Feeding cushions baby


The Best Nursing Pillows for Feeding Baby

There aren’t many baby products that give you the amazing return on investment that you get from a nursing pillow. It’s one piece of baby gear you’ll use for hours a day, months at a time. Finding the best nursing pillow for you can save your back and shoulders, help you relax and get your milk flowing—all while keeping baby comfortable too. Even if baby gets a bottle instead of the breast, a feeding pillow helps cradle your little one in a comfy position so your arms don’t have to do all the work. Sound good? Here’s your handy guide to shopping for this handy must-have.

In this article:
What is a nursing pillow?
How to use a nursing pillow
How to choose the best nursing pillow
Best nursing pillows

What Is a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow isn’t just any household pillow. Bed pillows are generally so soft that your child will sink down too low, and throw pillows aren’t always comfy against the skin. Both types, which are generally rectangular or circular, are also the wrong shape. The best nursing pillow is rounded just enough to snuggle against your abs; it’s also firm enough to keep baby positioned up where they need to nurse. And it’s not just for nursing moms—any parent can attest to how tiring it can be to hold baby up in the proper position while they feed, even from the bottle, and a great feeding pillow will maximize your and your child’s comfort.

How to Use a Nursing Pillow

Most feeding pillows are designed to curve around your waist while supporting baby at the right height to reach the breast or bottle. That said, there are many different nursing positions you can try, so definitely experiment and move baby and the pillow around to find a spot that works for both of you. Ideally, baby will be tilted toward you, slightly on their side (not flat on their back), and the pillow should be as close to your body as possible to avoid slipping out. You can also use the pillow to give baby a boost when trying upright breastfeeding positions, like the koala hold. Once you’ve found the sweet spot, your elbows should be comfortably supported, your back straight (remember, slouch = ouch!) and baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.

But don’t stop there: The best nursing pillows can be used for more than just feeding. If you’re still pregnant, try using it as support while you’re sleeping. And after baby arrives, some pillow shapes are good for propping baby up during tummy time or helping a young child hold baby for the first time.

How to Choose the Best Nursing Pillow

You can nestle baby in your arms while you breastfeed (or bottle feed), but the weight of even an 8-pound baby, held for hours a day, begins to drag on your shoulders and cause you to hunch your back. The beauty of a good nursing pillow is that it effortlessly lifts baby up to the right height for feeding so you don’t have to throw your posture off. You can trust the pillow to do its work and concentrate on other things, like perfecting baby’s latch, breathing deeply to help letdown and chilling out while you breastfeed. When shopping for the best nursing pillow, you’ll want to consider:

  • Size. Some moms prefer a sizable nursing pillow so baby has a wide spot to lie on while feeding. Others want a more compact, travel nursing pillow that’s easy to carry from one nursing spot to another and just as easy to pack for trips. Then there’s the twin nursing pillow designed specifically for moms of multiples.

  • Price. The average breastfeeding pillow costs between $25 to $50. For about $70, you can upgrade to a plush, monogrammed slipcover. Looking for an organic nursing pillow or a twin nursing pillow designed to accommodate multiples? Then you’re looking at closer to $100.

  • Washability. Will you wipe the pillow down, or does it come with a removable slipcover that can be tossed into the washer? While the former is less expensive, if baby is prone to spit-up or reflux, you may want to opt for the latter.

  • Design and style. Nursing pillows are fabric-covered, so there are plenty of looks to choose from: solid colors, prints and even two-sided pillows featuring different patterns on either side. The variety makes shopping for one more fun!

Best Nursing Pillows

A great nursing pillow is a true game-changer, making those countless hours of breastfeeding that much easier on you and baby. Take a look at our best nursing pillow picks to see which one’s right for you.

Best Classic Nursing Pillow

Boppy Original Support for Feeding and Milestones

Boppy kicked off the nursing pillow trend in the 1990s when a mom realized that the pillow she had sewn to prop up her sitting baby was actually ideal for breastfeeding. The c-shape of this baby feeding pillow wraps around your waist and the firm inner pillow provides perfect support to baby. The cotton slipcover can be thrown in the wash. And, after the first few months, it transitions into a support pillow for when baby is ready for tummy time or sitting up.

