Article: Breastfeeding: Plan Ahead with the Right Growing Wardrobe
Breastfeeding: Plan Ahead with the Right Grow-With-Me Wardrobe
The length of time a mother breastfeeds varies greatly from one woman to another: some breastfeed for 3 months, others for 2 years. If you’re not sure yet how long you’d like to breastfeed, one thing is certain: you deserve to feel comfortable and stylish every step of the way.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support moms no matter what their breastfeeding plans are. This guide helps you plan ahead with a smart wardrobe that adapts to your changing needs, without unnecessary purchases or wardrobe frustrations.
How long have you been breastfeeding?
Before you start putting together your wardrobe, here’s some background on the actual duration of breastfeeding in France.
Statistics in France
| Moment | Percentage of mothers who breastfeed |
|---|---|
| Upon leaving the maternity ward | 74% |
| At 3 months | 54% |
| At 6 months | 23% |
| At 12 months | ~10% |
| At 24 months | ~5% |
What these figures mean for you
- You don't know how long you'll breastfeed —and that's perfectly normal! Most moms don't know either at first.
- Your journey may change —a mother who planned to breastfeed for 3 months might end up doing so for 18 months, and vice versa.
- There’s no need to plan everything out —a step-by-step approach works better.
Official recommendations
The World Health Organization recommends:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Continue breastfeeding until the child is 2 years old or older, in addition to introducing solid foods
But every journey is unique, and yours will be the right one for you and your baby.
The main stages of breastfeeding and what to wear
Each stage of breastfeeding brings different clothing needs. By planning ahead for these stages, you can make the right purchases at the right time.
Phase 1: Intensity (0–3 months)
This is the most demanding phase in terms of practical clothing choices.
What you're going through:
| Appearance | Reality |
|---|---|
| Frequency of feedings | 8–12 per day |
| Nighttime feedings | $3–$5 per night |
| Predictability | Low (on-demand feeding) |
| Your condition | Fatigue, postpartum recovery |
Your clothing needs:
| Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast access | Frequent and sometimes urgent feedings |
| Silent openings | Nighttime feedings without waking the baby |
| Ultimate comfort | You spend a lot of time breastfeeding |
| Easy to maintain | Stains, spit-up, frequent washing |
Must-have items: Breastfeeding t-shirts , Breastfeeding pyjamas, soft tops with convenient openings.
Check out our Breastfeeding t-shirts that are soft and practical for this busy time.
Phase 2: Installation (3–6 months)
Breastfeeding is settling into a routine. Feedings are more spaced out and predictable.
What you're going through:
| Appearance | Reality |
|---|---|
| Frequency of feedings | 5–8 per day |
| Nighttime feedings | $1–$3 per night |
| Predictability | Better, established routine |
| Your life | More frequent outings, perhaps a return to work |
Your clothing needs:
| Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Versatility | Home + Outings + Work |
| Discretion | More frequent public breastfeeding |
| Style | Want to feel like yourself again |
| Professionalism | If you return to work |
Must-have items: Subtle tops for the office, elegant blouses, nursing tops.
Discover our nursing tops that are both stylish and discreet.
Phase 3: Balance (6–12 months)
The introduction of solid foods begins, but breastfeeding remains important.
What you're going through:
| Appearance | Reality |
|---|---|
| Frequency of feedings | 3–5 per day |
| Key moments | Morning, evening, night, comfort |
| Background | Active lifestyle, a variety of outings |
| Your priority | Flexibility |
Your clothing needs:
| Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Occasional breastfeeding, not a long-term practice |
| Confident style | Clothes that don't "look" like nursing wear |
| Sustainable quality | These parts have already seen a lot of use |
Key pieces: Elegant dresses, tops with hidden slits.
Phase 4: Extended breastfeeding (12+ months)
Breastfeeding becomes a time for bonding rather than just a nutritional necessity.
What you're going through:
| Appearance | Reality |
|---|---|
| Frequency of feedings | 1–3 per day |
| Key moments | Morning, evening, comfort |
| Main location | Often at home |
| Your priority | Discretion, timelessness |
Your clothing needs:
| Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Absolute discretion | Not "looking" like you're breastfeeding |
| Timeless pieces | Laptops after weaning |
| Premium quality | The investment pays off |
Must-have pieces: Wrap tops, wrap dresses, classic pieces.
Summary table: requirements by phase
| Phase | Duration | Feedings per day | Priority | Key components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensity | 0–3 months | 8–12 | Comfort, convenience | T-shirts, pajamas |
| Installation | 3–6 months | 5–8 | Versatility, discretion | Office tops, blouses |
| Balance | 6–12 months | 3–5 | Style, flexibility | Dresses, elegant tops |
| Extended | 12+ months | 1–3 | Timelessness | Wrap tops, classics |
How to Create a Smart, Adaptable Walk-In Closet
Instead of buying all your nursing clothes at once, take a gradual approach.
