house with confidence.
Read on to learn the laws, the tricks, and the best methods for feeding your little one anytime, anywhere.
Key Takeaways
- All 50 states have legislation protecting a mother’s right to nurse in public, with most specifically exempting it from public indecency laws.
- Newborns are rarely distracted, but older babies may need a quieter environment or a cover to focus on feeding.
- Scout out comfortable locations like mall lounges, fitting rooms, restaurant booths, or park benches.
- Pack your diaper bag with helpful tools like a nursing cover, scarf, or large blanket if you prefer extra privacy.
Things to Know Before Getting Started
Every woman has a different comfort level when it comes to breastfeeding outside the home. Some moms are modest and avoid it entirely, while others feel perfectly comfortable feeding uncovered in the middle of a crowd.
Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, here are the basics you need to know before you head out the door.
Is it Legal to Breastfeed in Public?
Yes, it is. All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, have laws that specifically protect a woman’s right to nurse in public (1). Furthermore, 30 states explicitly exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.
The Law Protects You
Should You Find a Private Spot?
When a baby is hungry, it is always best to feed them immediately. If you are breastfeeding, that means nursing wherever you happen to be. However, you might want to consider your baby’s personality and age.
In the first few months, newborns are rarely distracted. They will usually nurse wherever you choose to feed them without issue. However, as babies grow older, their vision improves and they become much more aware of their surroundings.
Some older babies will refuse to keep a cover on. They might pull it off or play peek-a-boo to check out the action nearby. Others may be too interested in the noise and lights to settle down and eat.
While nursing in public is always an option, know your baby. If they struggle to focus, you might have an easier time in a quiet, private corner rather than a busy food court.
Take Note
Where Can I Breastfeed in Public?
You can nurse wherever you feel comfortable.
Most states offer breastfeeding protections in any public or private location where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be.
Legal rights aside, it helps to pick a spot where you can relax. Here are a few great options to look for:
- Park benches: A nice spot for fresh air if the weather is good.
- Mall sitting areas: Usually comfortable and plentiful.
- Fitting rooms: If you are shopping, these offer a mirror and total privacy.
- Restaurant booths: These offer more seclusion than a table in the center of the room.
- Quiet corners: Facing away from the crowd can help a distracted baby focus.
Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
If you plan on nursing while running errands or traveling, a little preparation goes a long way. These tips will help the process go smoothly:
- Pack smart: Ensure your diaper bag is stocked with everything you need, including a cover if you use one.
- Check your gear: If you use a cover, adjust the neck strap before you leave the house so you aren’t fumbling with it while the baby cries.
- Plan ahead: Think about your stops for the day and brainstorm where you might be able to sit down and nurse.
- Watch the clock: Try to feed your baby before they get “hangry” and worked up, as a crying baby draws more attention and increases your stress levels.
- Dress for success: Wear a supportive nursing bra and a top that allows easy access.
- Layer up: Try a nursing dress or a two-piece outfit (like a tank top under a shirt) to keep your midsection covered while you lift your top shirt.
How Can I Cover Myself?
Covering up is not a requirement. However, some women prefer it for modesty, to help their baby focus, or simply to feel more secure. If you want to cover up, you have plenty of choices:
- Dedicated gear: A nursing cover, shawl, or infinity scarf.
- Baby linens: A large blanket or swaddle.
- Clothing: A jacket, cardigan, or oversized button-down.
- Carriers: A ring sling or wrap carrier can double as a cover.
- Layers: A nursing cami worn underneath your regular shirt.
- Quick fix: A large burp cloth draped over the shoulder.
Pro Tip
How to Use a Nursing Cover
A standard nursing cover usually features an adjustable neck strap with a stiff, wired neckline that bows out. This allows you to look down and see your baby while keeping them hidden from everyone else. Here is how to use one effectively.
1. Adjust the Neck Opening
Do this before you pick up the baby. Make sure the strap is set so the rigid neckline stays open. You should be able to look down and see your chest easily, but it shouldn’t be so loose that it gapes open for others to see.
2. Position Your Baby
Hold your baby in a cradle or cross-cradle hold. Position their head near the breast you plan to start with.
