The Best Nursing Pillows (Plus How to Use One)
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 right nursing pillow 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 like something that would make your life a bit easier? Here’s your handy guide to shopping for this handy must-have.
The fourth trimester comes with a lot of new gear, to say the least. To help you find the best nursing pillow for you and baby, we browsed options from an array of trusted retailers and brands, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here’s how we created our roundup:
- We considered several aspects when sourcing products, including size, value, design, ease of care and style.
- We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these nursing pillows worked for real parents, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
- We chatted with a lactation consultant to understand safety tips to keep top of mind during shopping and usage.
- Last but not least, we received input from members of The Bump editorial team who, as parents, had first-hand experience with some of these nursing pillows.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
A great nursing pillow is a true life-saver, 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.
Overall best nursing pillow
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 for baby. “I had tested a bunch of nursing pillows, and this was the most comfortable option for me and my little one,” says Ashlee Neuman, content director of The Bump and mom of two. “Because of the effective shape and simple, lightweight design, I could easily shift it around me to anywhere I needed the extra support,” For easy cleaning, the cotton slipcover can be thrown in the wash. “I used the Boppy with both of my babies,” Neuman reports, “and the cover and inner pillow held up beautifully!”
Perhaps best of all, after the first few months, it transitions into a support pillow for when baby is ready for tummy time or sitting up. “This was one of my favorite features of this multipurpose pillow!” Neuman says. “I used it to help my then-toddler hold her newborn sister in her lap, and I tucked it behind my little ones when they were learning to sit up independently so I could supervise from afar without fearing they’d topple over and hurt themselves. A game-changer!”
Weight: 2.8 lbs. | Dimensions: 20" (L) x 16" (W) x 5.5" (H) | Material: 65% polyester/35% cotton (slipcover material); 80% polyester/20% cotton (pillow cover); 100% polyester (filling)
“I love how comfortable and versatile the Boppy is! It's a simple but super high-quality pillow that can be used to support your baby in more ways than one. Bonus: It comes in a ton of cute cover designs.”
Best travel 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. The clever design easily adjusts to meet your changing needs while you’re out and about. Aspects you’ll appreciate include the ergonomic shape and the angled feeding position. Plus, we’re fans of the yoga-inspired belt which will keep this nursing pillow secure as you feed baby, while also doubling as a convenient carry strap. This compact style folds and can be toted over your shoulder, in your diaper bag or even kept in your car.
Weight: 1 lb. | Dimensions: 13.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 6" (H) | Material: 71% polyester/29% rayon (knit); 100% polyester (mesh)
- Ideal for petite and plus-sized moms
- Hardware-free
- Affordable price point
- Cover isn’t removable
Best adjustable nursing pillow
Searching for a top-notch adjustable nursing pillow? Look no further than this option from Frida Mom. The transitional style features three interchangeable layers that can be stacked in various configurations. This way, it’ll be the perfect height for you and baby—plus, there are also different cushioning levels for added comfort. The C-shaped design will offer you support whether you’re bottle or breastfeeding your little love and it comes with a removable backrest. Best of all, this nursing pillow is complete with storage pockets and sections where you can insert heat packs to aid your postpartum recovery.
Weight: N/A | Dimensions: 13.8" (L) x 21.7" (W) x 8" (H) | Material: Cotton/polyester/spandex
- Customizable internal layers
- Comes with a removable backrest
- Has storage pockets
- Some say the buckle is tricky to use
Best organic nursing pillow
If natural materials are important to you, opt for this organic nursing pillow from Naturepedic. It’s filled with plush PLA batting made entirely from non-GMO sugarcane and complete with a cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. An added bonus: It’s waterproof and you can toss it into the washing machine when inevitable spills and messes occur. As you nurse, you’ll also appreciate the wide design that’s been thoughtfully created to hold its shape. This way, it won’t dip, flatten or disrupt baby’s latch—while keeping you both comfortable and supported, of course.
Weight: N/A | Dimensions: N/A | Material: Cotton (outer); PLA batting (filling); cotton/polyurethane (cover)
- Supportive wide design
- Made from sustainable materials
- BPA-free, Greenguard Gold-certified
- High price point
- No adjustable features
Best wrap-around nursing pillow
The wide, flat top of the My Brest Friend nursing pillow wins major points with moms who worry that baby could roll off of other nursing pillows that don’t have a level surface. This popular breastfeeding pillow has a U-shape that attaches around your waist, providing lumbar support for your lower back. Even better, a discreet side pocket can hold a burp cloth, a pacifier, nipple cream, your cell phone or even a bottle of water.
Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Dimensions: 23" (L) x 15.5" (W) x 5.5" (H) | Material: Polyester/cotton
- 360-degree, wrap-around style
- Lumbar support
- Has storage pockets
- Not very flexible
Best nursing pillow with safety bumper
Next up is a multifunctional breastfeeding pillow complete with a safety bumper for added peace of mind. The super-breathable style is made from 100 percent cotton, resulting in a comfy design that’s easy to keep clean. Best of all, the raised edge will keep your little one in place as they feed and prevent them from rolling off the pillow. Plus, the waist strap can be adjusted to provide you with lumbar support—it’s a win-win!
