Pregnancy is arguably one of the most challenging periods in a woman’s life. It’s filled with pain and discomfort, right until the end, but once a child is born, all of that slowly fades away. While everything may seem easy for those first few days, having a baby brings new struggles, and one of them is nursing. Finding the right angle or position to nurse your child can seem like a nightmare, but the right nursing pillow can improve your quality of life.
Shopping for nursing pillows seems straightforward, but you want to make sure you find the perfect pillow for your situation. We’ve done the research, and we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about nursing pillows.
- What to Consider when Shopping for a Nursing Pillow
- Top 10 Best Nursing Pillows 2023
- 1. Best Overall Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
- 2. Best Budget Nursing Pillow: Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner
- 3. Best Nursing Pillow for Plus-Size Women: My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow
- 4. Best Premium Nursing Pillow: Infantino Elevate
- 5. Best Nursing Pillow with Wrap: Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow
- 6. Best Nursing Pillow for Breast Relief: Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows
- 7. Best Portable Nursing Pillow: Lansinoh Nursie
- 8. Best Nursing Pillow for Twins: Twin Z Pillow
- 9. Best Nursing Pillow for Latching Support: Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow
- 10. Best Organic Nursing Pillow: The Nesting Pillow
- Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Pillows
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider when Shopping for a Nursing Pillow
Style
First and foremost, you need to know what style of nursing pillow you’re looking at. The most common nursing pillow that you’ll come across is a u-shape pillow, but there are a few different nursing pillows that serve a different purpose. For example, you’ll come across u-shape, wrap-around, adjustable, multi-position, moon-shape, and even breast relief pillows.
U-shape
U-shape pillows wrap halfway around your waist and give your child font-side support. U-shape pillows tend to be inexpensive and easy to work with, plus most of them have slipcovers that are machine washable.
There are a few different variations of the u-shape pillow, one of which is a crescent-shaped pillow. Crescent shape pillows don’t wrap around your back as far, but offer a larger nursing area for your child to rest on. If you want a stylish nursing pillow, most u-shape pillows have plenty of additional nursing covers options so you can customize them.
Wrap-Around
Wrap-around nursing pillows offer support for your back while providing all of the nursing positions that a u-shape pillow offers. Wrap-around pillows tend to have belts you can wrap around your waist to hold it in place, which allows for hands-free or one-hand nursing. Wrap-around nursing pillows tend to be more expensive than u-shape pillows, but they’re still affordable.
Adjustable
Adjustable nursing pillows typically have a few different adjustments that you can make. These pillows tend to be the most expensive, but they also last longer than wrap around and u-shape pillows because they can accommodate a growing child.
Breast relief nursing pillows
Breast relief nursing pillows are made specifically to serve as a therapeutic pillow. While these pillows are not useful for feeding, they can make you comfortable in between feeding sessions.
Arm-mount
The last type of nursing pillow that you’ll come across is the arm-mount nursing pillow. With these pillows, all you need to do is slip them over your arm. While they provide less support for your back, their design is portable.
Material
The next factor you should keep an eye on is the material that a nursing pillow is made with. Nursing pillows use a handful of different materials for comfort, with cotton being one of the most popular. While cotton is an excellent material, you’ll find nursing pillows that use bamboo and other natural plant fibers.
Understanding the differences between these materials and the benefits they provide is crucial to the shopping experience. For example, cotton and polyester nursing pillows optimize comfort, whereas bamboo materials focus on being hypoallergenic and suitable for children with sensitive skin. Keep in mind, hypoallergenic and organic nursing pillows are more expensive than cotton or polyester pillows.
Weight
The last feature to keep an eye on is the weight of a nursing pillow. Heavier nursing pillows are going to be challenging to maneuver, but they provide more support for your child—and can typically support larger children. On the other hand, lighter nursing pillows are portable but lack support.
Pricing
Most nursing pillows are affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’re all priced the same. Nursing pillows that have high-end materials and more features will typically cost more than basic nursing pillows and vice versa. We’ve placed each nursing pillow into three price categories:
$: around $20
$$: around $40
$$$: over $60
We’ve included a variety of different pillow types in our list and evaluated them with these factors in mind, so read on to find the perfect nursing pillow for you and your little one!