The 3-step phased strategy
Step 1 — Before/immediately after birth:
| Play | Quantity | Estimated budget |
|---|---|---|
| Breastfeeding t-shirts | 2–3 | €70–120 |
| Breastfeeding pyjamas | 1 | €40–60 |
| Nursing bra | 2 | €50–70 |
| TOTAL | 5–6 pieces | €160–250 |
Why: This is the bare minimum you need to get started. You can add to it as you go along.
Check out our Breastfeeding pyjamas for a comfortable night's sleep.
Step 2 — Around 2–3 months, if breastfeeding continues:
| Play | Quantity | Estimated budget |
|---|---|---|
| Additional T-shirts (higher quality) | 2 | €70–100 |
| Blouse or top for going out | 1 | €50–70 |
| Nursing sweatshirt or sweater | 1 | €50–70 |
| TOTAL | 4-room apartment | €170–240 |
Why: Now that you know you’ll be breastfeeding for a few months, you can invest in some more stylish pieces.
Check out our comfortable and stylish that are both comfortable and stylish.
Step 3 — Around 6 months, if you continue:
| Play | Quantity | Estimated budget |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing shirt (for work) | 1-2 | €80–€140 |
| Breastfeeding dress | 1 | €60–90 |
| Premium-quality parts | As needed | Variable |
| TOTAL | 2–4 rooms | €140–230+ |
Why: Breastfeeding is a long-term commitment. Investing in quality pays off in the long run.
Discover our Breastfeeding dresses that are versatile and feminine.
Why this approach is smarter
| Approach | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Buy everything at once | Peace of mind | Risk of unnecessary purchases if treatment is stopped too soon |
| Buy only what you need | Economical | Frustration with extended breastfeeding |
| Gradual approach ✅ | Tailored to YOUR journey | It takes a little organization |
For a comprehensive guide, check out our article How many nursing clothes do you really need?
Signs that your needs are changing
Your wardrobe should evolve as you go through life. Here are the signs to look out for.
When to invest in "long-term" coins
| Signal | What that means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| At 3 months, you’re enjoying breastfeeding | You will likely breastfeed for 6+ months | Invest in high-quality 2- or 3-bedroom apartments |
| By 6 months, breastfeeding is well established | You will likely breastfeed for 12+ months | Investing in premium coins |
| Your basic clothes are wearing out | Washing too often | Switch to more durable materials |
When to update your wardrobe for your return to work
Returning to work doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Here's how to prepare.
What you'll need:
| Play | Quantity | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing shirts | 2–3 | Hidden openings, professional cut |
| Stylish tops | 2 | Discreet, easy to maintain |
| Versatile dress | 1 | For important meetings |
Tip: A high-quality nursing blouse can be worn for years after weaning thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and discreet openings.
When it's time to renew
| Sign | Problem | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gaping openings | Loss of support | Replace |
| Fabrics that pill | Visible wear | Replace the outlet parts |
| Loss of elasticity | Discomfort | Replace |
| Faded colors | An overlooked aspect | Replace visible parts |
The economic trade-off: quality vs. quantity
The longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater the benefits
| Duration of breastfeeding | Investment: €300 | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | €300 ÷ 3 | €100/month |
| 6 months | €300 ÷ 6 | €50/month |
| 12 months | €300 ÷ 12 | €25/month |
| 18 months | 300€ ÷ 18 | €17/month |
| 24 months | €300 ÷ 24 | €12.50/month |
Conclusion: If you breastfeed for a long time, investing in quality costs less than a cup of coffee a day.
Comparison: Basic Items vs. High-Quality Items
| Criterion | Basic pieces | High-quality parts |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price | €25–€35 | €45–70 |
| Service life | 3–6 months | 12–24 months |
| Number of washes | 50–80 | 150+ |
| Appearance after 6 months | Worn out | Like new |
| Portability after weaning | Difficult | Easy |
A Second Life for Your Nursing Clothes
A good investment doesn't end with weaning.
For more information, check out our article “Mom, but Not Just Mom: Rediscovering Your Identity as a Woman After Having a Baby.”
The items left in your closet
| Play | Second Life |
|---|---|
| Wrap top | Elegant classic top |
| Wrap dress | Timeless dress |
| Shirt with discreet openings | Regular-fit shirt |
| Cardigan | Versatile basic |
| T-shirt with hidden openings | Classic T-shirt |
The key criterion
Ask yourself this question: Are the openings really invisible?
- If yes → The garment can be worn indefinitely
- If not → It was a "transitional" piece
At 23 Mai Paris, all our pieces are designed with hidden openings so they can be worn well beyond the breastfeeding period.
Conclusion
A well-thought-out breastfeeding wardrobe will help you feel confident, no matter how long your journey lasts. The key is to take a gradual approach that adapts to YOUR needs, without unnecessary purchases or frustration.
