On average, you can expect your newborn to nurse around 8-12 times in a 24-hour period, including every few hours throughout the night.
Nursing nightgowns make it easy for you to access the breast and feed your little one in the middle of the night.
Below, you’ll find our top choices for best nursing nightgown, as well as a handy buyer’s guide to help you choose between materials, styles, and more.
Best Nursing Nightgowns
The Ekouaer 3 in 1 Delivery/Labor/Nursing Nightgown is an oversized t-shirt nightgown that has double layers and zippered sides to discreetly feed your baby, while the Ekouaer Maternity/Nursing Sleepwear Nightgown is a v-neck, crossover gown that could pass as a dress. The crossover neckline can be pulled aside for easy but non-discreet nursing.
Ekouaer 3 in 1 Delivery/Labor/Nursing Nightgown
The Ekouaer 3 in 1 Delivery/Labor/Nursing Nightgown Women’s Maternity Hospital Gown/Sleepwear for Breastfeeding is a great choice as a best postpartum nightgown for hospitals. It is available in a wide variety of colors, which is nice if you are trying to coordinate with your little one’s first outfits. Additionally, it is lightweight, flowy, and won’t get in the way during delivery.
The Ekouaer nightgown is made using stretchy fabric that can easily grow with you during pregnancy if you want to get use out of it before your little one comes into the world. It is made of a blend of 95% nylon and 5% rayon, which is soft on the skin but not as soft as cotton would be.
The ruched, loose-fitting design makes it perfect for all stages of pregnancy and it fits comfortably like an oversized t-shirt. With a rounded neckline, this will easily cover most maternity bras.
It also features double layers wrapped around the front which lets you easily expose the breast with the built-in zipper on either side and discreetly feed your little one. While the zippers are in a good spot to prevent irritation, you do need two hands to unzip them which can be difficult if you’re already holding your baby.
Since most of your chest remains covered, this is perfect for wearing when you’re expecting company at home or in the hospital after the birth of your little one. As an added benefit, the cute and comfortable design can easily be worn as a maternity dress outside of the hospital too, working for you both before and after the birth of your child.
Something to note if you do wear this around the house is that the fabric is thin and it can be a little transparent in some of the colors.
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Stretchy fabric is perfect for growing with you through the pregnancy
- Available in several color options
- Zipper with double layers in the front make it easy to discreetly breastfeed
- Loose, flowy fit is cute and comfortable
- Works as maternity dress or nightgown
Cons
- Need two hands to unzip for feeding
- Some colors are semi-transparent
Motherhood Maternity Lace-Trim Nursing Nightgown
The Motherhood Maternity Women’s Maternity Lace Trim Nursing Nightgown is perfect for in the hospital, at home, or anywhere you might want to wear it. It comes in a wide variety of colors and has a clip-down nursing top that you can unclasp with a single hand.
The fabric is made from a blend of 65% polyester, 30% rayon, and 5% spandex for something that is lightweight and breathable. Washing this is easy and it will not shrink after being washed and dried several times, as will likely happen with leaking, spit-up, and other messes that new mommies often deal with.
This nursing nightgown is easy to feed because the clasps let you expose the breast with one hand.
It features a sleeveless design with scalloped lace around the neckline for added style. Built-in cups add support and make it easy to wear this with or without a nursing bra. Additionally, they do not bunch up or move around like dresses with padded inserts often do.
This is perfect for wearing with or without leggings around the house after birth. It can also be worn during maternity and shows off your baby bump well.
When sizing, you’ll want to consider your bust size instead of your belly size because of the built-in bra. The elastic in the bra can be a little tight if you buy for your bump instead of your bust.
Pros
- Washes easily
- Comes in a fabric blend that is soft and breathable
- Built-in-bra is perfect for providing support
- Easy to unclasp with a single hand for feeding
- Cups are sewn-in so they don’t move around or bunch up
- Shows off your baby bump
Cons
- Bust elastic can be a little tight
Ekouaer Nursing Sleepwear Nightgown
The Ekouaer Hospital Nightgown Womens Short Sleeve Maternity Nursing Sleepwear is made of a 95% rayon, 5% spandex blend that creates a soft, breathable material that is comfortable to sleep in. It features a V-neck design and a neckline that can easily be pulled aside to feed your little one.