What We Love

  • Multi-use
  • Removable cotton cover
  • Hypoallergenic fiber fill

Things To Consider

  • Small size

Best Wrap-Around Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow

The wide, flat top of the My Brest Friend nursing pillow wins major points with moms who feel baby can roll off of other nursing pillows that don’t have a level surface. This popular breastfeeding pillow attaches around your waist, providing lumbar support for your lower back. A discreet side pocket can hold a burp cloth, a binkie, your cell phone or even a bottle of water.

What We Love

  • Flat top
  • Ties around waist
  • Side pocket

Things To Consider

  • Cover could be softer

Best Twin Nursing Pillow

Twin Z Pillow for Nursing

Two babies might be able to fit on a regular nursing pillow when they’re newborns, but it quickly becomes a tight squeeze as they grow. Enter the Twin Z Pillow, which was featured on Shark Tank. It’s a large breastfeeding pillow but flexible enough to wrap around in different configurations so you can feed one baby at a time or both at once. One mom of twins says, “We use this pillow all day, every day. It’s a must for breastfeeding simultaneously and it can work for bottle-feeding.”

What We Love

  • Multiple configurations
  • Suitable for twins

Things To Consider

  • Some customer's report it's difficult to position small infants while using this pillow

Best Travel Nursing Pillow

Humble-Bee Nurse Sling Nursing Pillow

Whether you have to feed baby on the go or stuff your breastfeeding pillow into an already-crammed suitcase, this is one of the best nursing pillows for travel, We’ve never seen anything quite like this innovative nursing sling before, but the design is genius. The adjustable shoulder strap and padded sling hold baby’s head to your breast so you can feed hands-free. It’s compact shape and convenient pocket mean it can double as a cross-body bag on the go, or you can stash it away in the included travel bag.

What We Love

  • Travel bag
  • Parent pocket
  • Innovative sling design

Things To Consider

  • Spot-clean only

Best Organic Nursing Pillow

Nook Niche Organic Cotton Feeding Pillow

If natural materials are important to you, Nook’s Niche feeding pillow is a great option. It’s made from organic cotton and kapok fiber fill to offer just the right amount of support. Bonus: The wide, square shape makes this a perfect tummy time pillow as well.

What We Love

  • Organic cotton fill
  • Machine-washable cover

Things To Consider

  • High price point

Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow

Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow

Like the pages of a book, the six layers of pillows in Infantino’s Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow flip back and forth so you can adjust baby to the height of your torso—how genius is that? It’s a great breastfeeding pillow for tall or petite women who haven’t found the right fit for their height.

What We Love

  • Good option for tall or petite moms

Things To Consider

  • Not suitable for tummy time or other uses

Best Multi-Use Nursing Pillow

Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow

This thick, firm, sturdy nursing pillow offers great versatility. It features a click-in strap that keeps baby securely fastened to the breastfeeding pillow, plus a concealed pocket. It can also be used as a baby lounger, with the seat wrap helping to keep reclined babies in place. Tuck the seat wrap in when you want to use the pillow for tummy time or as a support for your sitting baby. One caveat: There’s no removable slipcover, so you’ll have to wipe the fabric clean.

What We Love

  • Multi-use

Things To Consider

  • Spot-clean only

Best Inflatable Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend Travel Nursing Pillow

Sometimes you need a second nursing pillow, whether you want to use it for travel or to keep it at Grandma’s house. The inflatable version of the My Brest Friend has the same design as the original, but you can inflate it and deflate it as needed, so it can be easily stowed away when not in use.

What We Love

  • Handy travel option

Things To Consider

  • May begin to deflate while you nurse baby

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Maternity and Nursing Bras

Best Nipple Creams for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding Tips Every Nursing Mom Should Know

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Best Nursing Pillows 2023

The best nursing pillows give you the support you need while you feed your baby, whether that’s at your breast or from a bottle. They help you get comfortable with the new routine and prevent the back, shoulder, arm and wrist pain that can come along with it when you’re too sleep-deprived to think about things like posture.

