The gurgling and the grunting are the incredibly cute sounds of contentment that mothers look forward to when they get their newborn feeding routine locked down. But, essentially, to feed well, you must first get a comfortable position for both you and your little one. The best nursing pillow is a necessary part of that process.
Breastfeeding, generally, will need you to have a list of gears that you'll likely have to invest in. These mostly include a breast pump, a comfortable nursing bra, soothing nipple cream.
Although not so much a must-have item, many breastfeeding moms appreciate a nursing pillow (a breastfeeding pillow) for feeding. Breastfeeding comes with a learning curve for most people; slowly, you learn that there are many little things that you need to get the hang of.
A good nursing pillow will help prop up the baby next to you, taking the load of having to support your newborn using your arms. This is especially important since newborns don't have much head-and-neck control. You’d be surprised at how heavy even a tiny baby becomes to hold for long hours in the same position, but with the perfect nursing pillow, you can provide a stable and comfortable surface for the baby and reduce arm, neck, and back strain on you.
Best Nursing Pillow when The Baby Arrives
1. Boppy Original Nursing Pillow & Positioner
Boppy company has been making the best nursing pillows for over 25 years now. Because of this, many would agree that Boppy pillows are the original, U-shaped nursing pillows that undoubtedly remain the most popular nursing pillow in the market. The brand is still popular among most parents because the Boppy nursing pillow is an incredibly versatile pillow.
This rounded U-shaped nursing pillow works really well for parents who need to breastfeed or bottle-feed their children. Because of how versatile it is, this feeding pillow can also be used to cushion the baby on a tummy-time prop while you work on their sitting or to cradle a lounging baby.
Other than its versatility in use, most parents love how this breastfeeding pillow looks and the range of colorful yet washable covers it comes with. Because of how inevitable spit-ups or the unfortunate diaper explosions are, it helps because its cover can be tossed into the washing machine.
Pros:
- It is versatile enough to use for bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, propping (3+ months), lounging, tummy-time (6+ months), or sitting as the baby gets older
- Its U-shape is easy to grab and secure
- Both the pillow and cover are machine-washable
- It was designed by a mom for parents
- It provides a more ergonomic and comfortable position for your arms and back
- It suitably lifts the baby when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- It gives you multiple feeding styles; cradle, football hold, cross-cradle, or bottle-feeding
- It has a removable and breathable slipcover with a zipper design
Cons:
- Its curved cushion could cause the baby to slide into the chest
- It doesn't have a strap that makes it a less secure fit
2. My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow
Here is another nursing pillow that's a wrap-around pillow. Its adjustable strap and backrest make a brilliant adjustable nursing pillow designed to give parents all the extra help they will need. In addition, it comes with a conveniently useful front pocket that you can use to store items that you need to have on hand while feeding; items such as a water bottle, burp cloth, nipple cream, a protein bar or snacks, or the phone.
Although its flat surface may not look as snuggly at first, its stable shape comes in handy to help prevent the baby from sliding or roll into space between your chest and the cushion. But, unfortunately, this slide can be a little uncomfortable for some young ones.
It might not be the best multi-tasker, but it’s an excellent nursing pillow with helpful features that bed pillows lack. It was solely designed for bottle-feeding and breastfeeding support since the pillow, My Brest Friend, wraps around you for a full back support cushion and to secure it in place.
Pros:
- My Brest friend deluxe nursing pillow encourages better posture while breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to alleviate any strain or soreness on your back, neck, or arms
- Its attached front pocket can be used to keep accessories and nursing supplies for easy reach
- My Brest Friend pillow eliminates shoulder and arm stress while breastfeeding
- It is firm and flat to prevent the baby from rolling out or slipping in during nursing
- Its deluxe strap has velcro and a silent release buckle for easy, one-hand use
- It's a wrap-around nursing pillow design that adjusts to fit different sizes for a securely and ideal position
- My Brest Friend is a top choice by lactation consultants and birthing hospitals
- It has a removable, washable slipcover
Cons:
- The belt can be secured using one hand, but it still has an extra step to strap into your pillow
- The pillow is not washable
3. The Blessed Nest Pillow - Organic Nursing Pillow
The Blessed Nest nursing pillow isn’t the most wallet-friendly feeding pillow on the list, but it is the only pillow that's eco-friendly that's made it to the best nursing pillows. Inside, the cushion is packed with pesticide-free buckwheat hulls that give it a somewhat bean bag feel. This makes it possible to shift the contents around to find the perfect position that's unique for both the mother and baby.
