If you’re still planning your “go bag” for the hospital or birthing center, then you’ll probably want to make sure you have a nursing pillow to go in it. As a mom to a newborn, a nursing pillow just may be a life saver. Learning how to nurse and developing that unique breast feeding relationship with your newborn is a special time, and you want to make sure that it starts as smoothly as possible. Many lactation consultants recommend using a nursing pillow in order to help develop the nursing relationship. I personally used both the Boppy Nursing Pillow and the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow. I registered for the Boppy and brought it with me to the hospital, but after some early struggles with nursing, a lactation consultant recommended that I purchase the My Brest Friend. It ended up being a much better option for me to get my firstborn into the optimal position for nursing. However, the Boppy wasn’t a total waste, as it ended up being a great way to introduce my baby to tummy time, as well as a place to prop him up when he was learning how to sit. And if you plan on developing a long-lasting breast feeding relationship with your baby, then you may want to consider picking up some bottles from our list of the top 10 best bottles for breastfed babies.
And don’t forget to stock up on some of the top 10 best nursing and maternity bras, to make the nursing experience even more easy and comfortable for yourself.
Below I’ve rounded up the most highly rated and best nursing pillows for new moms that are available right now. I started at the top with the most popular and included descriptions to let you know which pillow may be right for you based on your (and baby’s) specific needs.
1. Best Nursing Pillow for First-Time Moms: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow
(My Brest Friend)
The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow is what I used when nursing my firstborn. I did receive a Boppy pillow as a gift, but ended up buying this pillow directly from the shop in the hospital because it came so highly recommended from the lactation consultants there. The best feature is that it clips around mom’s body, keeping the pillow in the correct position for different nursing positions. It has a firm surface so baby is always supported. Plus, it has a back rest to help nursing moms maintain good posture, as well as arm and elbow rests to eliminate shoulder stress. A convenient pocket located on the side holds water bottles, burp cloths and whatever else you might need to keep within reach while you are nursing. The My Brest Friend nursing pillow comes with a removable, washable cover in 18 unique and fun designs. Some consumers have reported that the cover is a bit difficult to remove and put back on for washing, and that after a few washes the colors on the material tend to fade. Other consumers complain that it may not be large enough for women larger than about a size 20/22. Additionally, this pillow is the perfect size for newborns but may not work as well for older and larger babies.
Price: $34.95 (22 percent off MSRP)
Buy the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow here.
Pros:
- Wrap-around design with a latch that secures the pillow to mom’s body, allowing her to maintain the optimal nursing positions
- Back rest helps you to maintain good posture while nursing
- Arm and elbow rests eliminate shoulder stress
- Pocket keeps water bottles, burp cloths, phone and other breastfeeding accessories within reach
Cons:
- May not fit plus-size mamas
- Cover is somewhat difficult to get on and off for washing
- May not work as great for older/larger babies
- Some consumers report cover material fades after washing
Find more My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow information and reviews here.
2. Best Nursing Pillow for Squirmy Babies: Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow & More
(Leachco)
The Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow & More is a nursing pillow that starts as a support for breast feeding in the early days and grows to become a resting place for baby during tummy time and even for practicing sitting up as she continues to grow. This pillow is designed with a seat wrap to help hold wiggly babies in place while at a recline in order to prevent sliding. The pillow is generously sized to grow with baby as you continue your nursing relationship. The Leachco Cuddle-U is an inexpensive pillow at just $40, but it does not include a cover, and unfortunately the company does not make a cover for this product, which is the biggest complaint from consumers. Because of this, the pillow cannot be machine-washed and is thus susceptible to spit up and urine stains. Some consumers also report the pillow does not hold up well over time and tends to rip at the seams. Additionally, some consumers are not happy with the size of the pillow, finding it to be too thick for newborns to use safely.