The best nursing pillows help parents safely position baby for nursing or bottle feeding.

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After speaking with lactation and baby gear experts and testing nursing pillows myself with my 3-month-old daughter (who is in the midst of the dreaded triple feed as she perfects her latch—we’re nursing, pumping and doing bottles), I’ve found that the Boppy Original Feeding and Infant Support Pillow is the best nursing pillow for all types of feeding support, while the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow, with its buckle and foam filling, is the best adjustable pillow specifically for nursing. It’s especially helpful for first-time moms like me who are learning to breastfeed.

Just remember: When you’re using a nursing pillow for feeding, its purpose is to support you, not your baby. “The pillow is meant to be supportive for mom, to get you comfortable, support your wrist and help prevent back pain,” says Gina Signorelli, MS, RDN, CNSC, IBCLC, a lactation consultant and registered dietitian based in New Jersey. “In most of the pictures you see with them, babies are positioned on them, but they’re really for mom.”

Your breast size, body size, birth, and prior feeding experience help determine into the best nursing pillow for you, Signorelli explains. Read more about how to select right pillow for you after our top picks. With all of this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best nursing pillows to minimize your stress and maximize the snuggles. When you’re finished reading about these pillows, check out our recommendations for the best nursing bras, bottle warmers, nursery gliders and baby monitors.

  • Best Nursing Pillow Overall: The Boppy
  • Best Nursing Pillow for Large Breasts: Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow
  • Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend
  • Best Organic Nursing Pillow: Snuggle Me Feeding Support
  • Best Twin Nursing Pillow: Twin Z Pillow
  • Best Nursing Pillow for C-Section: Luna Lullaby
  • Best Travel Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Inflatable Nursing Pillow

Best Nursing Pillow Overall

Flexible, Lightweight Support For Mom And Baby

Amazon

Boppy Nursing Pillow

Boppy is the Kleenex of breastfeeding pillows—it’s synonymous with the category, and it’s great for a variety of purposes. The Boppy is a good choice for you if “you’re a seasoned pro at breastfeeding and can get by with a bit less support, are nursing an older baby, are mostly bottle feeding or simply don’t want a pillow that you need to clip into place each time,” says Jennifer LaBracio, senior gear editor for the baby registry service Babylist. com.

The Boppy is softer and more flexible than pillows designed specifically for breastfeeding, such as the My Brest Friend, our Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow pick (see below). “It’s also multipurpose,” adds LaBracio. “You can use it for supervised propping, tummy time and sitting support as your baby grows.”

This little U-shape pillow has earned its status at the top of most people’s registries, including mine. It’s just firm enough, machine washable and its cover comes in a zillion prints and colors. My husband even likes to put it behind his back when he’s giving our baby her bottle, because we have a deep sofa. I like to put it under my legs to draw my knees closer in when I nurse her. Now that she’s bigger, I’ll also prop her up in it on a blanket while I fold laundry. It’s essentially just a little prop pillow that can be used in a number of ways given its size.

The Boppy isn’t perfect for every parent, of course. It can be too small for many people to use around their waist. (This was true for me postpartum, and I was a size 6.) Also, because the top of the cushion is rounded, a small baby can slide into the gap between the pillow and your body while nursing, which can make it difficult to keep her in a comfortable position.


Best Nursing Pillow For Large Breasts

Flexible Filling Lets The Parent Customize The Fit

Amazon

The Nesting Pillow

This pillow resembles a large crescent-shaped bean bag and that means you mold it to fit you rather than wrangling it around your body. The nonallergenic organic buckwheat hull filling is easy to push around and reposition to make room for your baby (and boobs). The buckwheat hulls “lock” together in the position you squish them into, so your custom shape sticks.

The pillow and filling are totally organic, which earns it accolades from parents looking for a natural option. This differentiates it from pillows with a synthetic polyester fill (although those can be machine washed). The Nesting Pillow insert can’t be machine washed because of the dried hulls inside, but it can be spot cleaned and sanitized in the dryer; the preshrunk cotton cover can be machine washed and dried.