The dress features a knee-length, half-sleeve design that will keep you warm at night without overheating because of the breathability. It comes in a wide variety of colors that make it perfect for planning for after-delivery photos. The upper part of the fabric is pleated instead of lying flat and there is an adjustable waistline that makes it easy to show off your baby bump, then size down after delivery.
This Ekouaer maternity nightgown can also be worn as a dress after delivery, making it perfect for when you are expecting company.
While it does not allow discreet feeding as some others do, the neckline still makes it easy to feed even if you are holding your baby while trying to bring down the top.
Something else to note is that the fabric isn’t the most forgiving- it wrinkles easily which can be a problem if you are wearing it for guests or maternity photos.
Pros
- V-neck design is easy to pull down for feeding
- Material is soft and breathable
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Adjustable waistline
- Cute pleated fabric design
- Works as a dress or nightgown
Cons
- Wrinkle easily
- Doesn’t allow for discreet breastfeeding
iloveSIA 2pack Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Dress
The iloveSIA 2pack Women’s Seamless Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Dress with Build-in Bra is perfect for mothers looking for something they can wear without a bra after delivery. It comes with a built-in bra that makes it easy to discreetly feed your baby. Additionally, it’s easy to wear this nursing nightgown with nursing pads as needed.
The iloveSIA nightgowns are made from 92% nylon and 8% spandex, creating a comfortable and stretchy fabric. It comes with removable pad inserts and features a one-handed nursing clasp that makes it easy to feed even when your baby is in your arm. Additionally, the bra cups drop away which maximizes the skin-to-skin contact you’ll want to have with your newborn after delivery.
A convenient sizing chart makes this easy to choose the right size for your bust. Something to note is that the gown can be a little tight, especially for moms with a smaller bust size, so it is best used after your delivery.
This two-pack comes in blue and black, however, there are more color options. The set also comes with a mesh bag that makes it safer to wash the pads and dress without damage.
One downside of the fabric is that it does not breathe well, so you may get hot while wearing it during warmer months. Additionally, while the removable pads are a nice feature, you may have to adjust them as they bunch through the day.
Pros
- Built-in bra is perfect for breastfeeding mothers
- Can be worn with or without included padding
- One-handed clasp makes feeding easy
- Fabric is comfortable and stretchy
- Bra cups drop away for skin-to-skin contact
- Mesh bag for washing included
Cons
- Not especially breathable
- Need to adjust nursing pads as they bunch through the day
Ekouaer Maternity Nursing Nightgown Dress
The Ekouaer Maternity Nursing Nightgown Dress is made of a soft, stretchy blend of 95% rayon and 5% spandex. It grows with you, so you can wear this cute dress even before your little one comes into the world and get the most out of it.
The top half of this dress features a button-down design that makes it easy to breastfeed. While it does not offer the most discreet breastfeeding, you can wear it with a nursing bra or chest wrap to increase discreetness. The cute spaghetti straps are adjustable, so you can adjust this to make more or less room in the chest as needed.
There is a ruched design around the waist that lets you effortlessly show off your baby bump. However, this can be a little tight on some moms. If it is tight, you’ll want to put it up for after delivery.
It can be a little difficult to maneuver the buttons for feeding when your little one is in your arms because you cannot unbutton and re-button one-handed. This sits at about mid-thigh level, which makes it a great choice for the warmer months or for mommies who overheat while they are sleeping. The contrasting colors are cute and this can easily be worn in or out of the house.
Pros
- Button-down design is good for breastfeeding
- Can be worn with or without nursing bra or chest wrap
- Ruched design shows off baby bump
- Breathable fabric and thin design is perfect for warmer months
- Contrasting colors make for a cute design
- Durable enough to wash as needed
Cons
- Buttons can be difficult to handle one-handed
- Waistline can be a little tight for some mothers
Ekouaer Women’s Button Down Nightgown
The Ekouaer Women’s Nightshirt Short Sleeve Button Down Nightgown V-Neck Sleepwear features a cute, flowy design that is perfect before and after your child’s birth. It has buttons completely down the front and a stretchy design that will grow with your expanding belly.
