Nursing can be a wonderful time in a woman’s life. However, choosing the best nursing pillow, is how you can be comfortable too.
Nursing is actually a fairly significant burden for most women, and one that can become uncomfortable or even painful.
By finding the best nursing pillow for your particular needs, you will ensure that both you and your baby enjoy more effective nursing and much less discomfort.
What Is A Nursing Pillow?
Originally, what we now know as nursing pillows – curved pillows – were used primarily for babies who were not capable of sitting up on their own.
These comfortable pillows made it easy to keep the baby in place and prop up their had gently. Over time, women began using these pillows to support their baby during nursing.
The idea behind the use of a nursing pillow is that it helps the baby to maintain the correct angle for latching onto the breast, and it helps to eliminate some of the strain on a woman’s arm and shoulder.
For mothers who are breastfeeding twins, the addition of a nursing pillow is a real lifesaver since it is sort of like having an extra arm.
Should Every Mother Use A Nursing Pillow?
Most experts agree that nursing pillows provide an extra level of comfort for both the mother and baby, and simply enable more effective nursing.
However, because not all nursing pillows are alike and each mother and baby have different needs, it may be that a nursing pillow is not necessary, or in some cases may impede breastfeeding altogether.
The key is to find the best nursing pillow which means one that is comfortable for you, comfortable for the baby, and enhances the experience.
What Should You Look for In A Nursing Pillow?
It is remarkable just how many different types, sizes, and configurations are available now in nursing pillows, and that means that there should be one that is right for you.
For many mothers, the most important feature in any nursing pillow is going to be the cover. You will want to choose a nursing pillow that has a removable cover and is easy to clean and maintain.
The fabric should be soft and comfortable for both you and the baby, yet sturdy enough to last through many, many washings.
There are additional features that some more expensive nursing pillows have, including built-in pockets, straps, and unique shapes that may aid in a baby’s digestion while also helping to eliminate stress on the mother’s body.
Below we have evaluated some of the leading nursing pillows available right now, and this should give you a good idea as to what to look for, how much to pay, and how to choose the best nursing pillow for you.
Minky Nursing Pillow Cover Fits All Standard Size Nursing Pillows. Pillows sold separately.
This cover fits these brands of nursing pillows: Minky, Boppy, Comfort and Harmony Mombo Pillow, and other standard size pillows.
When purchasing any nursing pillow, it is important to note that you may also want to buy a few extra pillow covers.
The reason for this is obvious – it is likely that your nursing pillow will be covered with milk, vomit, or other debris.
You can, of course, remove most nursing pillow covers, but having an extra one that is always clean can be a huge benefit.
This nursing pillow cover is made with soft, breathable fabric and is machine washable.
But, perhaps its biggest selling point is that the zipper is located on the outer perimeter and can be tucked away. This will prevent your baby’s sensitive skin from coming into contact with sharp metal.
This cover is designed to fit Minky nursing pillows and is one of the most popular pillow covers on Amazon. It is rated just south of perfect with close to 1000 customer reviews.
It is available and eight different color schemes: White Floral Minky, Arrow Minky, Deer Minky, Dinosaurs Minky, Herringbone Minky, Navy Floral Minky, Pink Damask Minky, and Stars Minky.
My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow for Comfortable Posture
When reading reviews for nursing pillows, it quickly becomes clear that My Brest Friend is one of the most popular and well respected brands on the market today. This deluxe nursing pillow has some unique features not commonly found in other brands, including its “one hand use” versatility.
The first thing that you will notice with this pillow is that it has a section with a flat back that will help to prevent your baby from rolling out of position during nursing.
There is also a Velcro strap and a silent release buckle that can help you get the pillow in position quietly, quickly, and without disturbing your baby.
In addition, this pillow has a convenient pocket to keep all necessary accessories within reach, and the cover is easily removed for washing.
One reason why so many breast-feeding experts prefer this pillow is because it is the ideal choice for women who have had C-sections.
My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is very well rated with close to 1000 customer reviews.
It is available in eight different colors: dark gray, light gray, grey, chocolate, light green, lilac, pink, and blue.