Top 10 Best Nursing Pillows 2023
1. Best Overall Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$
- Style: Wrap-around
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow features a wrap-around design that offers nursing comfort in multiple positions. The pillow is made with a flat design that keeps your child from rolling during feeding, and it provides comfortable support with its 100% cotton material. With this pillow, there are more nursing positions that you can use. Instead of being limited to sitting upright, you can nurse while lying on your side with this pillow.
The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow comes with a slipcover that’s machine washable, and the pillow can be spot washed. Overall, these nursing pillows take the comfort of both a mother and her child into consideration, which makes nursing hassle-free.
What sets it apart
There are a handful of features that set the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow apart, but the most notable is its wrap-around design. Pillows that have a u-shape, like the Boppy Nursing Pillow Positioner, often create a gap between your child and your breast, which can make latching difficult. The wrap-around design keeps your child at the perfect distance from your chest while maintaining comfort for your arms, shoulders, neck, and back. It’s not shaped well for tummy time, though.
The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow also features a silent release strap that helps you detach from your child without making sudden movements of shifts. When you get your child to sleep, the last thing you want is to wake them. The silent release strap feature makes it easy to slip away after a nursing session. Based on all of the features it comes with and the affordable price tag, this nursing pillow is second to none.
Things to consider
While the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow incorporates a lot of great features, the design can be a bit complicated. Mothers that are looking for a quick and hassle-free nursing session may benefit from a simple u-shape pillow instead. If you’re looking for a simple nursing pillow, the Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner uses the same material but features a more straightforward design.
Who it’s for
The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow is for mothers that need an all-in-one nursing pillow. With all of the storage options, nursing position choices, and comfort, the pillow is second to none. Plus, if you want to talk on the phone with your friend or change the channel, the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow makes it easy to multi-task.
Pros
- Wrap-around design is comfortable for both you and your child
- Silent release strap to sneak away once your child is asleep
- Plenty of storage space
- Firm surface prevents your child from rolling
Cons
- Ineffective when used as a tummy time pillow
2. Best Budget Nursing Pillow: Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $
- Style: U-shape
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Weight: 1 pound
The Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner is comfortable and easy to use. The u-shape design lets you wrap the pillow around your waist for a hassle-free feeding experience. While the pillow is designed to help your child latch, this nursing pillow can also be used to feed your baby with a bottle as well. The pillow is also great for a growing child because it can be used to support your child while they’re sitting or crawling, or even for tummy time.
The Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow Positioner can be tossed right into a washing machine, and stains come out quickly. For versatility, the pillow is made with a 10% cotton and 90% polyester blend that’s lightweight and portable. Overall, this pillow is simple and easy to use.
What sets it apart
The Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner is unique in that the entire pillow is machine washable. Instead of spot cleaning the pillow with a washcloth, you can just toss the whole thing into a washing machine. Keep in mind, the cover and pillow should be washed separately for the best results. There are also plenty of additional slipcovers available for this pillow, which means you can customize it to your preferences.
Things to consider
While the Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow Positioner is easy to use and lightweight, the drawback is that pillow covers are sold separately. Boppy has plenty of great style options to fit your needs, but this pillow can go from being a bargain to costing a fortune if you fill your cart up with a handful of different pillow covers.
If you’re looking for a pillow that comes with everything you need right out of the box, but like the u-shape design, the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is a great alternative that comes with everything you need right out of the box.
Who it’s for
The Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow Positioner is excellent for parents shopping on a tight budget. Since the pillow is machine washable, you don’t need to worry about going out and getting a cover right away. As your child and budget grow, you can customize the pillow however you choose.
