9 best nursing pillows for heightened comfort when you're breastfeeding
Nursing pillows are one of those pregnancy purchases not necessarily deemed as essential (like a nursing bra or baby-changing bag would be), but they're one you'll be forever thankful for investing in once you do. Sure, you may already own a pregnancy pillow, but if it's not the right shape for comfortable feeding, one of the best nursing pillows could save the day – whatever your chosen feeding style.
What are nursing pillows for?
Nursing pillows are specially-designed pillows which will provide optimum support when you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, allowing your baby to get into the best feeding position possible. They rest on your lap, wrap around your body (and can often be tied together to stop them from moving) and make for a stable surface to hold your newborn at your breast. They also reduce neck, arm and back pain for you, which makes feeding a more enjoyable activity. You can even get feeding pillows which have been specifically designed for twins.
How are nursing pillows different to pregnancy pillows?
Nursing pillows are usually smaller and firmer than pregnancy pillows – or body pillows, as they're often otherwise referred to.
When do you need a nursing pillow?
While nursing pillows aren't an essential, if you are in the market for you, you'll use it every time you feed – which can be as many as twelve (or more!) times a day. They're most-used during the first six months of your baby's life, when they have limited head and neck control. After that, you'll probably find you can pass your nursing pillow on to another expectant friend.
Are there any other uses? Sure. Nursing pillows can also be used during tummy time, to help prop them up or as a means to cradle your baby who can't yet sit up alone.
What to look for when buying a nursing pillow:
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a nursing pillow. After all, feeding pillows come in all shapes, prints, sizes and fits.
- Consider the shape: nursing pillows usually come in either C-shape (like the Dreamgenii feeding pillow) or U-shapes (like the bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow), so try a few out in store if you're not sure what might feel the most comfortable.
- Does it have an adjustable fit? Lots of nursing pillows come with belts and straps which secure the pillow around your body and tailor it to your shape. These come in highly recommended.
- What fabric is it made from? Will it feel soft against your baby's skin? Is the cover removable so that you can pop it in the washing machine with ease? We love The Avery Row pillow covers, which are made with GOTS certified organic cotton and dyes, so are kind on Mother Earth and your little one’s environment.
- What is the filling made from? Some more expensive nursing pillows, like the bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow boast anti-bacterial properties as well as ability to keep cool and prevent overheating.
- Does your nursing pillow offer storage? It can be really useful for your baby feeding pillow to have little storage pockets, to keep essentials close-by.
After more maternity content? We've got the best maternity clothes – from maternity dresses to maternity nightwear, maternity trousers, the best weighted blankets, maternity loungewear and maternity leggings – plus maternity knickers to wear pre and post-baby, and breastfeeding tops to help keep you comfortable. Elsewhere, shop our edits of maternity wedding dresses, maternity wedding guest dresses and new mum gifts.
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Which type of nursing pillow is best? Scroll for GLAMOUR's full edit of the best nursing pillows in 2022.
Best nursing pillows UK
BBHUGME Nursing Pillow Dots, £74, Jojo Maman Bebe
Why we love it: Lightweight and with the possibility of doubling up as a hip carrier, the bbhugme Nursing Pillow has been specially designed to help you achieve optimum comfort when nursing your baby. It's sold with a handy travel bag which we love, making it easy to take the pillow on the go, and it has ties to each end so that you can attach it around your waist for additional support. It's also made from an antibacterial and anti-fungal material, moulding to your body as it changes and moves.
Save when you shop for baby nursing pillows with these Jojo Maman Bebe discount codes.
Best nursing pillow for C section UK
Dreamgenii Feeding Support Pillow, £29.99, John Lewis
Why we love it: The best nursing pillow for using after a C-section, this feeding pillow relieves pressure from the tummy, back and abdomen when feeding. It can also encourage a healthy latch, and ensures your baby is angled correctly so that their head is above their tummy to aid in digestion.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these John Lewis discount codes.
Bbhugme nursing pillow
bbhugme™ Nursing Pillow - Grey Melange, £66.60, Mamas & Papas
Why we love it: With extra-long ties to support the feeding pillow around your waist, this bbhugme™ Nursing Pillow moulds to your body and height, keeping your little one supported and comfy, without putting strain on your neck and shoulders. It can also be used for tummy training and comes with a handy travel bag.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these Mamas & Papas discount codes.
Dockatot nursing pillow
DOCKATOT Nursing Pillow Night Falls, £80, Jojo Maman Bebe
Why we love it: Offering support during (sometimes tiring) nursing sessions, this ergonomically designed nursing pillow curves to the shape of your body and cradles your baby. It has been covered in fabric designed by William Morris, meaning it'll be in-keeping with the rest of your very stylish home.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these Jojo Maman Bebe discount codes.
Best nursing pillow Amazon
Breast Feeding Maternity Nursing Pillow Silver Twinkle, £16.99, Amazon
Why we love it: After an affordable nursing pillow which can be delivered with next day delivery? Look no further than this twinkle star print feeding pillow from Amazon, which has tonnes of glowing reviews. Case in point: “Easily one of the best products I bought for the arrival of my little one (now 8 weeks) I actually took it to the hospital with me. A firm favourite that has had plenty of use since day 1.”
Best twin nursing pillow
PURFLO Breathe Pregnancy Pillow Botanical, £65, Jojo Maman Bebe
Why we love it: The Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow is a revolutionary new design, marrying an ergonomic shape with luxe, breathable materials to give you all the extra support and comfort you need while breastfeeding. It's wide in shape, making it perfect for breastfeeding twins, and it also doubles up as support during tummy time, aiding in bonding from pregnancy and beyond.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these Jojo Maman Bebe discount codes.
Best baby nursing pillows UK
MAMA Nursing and Pregnancy Pillow, £34.99, H&M
Why we love it: This combined nursing and pregnancy pillow is covered in soft jersey made from a cotton blend, which feels soft against your skin and that of your baby. Whether you're sleeping during pregnancy, nursing, pumping or wanting to support your baby, it'll see you through every stage of new motherhood.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these H&M discount codes.
Best nursing pillow for breastfeeding
bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow, Pink/Vanilla, £145, John Lewis
Why we love it: One of the most popular nursing pillows on the market is this one from bbhugme, which can be used both during pregnancy and for feeding, afterwards. The filling of this pillow has been specially selected for its anti-bacterial properties, but also it's ability to relieve pressure where you need it. It stays cool, preventing you and your baby from overheating, and will see you through your pregnancy and many months after.
Save when you shop for the best nursing pillows with these John Lewis discount codes.
Dockatot nursing pillows
DockATot Strawberry Thief Nursing Pillow, £80, Boots
Why we love it: Available with next day delivery, this DockATot nursing pillow is stylishly designed as a normal pillow, but aids in feeding in disguise.
Save when you shop for the best feeding pillows with these Boots discount codes.
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