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
This is considered to be one of the most popular nursing pillows of all time, with more than 2,500 customer reviews on Amazon. It is currently well rated which explains why it is so popular.
My Brest Friend makes some of the most well-known nursing pillows, and they are considered to be the leader in the field.
This particular model has a 100% cotton cover, a flat back to prevent your baby from rolling, and a convenient pocket in which to put your maternity supplies or other items that your baby may need.
It has a wraparound design, and easy to secure Velcro strap, and is made with fully supportive foam so that both you and your baby are comfortable.
The cover can be easily unzipped and put into a washing machine, though it is important to use only warm water and the gentle cycle. The cover should not be put into a dryer as this could result in shrinkage.
The pillow itself weighs just over 1.5 pounds and measures 23.6” x 4.3” x 16.5” and it has a maximum weight recommendation of 25 pounds. This is available in 18 different color schemes and replacement covers are also available.
My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow for Twins
One thing that many parents find out when they have twins is that although you may end up buying two of many items for your babies, there are some items where that is simply not an option. A nursing pillow is certainly one of them!
Although some women choose not to nurse both babies simultaneously, it is nice to have that option, and that is why this particular nursing pillow was developed.
My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow is designed to give you the ability to nurse twins up to 12 months old in a way that is comfortable and safe for them and for you, too. It is able to do this because it is larger than your average nursing pillow, measuring 15.7” x 5.9” x 27.6” and weighing just under 2 pounds.
This pillow is able to fit in a snug fashion so that there is no gap between you and the pillow. This will enable one or both babies to latch on confidently.
Another benefit that this pillow has is that there is a convenience side pocket in which you can put such items as nipple cream, toys, extra bottles, or whatever you need immediate access to.
This twin nursing pillow comes with a removable, plush gray cover that can be thrown into the washing machine for cleaning. It comes in a variety of colors, and you may also think about buying an extra cover or to so that you always have one that is clean.
My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow for Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size, Light Green
Tandem nursing, or nursing twins can be a complicated matter and one that can become quite uncomfortable for the mother. By making use of this particular nursing pillow for twins, you will be more comfortable and the babies will be in a position that is more appropriate for breastfeeding.
Measuring 27” x 22” x 6” and weighing just over 6 pounds, My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow for Twins is able to hold up to 25 pounds and has a number of unique features that are designed to create a comfortable and secure breastfeeding experience.
There is a supportive backrest that will help you to maintain good posture while breast-feeding, and it also helps to prevent excess stress on the neck and shoulders. It also has a silent release feature in the back that will help you to rid yourself of the pillow without waking up your babies.
There is a built-in pocket in which you can put accessories, toys, or even your phone and the cover is removable for easy cleaning.
With an innovative shape that helps to support you while also keeping your babies in the proper breast-feeding position, it’s no wonder that this is the best nursing pillow for any mother with twins.
This pillow is ranked quite well by more than 330 customer reviews. Many of these reviews mention how sturdy this pillow is and how much back support it provides for the mother.
THE TWIN Z PILLOW – Lime Green -The Only 6 in 1 Twin Pillow Breastfeeding, Bottlefeeding, Tummy Time & Support! A Must Have for Twins!
Another nursing pillow that has been designed specifically for twins is this unique six in one pillow. While many nursing pillows for twins are designed to go around the mother’s waist and secure in the rear, this pillow acts more like a backrest but with small cutouts that are just the right size for your baby to recline.
This pillow was seen on the television show, “Shark Tank” and is considered to be fairly innovative. It measures 38” x 25” x 5” and weighs just shy of 1 pound, making it considerably lighter than other twin nursing pillows.
The pillow has a removable and washable cover and is available in several different color options.
It is appropriate for both breast-feeding and bottle-feeding and there is an easy to use clasp in the front that will help to keep the pillow in position at all times.
The Twin Z Pillow is highly ranked with many women saying it was the best thing they have ever bought for their twins.
The 4 in 1 One Z CREAM Nursing Pillow with AMAZING BACK SUPPORT
While most nursing pillows are designed primarily as a way to keep the baby in the right position for nursing, you should not overlook the importance of your own comfort.
