How to Choose The Best Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows are a lifesaver when you’re breastfeeding. They help you find the best position for both you and your newborn, which can make all the difference between an easy and a difficult nursing experience. They are especially helpful for moms who are breastfeeding for the first time, or those who have had previous struggles with positioning their babies at the breast. Nursing pillows give moms more control over where their baby’s head is placed when feeding, which allows them to make sure that their child’s nose isn’t pinched or covered by clothing or blankets during feeding times.
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Many people use this kind of pillows when they sleep with their babies in the bed with them, as well. They will keep the baby from rolling into the mother and vice versa, which is safer for both mom and baby. They are also sometimes called Boppys.
Given that an average Baby nurses for 20 minutes per breast, this is a significant amount of time! You still need to have your arm around Baby so that he doesn’t roll off, but you don’t have to carry the weight of the baby. Boppys are especially useful if you are breastfeeding twins.
Best nursing pillows – categories
There are a lot of different kinds of nursing pillows, and it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is best for you.
There are two main categories:
- those that support your back and those that support your belly. If you have a lot of back pain or sciatica, an ergonomic pillow like the Boppy® Feeding & Infant Support Pillow may be a good choice for you.
- If you have a bigger belly, or if your baby is coming out with their head tilted to the side (which can cause strain on your neck), then the traditional wedge-shaped cushions might be more comfortable.
The basic rule is: use what makes YOU feel comfortable! The more comfortable you are, the less likely you’ll be to get sore from breastfeeding.
Nursing pillows – how to choose one
Nursing pillows come in many different sizes and shapes, so it is important to pick one that will work best for you and your child’s needs. You should consider how long you plan on using the pillow before deciding which kind would be best for you.
There are many different types of nursing pillows available on the market today; some are designed specifically for newborns, while others work well with older babies who need support while eating too (like toddlers). Some nursing pillows are made specifically for moms who plan on breastfeeding exclusively throughout infancy; however most mothers find that they don’t need anything other than their regular bed pillow when starting out because mothers tend to be able to nurse without much support from pillows in the early stages of breastfeeding.
- See Some Nursing Pillows Here
What kind of nursing pillow is best?
That depends on your personal preferences and the length of time you plan to breastfeed. If you’re breastfeeding for the first time, we recommend buying a nursing pillow that can be used from newborn to toddlerhood. These pillows are typically made of soft cotton or bamboo, have a slim profile that makes them easy to store in a nursery closet or under baby’s crib, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
If you’re planning to breastfeed for an extended period of time—more than six months—or if you want to use your nursing pillow with multiple children, we recommend purchasing one made out of memory foam. Memory foam pillows are firmer than other types and offer the most support while also being comfortable enough to use through multiple pregnancies (and even after!).
How long do you use a nursing pillow?
You can use a nursing pillow throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but it’s important to remember that they aren’t designed for sleeping on at night (or during naps). Your body needs different support when sleeping than it does while sitting up straight during the day.
Nursing pillows – prices
Breastfeeding pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A generic nursing pillow will cost under $30 whereas the high-end ones can cost over $50. My recommendation is to get something between $30 to $40. If you’re going to get a nursing pillow, you might as well get a durable one. The last thing you want is a flimsy pillow that sags after a few uses/washes.
For those who do not wish to spend the money on this tool, you can use sofa cushions, bolsters, or a rolled-up towel to help prop-up your arms. Regular sleeping pillows tend to be too wide and not firm enough, however, you may want to experiment to find what suits you best.
