A newborn often feeds eight times a day, sometimes more, and each feed can last a good many minutes. Without support, your arms, shoulders and back carry baby the whole time. A nursing pillow is there to help you support baby, close against you. But you still need to choose the right one. Here are the criteria that really make a difference.
1. The shape: a crescent that wraps around your waist
The most practical design for breastfeeding while sitting is the crescent-shaped pillow. It wraps around your waist and brings baby up to breast height, without you having to lean forward. Large, very long bolster pillows are mainly used during pregnancy: they are bulkier and less stable during a feed.
2. Support: the most often overlooked criterion
A pillow that slips or pulls away from your body forces you to hold it with one hand, and you lose the whole point of the support. That is why we chose hands-free nursing pillows:
- a clip-fastening belt that secures the pillow around your waist;
- a shoulder strap that stops the pillow from tipping forward.
The result: the pillow stays in place on its own and you keep a hand free to drink, read or stroke baby.
3. Height and firmness
A pillow that is too soft sags under baby's weight, and you end up leaning forward. Look for a filling firm enough to keep baby at breast height from the beginning to the end of the feed. A small extra support cushion for baby's head also helps position them facing the breast.
4. The fabric: soft and easy to care for
The fabric is in direct contact with your skin and baby's: choose a cotton cover that is soft and breathable. A removable cover is easy to wash, which is invaluable with a newborn.
5. Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both?
A nursing pillow is not just for breastfeeding. It helps just as much during bottle feeds, and anyone who feeds baby can use it.
The Essential or the 3-in-1: which one to choose?
At Nidouillet, we offer two versions, both with a belt and a shoulder strap:
- The Essential: the hands-free nursing pillow with strap, simple and effective.
- The 3-in-1 Total Comfort: the same principle, plus a small support cushion for baby's head and lower back support.
Both are made of cotton and delivered free in France, with tracking. Discover all the patterns in our nursing pillow collection.
An important reminder
A nursing pillow is a comfort accessory for the parent during feeds. It is not a sleeping surface: never let baby sleep on it or leave them on it unattended. If you experience pain or breastfeeding difficulties, talk to your midwife or a lactation consultant.