The 4 in 1 Z Cream Nursing Pillow is very highly ranked by customers, and has a reputation for providing unusually substantial back support for the mother.
This pillow’s unique configuration means that you can certainly use it for breast-feeding, but also for feeding, bottle-feeding, and playing. It is made in the USA and is guaranteed to be free from flame retardant or chemicals of any kind.
This one piece design has a large backrest for you and a semi circle of soft yet sturdy foam on which to rest your baby.
The cover can be easily removed for cleaning, and there is also a small latch and adjusting belt that will help you to keep the pillow snug around your body.
If you are looking not only for a safe and easy to use nursing pillow, but one that will also provide your body with the support that it needs, then this one may be a great choice for you.
The Nesting Pillow – Organic Nursing Pillow with Washable Slip Cover
This is a quarter moon shaped pillow that measures 30” x 16” x 5” and weighs approximately 6 pounds. Click Here
When you have a newborn, it makes sense to want only natural and organic products to come into contact with their skin.
That is why The Nesting Pillow has been designed with 100% organic cotton as well as a bean-bag feel to the filling. Not only will this feel good against your baby’s soft skin, but because the filling is far more pliable than typical nursing pillows, they will be more comfortable, too.
Compared to other nursing pillows on the market right now, this one certainly weighs considerably more, but that is because of the filling which is made of organic buckwheat hulls, giving it that bean-bag feel.
This filling is organic and all-natural and allows air to circulate freely, unlike traditional foam pillows. This means that your baby will remain cool and comfortable and you won’t get hot, either.
In order to clean this pillow, simply remove the slipcover and throw it into your washing machine. Because the fabric has already been prewashed, it will not shrink if it is put into your dryer. In fact, just 20 minutes in the dryer will sanitize the fabric.
Although this pillow is designed for nursing, because of its unique size and comfortable filling, a lot of parents use it for bottlefeeding, playing, feeding, and napping. You may even find that this is a nice support for your laptop or your snack.
The Nesting Pillow has very good customer ratings with close to 100 reviews.
Because it is made from organic, natural cotton, it is only available in the off-white color.
Organic Caboose Nursing Pillow – 100% Organic Cotton – 25″x16″x6″
Nursing pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but few of them are as versatile as the Organic Caboose Nursing Pillow.
This 100% organic cotton measures 25” x 16” x 6” and is completely chemical and toxin free. It is also rated by customers to be nearly perfect.
The filling consists of pure organic cotton, unlike typical polyester or polyurethane pillows. So, if you have been looking for a pillow that is safe, natural, and chemical free, then this might be a great choice for you.
Even though this is sold as a nursing pillow, it has more of a versatile design and shape than traditional nursing pillows. It is essentially rectangular except there is an indentation on one of the long sides where a child’s small body and head will fit nicely.
The cover on this pillow is not removable, though it is 100% organic. This company does produce an organic removable cover that can be used with this pillow and enable it to be as clean as possible at all times.
Nook Sleep Niche Organic Feeding Pillow – Lilac
At first glance, the Nook Sleep Niche Organic Feeding Pillow looks something like a very large neck pillow.
It measures a substantial 26” x 26” x 8” and because of its unique shape and size, it can be used for many more functions than just a nursing pillow.
This pillow is made from only organic materials, including eucalyptus, organic cotton, and organic kapok.
It is made in the USA and can be machine washed. Simply throw the entire pillow into your washing machine on cold, using only mild detergent.
Then, by putting the pillow into your dryer on low for 20 minutes or so, it will be able to retain its shape and will also be sanitized.
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow with White Organic Cotton Slipcover
My Brest Friend makes a variety of nursing pillows in several different shapes and sizes, but this model is the only one that comes with a white organic cotton slipcover.
Most parents would agree that it is important to keep chemicals, toxins, and other potentially dangerous materials away from your baby’s young skin. By using only 100% organic cotton, that is one less worry for you.
This pillow is large enough to fit around your waist and has a patented silent click Velcro strap to ensure that the pillow is secure.
