Nursing your baby can be one of the most wonderful bonding experiences of parenting. It can also be one of the hardest — emotionally, mentally, and physically. Getting comfortable while you nurse can truly be a lifesaver during those long, middle-of-the-night feedings. Sure, you can try different positions on your bed or your sofa, but many parents find they need a little extra support to help cradle their babies close to the breast, which is where nursing pillows come in.
Your nursing pillow should be firm enough to hold your baby flat without sinking into the pillow, the right height for your size, and should have a cover that is machine washable and easy to remove. After that, it's all pretty much a matter of selecting which style you feel the most comfortable using. Do you want something that you can strap on or something that's more casual? Do you tend to hunch over a lot while breastfeeding, even if you're using a pillow? If so, you'll probably need a taller nursing pillow. I'm 6 feet tall, so a lot of nursing pillows simply didn't work for me while I nursed my babies years ago. Thankfully, nursing pillows have gotten significantly better in the last few years, with a lot more options to choose from on the market.
It's extremely important to note that nursing pillows can never and should never be used as a place for babies to play, rest, or nap. This is dangerous in the extreme, and the deaths of at least eight children led Boppy and The Pottery Barn to recall their lounger pillows, which are designed very similarly to nursing pillows. If you happen to own one already, animal shelters across the country are asking parents to donate them to use as pet beds in their facilities.
If, like me, you choose to do a great deal of your nursing on a rocking chair or on a lounge chair, having a pillow that doesn't bunch up against armrests is a nice thing to have. The crescent-moon shape of this pillow is perfect for nursing in tighter spaces or for parents who like a lot of maneuverability.
The Snuggle Me nursing pillow comes with a washable organic cover that is as soft as it is convenient and lovely.
Meet your new best friend. The My Brest Friend nursing pillow straps all the way around your torso for a secure, adjustable fit that doesn't slide or move. There's even a handy side pocket to tuck a water bottle or snacks to munch on while you nurse, making it ideal for multitasking.
This is a nursing pillow that changes along with your baby as they grow. It’s completely adjustable — extra tall for when baby is tiny, and shorter as baby grows. It has a washable cover and a back-support pillow for the nursing parent, which could not be more necessary.
It straps easily around the waist, coming on and off with just one hand, which is honestly all a new parent ever gets to use, anyway.
“Don’t leave home without it” could easily be the motto for this travel nursing pillow. Simply tuck it into your diaper bag, carry-on, or overnight bag to inflate on the go, so you never have to sacrifice comfort when you're away from home.
It's just as comfortable as the filled pillow, but 100% more portable.
“One style fits all” isn’t a phrase that’s commonly applied to moms — but that’s where this Bare Naked pillow insert comes in.
It serves as a blank canvas for you to pick and choose the cover (or two) that you want, like these stylish personalized Boppy covers. The snug circular shape wraps around your body, giving you ample space to prop your sweetie up in the perfect position.
For a truly hands-free nursing experience, this nursing sling from Humble-Bee is a must. The plush pillow offers your little one a perfect spot to securely rest their head. The padded strap feels sturdy across your shoulder without digging into your skin. As your sweetie hangs out and drinks up their dinner, your hands are free to reach the remote.
For moms that prioritize organic products for their babies, this nursing pillow will be a perfect match. Tested against 350 toxins, this Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX organic cotton pillow will feel like a cloud against your baby's skin. The square shape makes this pillow comfy for both Mom and baby during nursing sessions.
Also, something that shouldn't be overlooked is that its shape covers your whole lap comfortably and warmly, making it ideal for winter feedings.
This curved nursing pillow will wrap around your body for maximum support while feeding your little one. The curved, tapered shape makes this pillow easily adjustable to suit various nursing styles. Whether you prefer the football hold or lean more towards a close, skin-to-skin cuddle, you'll be glad you have this pillow.
Breastfeeding twins simultaneously? This pillow makes the impossible possible. Sit with your back against the center cushion, and use the flexible arms to cradle your babies in the football position for tandem nursing.
Nursing can be uncomfortable for obvious reasons (hello, sore nipples!), but neck and back strain are also common complaints. Ergobaby's new nursing pillow helps alleviate pain by firmly positioning you and your baby tummy-to-tummy so you don't have to slouch over.
This is a taller pillow, hugely comfortable for parents with longer torsos.
Latifah MilesParenting EditorLatifah is the former parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she spent her time researching and testing the latest, greatest, and coolest products created to make parenting a breeze; her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan, Romper, and Elite Daily.
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