The fabric used to make this is a 95% rayon and 5% nylon blend. This creates a dress that is soft and breathable, making it comfortable to sleep in.
While the button-down design is cute, something to note is that this doesn’t work as well for discreet breastfeeding as some of the other options. However, you can easily use this with or without a nursing bra because of the design. You can adjust the neckline for more or less coverage as you need.
Additionally, the loose-fitting design means that the buttons won’t irritate you while you are trying to sleep.
You can also pair this with leggings or wear it alone inside or outside of the house. The thinner fabric is perfect for summer months and this won’t shrink in the dryer.
One downside of this dress is the overall cut. It hangs straight down mostly, which can be unflattering if you are trying to show off your baby bump.
Pros
- Flowy design and full button-down front fits all body types
- Fabric is thin and breathable
- Works with or without nursing bra
- Cute enough to wear outside of the house
- Buttons won’t irritate you when you sleep
- Doesn’t shrink with washing and drying
Cons
- Cut isn’t especially flattering
- Does not allow discreet nursing
Best Cotton Nursing Nightgowns
The Baby Be Mine 3 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Nursing Gown is a cotton, empire waist nightie that has pull downs on the shoulder for both feeding and skin-to-skin contact plus there are matching swaddles available for your newborn; whereas the Kindred Bravely Lucille Nursing Nightgown is a flirty gown with lace on the top and a flowy cotton bottom, and it features one-handed clasps for easy access for nursing your little one.
Baby Be Mine 3 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Nursing Gown
The Baby Be Mine 3 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Nursing Gown is one of the best postpartum pajamas for the hospital. With the buttons all the way down the back, this lets the back be opened for an epidural as is needed during delivery. This means you can wear it before, during, and after your delivery.
For mothers that want the option to show off their bump, this has an empire waistline that lets you tie a bow above your belly and tighten the waistline so you show more. The flattering fit is perfect for inside or outside of the house.
This features buttons on the shoulders as well so you can let down either side for feeding, however, it is not as discreet as some other nightgowns for breastfeeding. Additionally, you can fold down the entire front for easy skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
The material is a 100% Jersey knit cotton that holds up well to washing. However, it can shrink on high heat and is a little stiffer than some other fabric. It also doesn’t wick away moisture as well as some other fabrics, so you’ll want to wear a nursing bra and nursing pads with this nightgown.
Something to note is that there are only two sizes available- S/M and L/XL because of the flowy design so it won’t fit all body types the same. However, the waistline helps you customize the fit a little.
For moms looking for the perfect gown for pictures after delivery, this comes in a wide variety of cute styles ranging from solid colors to stripes and floral prints. You can also buy matching hats and outfits for baby in the same design for after-birth pictures.
Pros
- Snaps down the back for easy epidural access
- Can let down one or both shoulders for feeding and skin-to-skin contact
- Empire waistline lets you adjust the overall fit
- Holds up well to washing
- Available in a wide range of colors and designs
- Matching outfits and hats available for baby after delivery
Cons
- Stiffer than some other fabrics
- Doesn’t wick away moisture well
Kindred Bravely Lucille Nursing Nightgown & Maternity Gown
The Kindred Bravely Lucille Nursing Nightgown & Maternity Gown is perfect for mothers who want to embrace their natural beauty after delivery. It features a cute lacy design on the top half of the front and back of the nightgown and a flowy bottom half. The nightgown is also available in several cute colors.
In addition to wearing this as a nursing nightgown, it can be worn alone or paired with a cute jacket. It is cute but also modest, featuring adjustable spaghetti straps and a mid-thigh-length bottom half. The backside also is ruched, which allows the gown to accentuate your curves.
Additionally, once your little one is born, you’ll be able to undo the clasps with a single hand for easy breastfeeding.
The 95% cotton and 5% spandex design makes this lightweight and breathable, which is perfect for sleeping. You’ll also appreciate that it looks cute after delivery if you want to wear it for maternity photos and while snuggling with your baby for the first time.
Something to note is that the support is lacking a little for larger-busted women, most likely because of the spaghetti strap design. That aside, this is a perfect gown for mothers looking to take back some of their confidence as they adjust to their changing body.