Boppy is also a well-rounded company that was started by a mother on a mission to improve comfort back in 1989. This is important because Boppy products are designed by someone who went through the discomfort that nursing can bring, which makes it a more personal and humble product, for parents that like an individual and relatable product, this pillow is a great option.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to use and grows with your child
- Plenty of different covers for sale to customize the pillow
- Machine washable
- Great for tummy time
Cons
- Doesn't include a cover
3. Best Nursing Pillow for Plus-Size Women: My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$
- Type: Wrap-around
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow features a wrap-around design that improves posture and optimizes comfort. The wrap-around design provides plenty of room to hold your child in the front but offers additional lumbar support for your back.
The pillow is made with a sturdy design that leverages compressed cotton for durability, stability, and comfort. Not only is this pillow comfortable, but it comes with storage compartments to keep baby supplies, smartphones, and food within reach.
The wrap-around design also offers more nursing positions than traditional u-shape nursing pillows. With this pillow, you can sit up straight for the cradle and football nursing positions, and lay on your side for a “relax and snuggle” position. The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow also comes with a machine washable cover to make clean up a breeze: when it comes to feeding, they know how messy it can be.
What sets it apart
The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is second to none based on all of the features that it provides. While most nursing pillows focus on one specific area of nursing, this pillow does it all. Between the storage and added lumbar support, there are plenty of different ways to use this pillow.
Compared to the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow, this nursing pillow is better for plus-size women and mothers who had a c-section because of the adjustable latch around the waist that relieves pressure.
Things to consider
The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is excellent for a lot of applications, but there is one major flaw. While the pillow works well for nursing, and holds a lot of weight, as your child grows older, the pillow becomes less useful. U-shape nursing pillows tend to have a longer lifespan because they can be used as a support chair, but this pillow is too bulky for that. If you’re looking for a pillow that will last you into your child’s toddler years, you might want to consider the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow.
Who it’s for
The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is excellent for plus-sized mothers and women who had c-sections. The latch allows you to adjust the pillow in a way that alleviates pressure around the abdominal muscles, and it can be adjusted to fit larger body types. Also, if you like to nurse your child while lying down, the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is a great choice. Most u-shape pillows and arm-mount pillows fail to account for mothers that want to relax while nursing.
Pros
- Great for plus-size women
- Comfortable for women who had a c-section
- Plenty of storage
- Can be used in several different nursing positions
- Great lumbar support
Cons
- Loses usefulness as your child gets older
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$
- Style: Adjustable
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
The Infantino Elevate nursing pillow features an adjustable design to improve latching without needing to shift your position. The pillow supports your child, and as they grow, you can switch between the three different elevation positions for nursing comfort. The pillow can also be taken on the go by folding the pillow and securing it with the pink ribbon that it comes with. So, while it may seem bulky, storage is not a problem once you fold it.
While most pillows use a removable cover that’s placed in the washing machine, the cover for this pillow is not removable. The good news is that you can actually put the entire pillow in the washing machine to clean it, and it can even be placed in a dryer on low.
What sets it apart
The Infantino Elevate is unique in that you can change the positions of the pillow as your child grows older. With u-shape or wrap-around pillows, it can be hard to find that perfect feeding angle once your child gets older, but with the three different elevation positions, it’s easy to get that ideal nursing spot. With limited options for adjustable nursing pillows elsewhere, the Infantino Elevate is the best adjustable nursing pillow around.
Things to consider
While the Infantino Elevate makes it easy to nurse in the perfect position, it lacks the lumbar support that u-shape and wrap around pillows provide. If you experience a lot of back discomfort while nursing, the adjustable positions might not be enough for you. If this is the case, you might want to try a pillow like the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow. While it lacks adjustable positions, it provides plenty of lumbar support.
Who it’s for
The Infantino Elevate is for mothers that plan on breastfeeding their children for a long time. A lot of mothers switch over to a bottle after a year or so, but if you plan on consistently breastfeeding your child, the adjustable positions that this pillow offers provide excellent support. For mothers seeking longevity out of a nursing pillow, the Infantino Elevate is a great choice.
