Got You Covered

How many of those "must have" items that you purchased for your new baby did you actually use? Well here’s one product that I can’t live without: the Bebe au Lait nursing cover.

Some moms are just natural at breastfeeding, but I was not one of those women. I kept exposing myself in public as I struggled to keep a blanket over my shoulder and across my chest. Then one day we ran into a friend at a restaurant and she was nursing her baby at the next table. She had on a little cape. I went home and went online to find one for myself. Wouldn’t that make life much easier? At first all I found were the dowdy black capes like our friend wore. Too boring for me!

Then I came across the Bebe au Lait website. Wow! What vibrant colors and hip prints they offered. I immediately placed an order.

It was better than I imagined. The neck strap is easily adjustable. The stiff neck allows you to see your baby. It folds very compactly to fit in the diaper bag. And when I washed and dried it, it didn’t need ironing.

Beyond the obvious use as a nursing cover, I have used it in other ways. At the pool it was a lightweight blanket to keep the baby in shade. I draped it over the stroller for shade on a walk. It can be used as a light blanket when wearing the baby in a front carrier. But the absolute best use of all: I use it to cover myself when using my breastpump at work.

Unfortunately I share my office. I can shut the door, but privacy is not guaranteed. But with the Bebe au Lait nursing cover I can pump while sitting at my desk and no one can see.

I now own two covers. One stays in my diaper bag and one stays with my pump. I’m always prepared. I frequently get compliments on the attractiveness of the fabric and other women want to know where they too can get one.

I’m adding this to my repertoire for future shower gifts. The nursing cover and burp cloth combo comes in a luxurious organza bag. Just add a gift tag and you’re done.

Burp cloths, you ask. Yes, fantastic burp cloths. I use cloth diapers at home for burp cloths, but my diaper bag is stocked with Bebe au Lait burp cloths. They are a great size for covering your shoulder and have a strip of fabric that matches the nursing covers. They are thick, absorbent, and too cute.

If you are feeling a bit cheeky, their products are also sold under the name Hooter Hiders.

Word on the street is that they will be launching new product lines soon including an eco-friendly model and one for formal occasions. (Update: Bebe au Lait launched their new organic line in the spring of 2008.)

Bebe au Lait and Hooter Hiders nursing covers are available online and at specialty shops and retail for $35-38.

(This was written by Leeanthro who can be read at Soy is the New Black where she dishes about family, food, foraging, and frivolity. While many of the products she discusses are sold only through boutique or specialty stores, some are widely available at national stores and online.)