Pros
- Cute, flirtatious design inspires confidence
- Lacy top is cute and functional, having adjustable straps and a one-handed clasp
- Lightweight and breathable fabrics
- Easy to wash
- Works as a maternity gown or nightgown
Cons
- Not enough bust support for larger-breasted women
Comparing the Best Nursing Nightgowns
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Kindred Bravely Lucille Nursing Nightgown & Maternity Gown | 9.7 | 9.2 | 47.99 |
| iloveSIA 2pack Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Dress | 3.9 | 9.0 | 43.99 |
| Ekouaer Nursing Sleepwear Nightgown | 9.9 | 9.0 | 32.99 |
| Baby Be Mine 3 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Nursing Gown | 9.8 | 9.2 | 28.99 |
| Motherhood Maternity Lace-Trim Nursing Nightgown | 9.6 | 9.2 | 28.45 |
| Ekouaer Maternity Nursing Nightgown Dress | 5.8 | 9.0 | 19.99 |
| Ekouaer 3 in 1 Delivery/Labor/Nursing Nightgown | 9.6 | 9.0 | 19.99 |
| Ekouaer Women's Button Down Nightgown | 9.9 | 9.0 | 19.99 |
How We Selected Nursing Nightgowns
Materials
The material used to make the fabric of the nursing nightgown affects things like breathability, softness on the skin, washability, warmth, and more. Some of the more common fabrics used to make nursing nightgowns include:
- Cotton- Cotton nightgowns are common as sleepwear because they are breathable, soft to the touch, and easy to clean. The fabric is perfect in warmer months or if you sleep under several blankets. Something to note, however, is that cotton isn’t the warmest material. It also doesn’t wick away moisture well, which makes it important that you choose a nightgown that is compatible with the neckline of your nursing bra. Otherwise, you might deal with leaking that can be uncomfortable to sleep in.
- Bamboo- While bamboo is a little pricier than cotton in most cases, it is a great choice if you are looking for a fabric that is soft to the touch, easy to clean, and moisture-wicking. For mothers looking for eco-friendly nursing pajamas, bamboo is the best choice. This can be a little harder to find in stores, however, so it might be best to buy bamboo nursing nightgowns online.
- Flannel- Flannel is a type of weave rather than a type of material. It can be made from a wide variety of materials including cotton, nylon, and more. Generally, flannel is both breathable and warm. It’s ability to wick away moisture depends on the material that it is made from. Cotton flannel makes a warm and absorbent choice.
- Fleece- For mommies who are worried about being too cold, fleece is ideal because of its warmth. Fleece is excellent at wicking away moisture- it is even used as an insert in cloth diapers. Something to note, however, is that it is not the most breathable material. It is not the best choice if you overheat easily, especially while sleeping.
- Nylon/Polyester- Man-made materials like nylon and polyester are commonly blended together to make different properties. While they generally make fabric that wicks away moisture and breathes well, it is not as soft or comfortable as the average cotton material.
- Silk- Silk seems like it would be a cool, comfortable fabric against the skin. However, it is not moisture-wicking and many silk fabrics require specific washing procedures and may even be dry clean only. As leaks and spit-up are common occurrences for nursing mothers, silk is not the most practical of fabrics.
Comfort
Factors like breathability and softness are generally affected by the material that you choose.
Something else to consider is how warm the fabric will be and how hot/cold you like to be when you sleep.
Think about the benefits of each fabric and how it fits into your lifestyle.
You should also consider what season your baby will be born in. For example, mothers who are expecting summer babies will likely prefer cotton or bamboo for sleeping, while mothers of babies born in the winter might prefer fleece or flannel nightgowns.
Design
The biggest factor affecting the overall design is the cut of the cloth. Some nursing nightgown and robe sets make it easy to add or take off a layer as needed to regulate your body temperature.
Additionally, there are factors like the overall length, length of the sleeves, neckline, and more to consider.
You’ll also want to consider the overall design and how the breast can be exposed to feed your little one in the middle of the night. Finding something that is easy will make middle-of-the-night feedings more convenient.
Something else to consider regarding overall design is how compatible nursing nightgowns will be with your maternity bra. Even though postpartum nightgowns are designed comfortably, many manufacturers have not included pockets or any kind of built-in-bra that would make it easier to wear the nightgown to bed with nursing pads. Consider the neckline and how the nightgown will function with your maternity bras before choosing.
