One of the first things that you should buy as a mom is a nursing pillow. It provides a more comfortable position for you and your baby while latching. One of the most challenging jobs as a mother is breastfeeding. It can be very tricky, especially for first-time moms. Luckily, there are tools that are readily available to support moms in taking care of their little ones.
A nursing pillow is a breastfeeding mom's best friend. In this article, we will share a few points to consider that may help you in buying one with our buying guide—with comments and additional tips from pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao. We also included our top 10 picks on the best nursing pillows that you can purchase online.
Also called a feeding pillow or nursing cushion, a nursing pillow is designed to support and position babies comfortably while latching. Not only is it extremely helpful for babies, but it also provides support to mothers. Here are some of the advantages of using a nursing pillow.
Nursing pillows offer back support that can reduce body pain. They remove the pressure on your other body parts, making you more relaxed. They also provide support to babies by allowing them to reach their mother’s breast for easier access. Plus, they can help you achieve various breastfeeding positions, like the cradle hold, crossover hold, and football hold.
A C-section delivery can be very painful. Luckily, nursing pillows are at your service. The cushion can serve as a barrier between your baby and your belly to redirect the pressure on the pillow instead. It also allows the moms to breastfeed without moving too much. Moreover, some positions are more comfortable for C-section moms, and this pillow can aid you in trying them out.
If you’re a first-time mom, you’ll need all the support you can get. A nursing pillow can help you during your adjustment period. If you’re not sure how and where to start when it comes to feeding your baby, you can use a nursing pillow to help you hold your little one while he is latching.
Nursing pillows aren’t exclusively for breastfeeding. You may also use it to bottle-feed your little one. For busy or working moms, don’t worry because dads can act as a substitute when it comes to bottle-feeding the baby. Just give them a nursing pillow, and they’ll be good to go!
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Nursing pillows come in a variety of shapes. The most common one is the C-shape which wraps around the mother’s waist. However, if you want back support, you may opt for a wrap-around pillow that extends to your back and an L-shaped pillow with a loose form if you want one that’s easier to remove and can provide your baby with a larger surface to lay on.
On the other hand, a comma-shaped pillow is an option for mothers who are recovering from C-sections. Meanwhile, if you’re not comfortable wrapping the pillow around your belly area, you may go for a cushion that latches onto your forearm instead.
You must pick a pillow that fits your upper body to position your baby in a mutually comfortable way. There are relatively large pillows, which provide a huge space for your baby to lie on, while some sizes are tailored for plus-sized moms. Apart from these, there are also portable ones, perfect for those always on the go. These are also perfect for trips and vacations with your little one.
If you want to nurse two babies at the same time, there are nursing pillows that can accommodate more than one baby as well. And if you can’t find a suitable size, you may opt for a pillow with adjustable straps or belts. You may also use this feature to adjust the size as your little one grows.
With babies, spit-ups, diaper accidents, and leakages are unavoidable. That’s why it is important to select a nursing pillow with a material that’s easy to clean and you can wash weeklyーeven daily, should the situation requires it. Here are some points to consider when choosing a material.
For easy cleaning, you can go for pillows with removable covers. Just make sure to check if the material is washing machine-friendly to avoid damaging it. A good example of a material that’s both soft and washable is cotton. You should also look out for zippers and Velcro as they may damage the cover when being machine washed.
However, note that pillows with removable covers can be more expensive than regular ones. If you want a more affordable option, go for fixed pillows that are water-resistant.
Your little one’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s. The good news is that there are pillows made especially for infants, so you can guarantee that most of the fabrics used are safe for their skin. However, it wouldn’t hurt to ensure that the pillow is made up of the right materials.
Each skin is different. Thus, reactions to different materials may vary for some. Watch out for those that may irritate your baby’s skin. An example of this would be polyester and other synthetic materials. These materials may cause rashes, making your little one feel uncomfortable.
Some nursing cushions are soft and cuddly, while others are firm. A firm pillow is ideal, especially for infants, since they need sturdy and stable support. It also helps babies with a more petite build to prevent them from rolling or sinking deep into the pillow, which may lead to accidents.
As for bigger and older babies, a softer cushion may be selected to allow them to stretch and move freely. Some mothers prefer pillows with firm inner material, though, as this latches onto their bodies better than softer ones. It can also offer back support, which is a plus!
Breastmilk provides nutrients that are essential for infants’ growth. According to the World Health Organization, babies are recommended to be exclusively fed with breastmilk for their first six months. When it’s time to stop breastfeeding, also called weaning, you may or may not be able to use your nursing pillow anymore.
Therefore, it would be wise to buy a multi-functional and flexible pillow. Some pillows can be used for your baby’s tummy time, while some can be used as pregnancy pillows. Moreover, nursing cushions can also be used to help sit babies up.