Attention, parents of frequent spit-uppers: Reviewers praise The Nesting Pillow for babies who have reflux and need to be fed at an angle given that it can be molded into a sloped shape.


Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow

An Extra Firm Pillow For Newcomers

Amazon

My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow

“The Brest Friend is a generally good one that a lot of moms have success with,” says Signorelli. It has a foam filling instead of cotton, so it’s firmer and creates more of a “shelf” for your arms to rest on. If you’re nursing, especially for the first time, this is the pillow most lactation consultants recommend.

Other baby gear experts recommend it too. “During the newborn months and even a little beyond, a nursing pillow like the My Brest Friend that’s specifically designed for breastfeeding and has a firm, flat surface and full wraparound support to help it stay in place (and avoid a gap between you and the pillow) is best for most breastfeeding parents,” says LaBracio of Babylist. com.

This has been true in my personal experience: The My Brest Friend is the only pillow that has actually helped me with the tricky mechanics of nursing. Other kinds do help me feel more comfortable and less achy, but this pillow does one better and helps me with positioning. I have trouble keeping my babe level—especially her legs as they wrap around my side. This pillow takes care of that for me, so I can focus on her latch and swallowing; it frees up my arm and hand, so I can make adjustments if I need to.

The foam insert is spot clean only, but the outer cover is machine washable. You can also upgrade to a “deluxe” version with a pocket—perfect for a water bottle for you.


Best Organic Nursing Pillow

A Soft Brushed Cotton Cover in Beautiful Modern Colors

Amazon

Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support

If you’re like me and have a palette for your baby’s room (mine is apricot, dusty rose and cream), you’ll love Snuggle Me. The soft organic cotton covers come in an array of muted pastel tones, stripes and florals the company achieves using gentle water-based dyes. If you’re really into coordinating, you can buy an infant lounger to match.

But the Snuggle Me isn’t all style and no substance: The moon-like crescent shape, with its tapered ends, also offers great support for arms and wrists and fits more easily around a range of bodies than many other nursing pillows. This nursing pillow “tucks nicely behind your back to hug your sides while nursing,” says Babylist.com’s Jennifer LaBracio. “I also love the modern design and beautiful color choices.”

Note to parents: Don’t use this pillow to prop up baby or for tummy time. It’s for feeding support only. You can, however, repurpose it as a pretty accent pillow.


Best Twin Nursing Pillow

An Extra ‘Arm’ For Double Feeds

Amazon

The Twin Z Pillow

Twin moms and dads rave about this nursing pillow, which basically can function as a command center for the first few crazy weeks. “We just had twins and this is the only way my wife can feed both at once,” says one reviewer. Another raves: “A lifesaver for twins! We still use it to this day, and the boys are 14 months.”

The center flips up for a backrest for mom, while babies lounge on either side. The buckle at the bottom closes the loops to better support smaller babies.

You can’t machine wash the pillow itself (it’s big), but the cover can go in the washer and dryer.


Best Nursing Pillow for C-Section

Support That Won’t Irritate Stitches

MOST POPULAR

Luna Lullaby

Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow

The L-shape of this pillow is genius: It can lie across your lap and under your arm without hugging against your belly—perfect for C-section moms. But moms and dads of all shapes and sizes might find they prefer this more open, flexible shape, too. Another distinguishing factor is the cover’s unique fold-over closure—no Velcro, zippers, snaps or buttons to deal with here. The cover is also machine washable and can go in the dryer.


Best Travel Nursing Pillow

An Inflatable Pillow That Fits In Your Carry-On

Amazon

My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

Like its stellar foam counterpart, this inflatable nursing pillow provides excellent support specifically for nursing, but it weighs less than a pound and packs flat to fit in your diaper bag or carry-on. Reviewers also note that it fits easily between armrests on most airplane seats and is excellent for supporting baby during the flight.

