The Best Nursing Pillows for Breastfeeding Your Babe

Looking for the best nursing pillow for the football hold or the best nursing pillow for large breasts? The right pillow depends on your body shape, baby’s preferred nursing position, and which features are important to you (like extended use for pregnancy or assisted sitting for baby, machine-washable covers, warding off reflux, travel-friendliness and whether you prefer a big breastfeeding pillow or a small one).

photo: Boppy

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow

You already know Boppy makes great nursing pillows. Here's why their latest is a game-changer: It's a smaller pillow with an open design and a yoga-inspired fabric belt to attach around you for a customized fit. That means it's comfortable for women of all shapes and sizes, even those recovering from a C-section. Take this smaller pillow with you on your travels, while running errands, anywhere you plan to be. It's also machine-washable and folds up compactly so you can fit it in a diaper bag.

Available at boppy.com, $30.

My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow

A longtime mom favorite, the My Best Friend wraparound nursing pillow is celebrating 25 years of helping moms and babies with breastfeeding by launching an upgraded pillow with even more thoughtful features. These include increased back and lumbar support to keep moms comfortable, increased height and thickness in the front cushion to help baby into more optimal positioning, an attached pouch for necessities like burp cloths and nipple cream, a waterproof inner cover, and a tracker to help you remember which side you last nursed on. Like the original and the inflatable travel pillow highlighted below, this pillow wraps around mom's body and fastens with an adjustable clasp to give moms back and arm support so they can focus on baby's latch and comfort.

Available at amazon.com, $60.

La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow from DockATot

Finally! A nursing pillow that doesn't look like one. This gorgeous pillow curves around your body to support baby or mama's arms while nursing. When not in use, you'll be happy to leave it on display—and you can keep using it as an accent pillow when your nursing days are behind you. Available in four elegant patterns, this pillow is part of DockATot's new collection with British interiors brand Morris & Co. Should you want to redecorate your whole house once you see the patterns, the DockATot and William Morris Collection includes DockATot docks, Moses baskets, tents, floor cushions and more.

Available at dockatot.com, $90.

littlebeam Nursing Pillow

This breastfeeding pillow is small in size but big on added perks. In addition to positioning your baby at the right height for feeding in all nursing positions, it's also great for bottle feeding, as a tummy time support, or to give mama a little comfort as a head rest, lower back support, or between your legs for more comfortable sleep. Created by a family nurse practitioner and board-certified lactation consultant, the littlebeam nursing pillow is also the perfect companion for travel and daily outings, since it's small enough to fit in your diaper bag.

Available at littlebeam.com, $40.

Boppy Classic Feeding and Nursing Support Pillow

Trusted by moms for decades, the award-winning Boppy nursing pillow is a time-tested option. The firm but flexible U-shaped pillow allows for more ergonomic feeding positions and also works great for tummy time and supported sitting. The slipcover is removable and washable, and with the pillow at a reasonable price point, you can afford to have an extra cover.

Available at boppy.com, $40+.

Béaba Big Flopsy Maternity and Nursing Pillow

For the expectant mother, the Big Flopsy doubles as a maternity body pillow. Although one of the largest nursing pillows on the market, the non-toxic micropearl fill keeps it lightweight and flexible. Both the cover and pillow are machine-washable. From helping pregnant moms find a comfortable sleeping position to providing support for nursing moms and supervised playtime with toddlers, the Big Flopsy is one you can use for years to come.

Available at beabausa.com, $100.

The Nursie

The Nursie was designed with portability in mind by wrapping around mom’s arm, much like swim floaties go around a child’s arm—no straps needed. It can be used for any nursing position, is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag while traveling, and is machine-washable. It props baby up to help reduce reflux and give mom the right position to avoid back and neck pain.

Available at thenursie.com, $35.

Nook Organic Niche Nursing Pillow

With its 100% organic, breathable and sustainable materials, the Niche Nursing Pillow is perfect for the environmentally conscious mom. The squared U-shape provides more surface area than the rounded options. The covers come in many bright colors and are machine-washable. In addition to being used for feedings, the pillow can serve as an armrest, a tummy-time support and a body pillow for ages 2 and up.

Available at nooksleep.com, $79.

Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow and More

Keep your little wiggler in a reclined position for optimal post-feeding digestion with the patented seat wrap on the Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow. The wrap is adjustable and tucks away into a concealed pocket on the bottom of the pillow when it isn't needed. The pillow is generously sized for those moms who find it most comfortable when baby is boosted up a little. The pillow and cover are not washable, so you may want to splurge on the sham-style removable cover that’s not included.

Available at amazon.com, $36.

Twin Z Pillow

For moms of twins, there’s no need to buy two nursing pillows when you have the Twin Z Pillow. This pillow was specifically designed for nursing or bottle-feeding two babies at one time. The dual holes where babies sit have buckles that make them smaller for newborns. It can also be used as a maternity pillow, at tummy time, and as an infant support pillow.

Available at bedbathandbeyond.com, $100.

Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow

The innovative design of the Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow allows for three different elevation levels, which can help babies latch. Find the perfect height for you and baby, no matter the feeding position. It also supports upright feeding for babies with reflex. Fold it in half and secure it with the ribbon for easy storage. And it’s machine washable.

Available at amazon.com, $50.

My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

The Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow is the same design as the original nursing pillow from My Brest Friend but ideal for moms on the go and for traveling with your little one. When deflated, it packs flat in a diaper bag or purse. The wraparound shape and straps secure the pillow in place, and the straps are release silently to avoid waking baby. It comes with a handy pocket on the side (for burp cloths, bottles, toys or your phone) and a price that's friendly on your wallet.

Available at amazon.com, $43.

Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow

Snuggle baby into this pillow. Its buckwheat hull filling conforms to baby, instead of simply being underneath. The pyramid shape of the fill molds like a beanbag but holds its shape, so mom doesn’t have to provide as much support and can try out many different feeding positions. The pillow is also certified organic with a washable slipcover.

Available at stores.blessednet.com, $98.

—Katie L. Carroll

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