At 23 Mai Paris, every nursing garment is designed to accompany you in style, whether you’re breastfeeding for 3 months or 3 years. High-quality pieces with discreet openings and timeless cuts that support you every step of the way on this beautiful journey. What matters isn’t the duration, but that you feel good.
Browse our collection of nursing clothes and build your growing wardrobe.
If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you:
T-shirts d'allaitement
T-shirts d'allaitement imprimés
T-shirts d'allaitement personnalisés
T-shirts d’allaitement basiques
Hauts d’allaitement personnalisables
Pulls d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Pulls d'allaitement maille
Débardeurs d'allaitement
Robes d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement
vêtements d'allaitement
Vêtements de maternité et d'allaitement
Vêtements d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté
Vêtements d'allaitement grande taille
Vêtements d'allaitement d'été
Vêtements d'allaitement chauds
Vêtements d'allaitement brodés
Vêtements d'allaitement d'hiver
Vêtements d'allaitement confortables
Vêtements d'allaitement en coton
Vêtements de grossesse et d'allaitement
Vêtements d'allaitement originaux
Vêtements d'allaitement pas chers
Vêtements d'allaitement personnalisés
Vêtements d'allaitement en soldes
Vêtements d'allaitement à manches courtes
Vêtements d'allaitement à petit prix
Vêtements d'allaitement à zip
Vêtements d'allaitement abordables
Vêtements d'allaitement amples
Vêtements d'allaitement beiges
Vêtements d'allaitement blanc
Vêtements d'allaitement bleu
Vêtements d'allaitement discrets
Vêtements d'allaitement doux
Vêtements d'allaitement en promotion
Vêtements d'allaitement gris
Vêtements d'allaitement Imprimés
Vêtements d'allaitement jaunes
Vêtements d'allaitement leopard
Vêtements d'allaitement noir
Vêtements d'allaitement rose
Vêtements d’allaitement sobres
Vêtements d'allaitement tendances
Vêtements d'allaitement unis
Vêtements de sport pour l'allaitement
T-shirt allaitement imprimé
T-shirt allaitement personnalisé
T-shirt allaitement coloris uni
T-shirt allaitement manches longues
T-shirt allaitement blanc
T-shirt allaitement bleu
T-shirt allaitement noir
T-shirt allaitement gris
T-shirt allaitement camel
T-shirt allaitement léopard
T-shirt allaitement brodés
T-shirt allaitement coton
T-shirt allaitement zip
T-shirt allaitement été
T-shirt allaitement hiver
T-shirt grossesse allaitement
T-shirt allaitement milk
T-shirt allaitement coeur
T-shirt allaitement pas cher
T-shirt allaitement ouverture coté
T-shirt allaitement discret
T-shirt allaitement confortable
T-shirt allaitement originaux
T-shirt d'Allaitement avec col en V
T-shirts d'allaitement jaune
T-shirts d'allaitement marron
T-shirts d'allaitement multicolore
T-shirts d'allaitement rose
T-shirts d'allaitement rouge
T-shirts d'allaitement unis
Pyjamas d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement 2 pièces
Pyjamas d'allaitement en promotion
Pyjamas d'allaitement en soldes
Pyjamas d'allaitement leopard
Pyjamas de maternité
Chemises de nuit d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement en promotion
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement pas chers
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement verts
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement roses
Sweat-shirts de grossesse
Sweat Shirts d'allaitement blancs
Pulls allaitement zip
Pulls allaitement maille
Pulls allaitement laine
Pulls allaitement grossesse
Pulls allaitement chaud
Pulls allaitement pas cher
Pulls allaitement hiver
Pulls d'allaitement ouverture coté
Pulls d'allaitement discret
Robes d’allaitement en maille
Robes d’allaitement chaudes
Robes d’allaitement d’hiver
Robes d’allaitement beiges
Robes d’allaitement longues
Robes d’allaitement courtes
Robes d'allaitement festives
Robes d'allaitement d'été
Robes d'allaitement de vacances
Robes d'allaitement en promotion
Robes d'allaitement noires
Robes d'allaitement pas cher
Robes d'allaitement pour mariage
Robes de grossesse
Robes pull allaitement
If you are only a pregnant mom, here are our maternity clothes:
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity pants
Black maternity pants
Gray maternity pants
Colored maternity pants
Blue maternity pants
Jeans for pregnant women
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Black jeans for pregnant women
Cheap jeans for pregnant women
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity Dresses
Nursing dresses
If you are only a pregnant mom, here are our maternity clothes:
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Affordable maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Affordable maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity pants
Black maternity pants
Gray maternity pants
Colored maternity pants
Blue maternity pants
Jeans for pregnant women
Gray jeans for pregnant women
Blue jeans for pregnant women
Black jeans for pregnant women
Affordable jeans for pregnant women
Comfortable maternity jeans
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