Some reviewers say it deflates easily or doesn’t get firm enough, but others refute that passionately and say they prefer it to the original foam version. I’m going to test it out on our upcoming flight to Ireland with babe in tow (she’ll be 5 months old) and will report back, so check back in soon.


Is A Breastfeeding Pillow Worth It?

“Nine times out of 10 you don’t really need a nursing pillow, but many first time moms can feel more comfortable with one,” says Signorelli. Feeding is one of the more stressful parts of parenting, and if gear helps you feel supported and prepared, then it can be useful.

Many breastfeeding pillows, like the Boppy, are versatile too. They can be repurposed as a seat or tummy time prop for baby. They’re also nice to place under your legs or behind your back for story time.

A nursing pillow that is washable or has a washable cover is also a great item to hand down to a family member or friend who is expecting.

That being said, you may find that a regular sofa or bed pillow works just as well—or even better—for you. It’s hard to know until you start feeding.

How Do I Use A Feeding Pillow?

The specifics depend on the type of pillow and how you’re feeding the baby. Regardless, use the pillow to get yourself comfortable, then add baby. “Most moms go wrong by laying the baby on the pillow and trying to figure it out from there,” says Signorelli. It’s tricky to reposition the pillow once you’ve got a wriggling baby lying on it.

If you’re nursing, settle in with the pillow around your waist, under your arm and wrist, or behind your back, then bring the baby to your chest.

If you’re bottle feeding, get your arm and wrist comfy, then place the baby at a 45 degree angle (not quite sitting up) to take the bottle.

How Do I Choose A Nursing Pillow?

Consider these factors: Your body and breast sizes, the pillow’s firmness and fill, its adjustability (some have an adjustable belt to hold it snug to your body), machine washability (the cover and the pillow itself), your budget and your baby (or babies). If you’ve nursed before or will be doing a combination of bottle feeding and nursing, you may not need as much structured support.

If you deliver by C-section, for instance, you may find a pillow that doesn’t rest on your stomach to be more comfortable in the early weeks. But if you have a long torso, you’ll want a taller pillow. First time parents may want a firmer pillow that buckles on to help keep it and their baby in the correct position. The most universal shape is the U-shape or C-shape. “If in doubt, get that,” Signorelli says.

One caveat: If you’re nursing, you may want to wait until your baby has nailed her latch and gotten into a good routine to introduce a pillow. Using one can tempt you to lean forward instead of bringing the baby to you, says Signorelli. That posture can result in a shallow latch, which can make feeding more difficult and even painful for you. “Just remember what the pillow is for,” Signorelli reminds. “The number one priority is Mom’s comfort.”

For twins, you’ll want an extra wide pillow or something like the Twin Z.

Do You Need More Than One Nursing Pillow?

If you find that you like using a nursing pillow, it’s a nice idea to have one in each of the areas of the house where you feed baby. You’ll save yourself from dashing back and forth when you’ve got a fussy, hungry baby in your arms. This is especially true if your home has more than a single level.

How Much Do Nursing Pillows Cost?

Pillows range from $30 to well over $100. You can buy something utilitarian or decorative—and, for many models, choose from dozens of designer covers.

Is It Safe For Baby To Sleep In A Nursing Pillow?

No. The only safe place for baby to sleep is on a flat, firm surface without any surrounding cushions, pillows, or blankets, such as in a bassinet or crib. If your little one drifts off while feeding, place her in her crib on her back to sleep. Never place a nursing pillow in a baby’s sleep space.

Nursing pillows - how to choose?

Nursing pillow is often not considered by expectant mothers as an essential item after the birth of a child - and very much in vain! In the first months after birth, the baby (with on-demand feeding recommended by experts) can literally spend 90,003 hours on the chest. Many babies refuse to sleep in the crib at all and sleep only at the breast. In this situation, a sling can help, as well as a correctly fitted nursing pillow .

Do I need a breastfeeding pillow?

Definitely yes! And here's why:

1. Learn how to latch on properly

In the first months it's very important to learn how to latch on to your breast correctly, for this you need to lift him to breast level, and not reach for him. You can use sofa cushions, a rolled up blanket or just your knees to raise your child to the right height, but it is the use of a special pillow that is most comfortable and has many other advantages.

