Nursing Pillows Guide
If you’re breastfeeding, the process can be exciting as well as a bit tricky. Having a nursing pillow by your side can make the experience easier.
What is a Nursing Pillow?
For most people, there’s a learning curve when it comes to breastfeeding. There will be lots of little things to get the hang of, including getting your little one into a good nursing position that’s comfortable for both of you. A nursing pillow helps with this by propping your baby up next to your breast. Nursing pillows sit in your lap and wrap around your body, providing a stable and comfy surface to position your newborn at the breast. They also reduce neck, arm and back strain for you, which can help make nursing easier and more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Do You Need a Nursing Pillow?
It’s definitely not required to have a nursing pillow—you can breastfeed effectively using just a regular pillow. But many new moms find the special design and bonuses of nursing pillows to be super useful during the first months. If you don’t plan to breastfeed, a nursing pillow can still be great for making bottle feeding more comfortable too.
When Do You Need a Nursing Pillow?
You’ll most likely use a nursing pillow every time you breastfeed, which can be a dozen times a day (or more!). After the first four to six months, your baby will have more head and neck control and you may no longer need the pillow. Plus, you may have gotten the hang of nursing comfortably on your own by then. However, nursing pillows can still be used for supervised tummy time or as a spot to cradle babies who can’t yet sit up on their own. Many babies fuss a lot on the floor for tummy time in the beginning, so a nursing pillow can be used in transition to help prop them up. It also gives them a better view and more interaction with you and their toys.
Baby & Toddler Best Nursing Pillows
Best Versatile Nursing Pillow – Boppy Original Feeding and Infant Support Pillow – $64.99
Boppy is the original, U-shaped nursing pillow (it was first introduced 25 years ago), and it remains the most popular nursing pillow on the market. It’s fully machine washable for the inevitable spit up or unfortunate diaper explosion. The best part is its versatility: it can be used to help cushion babies working on sitting, cradle a lounging baby or as a tummy time prop.
Best Pillow for Breastfeeding – My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow – $52.99
This pillow isn’t a multi-tasker, but it’s an excellent nursing pillow with helpful features other pillows lack. Designed solely for breastfeeding support, My Brest Friend wraps around you, has a back support cushion and attaches to itself to prevent it from moving out of place. The genius front pocket is great for holding your water bottle, nipple cream, protein bar or other goodies you might need while nursing. My Brest Friend provides a flatter surface than the Boppy so baby is stable and won’t roll into the space between pillow and parent.
Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow – FridaMom Adjustable Nursing Pillow – $49.99
Known for their innovative products that genius tackle on some of parenthood’s most frustrating problems (we heart you, Nosefrida Snotsucker) FridaMom’s new nursing pillow doesn’t disappoint. Customization is the standout feature here; the adjustable pillow has three interchangeable layers to help you find the right height for your size plus three different cushioning levels depending on how much support your baby needs. There are other smart features like storage pockets for your phone and water, pockets for heat packs to relieve postpartum pain and a t-shirt soft cover that’s machine washable.
Most Stylish Nursing Pillow – DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow – $90
This breastfeeding pillow from DockATot is stylish and functional. The ergonomic shape curves around your body for feeding support. The plush velvet cover is soft and comfy (just keep in mind it’s spot clean only) and lots of parents appreciate how it’s not as oversized and cumbersome as some other nursing pillows on the market, making it especially ideal for c-section parents. The best part? The chic design means you won’t mind leaving it out in any room.
Best Organic Nursing Pillow – Nook Sleep Niche Organic Nursing Pillow – $113.99
This unique nursing pillow has a funky, square design but functions the same as other nursing pillows for feeding and as a prop and lounger. The difference here is in the materials; the filling is made from Organic Kapok (a soft, natural fiber) and the naturally water- and stain-resistant cover is made from soft organic cotton and organic eucalyptus. The pebble design maximizes airflow for baby’s comfort and safety.
Best Breastfeeding Pillow for Twins – My Brest Friend Twin Nursing Pillow – $170
This nursing pillow for twins has all the benefits of the regular My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow but is designed to breastfeed two babies at once. It’s roomy on both sides so it has space for each baby, and the flat cushion keeps them from rolling around. Parents of multiples also appreciate the firm back support and being able to throw the plush cover in the washing machine.