Weight: 3.2 lbs. | Dimensions: 23.6" (L) x 28" (W) x 6.3" (H) | Material: 100% cotton
- 360-degree, wrap-around style
- Safety bumper
- Lumbar support
- Easy to care for
- Some say it didn’t fluff up as expected
Most stylish nursing pillow
Searching for a nursing pillow that you can use throughout your breastfeeding journey and beyond? Look no further than this stylish design from DockATot. Created with postpartum recovery and comfort in mind, the firm, crescent shape will effortlessly curve to your body to support you and, of course, baby. It even features a carry handle and a concealed zipper for added convenience. Best of all—when it’s finished serving its purpose as a breastfeeding pillow—the chic design can double as an accent pillow on your couch, lounge seat, bed or anywhere in between. Choose from an array of on-trend colors and vibrant prints, each of which is complete with a luxe tassel element.
Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Dimensions: 22.5" (L) x 13.3" (W) x 6.7" (H) | Material: 100% polyester
- Stylish, versatile design
- Convenient carry handle
- High price point
- No adjustable features
Best multi-purpose nursing pillow
You can count on this multi-purpose nursing pillow to offer support whether it’s mid-afternoon, the early hours of the morning or anytime in between. Aptly named, this breastfeeding pillow has an ergonomic shape (in part developed by lactation consultants) that will comfortably fit you while also reducing the chance of baby rolling as they feed. If your infant suffers from tummy troubles, you can even use the curved side to elevate their head and ease digestion. Better yet, convenient features like the stay-put strap and the carry handle will make the process even more seamless.
Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Dimensions: 14.3" (L) x 25.4" (W) x 7" (H) | Material: Cotton/polyester
- Curved side supports digestion
- Stay-put strap
- Multiple feeding positions
- May be too firm for some
Best twin nursing pillow
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. This large breastfeeding pillow is super flexible, so you can wrap it around to meet your duo’s ever-changing needs. Whether you’re feeding one baby at a time or both at once, you’ll also appreciate the buckle strap which offers added support. Then—as your little ones get older—this nursing pillow can be used for upright feeding, tummy time, support while sitting and so much more.
Weight: 7 lbs. | Dimensions: 38" (L) x 25" (W) x 5" (H) | Material: Polyester/foam
- Specifically designed for twins
- Buckle strap for added support
- High price point
- Heavier than other options
Nursing Pillows Comparison Chart
| Overall best nursing pillow | Best travel nursing pillow | Best adjustable nursing pillow | Best wrap-around nursing pillow | Best nursing pillow with safety bumper | Most stylish nursing pillow | Best multi-purpose nursing pillow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Boppy Original Support Nursing Pillow | Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow Support | Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow | My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow | Momcozy Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding | DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow | Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow | |||
| Price | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$$ | $$ | ||
| Dimensions | 20" (L) x 16" (W) x 5.5" (H) | 13.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 6" (H) | 13.8" (L) x 21.7" (W) x 8" (H) | 23" (L) x 15.5" (W) x 5.5" (H) | 23.6" (L) x 28" (W) x 6.3" (H) | 22.5" (L) x 13.3" (W) x 6.7" (H) | 14.3" (L) x 25.4" (W) x 7" (H) | ||
| Washable cover | |||||||||
| Adjustable features | |||||||||
| Fill | Polyester | Polyester | N/A | Foam | Polyester | Polyester | N/A | ||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
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 stomach; 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.
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. Leigh Anne O’Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, advises new moms to avoid leaning into the pillow. 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.
Lastly, as with any baby gear, you’ll want to ensure you’re using your nursing pillow safely and effectively. O’Connor advises parents to be mindful when using a pillow, and not to fall asleep or leave baby unattended on it. She also recommends holding your nursing pillow close to your body so that the baby doesn’t fall in between it and your body.
You can nestle baby in your arms while you breastfeed (or bottle feed), but the weight of even an eight-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 the work, allowing you to concentrate on other things, like perfecting baby’s latch, breathing deeply to help letdown or just 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, portable nursing pillow that’s easy to carry from one nursing spot to another and just as easy to pack for trips. Then there are twin nursing pillows, designed specifically for moms of multiples.
- Price. The average breastfeeding pillow costs between $25 and $50. For about $70, you can upgrade to a plush, monogrammed slipcover. Looking for an organic nursing pillow or a twin nursing pillow? Then you’re looking at closer to $100.
- Ease of care. Will you need to 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. O’Connor also highlights the importance of choosing a fabric that’s comfortable for parent and baby.
- 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!
- Extra features. Searching for a nursing pillow that has all the bells and whistles? There are options out there for you. Some breastfeeding pillows have pockets to keep essentials (think: Baby bottles or wipes) close by, says O’Connor. Others may have a wrap-around strap for added convenience. If choosing one of these designs, O’Connor recommends looking for a pillow with an easy-to-use buckle; while velcro is useful, it can be loud and startle 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:
Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, is a lactation consultant with more than two decades of experience based in New York City. She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA).
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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