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What’s the Best Nursing Pillow?

When nursing pillows were initially designed, their chief purpose was to assist babies in sitting up during the period of their lives in which they are not quite ready to do so on their own. But then, crafty mommies came up with a different use for the pillows: support for nursing.

This more popular utilization of the nursing pillow has turned it into a “must have”item that now appears on many an expectant mother’s baby registry, particularly when other women in the family have sworn by them and insist on their use.

We’ve compiled our picks and are sharing our thoughts to help you pick out the best nursing pillow for your child and you.

What is a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow, or “breast-feeding pillow,” is a baby accessory that is designed to makebreast-feeding a bit easier on Mom by supporting the baby in an appropriate position for nursing.

Nursing pillows come in many different styles and designs, and some even have different features. Some nursing pillows are just that – pillows – while others take on more of a foam wedge personality.

A nursing pillow can be used to help the baby sit up so that he or she may attempt self-feeding, but Mom might also be able to get some worthwhile use out of the pillow as well.

She can use it for vertebral support as she sleeps, as well as for support for both her back and arm while nursing. Even Daddy can use the pillow to make feeding time a little easier on him as well.

Nursing pillows can also help reduce the curvature of your spine as you breast-feed, which also works to ward off any potential back pain that you could experience as a result.

However, just like with anything else, there is a right way and a wrong way to use a nursing pillow. Using one the wrong way can include the baby being held in the incorrect position, leading to issues with gastric reflux or even trouble swallowing.

How to Properly Use a Nursing Pillow

First, you should place the nursing pillow along whichever side it is on which you will benursing. Position the baby so that his or her feet are facing your back and under your arm, otherwise referred to as a “football hold.”

The pillow will then support the baby as he or she lies comfortably along the side of your body. If your pillow is adjustable, be sure to either tighten or loosen the straps to ensure that the baby is in the correct position.

Next, put the pillow on your lap and, placing the baby in the cradle hold, position him or her so that his or her tummy is up against yours. This allows you to rely on the nursing pillow to support the baby, as opposed to your arm – an increasingly welcome position as the baby’s weight goes up over time.

Just because the pillow has “nursing” in the title doesn’t mean you can’t also use it for bottle-feeding. Simply sit in a comfortable chair, and put the pillow on your lap. Rest whichever arm you will be using to support the baby’s head on the pillow.

This will allow the baby to be in a slightly more inclined position. Proceed to feed the baby with the bottle. This is also a helpful tip for Daddy, as well as anyone else who may want to help feed the baby.

If, in this instance, you are using a wedge-shaped pillow, it may be easier for you to put the baby on the pillow and then hold the baby in place with your arm around the top of his or her head. This will reduce the baby’s inclination to turn from side to side while in the midst of eating.

Going a step further, a nursing pillow doesn’t even have to be used for feeding time. Certain nursing pillows are designed with a flat middle and raised sides. This encourages Mommy to put the baby on his or her tummy for a short period in order to encourage the baby to build strength in his or her arms and neck.

Finding the Best Nursing Pillow For You

Now that you know what a nursing pillow is, and how best to use one, now it’s time to decide which is the best nursing pillow for you.With all the different options there are available out there, it is important to narrow down the pillow that you think will work best for you and your baby.

Would you like more of a straight-up pillow with no frills? Or would you prefer a pillow that comes with different features and accessories? Here are some examples of different types of features to look for when shopping for a nursing pillow.

To Slipcover or Not to Slipcover

One phrase every parent loves seeing on a baby-related product or accessory is “machine-washable slipcover.” Nothing is easier to clean than when you can simply slip the dirty cover off and throw it in the wash, as opposed to spending time scrubbing a stain that may smell and/or never come out.

While you may be more tempted to purchase a nursing pillow that comes prepackaged with its own slipcover, keep in mind that you may be able to purchase slipcovers separately, or you may even be able to throw the whole pillow in the wash, depending on the pillow.

The only problem here is that you would have to wait until the pillow is washed before using it again, whereas with a slipcover, all you need to do is throw a fresh cover on the pillow, and you’re ready to go again.

Size and Shape

As mentioned before, nursing pillows come in all different shapes and sizes, including wedges and crescents. Some even look like those neck pillows you sometimes see people use on airplanes.

You can get bulkier nursing pillows that are more like a pillow, or flatter pillows that may be better in preventing your baby from wriggling around too much while feeding. Ultimately, the choice is yours as to what you think you and your baby will be most comfortable with using.