2. Relax your back and arms

On average, it takes about 15-30 minutes to breastfeed a baby, and during the day you can breastfeed about 4 hours a day , and often much more more. Without the use of ergonomic devices, pain in the spine, arms, and neck muscles very quickly occurs. A good nursing pillow will save you from all these problems.

3. Free your hands while feeding and sleeping at the breast

In an ideal world, newborns will sleep soundly and for a long time in their crib immediately after feeding. But in the real world, as a rule, this never happens! Babies sleep well in their mother's arms, at the breast, but as soon as they are moved, they wake up immediately. A sling can be used to do chores around the house, and a pillow with a flat surface is perfect for tasks that can be done while sitting. The child will sleep perfectly on it, without rolling anywhere.

Nursing pillow is not a luxury! This is one of the most necessary and important devices for a nursing mother.

Types of nursing pillows

All nursing pillows can be divided into 2 types: universal (for pregnancy and nursing) and specialized (for nursing only).

1. Universal pillows (pregnancy + breastfeeding)

Most pillows on the market are universal. Their main advantage is budget savings, because You don't have to buy two different pillows. But that's where the benefits end. It is impossible to create a device that will equally ideally serve both purposes - supporting the growing belly of the expectant mother for her comfortable sleep and rest (at the pregnancy pillow) and breastfeeding, convenient for both mother and baby (at the feeding pillow).

However, let's take a look at the different maternity pillows that can also be used for breastfeeding.

Reversible pillows: U shape, G

Reversible maternity pillows support both the belly and back of the expectant mother.

When breastfeeding, these pillows are placed around the mother and baby. As can be seen from the photo, such a pillow performs the function of lifting the baby to the chest, however, cannot provide good support for the child, has to be supported, it easily slides down the pillow, the goal of "relieving stress from the mother's back and arms" is not fulfilled. In addition, such pillows take up a huge amount of space and are not suitable for small apartments.

One-sided pillows: C, D, I

Such pillows take up much less space, their advantage is that such products can also be used for other purposes - as a limiter and a nest for the baby, a knee roll .

However, we see the same shortcomings as other universal pillows - surface is too soft, so that the child rolls off it towards the mother; lack of back support for mother, lack of fixation of the pillow on the mother's body.

The most famous brands of these pillows are: Theraline, Trelax, Red Castle and many Chinese and Turkish copies No Name

They are usually

smaller than any maternity pillows . does not require the support of the entire body of an adult.

There are now a huge number of brands and designs of specialized pillows. Let's look at the different options and evaluate their comfort, as well as list the factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing a pillow.

Types and brands of special nursing pillows

1. Non-ergonomic round pillows

The cheapest and most common option is round horseshoe pillow.

Variations possible - add to the pillow:

  • tie or Velcro at the back to fasten it around the mother's waist;
  • additional pillow for baby's head (puts on the pillow, so you can change sides)

Pillows with these variations are better than pillows without them, but in any case, this design has only one advantage - the price. They are easy to manufacture and therefore cheap for buyers. However, the cons of are the same as those of pregnancy pillows:

  • soft round surface, from which the baby rolls;
  • lack of support for the mother's back and arms;
  • lack of a strong fastening around the waist, the pillow slips;
  • very often the cover of the cheapest pillows is not removable and you have to wash it together with the pillow.

This pillow is better than nothing, but there are other, more comfortable and ergonomic options. The most famous brands of : Chicco, Boppy and many Chinese and Turkish copies No Name

both. As a rule, they have a flat dense surface.

Ergobaby pillow

The pillow from a well-known manufacturer of ergo-backpacks has a semi-circular shape, a flat dense surface slightly at an angle to the mother. It provides comfort for the mother's hands and helps to position the baby high against the chest. The disadvantages of this pillow is that the baby needs to be supported (surface at an angle), there is no back support.

