The 10 best nursing pillows for comfort and support

Best nursing pillows

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

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.

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

Best affordable nursing pillow: Pramworld Nursing Pillow - Buy now on Pramworld

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.

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

Best overall nursing pillow

We love how this versatile nursing pillow is soft but firm. Providing comfort, support, and practicality for both mum and baby, our mum testers praised this pillow for its durability, comfort, and multifunctional design. The wipeable cover and lightweight construction make it convenient for everyday use, while the adjustable insert and waist strap offers added comfort and support for the baby during breast or bottle feeding. This insert feature is scientifically proven to reduce the pressure on the back of your baby's head by 50 per cent. While some tested suggested a plainer design and additional storage solutions, its overall functionality and value makes it the best overall nursing pillow on the market.

Our mum tester Jessica said: "I have really enjoyed feeding my week-old baby using this pillow, it has been thought through to fit properly around the waist to keep baby close and plump to keep them at the perfect height, it has really helped our breastfeeding position. I have been taking it when visiting my family and they even use it when giving my little one cuddles as it is so comfortable. The cover is easily wipeable which has been really helpful and it dries very quickly. The seat insert has enabled a safe and comfy place for baby which she loves."

Read our full ClevaMama ClevaCushion 10 in 1 Nursing Pillow review

Pros

  • Adjustable waist and additional insert
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • No storage solutions for extra inserts
Dimensions:149.86 x 200.03 x 41 cm
Weight:249g
Material:Foam

Best nursing pillow for relieving pelvic pain

The bbhugme Nursing Pillow offers unparalleled comfort and support for both mum and baby during feeding sessions. Its high-quality construction, soft fabric and adjustable features ensure a personalised fit for you and baby, making it suitable for various body shapes and feeding positions. The ergonomic design, filled with polystyrene balls easily adapts to the baby's size and shape, enhancing comfort and promoting a good latch. Our testers loved the versatile usage options, as it can be used as a sleep aid during pregnancy as well as a nursing pillow. Despite the lack of a spare cover and the high price point, its transformative impact on feeding times makes it a worthwhile investment for parents.

Our mum tester and Mother&Baby's Features & Reviews Editor, Emily Gilbert said, "I bought this as a support pillow when sitting and as a comfortable body pillow for hugging. I loved the fact that the tiny beads are biodegradable (though you need to avoid getting them wet). Although the pillow is extremely expensive, I've bought different ones in the past, and they have all become lumpy or deformed over time. This one is supportive, squishable, really comfortable, and I ended up buying a second one as the first was annexed by my son for his bedroom."

Read our full bbhugme nursing pillow review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable firmness and height
  • Helps you and your baby relax
  • Developed by health professionals specialised in maternity care

Cons

  • Doesn't come with a spare cover
Dimensions:46.8 x 40 x 26.4 cm
Weight:1.82 kg
Material:Cotton

Best nursing pillow for twins

The Kinder Valley twin nursing pillow for twins is the perfect product to make breastfeeding twins easier. It's suitable from birth and gives you the support you need to breastfeed or bottle-feed your twins at the same time, and parents of twins found it was a life saver when it came to tandem feeds. Our favourite feature is that the cover is removable and washable. It can also be used as a sitting aid for when your baby grows.

Twin mamas loved the practical design of this pillow, making their experience of tandem feeding much more manageable, especially when they were alone. Mums were fans of the pillow's firmness and size when it came to supporting both babies comfortably during feeding sessions. The only downside is that parents wished the pillow was slightly softer for added comfort.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Best for twins
  • Easily washable

Cons

  • Smaller than others so wasn't all that useful when babies grew
Dimensions:83cm x 44cm x 14.5cm
Weight:1kg
Material:Polycotton

Best nursing pillow for bottle-feeding

The UK's best-selling, multi-use feeding, nursing, pregnancy and baby pillow, the Widgey feeding pillow provides maximum support to mum and baby for both bottle and breastfeeding. Although it can be used during pregnancy, mums found it was better suited for baby support as many testers found the pillow was quite firm and not that big in size. We also particularly love that this pillow has a removable case so that you can wash it if your baby has an accident.

From nursing to pregnancy and tummy time, mums loved how versatile this pillow was. Parents found it super soft and comfortable, and it helped them find the proper positioning while breastfeeding. However, some mums found the pillow a little too firm for them personally.

Pros

  • Soft material
  • Supports back
  • Use as a baby nest

Cons

  • Some mums found this pillow a little too firm
Dimensions:17 x 62 x 53 cm
Weight:160 g
Material:Cotton

Best affordable nursing pillow

Pramworld Nursing PillowMother&Baby

Despite costing under £15, this nursing pillow from Pramworld is of brilliant quality for the price. Not only is it made from soft, breathable cotton, but it features just the right amount of support, moulding around your waist and staying put for ease. It's a three-in-one cushion, so it can be used throughout pregnancy and beyond as a support cushion, nursing pillow and baby pillow.

Our mum tester, Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop, reviewed this pillow and said: "I am so pleasantly surprised at the quality of this nursing pillow, especially for the purse-friendly price. The cotton cover is lovely and cool to the touch, as well as wonderfully soft. The padding is perfect for nursing comfortably in my nursing chair and I love that it comes with a carry case for keeping it clean and safe while travelling. It fits around my waist well and doesn't budge, meaning no readjusting while nursing. I can see it becoming flatter over time with repeated use as I have a pregnancy pillow made from the same materials, but I'm hoping it'll last well with regular plumping and rotation. It's brilliant - I'd happily pay more for this product."