Price: $39.99
Buy the Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow & More here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Seat wrap helps hold wiggly babies in place while reclining to prevent sliding
- Generously sized to grow with baby as your nursing relationship develops
- Great for tummy time and sit-up support as baby grows older
Cons:
- Cover is not removable/washable
- Some consumers complain it does not work well for newborns due to thickness of the pillow
- Pillow does not hold up well
- Some consumers complain the pillow sinks and causes baby to get wedged between mom’s body and the pillow
Find more Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow & More information and reviews here.
3. Best Luxe Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow
(My Brest Friend)
The My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow costs around five dollars more than the original version, reviewed above. The major difference is the extra soft baby-plush fabric slipcover that is designed to stay fresh through dozens of washes. It also has a Velcro strap with a silent-release buckle that you can work one-handed. Like the original version, the deluxe My Brest Friend is made with a wrap-around design with a latch that secures the pillow to mom, allowing her to maintain optimal positions during nursing. It also has amazing back and shoulder/neck support, making breast feeding more comfortable. The pillow is firm so that baby will stay in place and comfy during feedings. The cover is removable and washable, though some consumers find it somewhat difficult to remove and put back on. This pillow may not work well for older and larger babies, and it may not fit plus-size mamas over size 20/22.
Price: $38.95 (17 percent off MSRP)
Buy the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow here.
Pros:
- Extra soft baby-plush fabric slipcover stays fresh through dozens of washes
- Wrap-around design with a latch that secures the pillow to mom’s body, allowing her to maintain the optimal nursing positions
- Back rest helps you to maintain good posture while nursing
- Double-featured strap with Velcro and silent-release buckle for easy, one-hand use
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than original My Brest Friend
- May not fit plus-size mamas
- Cover is somewhat difficult to get on and off for washing
- May not work as great for older/larger babies
Find more My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow information and reviews here.
4. Best Nursing Pillow for Tummy Time: Boppy Nursing Pillow & Positioner
(Boppy)
The Boppy Nursing Pillow & Positioner is another mom-favorite nursing pillow, and as a bonus it can also be used as a positioner to help baby with tummy time and then with learning to sit up on her own. The price is very affordable, but please keep in mind that this “Bare Naked” Boppy does not come with a cover. You can buy a Boppy Pillow Slipcover separately in the pattern of your choice for an additional $9.99. The Boppy does not have a latch, but it curves to fit around your waist and comes equipped with a “stretch panel” to fit all waist sizes. The pillow itself, as well as the slipcover, is machine washable. Some consumers complain that the stitching has started to come apart from their products after a few months, as well as the fact that the pillow can tend to flatten after extended use. Some consumers don’t like the way the Boppy fits around their waists, complaining that it has a tendency to slip down, making breast feeding more difficult. The Boppy Nursing Pillow & Positioner comes with a product guarantee of one year.
Price: $29.84
Buy the Boppy Nursing Pillow & Positioner here.
Pros:
- Has middle “stretch panel” to fit most waist sizes
- Product is guaranteed for one year
- Machine washable pillow and cover (sold separately)
- Grows with baby to become a seat for tummy time and practicing sitting up
Cons:
- Pillow cover sold separately
- Some consumers complain that stitching starts to wear out after a couple months
- Tends to slip off waist
- Some consumers complain pillow flattens over time
Find more Boppy Nursing Pillow & Positioner information and reviews here.
5. Best Nursing Pillow to Grow with Baby: Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow
(Dr. Brown’s)
Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow is a unique crescent-shaped nursing pillow with a patented design by a lactation consultant. Moms like it because it is fluffier and retains its shape longer than a Boppy; additionally, its thick-to-thin design grows with baby for virtually unlimited nursing positions. One downside to the crescent shape is that when you are switching breasts in the middle of a nursing session, you will have to flip the pillow over, which can be awkward or difficult to do. This pillow is very inexpensive at just $25.76, but the Dr. Brown’s Gia Pillow Cover is sold separately for an additional $9.99. The cover and pillow are both safe to machine-wash and -dry, which is highly convenient for a nursing pillow that will tend to get stained by baby. Some consumers complain that the pillow tends to slide away from mom’s body during use and that the cover is somewhat difficult to get on and off for washings.
