A comfortable nursing pillow supports your body and back. Although breastfeeding will be a process to learn and ease into, there are ways to make the process more comfortable for you. This is where nursing pillows are a lifesaver.
A breastfeeding pillow not only helps you to be more comfortable and relaxed but also helps with positioning and posture while breastfeeding. They are an important investment to consider for the new breastfeeding mom. There is no shame at all in using a product to provide support to make breastfeeding easier, as many nursing moms choose to stop breastfeeding due to struggles with latching. Many models also make breastfeeding more comfortable for the baby, so it is a win-win situation for nursing pillows. To make shopping for this great item easier, we have compiled a list to compare some of the best nursing pillows on the market today.
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
The brest friend nursing pillow is my favorite nursing pillow. It is designed to alleviate neck, back, shoulder, and arm pain by promoting proper posture. It wraps around the mother’s full body to allow the baby to lay down in a comfortable position while nursing. The design is great for allowing the baby to lay down, while assuring that they are safe from falling with the pillow being wrapped around the mother. This design even includes a pocket in which accessories such as nipple cream can be kept, so the breastfeeding mom will not have to get up and take the pillow off to get any needed items.
My Brest Friend features a machine-washable slipcover that can be fully removed and placed into the washing machine, however, as it is made from comfy foam, it should not be placed in the washing machine or put into water. This product can only be spot-cleaned due to this, as submerging it in water will damage the foam and completely destroy the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Machine washable cover can be removed
Full, wrap-around design prevents the child from falling Pockets for storage of personal items create convenience Firm, flat design prevents baby from rolling out Adjustable to most sizes for the body wrap around |
Not machine washable
May shrink if not air-dried properly Foam material is easily damaged May be difficult to get out of if the mother must stand up Strong foam smell, especially when brand new |
Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner
The Boppy nursing pillow has been around for a while and was designed by a mom in 1989. There are many different slipcover designs to choose from, making it a great accessory on top of being practical and helpful. The Boppy pillow does not come with a cover automatically, which is important to note as a cover will be necessary to prevent it from getting dirty fast. The baby can sit very comfortably on it, making it great for young babies who cannot crawl yet. In addition, it is suitable for babies aged 6 months to 9 months and provides balance for them. Rather than wrapping around the mother’s whole body in a 360-degree design, this brand is more so created to wrap around the front of the body or sit comfortably in the mother’s lap.
This pillow is not only great for use while breastfeeding but also serves as a place for babies to sit or lay on their stomachs. This nursing pillow is a practical product as it still has many uses as your baby grows, both as a place for them to sit and play. To make things all the better for parents, this product is machine washable for any messes that may occur. There is even a soft side and a firm side to choose from to provide the best comfort for your baby.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used from the ages of 0-12 months
Wide array of slipcover designs to choose from Multiple uses, including as a place for the baby to sit on their own Fully machine washable |
Does not come with a slipcover or case included, must be purchased separately
May be more difficult to stay in place while breastfeeding as it does not latch around the mother’s body Doesn’t have a lot of support to prevent movement |
Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow
This is a unique nursing pillow as it features different elevation levels. Unlike the options, which featured either a wrap-around body design or were just simply to be laid in one’s lap, this is fully adjustable to different heights. This allows the Infantino pillow to continue to be used as your baby grows, and it will last for a longer period of time.
This adjustable nursing pillow can be folded up to bring on the go. Moms will love that it is also machine washable and can support multiple breastfeeding positions such as upright, football, or cross cradle. Like the Boppy, it was designed by moms for moms. The product folds up easily for storage and travel. However, it does not have a cover. It is machine washable but is noted as holding up better when spot cleaned with a damp cloth. There is no support wrap-around, and it simply sits in the mother’s lap while breastfeeding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple adjustable heights for different stages of growth
Good for all breastfeeding positions Can be used for multiple age groups/developmental stages Machine washable |
May not be tall enough to reach smaller breast sizes
Awkward hold for smaller babies Pillow must be held/supported in addition to the baby Does not secure the mother |
There are definitely a lot of factors to consider when deciding on the best nursing pillow for both yourself and your baby. The factors to be considered include its security on the body, safety and comfort for the baby, and ease of washing to prevent bacterial growth. Although the My Brest Friend boasts the most secure design, few options are able to be used for other purposes than the Boppy can, and even fewer feature adjustable heights. Be sure to always compare the pros and cons of each option to determine which product is going to make life easier for yourself and the baby.