Pros
- The whole pillow is machine washable
- Three different positions for feeding
- Foldable design makes it easy to store and portable
Cons
- The design is bulky, which makes it challenging to use with newborns
- Lack of lumbar support
5. Best Nursing Pillow with Wrap: Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $
- Style: U-shape
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
The Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow offers a different approach to the u-shape pillow design. Instead of relying on your arms for support during feeding, this pillow feathers a wrap that keeps your child firmly in place. While the wrap is a great feature, if you prefer the traditional method of feeding, you can always tuck the wrap safely away into its compartment that’s built right into the pillow.
The Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is made with enhanced materials that provide exceptional comfort. Instead of using cotton or spandex, this pillow features a comfortable blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Not only do these materials make the pillow comfortable, but they make it more flexible and durable than other nursing pillows.
What sets it apart
What sets the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is the tuck-away wrap that it comes with. Plenty of u-shape pillows serve the same purpose, but the wrap is unique. The wrap makes nursing hands-free, and even if you use the chair as a lounger when they get older, the wrap can be used as support to keep them from sliding down the pillow or from flipping over during tummy time. Also, the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is made and developed right here in the United States.
Things to consider
While the wrap is designed to make things more comfortable, it can become a potential hazard if you’re not careful with it. In most cases, the wrap is safe, but if you are using it as a support chair, make sure that you supervise your child while they use it.
If you like the u-shape design, but don’t want to deal with the pesky wrap, you might want to consider the Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner instead.
Who it’s for
The Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is for mothers looking for a hands-free nursing experience that will last their child over a year. The u-shape design provides plenty of relief, but the wrap holds your child firmly in place so that you don’t have to.
If you like the sound of having your hands-free while you’re nursing, the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow is a great choice. Based on all of its features, this pillow is an affordable premium nursing pillow that hundreds of parents enjoy.
Pros
- Cotton and polyester blend enhances flexibility and durability
- Features a wrap that holds your child securely in place
- Great for tummy time
- Can be used as a lounger when your child grows older
Cons
- Slightly heavier than most u-shape pillows
- The wrap can become a hazard if your child gets tangled in it
6. Best Nursing Pillow for Breast Relief: Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $
- Style: Breast relief pads
- Material: Bamboo, rayon, cotton, spandex, polyester
- Weight: Less than one pound
The Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows is more about you than your child, and after a long pregnancy, you deserve to prioritize your body. While most nursing pillows help an infant latch or provide comfort during feeding, these pillows offer comfort and relief after feeding.
Breastfeeding for long periods can lead to a lot of breast irritation and discomfort. The purpose of these pillows is to provide assistance by applying either warm or cold pressure to your breasts. These pillows are made with durable bamboo, cotton, and rayon materials.
The pillows are double-sided, which means that you can flip them to whichever material you prefer. One side is made with 65% bamboo rayon, 25% cotton, and 10% polyester. The other side is made with 95% bamboo viscose and 5% spandex. Also, these pillows come with a pair of thin no-show breast pads that are machine washable.
What sets it apart
The Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows are unique in that they serve a purpose that a lot of manufacturers fail to focus on. While traditional nursing pillows are great for relieving discomfort during feeding sessions, what about after feeding? These therapeutic nursing pillows offer plenty of breast relief that other pillows don’t.
Things to consider
The main drawback to these pillows is that they can’t be used as traditional nursing pillows. If you need a nursing pillow to provide support or latching assistance, you’ll have to choose a different pillow. The good news is that any of the other options on the list can be a great fit. For the best results, give these pillows a try alongside a traditional nursing pillow.
Who it’s for
The Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows are for mothers that experience discomfort after breastfeeding sessions. This is a common issue, and it can be hard to find the relief you need. In fact, it’s hard to find therapeutic pillows that work for both warm and cold comfort.
Pros
- Works for both cold and warm temperatures
- Comes with additional no-show breast pads
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can't be used during nursing
7. Best Portable Nursing Pillow: Lansinoh Nursie
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $
- Style: Arm-based
- Material: Cotton and polyester
- Weight: 1 pound
The Lasinoh Nursie features a unique design that shies away from more traditional u-shape or wrap around nursing pillows. This pillow is worn around a mother’s arm and provides comfort by allowing your child to use your arm as a pillow. The benefit of using a pillow like this is that you can control the proximity and position of your child’s head during nursing. If you need to move your child closer, simply raise your arm.