Finally, you’ll want to consider if you want the nursing nightgown to be appropriate for guests. Many mothers choose gowns that can be worn during maternity and after the birth of their baby. This will let you get the most use out of the nightgown. If you are going to do this, however, you’ll want to be sure the front of the dress has enough room for your expanding belly.
Washability
Even with dozens of burp rags and bibs at your disposal, odds are your little one is going to spit-up on you. Spit-up is one of those parts of parenthood that are inevitable.
Additionally, there’s a good chance your breasts might leak a little while you are sleeping. For this reason, you’ll want to choose a nightgown that can withstand being washed regularly.
In addition to the overall durability of the materials used, you’ll want to consider how washing will affect the material. Some materials break down and become scratchier after several washes. The best way to find out about this is to read nursing nightgown reviews, especially since you can’t learn about long-term use just by looking at something in the store.
FAQs About Nursing Nightgowns
Do I need a nursing nightgown?
Baby shower gift registries are usually filled with plenty of useful things for baby- but have you considered what you’ll need once your little one enters the world?
Of course, you could use the pajamas you already have and make them work. In most cases, however, traditional sleep clothes aren’t necessarily the best choice.
Nursing nightgowns usually have a discreet flap that makes it easier for you to get the breast out to feed your little one in the middle of the night. They may use a hook closure or a discreet pocket. Not only are these great for using around the house, but they are also a great choice when you’re still in the maternity ward with your newborn.
So, while a nursing nightgown isn’t something that you technically need, it is a good investment if you are planning on breastfeeding.
What are types of nursing pajamas are available?
While this list just covered the best nursing nightgowns for mama, there is a wide range of styles available based on your preference. There are nursing pajama tops with pants or shorts, long gowns, short gowns, long-sleeve and short-sleeve style, and more. The most important thing is that the nursing pajamas you choose are comfortable and make it easy to nurse your little one.
In addition to the different styles of pajamas, you’ll also find that some come in sets. You might find a nursing nightgown or a sleep set sold with a robe or different tops and bottoms. These are nice if you want a little variety in your sleep clothes.
Regarding nightgowns made for nursing, there are several styles as well. There are short-sleeve, long-sleeve, and sleeveless options. The types of closure for the breast also varies. Some use a hook-and-loop style closure like your bra. Others might be designed with a discreet pocket or panel that you can pull the breast out of for feeding and then tuck away when your little one is finished eating. Elastic necklines that can be stretched down below the breast for feeding are also common.
If you have experience with maternity tops, then you might already have an idea of what will work the best for you. There’s not really a right or wrong choice, it is a matter of preference and what works the best for your nursing style.
What material is best for a nursing nightgown?
Like any clothing item, nursing nightgowns come in a wide variety of different fabrics that each have their benefits.
For something lightweight, breathable, soft, and easy to clean, cotton is the best material.
Bamboo fabrics have many of the same benefits of cotton, however, they are more eco-friendly.
Neither of these is especially warm, however, so you may want to choose a flannel or fleece in colder months.
While nylon and polyester blends are also common because they wick away moisture and are breathable, they are not always as soft as bamboo or cotton.
The one material you want to avoid is silk. Silk does not wick away moisture and breastmilk can even stain it when your breasts inevitably leak through the night.
Do I need a nursing nightgown at the hospital?
While hospitals provide gowns for new mothers, they’re far from being as cute and comfortable as the options on this list. Nursing nightgowns have the advantage of covering your body without a waistband like traditional pajamas, which is a nice feature since you’ll likely be sore after delivering your baby.
Additionally, they’ll look a lot cuter in those newborn pictures you’ll be taking right after the birth of your little one. Since nursing nightgowns are loose-fitting and flowy, there’s no reason you can’t wear them while you are bringing your miracle into the world.
If you are going to buy a nursing nightgown for L&D, it’s important to choose one that has buttons on the backside. If there aren’t any buttons in the back, there won’t be easy access for the epidural. For safety reasons, hospitals require patients to wear loose-fitting, flowy clothing for labor and delivery that have access to the spine. This keeps the gown out of the way and ensures that if you need a c-section or there is another emergency, it’s easy for your doctor to access what they need to.
