The Best Breastfeeding Pillows to Make Nursing Easier
Breast milk is important nourishment for a newborn. It helps them develop and grow while preventing illness and infection. Plus, nursing can even protect the mother from serious diseases like cancer.
Unfortunately, many new mothers struggle with breastfeeding their little ones because they’re unable to find a position that’s comfortable for themselves or the baby. A breastfeeding pillow can be the perfect solution. This type of pillow keeps your posture upright by bringing the baby close to your chest. Plus, it provides much-needed support to your neck, back and spine.
If you’re looking for the perfect breastfeeding pillow to help you feed and care for your newborn, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top breastfeeding pillows of 2024. Plus, we’ll answer all your breastfeeding pillow questions in our detailed buyer’s guide below. Let’s take a look!
Buyer's Guide to Finding a Breastfeeding Pillow
There are many nursing accessories available on the market, but breastfeeding pillows are the preferred choice for most mothers. Whether you’re buying one for yourself or as a gift for a friend, here’s a guide to help you choose the right one.
Some Benefits of Using a Breastfeeding Pillow
The good thing about breastfeeding pillows is that they are not limited to lactation only. You can use one during pregnancy and postpartum for your baby as well. Here’s how:
Provides back support during pregnancy
A breastfeeding pillow can provide extra support while nursing your little one and during pregnancy as well. During the last trimester of pregnancy, many often struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position. A nursing pillow can help. You can place the pillow under your bump to support its weight, relieving your back and making it easier to fall asleep.
Relieves pressure from C-section stitches
Nursing after a C-section can be difficult. When you bend down to help your baby latch on, this motion puts strain on your stitches, which can delay your body’s healing. Using a lactation pillow helps you bring the baby closer so you don’t have to bend over. Placing the pillow gently against your belly makes nursing less painful and will help you heal faster.
Helps relieve episiotomy or tearing pain
Vaginal delivery with an episiotomy or natural tearing can be painful. If not cared for properly, the stitches can take a long time to heal. Try sitting on a feeding pillow to take the pressure off the stitches and allow the area to heal more quickly.
Corrects posture when breastfeeding in a sitting-up position
Most mothers prefer to feed their babies while sitting up. This position requires you to bring the baby closer to your chest. One mom we spoke to told us this key to improving her breastfeeding journey: “Bring the baby to your chest, not your chest to the baby.” Bending over can strain your back and makes it challenging for the baby to get a good latch. A nursing pillow helps lift the baby up so they can latch on properly without you needing to bend over.
Assists in bottle feeding
It may be a breastfeeding pillow, but you can also use it for bottle feeding to provide extra support to your arms. We spoke to a dad who said “It might look silly, but when I’m trying to help out with the baby, I really like using my wife’s nursing pillow for bottle feeds. It’s so much easier for both me and our baby!” Once your baby is able to hold their bottle independently, a nursing pillow can also be used to prop them up.
Prevents reflux
It’s common for babies to experience reflux after feeding. Propping your little one up against a nursing pillow can help prevent the breastmilk or formula from coming up.
Prevents breastfeeding issues
Breastfeeding brings with it several small yet painful issues like sore nipples, arm numbness, blocked milk ducts and cracked nipples. A breastfeeding pillow can help relieve this pain by helping your baby securely latch on during feeding.
Unsure if you’re getting the best support from your breastfeeding pillow? This video from nutmeg_lc, a lactation consultant, can help:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRuwfFMd/
Breastfeeding Pillows: Some Features To Look For
While all nursing pillows may initially appear the same, here are some features to look for:
- Shape: Nursing pillows are available in a variety of shapes. Some are U or C-shaped while others wrap around your waist. Make sure the shape you choose is comfortable for you.
- Fit: Some pillows have a fixed fit while others have straps to adjust it according to your comfort. The adjustable pillows offer more flexibility for achieving a secure fit.
- Material: Most pillows are either fiber- or foam-filled. Always check the material of the pillow cover and make sure it is non-toxic and soft. Look for a pillow with a removable and washable pillowcase for easier maintenance.
- Firmness: Nursing pillows should be firm yet comfortable for your baby and the pillow should retain its firmness with use. Keep in mind that you will need it to last until your baby can independently control their head, around six months of age.
- Multipurpose functionality: Some breastfeeding pillows are multipurpose serving you and your baby in a variety of ways. Choose an option that you can use for other purposes too.
Compare the Highest-Rated Breastfeeding Pillows of 2024
Momcozy Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding – Best Overall
Talk about a game changer! The Momcozy Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding is a must-have for all nursing moms, and here’s why. This isn’t just your standard nursing pillow; it’s the original plus-size pillow, designed to provide even more support for both mom and baby. When I first used it, I was amazed by how much easier it made the process. It has an adjustable waist strap, which is such a unique feature – it ensures the pillow stays secure and in the right position, even if you have to move around.
The comfort factor of this pillow is off the charts. It comes with a removable cotton cover, making it super soft to touch, and it’s so easy to clean – a big plus for any busy mom! And let’s talk about the color. It’s a stunning shade of grey, which not only matches everything, but is also less likely to show stains. The Momcozy Nursing Pillow has honestly made nursing so much easier for me. I can confidently say it’s one of the best breastfeeding pillows out there. It’s not just about making nursing easier, it’s about providing that extra comfort and support that every mom deserves. This pillow has truly been a lifesaver!
