This week is Baby Food Week, so we’re highlighting a few baby food-related items over the next few days.

Of course, baby’s first food is milk.  I won’t get into it too much today, because it’s been dealt with before (on my blog and elsewhere), but there is absolutely no comparison between breast milk and formula.  (Have you read the ingredient list on a can of formula lately?  It makes me cringe!)  I understand that there are some mamas who cannot breastfeed (‘though if you can’t, consider looking into alternatives to commercial formula), but if you can, please, please, please do.  The difference this makes for your little one is immeasurable and long-lasting.

Assuming you are nursing, the issue of breastfeeding in public will come up at some point.  Each mama has to determine her level of comfort.  Now, because I believe in modesty, I don’t believe in just “whipping it all out” and flashing everyone.  But there are a variety of ways to remain covered while nursing.  For babies who latch well (and don’t pop off constantly due to curiosity!), the right clothing can be perfectly sufficient.  Some mamas, though, prefer an additional layer as “insurance.”

I’ve never been crazy about those traditional nursing covers, personally – the ones with the boning in the neckline so you can see baby, and (usually) silly nursery prints.  To my mind, covering up with one of these (which take up a huge amount of bodily “real estate”) just screams, “Hey, look at me; I’m breastfeeding my baby!!”  Which, of course, defeats the purpose of being discreet.  A lightweight blanket sometimes works fine.  But there is one nursing cover I’ve tried that avoids some of the common pitfalls, and still has advantages over a blanket: the Pirose, from Reno Rose.

They let me choose one to review, and I picked the Gwendolyn, this bright pink/orange/red floral print:

You’re probably thinking, “But that’s not the nursing cover; that’s just an example of the print, right?”  Wrong.  That’s what I love about the Pirose.  It just looks like a fashion accessory.  I’m rather scarf-challenged, myself, so I would have to follow the instructions to be able to wear it in one of the many ways they show it being worn as an accessory – but it can be worn in many ways.  It’s essentially “just” a scarf, but its design allows it to function well as a nursing cover, too.

Because it “anchors” firmly around the neck, baby can’t pull it off.  (Just like a traditional, ugly nursing cover, and unlike a blanket or a regular fashion scarf.)  It’s very lightweight, which makes it nicer than a blanket in the summertime.  (Poor baby can get so hot and sweaty under a blanket!)  And it rolls or bunches up nice and small to fit in a diaper bag or even a large pocket.

When you’re not using it to nurse the baby (or accessorize yourself), you can toss it over the carseat or stroller to screen out the sun or wind.  And after baby is weaned, you can still use it, rather than packing it away somewhere.

The Pirose nursing cover is somewhat sheer.  This allows it to be breezy and cool, but it also means it isn’t completely opaque.  Because of this, it’s recommended that you stick with the prints they’ve chosen for the “motherhood” line.  Solid colors (and some other prints) are available (in their “fashion” line), but don’t provide the coverage moms are looking for in a nursing cover.  (I can actually see my baby through the fabric when necessary, but you have to get really close up to see through it, so it does provide the “camouflage” I’m looking for.)

If you need help knowing how to wear your Pirose, they have photos and instructions for 12 ways you can wear it.  (I’m sure creative fashionistas could come up with more.)

The only moderately tricky part is choosing which size to get.  The Pirose comes in two lengths.  The larger one, obviously, provides more coverage.  However, if you’re on the smaller side, the larger one might be a bit much for your preference for fashion purposes.  You’ll need to decide how best to balance this.  There is a sizing guide with more information to help you choose.  Personally, I use the smaller size, and it provides enough coverage for me when nursing; but I’m quite tiny; your mileage may vary.

If you are familiar with color analysis and would like to see how closely the Gwendolyn does/doesn’t match the 12 Tones Bright Spring fan, visit Arrayed Like Lilies to see palette photos.

Photos of the Pirose in use are from Reno Rose’s website.