Other features include arm and elbow support, and a fairly large sized pocket in which to put toys, bottles, creams, and other products.
This has a medium rating with close to 70 customer reviews.
Among the features that are mentioned in these reviews are the fact that this has a flat top that helps to prevent a baby from rolling, sufficient support for mother, and the organic cotton cover is a big selling point, too.
Although the cover on this pillow can be easily unzipped and thrown into the washing machine, you may also want to consider buying an additional slipcover. These are available in a variety of materials, including plush or furry covers, prints, pastels, and the traditional unbleached organic cover.
Extra-Soft Breastfeeding Baby Support Pillow w/ 100% Hypoallergenic Removable Bamboo Cover & Slipcover. Antibacterial Newborn Infant Feeding Cushion. Portable for Travel. Nursing Pillow for Boys & Girls.
It can be hard to find a nursing pillow that is made from natural materials, is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and also provides the kind of support and features that you really want.
However, this Extra Soft BreastFeeding Baby Support Pillow has a reputation for being both supportive and cozy while also being free from chemicals and potential toxins.
This pillow measures 18” x 18” x 4” and weighs 2.4 pounds.
The cover is made from 100% organic bamboo, and is stuffed with natural fibers that make it the “comfiest nursing pillow” on the market, or so says it’s advertising.
However, when you read some of the many online reviews, you will see that a lot of parents agree that this is an extremely comfortable and supportive pillow.
This has a practically perfect rating with approximately two dozen reviews.
It comes with a lifetime warranty, and the removable cover is machine washable.
The cover is also advertised as being antibacterial, which is essential for newborn babies.
All American Collection New Comfortable Bamboo Nursing Pillow
It can be reassuring to see a large number of online reviews for a product that you are considering for your baby. With an above average rating from more than 200 customer reviews, the all American Collection Bamboo Nursing Pillow is a pretty popular choice.
This pillow comes in two sizes – 18” x 12” and 21” x 18”.
The filling is made from 100% polyester and the cover is made with a blend of 40% bamboo and 60% polyester. This type of material will help to keep both you and your baby cool and will not cause irritation.
Although this is labeled as a nursing pillow, its shape lends it to also being a comfortable back support for mom and a great way to support a baby during breast-feeding, bottle feeding, or just about any time.
The cover on this pillow can be removed easily and is machine washable. You may also want to consider buying additional covers so that you always have one that is clean.
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner, Notebook Black/Gold
The Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well reviewed nursing pillows on the market today.
It is very well rated with more than 175 customer reviews.
It is very well rated with more than 6800 customer reviews.
This pillow can be used in a variety of fashions, from a traditional nursing pillow to a pillow to help prop up a napping, crawling, or sitting baby.
It measures 20” x 16” x 5.5” and weighs just over two and half pound and is currently rated number two among all baby pillows.
The internal seam of the cover is stretchable so that the pillow can easily fit around most waists, and the cover zips off easily and is machine washable.
There are also different types of covers that you can choose from, including water resistant protective slipcovers, organic cotton slipcovers, and covers in a variety of prints and colors, too.
Boppy has been designing nursing pillows for more than 25 years and is considered one of the leaders in nursing products.
Whether you are feeding, propping up your baby, giving them some tummy time, or teaching them how to sit, this pillow is really all you need.
Luna Lullaby Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow, Chevron Grey
The Luna Lullaby Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow is an American-made pillow designed for breast-feeding and is currently rated above average with more than 170 customer reviews.
Measuring a substantial 17.9” x 14.7” x 7.6” and weighing just over 3 pounds, this pillow makes it easy for women of any size to breast-feed one or two babies simultaneously.
It is covered with Minky fabric, which means that it is soft and plush and is filled with 100% polyester filling.
There are no zippers or Velcro which means that you do not have to worry about your baby’s skin, and the covers can be removed and put into a washing machine.
There are no flame retardants or chemicals used in the production of this nursing pillow.
The Luna Lullaby Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow comes in 12 different color schemes, so you should have no problem finding one that is right for you or your nursery.
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