The 10 best nursing pillows for comfort and support

Nursing pillows are a must-have purchase for any mum starting their breastfeeding or bottle-feeding journey. You may already have a pregnancy pillow, which hopefully made carrying your baby a little bit more comfortable. But nursing pillows have been specifically designed to help ease the strain from your neck, shoulders, back and hands as you feed your precious new baby. Arching over whilst feeding can cause a lot of pain to new parents but by raising your little one should help elevate tension- a happy parent is a happy baby.

A nursing pillow is a bit different from a pregnancy pillow. They can provide amazing support to your back and neck, especially if you are breastfeeding, as well as helping to position your baby for the best possible latch. Similarly, if you have had a C-section (which can make being comfortable while sleeping hard), the pillow can protect your tummy whilst you feed. The right pillow will be adjustable to help you find the most comfortable position for you and your little one.

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. We listen to what you say as well, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

The best nursing pillows at a glance

• Best overall nursing pillow: Clevamama Clevacushion 10-in-1 Nursing Pillow - Buy now on Amazon UK

• Best nursing pillow for relieving pelvic pain: bbhugme® Pregnancy Pillow - Buy now on bbhugme

• Best nursing pillow for twins: Kinder Valley Twin Nursing Pillow - Buy now on Boots.com

• Best nursing pillow for bottle-feeding: Widgey Feeding Nursing Pregnancy Pillow - Buy now on Amazon UK

When looking for the right product, you may also want to explore which shape will work best for your body. Remember, if you are opting for a v-shaped pillow, you will need specific v-shape pillow cases so that you can change the cover if (or when) your baby has a milk spill-up or accident.

The best breastfeeding and nursing pillows

Choosing the right nursing pillow

Nursing pillows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It's important to consider a few things before buying one. Here are our recommendations on how to choose the right one:

Shape: They mainly come in either C-shape or U-shape choices. Depending on your preference, it's a good idea to test out different shapes.

Storage: It can be handy to go for a baby feeding pillow that features little pockets and storage spaces for the things that you and your baby love to have close by while feeding.

Material: Look for a pillow with a removable cover that will wash easily.

Fit: Some offer adjustable belts and straps to ensure you can tailor them to your body, natural curves, or nursing position.

If you have had a C-section:  It is a good idea to pick a pillow which doesn't attach to your stomach as it may be tender. It is better to opt for a pillow that rests on your body.

Multi-use: Some pillows can also be used for tummy time as your little one grows. We love pillows that can be used for years to come.

How do you use a Nursing Pillow?

It depends on how you plan to feed. Some mums find it most comfortable to lay down and breastfeed, whilst others are more comfortable feeding in an upright position in a rugby hold position. A nursing pillow should be worn comfortably around your waist. It should feel comfortable and not too tight. The pillow can also be used to support your back. So first, find the best feeding position for you. Then use the pillow to raise your little one or put the pillow in a place which offers the most support to your body.

It may take some time when breastfeeding your newborn with a nursing pillow to find a comfortable position, so be patient and try out a few positions or techniques until you find what feels right.

Do You Need a Nursing Pillow?

It's not required to have a nursing pillow accompany you whilst you're breastfeeding. After all, you can breastfeed effectively using just a regular pillow. However, plenty of new mothers find the ergonomic and special design of the nursing pillow helpful during this stage. For some mums, they can be super useful during those first months.

Can My Baby Sleep on the Nursing Pillow?

No. Your baby should not sleep on a nursing pillow. If they fall asleep whilst you are feeding, move them into their Moses basket, crib or cot.

Emily Gilbert is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and had written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.