Bebe Au Lait Pillow

Has a dense, even surface on which it is convenient to place the child; belt fastening around the waist. It is quite high, has a small pocket for small things. The disadvantage of of this pillow is the lack of support for the mother's back.

My Brest Friend Cushion and similar

The My Brest Friend Cushion was developed almost 20 years ago in the USA. It is rightfully considered the best pillow for nursing mothers, thanks to:

  • an even elastic surface, so that the baby does not roll down to the mother;
  • special back support mom;
  • tight fit around the waist on a carbine;
  • bumps on the cushion surface;
  • handy pocket for small items;
  • removable cover, easy to wash.

This pillow not only lifts the baby to the breast, but also relieves tension from the mother's back, neck and arms, and also frees her hands for other things if the baby falls asleep at the breast. Unlike all other pillow options, the filler of this one is not holofiber or polystyrene foam balls, but foam.

The My Brest Friend pillow has only one big disadvantage - the price. That is why several of its analogues are produced in Russia and the CIS, we will briefly talk about them.

Pillow Milk Rivers

The Russian brand of clothing and accessories for nursing has been producing pillows for several years. They have the same construction as My Brest Friend, but have a smooth surface without bulges and use one type of foam rubber, rather than two, like the original and other analogues. The used fabric of a cover - jersey. This is a good, inexpensive analogue of a well-known brand. It looks very simple, has no packaging, the pillow itself may not be completely flat, but this is the cheapest option.

Ergofeed pillow

Pillow brand is a complete copy of My Brest Friend, pillows are made in Russia. The company appeared at the end of 2019, but after a couple of months the Internet was littered with a huge number of the same type of reviews (obviously fake), forum discussions and comments praising this pillow. This is a good product, but the business ethics of this company raises big questions. Therefore, we cannot recommend this brand for purchase.

Loona Baby Pillow

Pillow brand has the same pillow shape as My Brest Friend, but with a few improvements: "Memory Foam" upper part of the pillow, microfiber plush for the cover, much better stitched cover, silent transparent fastener.

Benefits of an ergonomic cushion

In our store we offer several different options for nursing pillows, in different price categories, universal and specialized. But is precisely the pillows of ergonomic design, with back support and a smooth elastic surface, which we consider the best and recommend for purchase.

1. Back support: hard back means close to mum; it provides comfortable support and relieves back and neck pain. The breastfeeding woman does not get numb hands, neck and back. The child lies on a pillow at the level of the mother's chest - and rightly so. It does not matter what position you take (if you need to suck the breast from different sides) - in any position the baby will be held correctly.

2. Smooth surface with "mounds": thanks to the even flat surface, the baby does not roll off the pillow, while the rounded edges of other pillows can cause the baby to roll, he must be constantly held and controlled. At the same time, soft bulges on the surface of support his head and your hand.

3. "Memory Foam" filling: soft, but elastic surface of two-layer hypoallergenic PU foam ensures the correct position of the baby and his comfort, and also retains its shape, unlike all other fillings (styrofoam balls or holofiber).

4. Removable cover made of the softest plush microfiber, easy to remove and machine wash. Minky plush is a soft, velvety material most commonly used for newborn blankets and bedding.

5. Adjustable Silent Closure: easy to fasten with fastex, length adjustable, fits any waist (45-115cm).

6. Roomy pocket, which is so convenient to put small things - a bottle, a toy, a phone.

Pillows for twins

In this article, we have not touched on a separate segment of nursing pillows - pillows for twins. They have their own characteristics.

You can choose and buy a nursing pillow in our online store >>

Why do you need a nursing pillow

For many mothers, a nursing pillow is just a nice accessory, for others it is an essential item that is bought during pregnancy and used for many years.

Let's see if this pillow is really needed, what it should be like and how it differs from a pregnancy pillow.

Nursing pillow, like many modern devices for mothers and babies, exists in order to improve and facilitate the life of mother and child. In this case, the process of breastfeeding.