Price: $34.99
Buy the Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- The thick-to-thin design grows with baby for virtually unlimited nursing positions
- Safe to machine-wash and -dry
- Patented design by a lactation consultant
Cons:
- Dr. Brown’s Gia Pillow Cover sold separately for an additional $9.99
- Need to flip pillow over when switching breasts during nursing
- Pillow tends to slide away from mom’s body
- Cover is somewhat difficult to get on and off for washings
Find more Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow information and reviews here.
6. Best Nursing Pillow for Reflux: Leachco Natural Boost Adjustable Nursing Pillow
(Leachco)
The Leachco Natural Boost Adjustable Nursing Pillow is a great option for preemies or for babies with special needs, such as reflux. The adjustable booster pillow gives baby a lift and allows you to recline her at the optimal angle for comfort and feeding. The elevation promotes better digestion and keeps baby’s head cool and dry during a feeding session. This pillow is very inexpensive at just $23.99. It does not include a pillow cover and is not machine-wash safe, which means you will need to spot clean it when you have any stains. Some consumers complain that this pillow lifts baby too high for optimal nursing, especially on women who have short torsos. There is no latch on this product, so for some consumers the pillow tends to slip and slide off the hips. This product is made in the USA.
Price: $25.49 (15 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Leachco Natural Boost Adjustable Nursing Pillow here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Made in USA
- Adjustable booster pillow adds the lift newborns need
- Elevation promotes better digestion and keeps baby’s head cool and dry
Cons:
- Not safe for machine-wash
- No removable cover
- Lifts baby very high, so not optimal for women with short torsos
- No latch to secure pillow, so it can tend to slip and slide
Find more Leachco Natural Boost Adjustable Nursing Pillow information and reviews here.
7. Best Nursing Pillow for Plus-Size Mamas: Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow
(Boppy)
The Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow is another nursing pillow with a belt and latch to keep the pillow in position during nursing sessions. The belt is adjustable up to 52 inches, so it fits mamas of almost any size. This Boppy nursing pillow was designed with a lactation consultant specifically for breast feeding. It has two feeding surfaces—one soft and one firm—so you can switch back and forth depending on you and your baby’s nursing needs. Although this pillow does not come with a removable and washable cover, the pillow itself is machine washable—you just need to remove the strap and the foam insert that is inside the firm side of the pillow first. This pillow is on the more expensive side at $44.98, but keep in mind you will not need to buy a cover. Some consumers have complained that the strap is cheaply made and sometimes detaches from the buckle. Finally, although it has a latch system, this pillow is not designed with built-in back support like the My Brest Friend.
Price: $44.99
Buy the Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow here.
Pros:
- Two feeding surfaces: one soft, one firm
- Designed with a lactation consultant specifically for breast feeding
- Equipped with removable/adjustable belt
- Machine washable (after removal of strap and foam insert)
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- No removable/washable cover
- Some consumers complain the strap is cheaply made and tends to detach from the latch
- Doesn’t provide lumbar support like the My Brest Friend
Find more Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow information and reviews here.
8. Best Nursing Pillow for Snuggly Softness: Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner (Luxe Chevron Whales/Gray)
(Boppy)
The Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner with the Luxe Chevron Whales Pillow Cover in Gray is just like the original Boppy, but with a luxuriously soft, minky slipcover to make breast feeding an even more comfortable, pleasant experience for both mom and baby. The pillow cover is not only super soft, but it also comes with an adorable whale design. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable. Just as in the original version, this Boppy has a middle “stretch panel” that should fit most waist sizes, though it does not have any type of latch/strap system to secure the pillow to you while nursing. Some consumers report that the Boppy pillow tends to slip off their waist while nursing and that the pillow tends to flatten over time. The Boppy is actually two products in one, because as your baby grows, she can use it as a place to practice tummy time and sitting up; it provides her with comfy support throughout the first year of her life.
