A staple item for any new parent is a nursing pillow. This specially designed pillow offers firm support for baby while feeding, either when nursing or bottle feeding. It may seem like any home pillow will do but nursing pillows are designed with quality materials to provide the firm support baby needs. Each pillow is also designed with utility in mind, as the shape, thickness, and overall style keeps the baby in the proper feeding position and height, as well as offers extra support for the parent feeding or tending to baby. Let’s take a look at the best nursing pillow options on the market.
Things to know about a Nursing Pillow
Function
The main function of a nursing pillow is to assist both baby and mother with breastfeeding. A nursing pillow sits baby at the proper height and positioning to allow for a proper latch and feeding. The pillow also helps mom hold baby at the proper height, keeping baby at the right angle, and reduces back and neck pain while feeding. Using a nursing pillow is something to consider because nursing occurs multiple times throughout the day and night. This tool can make it easier and faster to feed properly, as opposed to using blankets and pillows from around the house.
A nursing pillow can also be used when bottle feeding baby, as it is designed to cradle baby and provide necessary support. It can be easier to hold baby while using a pillow and is a great option for mothers recovering from C-section surgery to reduce fatigue and aid in recovery.
Shapes of Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows come in several shapes, all of which have the same basic function. The different shapes provide slightly different support and can have other functions outside of feeding.
- C-shaped: the most common shape
- Sits around your waist with baby laying on top
- Can be used as a prop to help baby sit up when baby is older
- Doesn’t offer back support
- Wrap-around: wraps around your waist from front to back
- Offers more back support
- Stays in place
- Can be difficult for some users to put on and take off when holding baby
- Comma-shaped: one end is larger, the other end tapers
- Great for moms recovering from C-section
- Can position baby on an incline which helps with reflux
- L-shaped: wraps around waist a little more loosely
- Can be more versatile
- Offers a larger surface for baby to lay on
The Top 8 – Best Nursing Pillow Options
C-shaped
1: Asani Extra-Soft Breastfeeding Support Pillow – Overall Favorite + Best Nursing Pillow for Travel
This one was a clear favorite amongst our rookie moms squad, especially for travel. This lightweight option is the Asani Extra-Soft Breastfeeding Support Pillow, which is great for travel due to its smaller size. This pillow is hypoallergenic and made of polyester fill, which makes it breathable and soft. The cover is machine washable so it can be used throughout the baby’s early years. Check Current Prices Here!
2: Boppy Nursing Pillow
This is the classic nursing pillow that offers baby support and proper positioning while giving mom’s back and arms relief during each feeding. The Boppy Nursing Pillow comes in a variety of prints and there are many interchangeable covers available. This pillow also functions beyond nursing for help prop baby up, during tummy time, and to assist with sitting. Check Current Prices Here!
Wrap-around Nursing Pillow
3: My Brest Friend Nursing Posture Pillow
The best wrap-around nursing pillow is the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow. This pillow features firm padding that wraps around mom’s entire body, offering back support as well as a solid platform for baby. The pillow comes in a variety of patterns and colors, has an adjustable waistband, and has a fabric pocket for storing a water bottle or any nursing item you may want on hand. Check Current Prices Here!
Comma-shaped Nursing Pillows
4: Borje Breastfeeding Adjustable Pillow
The Borje Breastfeeding Adjustable Pillow offers both a comma-shaped nursing pillow and an adjustable head pillow for baby that allows you to position the baby at the proper 45 degree angle during feeding. This versatile pillow help you properly position baby whether nursing or bottle feeding and can be used as the child grows for extra support. Check Current Prices Here!
5: Ergobaby Breastfeeding Pillow
This was probably the most hotly debated pillow amongst our rookie moms. Some absolutely loved it and it was their favorite, and others did not find it comfortable at all. What we determined is the moms who enjoyed a wider nursing pillow loved the Ergobaby Breastfeeding Pillow. This pillow is designed to be used in a variety of positions from across your lap to wrapping from your front under your arm to support baby as needed. This pillow helps with lactation, comfort, back pain, and arm support to give you all a little help in all the right areas. Check Current Prices Here!
6: Littlebeam Portable Breastfeeding Nursing Support Pillow
Another unique nursing pillow option is by Littlebeam and offers a great travel sized, portable memory foam pillow for extra support. This pillow is very multi-functioning due to its size which makes it great for supporting baby in the right position, helping mom with back or arm support, and can even be used during tummy time. Check Current Prices Here!
Best Nursing Pillow – L-shaped
7: Leachco Natural Boost Adjustable Nursing Pillow
As a grow with baby option, this nursing pillow by Leachco offers wider support for nursing and an adjustable or removable wedge to prop baby up from nursing to sitting. The wedge shaped pillow also allows you to put your arm under for positioning baby in the right spot or for long feeding or cuddling sessions. Check Current Prices Here!
8: Boppy two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow
For wider support for baby try the Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow. Designed similarly to the c-shaped Boppy, this pillow is wider and has full front support with a waistband to help keep it in place. There are two sides to the pillow, one is flat and firm for holding baby and the other is soft and squishy to fit into your lap or keep baby on their side. Check Current Prices Here!
Have questions Nursing Pillows? Please leave a question in the comments or ask questions in our Rookie Moms Facebook Group. It’s a great way to connect with other moms, share tips and get advice.
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