3. Place the Cover
Slip the neck strap over your head. Adjust the fabric so it drapes over your shoulder and covers the side you are nursing on. The “apron” style should hang down over the baby.
4. Check Coverage
Ensure the fabric covers your breast, the baby’s head, and torso. The rigid neckline should be bowing out so fresh air can get in.
5. Latch and Nurse
Unclasp your bra and latch the baby. Because of the wired neckline, you can make eye contact and ensure they are latching correctly.
6. Switch Sides
When the baby finishes the first side, cover yourself back up. Move the baby to your other shoulder to burp them. Shift the cover’s fabric to the other side and repeat the process.
How to Use a Nursing Scarf
A nursing scarf (often called an infinity scarf) is a versatile accessory. You can wear it as part of your outfit and quickly convert it into a cover when hunger strikes.
1. Wear as a Scarf
Twist the scarf into a figure eight and loop it over your head so it sits around your neck in two layers. This looks like a standard fashion scarf.
2. Open the Loop
When it is time to eat, un-loop the scarf so it hangs down in front of your body as one long, single loop of fabric.
3. Create a Sash
Put one arm through the loop. The scarf should now drape diagonally across your body like a sash, covering one shoulder and your torso.
4. Insert the Baby
Bring your baby to your chest and tuck them underneath the fabric. Spread the material out so it covers the baby and your breast.
5. Nurse and Switch
Nurse as usual. When you need to switch sides, take the baby out, move the sash to the opposite shoulder, and tuck the baby back in.
How to Use a Blanket as a Nursing Cover
If you left your dedicated cover at home, do not panic. A large swaddle or receiving blanket works perfectly in a pinch.
1. Create a Knot
Take two adjacent corners of the blanket (or opposite corners for a larger loop) and tie them together securely. This creates a makeshift neck hole.
2. Wear the Blanket
Slip the knotted loop over your head. Position the knot behind your neck or on the shoulder opposite the side you are nursing on.
3. Drape and Latch
Bring your baby to your chest and drape the excess fabric over them. This creates a little tent for privacy.
4. Switch Sides
To switch breasts, simply slide the blanket over to cover the other side.
Pro Tip
How to Nurse in Public Without a Cover
Maybe you hate carrying extra gear, or perhaps your baby screams the moment a blanket touches their head. Nursing without a cover is legal, acceptable, and often much easier.
If you want to nurse uncovered but still maintain some modesty, try the “two-shirt method.” Wear a nursing tank top or camisole under your regular shirt. Pull your top shirt up and your camisole down. This exposes only the breast, while your stomach and upper chest remain covered.
Alternatively, you can just find a quiet corner or turn your back to the crowd. Most people are busy with their own lives and won’t even notice what you are doing.
Nursing in Public FAQs
Is It Disrespectful to Breastfeed in Public?
No, breastfeeding in public is not disrespectful. It is a normal, biological function and a necessary part of raising a child. While some individuals may have personal hang-ups about it, society and the law largely support a mother’s right to feed her baby.
What Are the Best Positions for Breastfeeding in Public?
The cradle and cross-cradle holds are usually the easiest for public nursing because they offer good control and coverage. If you are sitting at a table, you might find the “football hold” works well if you have pillows or a bag to prop up your arm.
Why Do Some People Stare When I Nurse?
People stare for many reasons, and it is not always negative. They might be curious, surprised, or reminiscing about when they fed their own children. Of course, some stares are judgmental, but try to focus on your baby rather than the strangers around you.
Why Is Breastfeeding in Public a Right?
It is considered a right because breastfeeding is a public health issue, not an act of public indecency. Laws protect this right to ensure mothers are not confined to their homes and can participate in society while meeting their child’s nutritional needs.
What Should I Do If Someone Confronts me?
In the unlikely event that someone complains or asks you to move, stay calm. You can politely inform them that you are legally allowed to breastfeed there. You do not have to move, cover up, or stop feeding your baby just because someone else is uncomfortable.
In Conclusion
The first time you nurse in public might feel daunting, but it gets easier with every session. Remember that you are doing something wonderful for your baby.Whether you choose to use a cover, find a private room, or just feed your baby right at the table, you have the law and the support of millions of other moms on your side. Trust your instincts, know your rights, and feed that baby with confidence.