Price: $49.99
Buy the Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner (Luxe Chevron Whales/Gray) here.
Pros:
- Luxuriously soft minky slipcover with adorable whale design
- Machine washable, slipcover removable/washable
- Has middle “stretch panel” to fit most waist sizes
- Grows with baby to become a seat for tummy time and practicing sitting up
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- No strap/latch system to secure pillow to body
- Tends to slip off waist
- Some consumers complain pillow flattens over time
Find more Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner (Luxe Chevron Whales/Gray) information and reviews here.
9. Best Nursing Pillow for Tummy-to-Tummy Nursing: Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow Plus Cover
(Ergobaby)
Ergobaby, known for its amazing and popular baby carrier, has created a product for the nursing pillow market: the Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow Plus Cover. This nursing pillow is on the expensive end of the spectrum at $69, but it offers some unique features. It is ergonomically designed to relieve back pain and support mom’s arms during nursing sessions. It’s also made to position baby for tummy-to-tummy breast feeding and support her in this position, which is a lactation-consultant recommended position, especially for newborn nursing, as it is easier and natural for baby to take the breast in this position. The pillow’s firm foam is designed to maintain its shape long-term for lasting support. The pillow also allows for baby’s head to rest above her body during nursing, which can aid in digestion, especially helpful for infants with reflux. Some consumers find the pillow to be too firm. Additionally, there are some reported issues with babies sliding off the pillow.
Price: $69
Buy the Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow Plus Cover here.
Pros:
- Designed to relieve back pain and support arms during nursing
- Unique contour positions baby tummy-to-tummy for comfortable breastfeeding support
- Firm foam maintains its shape for lasting support
- Baby’s head will rest above body, which can aid in digestion
Cons:
- Expensive
- Pillow is not as soft and comfy for mom
- Some consumers have issues with baby sliding off the pillow
- No strap or belt system to secure pillow to mom’s body during nursing
Find more Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow Plus Cover information and reviews here.
10. Best Nursing Pillow for Twins: Nook Sleep Niche Feeding Pillow
(Nook)
The Nook Sleep Niche Feeding Pillow is a square-shaped nursing pillow designed to grow with babies as they go from newborns to a year; it’s even recommended for use in tandem nursing with twins! This pillow is made in the USA from eucalyptus and organic cotton; the Nook’s patented “Pebble Fabric” is made to be naturally water resistant, making it simple to clean up spit-up or urine incidents. The specially designed fabric is bathed in natural zinc, which makes it anti-mite, anti-mold, anti-fungal and hypoallergenic. The cover is removable and machine-washable. Some consumers complain that the material tends to pill and/or fade. Some slender mamas complain that the pillow does not stay snug against their waists during nursing sessions. This product is the most expensive one of the bunch at $100 (but currently on sale for $56 in the light pink color!), but if you like the idea of the higher quality materials, or if you have twins and plan to tandem-nurse, then the extra cost may just be worth it for you. This pillow can also be used to prop up baby for tummy time and practicing sitting up.
Price: $56 (44 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Nook Sleep Niche Feeding Pillow here.
Pros:
- Made in the USA from eucalyptus and organic cotton
- Nook’s patented Pebble Fabric is naturally water-resistant, so it’s super easy to clean
- The special fabric is bathed in natural zinc making it anti-mite, anti-mold, anti-fungal and hypoallergenic
- Strategically designed square shape makes it perfect for growing babies, and even for twins
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- Pillow flattens with use over time
- Pillow doesn’t stay snug for very slender mamas
- Some consumers report issues with fabric of cover pilling or fading
Find more Nook Sleep Niche Feeding Pillow information and reviews here.