When breastfeeding, which takes up a large part of the time in the first months of a baby's life, it is very important learn how to properly attach the baby , and for this you need to raise the baby to chest level, and not reach for him . You can lift your baby to the right height with a couple of cushions, a rolled-up blanket, or your own knees, but using one special pillow allows mom to stay mobile and saves the headache of finding additional devices of the right shape, size and softness. In addition, your back and chest skin will thank you very much for the absence of pain in the spine and stretch marks on the skin.
Simple arithmetic, with an average time at the breast - 15-30 minutes per application, will tell us that during the day, a mother can take about 4 hours a day, but usually even more, for breastfeeding. Naturally, I would like to spend some time out of these 4 hours for the benefit not only for the baby, but also for the mother herself :) for feeding.

During feeding, the pillow unloads the muscles of the mother's arms, neck and back, and you just need to hold the baby with your hand, and not lean towards him and raise one leg higher.

And if you free your hands, then you can: read :), knit :), embroider :), draw :), play with an older child :), check mail at the computer :), drink tea ... and do a lot of other useful things tasks that do not require you to move, but require at least one hand to carry out the process. Especially true for those mothers whose child eats a lot and slowly. After all, such kids can spend 30 and 40 minutes at a meal.

In addition, babies themselves like to be fed on a pillow , and not on weight, because it is more convenient to lie on a pillow, you can relax and feel support under you.

Nursing pillow — a real "must have" when feeding twins , because feeding twins takes a lot of time, and it's never superfluous for a mother of two children to relax at once. Therefore, such a pillow is an essential item for successful breastfeeding.

What should a nursing pillow look like in order to perform its functions as efficiently as possible?

There are many nursing pillows on the market today in different shapes, fillings and pillow cases. Not all of them are convenient and well thought out.

First of all, the nursing pillow must be high enough so that the baby, lying on it, can reach the chest normally. This should be paid attention especially to women with small breasts. Also, this pillow should be thick so that the child does not sink into it under its own weight, but also does not roll off it.

It is very convenient when the nursing pillow has a special fastener , which fixes it well on the mother's waist.

And the ability to quickly change the pillowcase ( zip cover ) is also a very valuable addition with a small child.

Is there any difference between a pregnancy pillow and a nursing pillow?

Most companies produce pillows designed for use during pregnancy and after childbirth. Many mothers continue to use one pillow throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding with great comfort, without noticing any drawbacks.

For other mums, it's better to get two different pillows, as they actually perform different functions.

Pregnancy pillow necessary for comfortable sleep and relaxation , as well as for optimal support for the growing belly of the expectant mother . It is very comfortable to sleep with a pillow, putting one end of it between the legs or under the back, and the other under the head. With it, you can sit with your back leaning on a pillow or use it as armrests. She is also a great helper for massage, when you can comfortably arrange a pillow around the pregnant belly. It is nice to put your feet on it to relieve puffiness and reduce fatigue.

Based on the functions of the pregnancy pillow, the shape of the 9 is optimal.0003 Boomerangs , Bananas or Bagels so that you can get into the most comfortable position. It is better that the maternity pillow be soft , the filler can easily move inside it to form the right thickness for the curves of the body. For many mothers, the ties on nursing pillows are not comfortable during pregnancy, especially when sleeping. Well, if the pillow for pregnant women is long enough so that you can lie down on it with your whole body.

Can maternity and nursing pillows also be used after breastfeeding?

Of course! Pillows for pregnant and lactating women are multifunctional: they can lay the baby on the stomach , which is very useful for the back and arms + the child opens up a good and interesting view. The baby loves to lie on the pillow like in the nest, and in case of nasal congestion and a runny nose, the nursing and maternity pillow will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep. These pillows work well "limiters" , they are convenient to wrap around the baby so that he does not roll off the bed or, when sleeping together, put a pillow between the newborn and dad. Yes, and grown-up children and other family members love to play, roll on such pillows and fall asleep comfortably in an embrace.

So, the advantages of nursing and pregnancy pillows:

The pillow frees up the mother's hands, eases the load on the muscles of the back and arms during feeding.

  • pillow allows you to change breasts and alternate attachment of the baby at different angles to the chest, including those difficult to reach with normal support of the baby with your hands.


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