Its slipcover is made of organic cotton and is machine-washable too. The Nesting Pillow is fully organic and hypoallergenic and is safe for even the most sensitive babies. Additionally, it has a unique filling that allows air to circulate the pillow, keeping both the baby and mother cool and comfortable.
The removable slipcover can be easily removed and is made of pre-washed and dried fabric for a machine-washable cover that can handle frequent washings as often as necessary. Also, the inner pillow can be easily spot cleaned and heat sanitized in the dryer for roughly 20 minutes.
Pros:
- It is made of organic cotton
- Its filling consists of organic buckwheat hulls
- It is 100% organic and safe for even the most sensitive babies
- Its quarter moon-shape support provides the perfect nursing nest for babies
- Its unique filling is similar to a bean bag and conforms to the baby's body to make the perfect nesting pillow
- Its slipcover is machine-washable
- Its repositioning ability makes it a great back and tummy support for pregnant moms and also excellent abdominal support after a cesarean surgery
- It creates a more supportive 'lap' for young children who might want to hold the baby
Cons:
- It is a little heavy
- It is relatively pricey
4. Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow
Leachco is popularly known for making one of the best pregnancy pillows that also doubles up as a favorite nursing pillow that is versatile and extra-thick. Like many nursing pillows, it can be used for nursing, tummy time propping, and seat support. In addition, if you are a mom to a wiggly baby, you will appreciate its patented seat wrap that lets you slide your baby into place while you are nursing.
The Cuddle-U support pillow is multipurpose like many breastfeeding pillows and combines its adjustable seat wrap with its U-shaped design. Professional medical advice suggests that parents use a nursing pillow with a U-shaped design to help ease muscle strain and allow both the parent and baby to have an easier time during feeding.
Nursing moms can use it as a lounger since the patented seat wrap helps keep wigglers in place in a reclined position. As the child grows, it can be used for tummy-time and sit support. It also comes with a concealed pocket that is attached underneath the side of the pillow.
Pros:
- It can be used as either a nursing pillow or as seat support when the baby is older
- It has a seat wrap to help keep the reclined baby in place when used as a lounger
- Its U-shaped design helps support comfortable feeding times
- It can be used for tummy time when the little ones grow old enough
- It has a tuck seat wrap into the pocket when it is used for feeding
- It has a removable cover
Cons:
- Its pillow is not machine-washable
5. Zenoff Products My Brest Friend Travel Nursing Pillow
When away from familiar surroundings and off the regular nursing routine, it's comforting for babies to have the familiarity of a single nursing pillow that also doubles up as a travel nursing pillow, Zenoff Products travel nursing pillow. This adjustable pillow is a travel pillow that comes in the same wrap-around patented design as the Original My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow.
This helps it securely fit your body, helping the baby and the parent maintain the latch's nursing positioning and latch. As an inflatable pillow, it can be packed flat to fit in a diaper bag or a purse for easy storage and portability, which is ideal for use on airplanes or overnight travel. In addition, its double valve cap makes it quick and easy to inflate and deflate when needed.
It comes with a 100% cotton slipcover that is soft and safe for the mom and the baby’s delicate skin and includes the strap and convenient pocket.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Nursing Pillow
A) Shape
This mostly comes down to your preference. Some of the best nursing pillows are either U- or C-shaped so they can snuggle against the stomach, while other nursing pillows will wrap all-around your waist. Certain styles will be more comfortable than others.
B) Fit
Some nursing pillows come with adjustable belts or straps that help give you a more customized and secure fit.
C) Storage
Although not so much an essential feature, most moms will appreciate nursing pillows that come with a pocket that you can use to put the bottle, burp cloth, a toy for your baby, or any other small item you might need while feeding.
D) Material
Some of the best nursing pillows come with a removable plush cover that can be washed using a washing machine to make cleaning your nursing pillow so much easier.
E) Versatility
Some of the popular nursing pillows are versatile enough to be used for much more than nursing and finding one that grows with your little one is a definite plus.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Nursing Pillow
1. What are the benefits of using a nursing pillow?
- You need a nursing pillow to ease the strain on your back, neck, and arms for an enjoyable mealtime
- It supports the baby's head
- It comforts the baby while nursing
- It props up the baby to give the baby easier access to the breast
- The best nursing pillows are versatile for different long-term uses
2. Is it okay to let babies sleep on the nursing pillow?
No. Infants should never sleep on the nursing pillow due to the risk of suffocation, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) warns. The CPSC also warns parents about the risk of generally keeping pillows in the crib while an infant sleeps.
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