How to choose a nursing pillow
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
A nursing pillow is a curved support cushion that wraps around your waist to bring your baby closer for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or tummy time. The best one for you depends on your body type, feeding style, and whether you want firm support or a plush, moldable shape, and most importantly, it should be easy to clean.
What shape of nursing pillow is right for you?
Most nursing pillows come in two basic shapes: the classic C-shape (open at the front) and the U-shape (open at one side or fully encircling). A C-shape, like the popular Boppy, sits across your lap and tucks behind your back or under one arm, it’s lightweight and easy to move around the house. A U-shape, such as the My Brest Friend, buckles around your waist and stays put, offering a flat, firm surface that’s more stable for beginners or parents feeding a preemie. If you plan to breastfeed in different chairs or while moving, a C-shape is often more portable. If you want maximum hands-free support and a table-like surface for latching practice, a U-shape with a waist belt is worth considering. Some newer designs are adjustable, letting you open or close the curve, which can accommodate larger body sizes or multiple positions.
What filling is best: polyester fiber, buckwheat, or memory foam?
Polyester fiberfill is the most common and budget-friendly option. It’s lightweight, machine-washable (if the cover is removable), and soft enough to scrunch into different shapes. The downside: it can flatten over time and doesn’t offer much firm support, especially for older babies who wiggle. Buckwheat hulls create a very firm, heavy pillow that conforms to your shape and never goes flat, ideal for parents who want consistent height and stability, but it cannot be washed (only spot-cleaned) and is much heavier to carry. Memory foam or latex foam pillows offer a middle ground: they’re denser than polyester, hold their shape well, and have a smooth, cleanable cover. Some memory foam pillows are also cooling on the surface. Which you choose depends on whether you prioritise portability and washability (polyester) or firm, lasting support (buckwheat or foam).
How important is easy cleaning?
Very. Newborns spit up, leak, and drool constantly, and a nursing pillow that can’t be fully cleaned will quickly look and smell tired. Look for a pillow with a removable, machine-washable cover, ideally one that can go in the dryer on low. Some pillows also have a water-resistant inner lining to protect the filling. Polyester fiberfill pillows often have washable covers, but the inner foam or hulls cannot be soaked. If you opt for a buckwheat pillow, test the zipper quality and spot-clean diligently. A few brands now sell pillows with fully machine-washable foam cores (inside a mesh bag), but these are less common. For everyday use, a removable cover is the single most practical feature you can prioritise.
Can a nursing pillow be used for twins or plus-size parents?
Yes, but you need to choose the right size. For twins, look for a dedicated twin nursing pillow, often a large U-shape or a wide crescent that supports both babies side by side. These pillows are heavier and take up more lap space but provide a flat, firm platform that keeps each baby in a good feeding position. For plus-size parents or those with a larger midsection, many standard pillows are too short or too narrow. Check for pillows with an adjustable waist belt or a longer length (often called “plus-size” or “extended” versions) that can wrap fully around without gaping. Both Boppy and My Brest Friend offer size options, and some independent makers specialise in larger shapes. If you are tall, also consider pillows that sit high on your lap to avoid bending over.
Beyond breastfeeding: what else can a nursing pillow do?
A nursing pillow is versatile enough to earn its place long after nursing ends. You can use it for tummy time, lay your baby on the pillow on their belly to practice lifting their head, with some brands offering a slight incline for reflux relief. It also works as a supportive wedge for propping up a baby during bottle feeding, a backrest for a baby learning to sit, or even a cosy nest for a toddler to lounge on while reading. Many parents keep using it as a regular couch pillow or as a support for their own back while sitting on the floor. Just be careful never to use a nursing pillow for unsupervised sleep or as a bed wedge for an infant, since the soft contours can pose a suffocation risk.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do you stop using a nursing pillow?
Most parents use a nursing pillow from birth until the baby can sit up independently, usually around 6 to 9 months. After that, the baby may fight being reclined and prefer to feed upright. Some continue for comfort or side-lying feeding longer.
Can I use a nursing pillow for side-lying breastfeeding?
Yes, but it depends on the shape. A U-shape pillow with a waist belt can be worn in bed to support the baby alongside you, while a C-shape can be tucked under your arm for side-lying. Avoid using a firm pillow that might push the baby away from your breast.
Is a nursing pillow safe for a baby to sleep on?
No. Nursing pillows are not designed for unsupervised sleep. The soft, elevated surface increases the risk of suffocation if a baby rolls or tucks their face into the cushion. Always remove the pillow after feeding and place the baby on a flat, firm mattress for sleep.
Can I breastfeed twins with one regular nursing pillow?
It is possible but not comfortable or safe for long. A standard pillow is too narrow and may not stay stable under both babies. A dedicated twin nursing pillow provides a wider, flat surface with a backrest, helping you achieve the football hold for both sides at once.
How do I know if a nursing pillow is firm enough?
A good nursing pillow should feel firm when you press down, it shouldn’t collapse completely when your baby’s weight is on it. If the pillow sinks more than an inch or two, it may not provide enough support for a proper latch. Test by pressing with one hand; it should spring back slowly.
Can a nursing pillow help with acid reflux in babies?
Some parents find that a slightly inclined nursing pillow helps keep a reflux-prone baby more upright after feeding, which can reduce spitting up. However, never use a pillow for propping a baby for sleep; only hold them on the pillow while awake and supervised.