To give you a rundown, here are our top 5 picks for the best nursing pillows you can buy online:
Image | 1 ![]() Chicco | 2 Child Care | 3 ![]() Mamaway | 4 ![]() Nuvita | 4 ![]() Miigu | 5 ![]() Babycuddleph | 6 ![]() OMGPh Clothing and Prints | 7 ![]() | 8 ![]() Nuvita | 9 ![]() Dr. Brown's |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Boppy Original Feeding & Infant Support Pillow | Infant Nursing Pillow With Removable Case | Hypoallergenic Breastfeeding Pillow | DreamWizard Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow | Newborn Neck Nursing Cushion | Nursing Pillow | Maternity Human Pillow | Breastfeeding Nursing Arm Pillow | FeedFriend Pillow | Gia Nursing Pillow |
Features | An Award-Winning Pillow Loved by Moms | A Locally-Made Pillow That Is Easy to Clean | Pillow That Distributes the Pressure Evenly | A Multifunctional Pillow That Offers All Kinds of Support | A Nursing Pillow Perfect for Newborns | A Flexible Pillow That's Perfect for Traveling | Get Full Body Comfort With This U-Shaped Pillow | An Arm Pillow for Moms Who Had a C-Section | Filled With Microbeads for a Comfortable Feeding Session | A Nursing Pillow That Promotes Better Digestion |
Price Starts at | ₱1,999.75 | ₱484 | ₱5,188 | ₱4,499 | ₱10 | ₱2,099 | ₱1,348 | ₱207 | ₱2,939.75 | ₱3,499.75 |
Shape | C-shaped | C-shaped | Moon-shaped | C-shaped | U-Shaped | L-shaped | U-shaped | Forearm Latch | Wrap-around | Crescent-shaped |
Size | 15.75 x 18.7 inches | 25 x 20 inches | 25.19 inches (circumference) | Adjustable Length | Not Specified | 23 x 31 inches | 30 x 55.2 inches | 9.84 x 9.06 inches | Not Specified | 7.9 x 27.6 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes (lining) | Not Specified | Yes |
Cover Material | Cotton | Cotton Blend | 100% Cotton | Breathable Material | Cotton | 100% Cotton | Yes | Combed Cotton | Breathable Material | 100% Cotton |
Machine Washable | Yes | Not Specified | No | Yes | Not Specified | Yes | Canadian Cotton | Yes | Not Specified | Yes |
Adjustable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not Specified | Yes | Yes | No |
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The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**
From ₱1,999.75
Shape | C-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 15.75 x 18.7 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | Cotton |
Machine Washable | Yes |
Adjustable | Yes |
Pink Animals
From ₱484
Shape | C-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 25 x 20 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | Cotton Blend |
Machine Washable | Not Specified |
Adjustable | No |
From ₱5,188
Shape | Moon-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 25.19 inches (circumference) |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | 100% Cotton |
Machine Washable | No |
Adjustable | Yes |
From ₱4,499
Shape | C-shaped |
---|---|
Size | Adjustable Length |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | Breathable Material |
Machine Washable | Yes |
Adjustable | Yes |
Baby Dolls in Teal
From ₱2,099
Shape | L-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 23 x 31 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | 100% Cotton |
Machine Washable | Yes |
Adjustable | No |
From ₱1,348
Shape | U-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 30 x 55.2 inches |
Adjustable | No |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | Canadian Cotton |
Machine Washable | Not Specified |
From ₱207
Shape | Forearm Latch |
---|---|
Size | 9.84 x 9.06 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes (lining) |
Cover Material | Combed Cotton |
Machine Washable | Yes |
Adjustable | Yes |
From ₱2,939.75
Shape | Wrap-around |
---|---|
Size | Not Specified |
With Removable Cover | Not Specified |
Cover Material | Breathable Material |
Machine Washable | Not Specified |
Adjustable | Yes |
From ₱3,499.75
Shape | Crescent-shaped |
---|---|
Size | 7.9 x 27.6 inches |
With Removable Cover | Yes |
Cover Material | 100% Cotton |
Machine Washable | Yes |
Adjustable | No |
From ₱10
Shape | U-Shaped |
---|---|
Size | Not Specified |
With Removable Cover | No |
Cover Material | Cotton |
Machine Washable | Not Specified |
Adjustable | No |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao.
You can use your breastfeeding pillow for tummy time if your baby seems to like it and if the pillow is not too plump or high from the floor or mattress. You can do this by placing the pillow on the floor on top of a blanket or a firm mattress and then placing your baby on their belly over the pillow, with their arms and shoulders propped on top of it.
However, if they're perfectly happy on a flat surface, then no need for the pillow. Make sure you watch your baby at all times. Never lay your baby on their belly when they are asleep. If your baby falls asleep, readjust them back on their backs and remove the pillow, blankets, and other things from your baby's sleep space.
Nursing pillows are one of the tools moms can use to help them in their breastfeeding journey, and you can continue to use them so long as they continue to safely serve you and your baby.
Wash your nursing pillow per the manufacturer's laundering/wash instructions. Do use a mild or baby-friendly detergent, and remove and separately wash your nursing pillow's slipcover, if it has one.
Nursing pillows are nice to have for breastfeeding moms, as they physically help lessen the load of nursing. However, remember that your baby should never be allowed to sleep on nursing pillows (or any pillow, for that matter).
Should your baby fall asleep during or after a nursing session, do move them to their crib and lie them on their back (remember: babies should always sleep on their back), ensuring that there are no pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, and other things on the bed with them to help ensure safe sleep.
It may take some time before moms get the hang of parenting, especially for those who are new to the world of motherhood. Luckily, there are baby products that may help you take care of your little one. Check out the articles below for more buying guides and product recommendations.
Author: Sophie S.
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
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