As a breastfeeding mother, I am in constant need of nursing pads. After the birth of my daughter, I used disposable pads but quickly switched to cloth for the price and comfort. Now that my son has arrived, I am in even greater need of high-quality nursing pads as I begin my second breastfeeding journey. Thus, when recently offered the chance to review some nursing pads from Oko Creations, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I received a set of Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads and a set of Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper as well as a pack of Organic Cotton Baby Wipes from Oko Creations.
Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads
Price
The Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads from Oko Creations currently retail for $12.99 Canadian for a four-pack, or roughly $11.46 American. Each nursing pad therefore costs $3.25 Canadian each, or roughly $2.87 American. I consider the nursing pads from Oko Creations as priced moderately, with both cheaper and more expensive options available on the market from other brands.
Design
Made in Canada, the Oko Creations Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads consist of 46% hemp, 38% organic cotton, and 16% polyester coated with polyurethane as a synthetic waterproof barrier. The backing comes in four colors: white, blue, green, and pink. The nursing pads measure four inches in diameter. Additionally, the packaging is 100% post-consumer paper.
Performance
In the product description for the Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads, Oko Creations states that most women will require a waterproof nursing pad during the earliest days of breastfeeding, and I definitely agree. My son is almost a month old, and, if I do not wear a bra with a nursing pad, I inevitably end up with sizeable wet spots on the front of my shirt. I was therefore extremely excited to try my new waterproof pads upon the arrival of my son.
Washing the Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads is extremely easy. I simply toss the used pads into a delicates bag and then toss the bag in with my cloth diaper laundry. I have both air-dried and machine-dried the pads. To extend the life of the polyurethane backing, I recommend air-drying the pads. The hemp fleece dries within a few hours on my drying rack in front of a fan.
The two layers of hemp fleece in the Oko Creations Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads is both soft and absorbent. The polyurethane backing effectively prevents embarrassing leaks without feeling plasticky or suffocating. I can honestly report that I reach for my new Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads first when getting dressed in the morning.
I highly recommend the Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads from Oko Creations to any breastfeeding mother.
Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper
Price
The Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper from Okos Creations currently retail for $12.99 Canadian for four hemp pads and two wool toppers, or roughly $11.46 American. I again consider the nursing pads with separate wool toppers from Oko Creations as priced moderately, with both cheaper and more expensive options available on the market from other brands.
Design
Also made in Canada, the Oko Creations Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper consist of hemp pads made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton and 100% GOTS certified organic merino wool. The hemp pads feature colored trim. The nursing pads and toppers measure four inches in diameter. The packaging is also 100% post-consumer paper.
Performance
The hemp fleece pads of the Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper perform identically to the hemp fleece of the Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads from Oko Creations. The material is both soft and absorbent. Washing the pads is also quite easy. I toss the used pads in a delicates bag in with my cloth diaper laundry and then dry the clean pads in my dryer. I also sometimes allow the pads to air-dry on my drying rack in front of a fan, which takes only a few hours.
The wool toppers of the Oko Creations Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper provide an ultra-breathable waterproof barrier between the fleece pads and my clothing. Because of the antibacterial properties of wool, the toppers do not require laundering after each use. When the toppers do need washing, Oko Creations recommends hand washing or delicate machine washing with wool soap. However, I will admit that I accidentally threw my wool toppers in the washer with regular cloth diaper laundry soap. I did allow the toppers to air-dry, and, aside from ending up slightly wrinkled, I have not noticeable any difference in performance after the washing machine incident.
If you are a fan of wool and are looking for a non-synthetic but waterproof nursing pad option, I highly recommend the Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper from Oko Creations.
Organic Cotton Baby Wipes
Price
The Organic Cotton Baby Wipes from Oko Creations currently retail for $10.99 Canadian for a four-pack, or roughly $9.70 American. Each wipe therefore costs $2.75 Canadian each, or roughly $2.43 American. Like the nursing pads, I consider the wipes as moderately priced compared to other similar products.
Design
Again made in Canada, the Oko Creations Organic Cotton Baby Wipes consist of 80% organic cotton and 20% polyester. The wipes feature red, yellow, green, and blue trim and measure nine by nine inches. The packaging is 100% FSC certified paper.
Performance
I personally use a combination of disposable and cloth wipes on both my kiddos. Recently I have started using cloth wipes more and more, especially on my newborn son because his EBF poop fills his diaper and covers his delicate skin. However, I also use cloth wipes on my daughter at bedtime to wash her face and then her diaper area. And I love the ultra softness of the Organic Cotton Baby Wipes from Oko Creations on both my children! My toddler daughter also gives her approval of the soft fabric.
When I use my Oko Creations Organic Cotton Baby Wipes, I use plain warm water from my bathroom sink. The material quickly absorbs the moisture, which is especially essential when I am changing my son on the bathroom counter. Laundering the wipes is also easy. I simply toss the dirty wipes in with the rest of my cloth diaper laundry. I then dry the clean wipes in my dryer. Easy peasy!
If you are a fan of cloth wipes, I highly recommend the Organic Cotton Baby Wipes from Oko Creations.
Final Verdict
If you are a breastfeeding mom in search of some affordable but high-quality reusable nursing pads, I highly recommend the Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads and Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper from Oko Creations. The hemp fleece offers exception absorbency and softness that provides protection against leaks while feeling gentle against delicate skin. I also highly recommend the Oko Creations Organic Cotton Baby Wipes, which clean even the most delicate newborn skin with ultra soft cotton material. Oko Creations covers the needs of both moms and babies!
For more information or to make a purchase, visit the Oko Creations website. You can also follow Oko Creations on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
Image Credits
Oko Creations Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads, Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper, and Organic Cotton Baby Wipes © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads 1 © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Breathable Waterproof Nursing Pads 2 © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper 1 © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Nursing Pads with Merino Wool Topper 2 © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Organic Cotton Baby Wipes 1 © 2014 Heather Johnson
Oko Creations Organic Cotton Baby Wipes 2 © 2014 Heather Johnson
