The reality of breastfeeding is that it's physically demanding. After nursing a few times a day (or more like 20 times when you have a newborn), your arms can feel cramped, sore, and just tried from holding your baby. Luckily, some of the best nursing pillows can make you a whole lot more comfortable and make the act of breastfeeding a little easier.
A supportive nursing pillow improves your posture and keeps you relaxed, making it a reliable tool that you'll wind up using more often during those first few months than you could have possibly imagined. So, what should you look for when purchasing a nursing pillow? Well, you want to find the most comfortable design possible and a few convenient features that meet your needs.
If you're the type who loves to have a snack on hand while breastfeeding, there are nursing pillows with attached pockets. If you or your baby have sensitive skin, you'll want to be on the lookout for pillows made from hypoallergenic, breathable materials like bamboo. There are even pillows that grow with your child and can be used for tummy time, sitting up, and while nursing or bottle feeding older babies.
These seven topnotch nursing pillows will help keep you and your baby comfortable and relaxed.
1A Full, Firm Nursing Pillow Made From Hypoallergenic Microfibers
NurSit Basic Nursing Pillow, $26, Amazon
This nursing pillow is made from hypoallergenic microfibers that stay soft no matter how many times you wash it. Wrap this pillow around your waist to provide support during nursing or use it for tummy time. Reviewers describe this pillow as firmer and fuller than competing brands and say it does a great job of retaining its shape over time.
2A Multipurpose Pillow With A Seat Wrap That Keeps Wigglers Safe
Leachco Cuddle U Basic Nursing Pillow and More, $40, Amazon
If you're searching for a nursing pillow that grows with your child, you've found it. This comfy, oversized pillow can be used for tummy time or as a support for propped-up sitting when your baby becomes bigger. It features a seat wrap that can hold wigglers in and ensures they don't roll over while in a reclined position. A concealed pocket underneath the pillow provides a place where you can tuck in the seat wrap when you want to use the pillow for tummy time.
3A Versatile Pillow For Nursing, Tummy Time, Or Sitting
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner, $30, Amazon
This popular nursing pillow works for more than just breastfeeding — parents use it for tummy time, propping babies up so they can safely drink from a bottle, and to help teach littles ones to sit. It's machine washable, free of BPAs, phthalates, and lead, and comes with a wide selection of colorful slipcovers.
4A Wraparound Nursing Pillow With A Convenient Pocket
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow, $35, Amazon
This highly rated nursing pillow boasts a wraparound design that puts baby in the perfect position for latching on and feeding. Not to mention is comes with an arm and elbow rests, a flat cushion to keep your newborn in place, and even a pocket for a water bottle, burp cloth, and a snack.
5A Breathable Bamboo Nursing Pillow For Sensitive Skin
All American Collection Bamboo Nursing Pillow, $28, Amazon
If you or your baby have sensitive skin or allergies, this nursing pillow, made from 40 percent breathable bamboo, can prove less irritating than other materials. Expect a smooth, machine washable pillow that is soft, light, and simple to transport from room to room.
6A 100 Percent Cotton Nursing Pillow With An Angled Design That Helps Prevent Acid Reflux
Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, $32, Amazon
With a unique moon-shaped design, this nursing pillow scores points for boasting a patented angle design that positions baby at an incline, which aids digestion and prevent acid reflux. The shape and design was created by a lactation counselor and this 100 percent cotton pillow can be used with or without a slipcover.
7A Two-Sided Nursing Pillow With A Removable Belt
Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow, $45, Amazon
Designed with a lactation counselor, this thoughtful two-sided nursing pillow has both a firm side (which has a removable foam insert and is perfect for newborns learning how to latch on) and a soft side for older babies. When you're ready to wash this pillow, simply remove the belt and foam insert and toss it into a washing machine.
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