The Lasinoh Nursie is made with a cotton cover that’s comfortable and machine washable. The pillow can also be used in a handful of common nursing positions like the cradle, football, and cross cradle. So, while it may be worn in a different location, it serves the same purpose as u-shape and wrap-around nursing pillows.
What sets it apart
The Lasinoh Nursie has a unique design that makes it both portable and efficient. The pillow only weighs one pound, and it’s small enough to store in your purse or handbag. Simply place it around your arm and you can nurse your child in the car, on a plane, or at home on the couch.
Things to consider
The only issue with the Lasinoh Pillow is that it doesn’t provide a lot of pain relief for mothers during nursing. While it can promote latching and keep your child comfortable, there is no back support element to this pillow. For comfort, you’ll have to rely on the surface you’re sitting on, which in some cases might not be a great one. If you need pain relief for your back, you might want to consider a u-shaped or wrap-around pillow like the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow instead.
Who it’s for
The Lasinoh Nursie is for parents shopping for a portable nursing pillow. While most nursing pillows are small enough to stuff into a large bag, this pillow is small and light enough to carry around all day.
If you need a portable nursing pillow, it’s tough to beat this one. The Lasinoh Nursie is also great for mothers that had a c-section birth because the pillow doesn’t need to be wrapped around your midsection. If you’re having trouble getting comfortable with a u-shape or wrap around the pillow, it might be time to give an arm-mounted pad a shot.
Pros
- Portable
- Fabulous for mothers that had c-sections
- Can be used to in different nursing positions
- Relieves abdominal and back strain by relying on your arm for nursing
Cons
- No lumbar support
8. Best Nursing Pillow for Twins: Twin Z Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$$
- Style: U-shape (twin)
- Material: Cotton and polyester
- Weight: 1 pound
The Twin Z Pillow is a mother of two’s dream nursing pillow. The pillow is large enough to support nursing two children at once, and while it may seem big, it’s not an eyesore or clumsy to work with. The pillow is made with a comfortable cotton material, and it can be used for six different purposes. You can use this pillow for infant reflux, tummy time, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and even for back support.
The cover is completely removable and machine washable, and the pillow portion can be spot cleaned with warm water and a cloth. For its size, the Twin Z Pillow is also much lighter than you think it would weigh in at just about one pound. Also, there was a lot of hype around it because it was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. For fans of the show, you may have seen this pillow showcased on one of their episodes.
What sets it apart
What sets the Twin Z Pillow apart is its twin-focused design. While there are plenty of great nursing pillows on the market, the Twin Z Pillow is one of the only pillows you can find for nursing two children at once. For twins, every other nursing pillow pales in comparison.
Things to consider
While the Twin Z Pillow does its job well, there are a few drawbacks to working with a larger twin-focused pillow. The main problem is that it can be challenging to work with if you need to feed one child, and only works well for twins.
Who it’s for
The Twin Z Pillow is excellent for parents that have twins. Not only does it make nursing more manageable, but it can improve your relationship with your twins. Unfortunately, when one twin is given more attention than the other, this can create a feeling of being left out. Since the Twin Z Pillow can be used on two children at once, bonding is much easier. If you have twins, or two children close in age, this pillow is a must-have product.
Pros
- Can be used to nurse two children at one time
- Comfortable cotton material
- Increase bonding for mothers of two
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Only works well for one child
9. Best Nursing Pillow for Latching Support: Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$
- Type: Wrap-around
- Material: Cotton, fiberfill, and textured knit
- Weight: 4 pounds
The Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow is one of the more innovative nursing pillows that you can find. The design is reversible, which means you can work with two sides instead of one. There is a firm side that’s made with a textured knit fabric that provides plenty of support for children that have difficulty latching. When you flip the pillow over, the soft side is made with fiberfill. Boppy’s fiberfill material is made up of a cotton blend that creates a comfortable surface for your child to rest on.
The Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow also features a belt that keeps the pillow in place while you nurse your child. The cover of the pillow is removable and machine washable, and both sides of the pillow can be spot washed with a warm rag and washcloth to make clean up a breeze.
What sets it apart
The Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow is set apart by the double-sided design. There are a lot of nursing pillows that offer a firm or soft approach, but with this pillow, you get both. Boppy also worked closely with a lactation consultant, which provides the company with valuable research to develop a pillow that focuses on helping your child latch during feeding. The pillow also works well for plus-size mothers thanks to the belt that can be adjusted up to 52 inches.
Things to consider
While the Boppy Latch Breastfeeding Pillow works well for latching, the design can be clumsy and cumbersome. The belt can be both a blessing and a curse because the plastic material is not always easy to work with, and it weighs roughly three more pounds than most nursing pillows.
In some cases, this can lead to you being stuck with the belt on, and it’s hard to fix without stopping your child from nursing. Not only is this uncomfortable for mothers, but it can be a hassle if you want to shift your child’s position. If you like the latching benefits that this pillow provides, but prefer a better belt, the My Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow is a better option.
Who it’s for
The Boppy Best Latch Nursing Pillow is excellent for mothers that need help with latching. The firm side of the pillow provides plenty of support and encourages your child to latch onto your breast. This pillow is also great for mothers with younger children because as they grow, you can flip the pillow over for comfortable support.
Pros
- Double-sided design to improve latching and comfort
- Features a firm knit texture and fiberfill cotton blend
- Machine washable cover
- Affordable
Cons
- The belt is made with inexpensive plastic that makes it hard to work with
- Much heavier than other nursing pillows
10. Best Organic Nursing Pillow: The Nesting Pillow
Editor’s Rating:
Quick facts:
- Price: $$$
- Style: U-shape
- Material: Buckwheat
- Weight: 6 pounds
The Nesting Pillow, by Blessed Nest, is one of the few organic pillows that you can find. While natural pillows are great, organic materials provide comfort for children and mothers with sensitive skin. The pillow is made with organic buckwheat hulls that allow the pillow to shift, almost resembling a bean bag chair. The ability to change the pillow enhances comfort because you make adjustments to make nursing more comfortable for you and your child. Then, once you find a position you like, pyramid-shaped hulls lock together to keep the position in place. For comfort, this is one of the most innovative nursing pillows you can find.
The Nesting Pillow is also easy to clean. The slipcover can be removed and machine washed, and the fabric is both pre-washed and dried. When a fabric is dried in this way, it allows the material to handle more aggressive washes and improves the cover’s longevity. The rest of the pillow can be spot washed, and stains come out without any fuss. The Nesting Pillow is a well-rounded pillow that can be used for a handful of applications, from improving your posture to holding your computer firmly in your lap to reduce back pain.
What sets it apart
The Nesting Pillow is unique in that it’s 100% organic. Organic materials are often hypoallergenic, which means that the pillow is safe for children with sensitive skin. Compared to cotton nursing pillows, the buckwheat material is more durable, comfortable, and versatile. The moon-shape is also a great design because it allows you to create the perfect nest for nursing time without placing too much of the baby’s weight on you.
Things to consider
The Nesting Pillow is one of the best nursing pillows you can find, but the price can be overwhelming. Compared to other nursing pillows, the Nesting Pillow is almost three times the cost. There is a steep price that you have to pay for 100% organic materials, and unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of organic options out there.
Who it’s for
The Nesting Pillow is for parents or children that have sensitive skin. The organic materials keep skin allergies at bay, which can make a nursing experience much more manageable. Also, for parents that love to support US companies, the Blessed Nest is based in the United States and harvests all of its organic materials from US farms. If you’re looking for an organic nursing pillow, the Nesting Pillow is your best choice.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Shiftable buckwheat enhances comfort and locks into position
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive
- Six times heavier than most nursing pillows
Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Pillows
Knowing what the best nursing pillows are certainly makes shopping for one easier, but you need to shop for one based on your needs. Every nursing pillow serves a different purpose, so we’re to take you through everything you need to know about nursing pillows; this way, you can make an educated choice.
