Maternity and nursing bras

Product Tests |

Independent midwife Sharon Trotter has carried out product tests on nursing and maternity bras. Here, she kindly shares her results with us.

She told us: “I am delighted to be able to bring you the final results of the first TIPS testing of bras (nursing and maternity) and nursing tops.

In 2003 and 2005, I tested and published a detailed review of my favourite designs but this time the trial has been carried out by the dedicated team of TIPS parent testers. This trial has taken more than six months of intensive work to complete and I believe this is the largest independent trial of bras and feeding tops carried out by any organisation.”

Overview

The statistics, as always, are amazing with £5,000 worth of products sent out to 60 testers.

11 manufacturers kindly supplied 220 samples (41 different products).

In all, TIPS tested three maternity bras, 24 nursing bras, 13 nursing tops and one camisole set (in 2003 I tested 13 bras).

Testers completed and returned over 200 score sheets which equates to an amazing return rate of more than 90%.
The following 44 awards have been allocated:

Best of the best (4)
Anna Cecilia original nursing bra, Carriwell Jenna and Kaj nursing tops and Carriwell seamless maternity bra

Maternity bras(2)
JojoMamanBebe multistyle and t-shirt maternity bra

Nursing bras (23)
1. Anita (5075) – medium control – Best looking
2. Anita (5062) – firm control– Best looking
3. Anita (5051) – firm control nursing bra – Best all-rounder
4. Carriwell seamless drop cup nursing bra – Best all-rounder
5. Bravado body silk seamless nursing bra – Best newcomer
6. Bravado original Nursing bra (ONB) – includes Basic, Plus, Double plus and Custom
– Highly commended.
7. Emma Jane (381) nursing bra – Highly commended
8. Emma Jane (385) nursing bra – Highly commended
9. Emma Jane (411) nursing bra – Best all-rounder
10. Emma Jane (413) nursing bra – Best all-rounder
11. Emma Jane (428) nursing bra – Best all-rounder
12. Emma Jane (430) nursing bra – Best all-rounder
13. EmilyB Daisy cream nursing bra – Best looking
14. Freya nursing bra – Best looking
15. JoJo maternity and nursing bras (Rose - A1505) – Highly commended
16. JoJo maternity and nursing bras (Bordeaux A9275) – Highly commended
17. JoJo seamless nursing bra – Best budget
18. Maternelle by Elle Macpherson – Best looking
19. NCT Comfort nursing bra – Best all rounder
20. NCT Energy nursing bra – Highly commended
21. NCT Vitality nursing bra – Highly commended
22. NCT Night-time plus – Highly commended
23. Royce Sophie (729) – Best looking & Best innovative

Nursing tops (9)

1· Anna Cecilia Tunica nursing top – Highly commended
2· Anna Cecilia short sleeve t-shirt nursing top – Best all-rounder
3· Bravado Original nursing tank (ONT) – Highly commended
4· Emma Jane (821)nursing top – Best all-rounder
5· Emma Jane (826) nursing top – Best budget
6· Emma Jane (832) nursing top – Highly commended
7· JoJo tie-front feeding top – Highly commended
8· NCT pale blue nursing top – Highly commended
9· Mamaway nursing top – Best all-rounderSpecial Awards (6)1. Best range - Emma Jane
2. Best for larger sizes Ample Bosom
3. Best for smaller sizes – JojoMamamBebe
4. Best innovative design – Blooming marvellous Secret support breastfeeding camisole & shorts
5. Best innovative design for Royce Sophie (silver thread)
6. Editors choice for Anita – extensive range

Methodology
Testers received samples with detailed guidelines explaining exactly what to look for in each product when carrying out the tests and score sheets with information about price, brand, distributor and any fitting instructions.

During the trial period we asked testers to include their comments about the following:
· Is the bra or top attractive to look at?
· Is it supportive and does it come in a good range of sizes?
· What is availability like?
· Is it comfortable?
· What do you think of the design?
· Is it easy to use while bf?
· Do you like the fabric?
· Does it use new fibres, Are allergies an issue (NCT now offer latex free fabrics for women who are allergic to latex)?
· Is it easy to put on?
· Are the washing and drying instructions clear?
· Is the information on pack and online helpful?
· Does it come with matching underwear?
· Is it a reasonable price?
· Can you fit your breast pads in the bra or top?

And you thought it was just a matter of buying the first maternity bra that you came across!
To see the full results and to read the final reviews go to: tipslimited.com

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