Pros
- Adjustable strap for secure hold
- Provides ample back support
- Cover is easily washable
Cons
- Slick material on strap
- Not suitable for unsupervised naps
Boppy Nursing Pillow – Best Designs
Our second pick is the acclaimed Boppy Nursing Pillow. This breastfeeding pillow is an all around performer designed to address your baby’s needs during their first year. Ergonomically designed to support you as you nurse or bottle feed your little one, this breastfeeding pillow is small enough to fit in an armchair, but big enough to give your baby the needed lift. You can use it for feeding when you baby is young and for tummy time and sitting once your baby is a bit older. This feature-packed pillow has a soft fiber filling encased inside a skin-friendly cotton blend cover. Plus, the pillow is soft yet firm while the cover is removable. As an added bonus, this pillow is 100% machine-washable.
Pros
- Firm yet extremely comfortable
- Made using skin-friendly cotton
- Washable pillow and cover
Cons
- Not suitable for sleeping
Golden linens LLC Breastfeeding Pillow – Most Budget-Friendly
Not everyone can afford premium baby gear, which is why we’ve included this budget-friendly option on our list. But just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean the Golden linens LLC Breastfeeding Pillow is lacking in any way. This handy pillow boasts a 100% polyester filling that makes it firm and supportive. What’s more, the U-shaped pillow cover is made of a fabric blend including 40% bamboo making it extremely soft and breathable. Plus, this zippered pillow is machine-washable — simply remove the cover and toss it into the washing machine.
Pros
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Breathable bamboo cover
- Comes at an affordable price
Cons
- Is not water-resistant
Bamibi Breastfeeding Pillow – Best All-in-One
The next option on our list is perfect for mothers looking for an all-inclusive solution for their maternity and nursing needs. The Bamibi Breastfeeding Pillow is designed for ultimate comfort. You can use it for support during pregnancy as well as for feeding your little one postpartum. It features a 100% cotton cover with a polyester filling. Coming in a variety of colors and designs, this pillow also features safety straps so you can secure it around your waist. Plus, this nursing pillow includes a baby positioner pillow that you can use to prop your little one up once they’re old enough.
Pros
- Addresses maternity and postpartum needs
- Soft and extremely comfortable
- Available in various prints
Cons
- Zipper is low-quality
Miracle Baby Breastfeeding Pillow – Most Stylish
While all the other options on our list are cute, the Miracle Baby Breastfeeding Pillow is by far the cutest. Available in a wide range of stylish prints — including hearts, flamingos and pandas — this pillow is sure to become the showstopper in your nursery. The machine-washable pillow features a polyester core encased inside a 100% cotton cover. It is soft, breathable and very supportive. Plus, you’ll also receive a head positioner pillow to help your baby get a secure, comfortable latch. What’s more, this pillow is suitable for various feeding positions, including cradle hold and side lying.
Pros
- Suitable for all breastfeeding positions
- Simple and easy to use
- Includes a head positioner pillow
Cons
- Smaller than other nursing pillows
My Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow – Most Supportive
The My Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow will become your best friend if you find breastfeeding challenging. This nursing pillow helps you find a secure and comfortable feeding position while supporting your arm and elbow. What’s more, this pillow boasts a wrap around design and comes with a deluxe velcro strap so you can secure it around your waist. The ergonomic back support corrects your posture and takes the pressure off your spine, while its foam filling helps lift the baby close to you. Plus, this pillow is quite firm so there’s no chance of your little one slipping out of position.
Pros
- Foam filling is firm yet comfortable
- Supportive, wrap around design
- Comes in a variety of subtle colors
Cons
- Suitable for sitting-up position only
People Also Asked
A: A nursing pillow helps support the baby's head, neck, and body while breastfeeding. This makes it easier for baby to latch, which in turn is more comfortable for mom. The extra support also reduces strain on the mother's shoulders and arms, which can help to reduce backache or fatigue caused by long periods of breastfeeding.
A: Using a nursing pillow is relatively straightforward and easy to do once you are familiar with proper positioning techniques. Many models come with instructions or helpful diagrams printed on them that can guide you in using them properly.
A: Most nursing pillows have covers that are machine-washable on a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent or fabric softener. You may also want to spot clean or hand wash the pillow insert or any areas that need special attention such as straps or buckles, if applicable. Allow your pillow to air dry thoroughly before using it again.
A: It depends on the type of nursing pillow you choose; some models may require additional accessories such as straps or buckles while others may come with covers that can be washed separately from the cushion itself. In general, you should always check with the manufacturer's instructions to make sure that you are purchasing all necessary accessories with your nursing pillow in order to ensure safe usage and proper maintenance of your product.
A: Always make sure that your baby is properly positioned on the nursing pillow according to guidelines provided by the manufacturer or health professionals for their age group and make sure that straps or buckles (if applicable) are securely fastened at all times. If you are using the nursing pillow as a support for playtime, make sure to supervise your baby in case of rolling.
A: It depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it. Most models should last many years with proper cleaning and storage if cared for properly between uses; however, if you begin noticing signs of wear such as sagging cushions or lack of support, then it’s time for an upgrade.