What Type of Nursing Pillow Should I Choose?
Each nursing pillow has a scenario that it works best in, so we’re going to lay those all out for you to make choosing the perfect nursing pillow hassle-free.
Breast Relief
First and foremost, your well-being as a mother needs to be taken into consideration. After the grueling experience of pregnancy and constant feeding after birth, everything begins to take a toll on your body. Unfortunately, breastfeeding can cause discomfort in the breasts for some mothers.
Luckily, there is a type of nursing pillow that can relieve breast pain. These nursing pillows are therapeutic and generally rely on either cold or warm temperatures to provide relief.
If you notice that your breasts become worn out after constant breastfeeding, you should consider looking into the Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows. This pillow uses both warm or cold temperatures, whichever you prefer, to provide the relief you deserve in between feeding sessions.
Back Support
While nursing pillows are designed for nursing, if you get your hands on one before your child is born, you can use it as a pregnancy pillow. Pregnancy pillows are used to alleviate pain and discomfort during pregnancy. While a nursing pillow won’t provide the same benefits as a 52″ pregnancy pillow, a u-shape pillow can be used for lower lumbar support.
The size of a u-shape pillow resembles travel pillows that you see advertised for cars, airplanes, and mass transit. If you want to use your nursing pillow as a pregnancy pillow, to give it a test run before the baby is born, feel free to place it behind your back and see how you feel.
U-shape pillows are the best option if you’re looking to use the pillow during pregnancy, so we recommend giving the Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner a try.
Elevating Your Child’s Head During Nursing
Many mothers experience bouts of pain during the early days of breastfeeding. Once your baby is born, you’ll notice that you go from uncomfortably carrying your child to struggling to hold their head in place during breastfeeding. As a mother, it starts to seem like there will never be an end to the discomfort of pregnancy. The pain of nursing is generally found in the arms, lower back, and neck.
Nursing pillows that have a wrap-around design are great for getting your child into the perfect latching position. Instead of holding your child’s head up, for what might seem like an eternity, you can let the nursing pillow do the heavy lifting for you.
If you’re looking for relief from constantly raising your little one, you’ll want to go with a pillow like the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow.
Recovering from a C-Section
When you have a c-section surgery, the side effects don’t end with birth. While the c-section operation makes the birthing process as painless as possible, you’ll feel discomfort as your abdominal muscles begin the healing process. A nursing pillow can provide instant relief while you’re at the hospital, and if you have the right pillow, nursing won’t add any discomfort.
Nursing pillows that work well for c-section relief are pillows that you place on your arm. When you use a u-shape or wrap around pillow after a c-section, you’ll notice that it applies a lot of pressure to the affected area. To make yourself more comfortable, go with the Lansinoh Nursie. The Lansinoh Nursie benefits from an arm-mount design that’s simple and easy to work with.
Episiotomy Pain Relief
Vaginal births can cause vaginal tearing that leads to an episiotomy. When this occurs, the doctor needs to use stitches, and those stitches tend to lead to discomfort when you sit down for long periods.
If you’re seeking relief, a nursing pillow is a great way to take the pressure off of that area. If you are using a nursing pillow to sit on, you’ll want to go with the Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner. The cotton material and small design make it a great pillow to sit on for additional comfort at home or on the go.
Support For Bottle Feeding
Many shoppers are under the assumption that a nursing pillow is only for breastfeeding. In most cases, this can be true, but there are a handful of nursing pillows that make bottle feeding more comfortable too. Bottle feeding discomfort can sneak up on you because it doesn’t bother you at first. Over time, though, continually holding the bottle in one position can lead to a great deal of discomfort.
A nursing pillow designed for bottle feeding is a great way to mitigate this issue, and the best pillow for this would be the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow. Not only does this pillow relieve stress from your arm, but it has plenty of storage to keep your baby bottle handy.
