Nursing covers aren't strictly necessary, but they might make you more comfortable nursing in public. If you're feeling stressed about breastfeeding in front of other people, a nursing cover is a simple solution that might make the process easier and less nerve-wracking. It's all about what will make you and your baby feel safe and at ease.
Many of the nursing covers in this list are multi-use, so if you wind up deciding you prefer to nurse without a cover, you can still use them as part of your wardrobe or as a car seat or shopping cart cover.