Reducing a Child’s Reflux
Babies spitting up seems to be common knowledge, but there is a reason that this happens. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when your child spits up milk that they drank, and while it may seem harmless, this milk is coming up and out through your child’s esophagus. When this occurs, it can cause damage to your child’s esophagus that leads to pain and discomfort—using a nursing pillow to prop your child up during and after feeding is a great way to reduce the chances of this occurring.
The best pillows for propping your child up after feeding are larger u-shape pillows. These pillows can be used in a similar way to lounge chairs to prop your child up. A great nursing pillow for this purpose is the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow. This pillow features a strap that can hold your child in place after a feeding to keep them propped up.
Staying Comfortable While Your Child Grows Older
One thing that a lot of parents fail to consider is that your child is going to get older and more cumbersome. When this happens, the nursing positions that you’re used to might become uncomfortable. Most nursing pillows lose their value after a few months, but the Infantino Elevate grows with your child. With three different elevations, you’ll be able to stay comfortable as your child gets bigger.
Tummy Time
If there is one activity that babies seem to dislike universally, it’s “Tummy time.” Tummy time is the time that you set aside for your child to spend time on their stomach each day. If this is the first time you’re hearing about this, you’ll want to pay close attention.
Tummy Time is essential for your child because it helps their muscles develop. Also, when your child spends time on their tummy, instead of on their back all day, it reduces the chances of flat head syndrome occurring.
If your child seems to despise tummy time, a nursing pillow might help. Simply place your nursing pillow on the floor, with a few toys around to entice your child, and place your child on the pillow with their chest pressed against it. Not all nursing pillows can work for tummy time, but a great one is the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow. This pillow is large enough and soft enough to keep your child comfortable, and the wrap can keep them held in place.
Latching Aid
You would think that babies would be able to latch like pros with all of the time they spend nursing, but some children are slow learners. If your child is struggling with latching, it can cause discomfort as you hold them in place for longer than usual.
A nursing pillow that keeps your child’s head as close to your breast as possible is a great way to encourage latching without blowing out your bicep. An excellent pillow for support while latching is the Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow.
Children and Mothers with Sensitive Skin
When you have a newborn child, you need to be careful with their skin. On average, a newborn’s skin is 30% more sensitive than adult skin, which makes hypoallergenic products a great choice. Finding a hypoallergenic pillow can be tough, and they cost more than cotton and polyester alternatives, but they’re well worth the price.
If you need an organic nursing pillow for yourself or your child, the The Nesting Pillow is made with organic buckwheat that keeps your child’s skin out of harm’s way.
Support on the Go
As a mother, you know that nursing can’t be helped. Unfortunately, it might be time to nurse while you’re out and about running errands or enjoying a day at the beach. Your heart might sink as you scramble for a comfortable place to settle down, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Portable nursing pillows are a great way to make nursing time easy on the go. Travel nursing pillows usually slide right over your arm, which means that it doesn’t matter where you’re sitting down. If you need a nursing pillow for those dreadful on the go situations, the Lansinoh Nursie is a great choice.
FAQ
Are Nursing Pillows the Same as Pregnancy Pillows?
Pregnancy pillows can be used as nursing pillows, but they’re more expensive and bulky. Nursing pillows are specially designed for nursing, which makes them better for nursing than pregnancy pillows that have nursing listed as a feature.
At What Age Should I Start Using a Nursing Pillow?
You can begin using a nursing pillow at any age, but we always recommend waiting at least a month before you start using a support pillow. The initial bond that you create with your child requires intimacy, and a nursing pillow can get in the way of that. Once your child is comfortable in your arms, you can start testing out different nursing pillows.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for nursing pillows can seem like a hassle, especially if you’ve never considered one before. While it may look like your standard couch cushion will get the job done, high-quality nursing pillows have years of research and development behind them to bring you a comfortable nursing experience. After being uncomfortable during pregnancy, it only makes sense to take back the comfort you deserve.
Every nursing pillow has different benefits, so what works for some mothers might not work for you. Always be sure to shop based on your needs, and your needs alone, for the best results. Keep in mind; it might take some trial and error to find the best nursing pillow, so be sure to experiment with a few different pillows before you hone in on one.