Pros

  • Soft material
  • Charming design
  • Good level of cushioning
  • Keeps its shape well
  • Versatile, multi-use pillow
  • Comes with carry case
  • Washable cover
  • Three neutral designs available

Cons

  • Cushion can become flatter over time without regular plumping
Dimensions:48 cm x 53 cm x 12 cm
Weight:780 g
Material:100% cotton cover, polyester inner

Best nursing pillow for extra back support

The unique design of the Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow caters to various needs, encouraging left-side sleeping and providing targeted support for the bump, back, and legs. Despite its firmness, it effectively helps alleviate aches and pains during pregnancy and beyond, promoting better sleep quality. The washable cover is super convenient for any accidents, while its longevity, transitioning from pregnancy to nursing, makes it great value for money. While personal preference may vary regarding firmness, its mid-range price and space-saving design make it a great option for new and expectant mothers who are struggling with back pain.

Our mum tester and Mother&Baby writer Hannah Mellin reviewed this pillow and said: "From the first night, I noticed a difference in my comfort levels. Previously I'd been using a standard 'V' shaped pillow, which was OK for a while, but by 21 weeks, I was starting to need more support. I found that this does help you to stay asleep on your left side because it sort of hugs you.

"The back support is great and feels lovely in the small of your back; this is probably what keeps you on your left most of all. The 'sausage' like bit that goes between your legs is firm enough that it doesn't really squash down too much when you've got your legs around it, but it's thin enough so that you can move your legs if you need to so you don't get cramp. The part where your bump is meant to rest isn't really relevant to me at the moment as the bump isn't huge, but I think it will come in handy, and until then, I can just hug that part of the pillow!"

Read our full Dreamgenii Pregnancy and Feeding Support Pillow review

Pros

  • Design for back pain
  • Encourages left-side sleeping
  • Range of designs

Cons

  • Case is a bit fiddly to put on after washing
Dimensions:35 x 15 x 42 cm
Weight:1.21 kg
Material:100 per cent Jersey Cotton

Best nursing pillow for versatility

Chicco Boppy Pillow CottonKiddies Kingdom

Forget the dreaded backache during the night feed, we found this handy pillow saved us a lot of strain. Plus, when your baby gets that little bit older, it can be used as a nest to help them sit up. Overtime pillows can lose their shape and support, however the inner part of this pillow features a "Miracle Middle Insert" that guarantees it will not deform over time and ensures a snug and secure fit which adapts to the silhouette of every mum and baby, regardless of shape or size. There's also a range of cotton slipcover choices that you can choose from for the Chicco Boppy Pillow to give you a spare cover for accidents.

Mums were fans of the ergonomic design, which provided them with comfortable support for both them and their babies during breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and tummy time. They also loved how easy the cover was to clean and found it lightweight and portable making it convenient for travel and use around the house. Some mums however found that the pillow lost its shape over time and the cover's zipper became stiff overtime.

Pros

  • Durable and designed to keep its shape
  • Firm for added support
  • Options of a range of slip covers

Cons

  • Could be wider for older babies
Dimensions:52 x 15 x 48 cm
Weight:1.09 kg
Material:80 per cent Cotton, 20 per cent Polyester

Best nursing pillow for night feeds

This versatile pillow offers seven functions in one as it transitions seamlessly from pregnancy to feeding and beyond, serving as a pregnancy pillow, nursing nest, day bed, privacy cover, tummy time pillow, baby lounger, and upright feeding pillow. Its "Nursing Nest" facilitates lateral feeding positions, promoting a deeper latch and enhancing milk production hormones' secretion making it a great choice for mums struggling to find a good latch position. Parent testers also found this pillow very comfortable to use when breastfeeding and they also loved the stylish design.

Mums loved the multi-functional design of this pillow as well as how comfortable and supportive it is both during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many mums also found it helped alleviate back and neck pain. The soft, plush material also helped mums relax while improving sleep quality too. Some mums however were not keen on the pillow's firmness, suggesting it may not suit everyone's preferences.

Pros

  • With you from your first trimester until the end of your breastfeeding journey
  • Beautifully designed
  • Helps with latching position

Cons

  • Zips aren't fully covered
Dimensions:200 x 120 x 30 cm
Weight:1.39 kg
Material:100 per cent cotton

Best high-end nursing pillow

For a super stylish option, we love the DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow as it blends seamlessly into any home decor while providing ergonomic comfort. Crafted from easy-clean velvet with a concealed zip, it serves as a nursing or pregnancy pillow to make breastfeeding more comfortable thanks to the added back support. Our mum testers found the wedge shape ensured optimal support and freedom of movement. While luxurious, parents found that the inclusion of a small wooden ball between the tassel and cushion could be reconsidered for comfort.

Mother&Baby editor Maria Martin reviewed this pillow and said: "This is a multi-purpose nursing pillow, we use it for comfort during breastfeeding, to prop up as back support for myself, for my little one to lay on, as a headrest when watching the telly. Did I mention how uber-chic it looks on my sofa?"

Read our full DockAtTot La Maman Wedge nursing pillow review

Pros

  • Good support
  • Luxurious design

Cons

  • One reviewer felt the velvet was a little slippy
Dimensions:58cm x 33 cm x 17cm
Weight:Unspecified
Material: Made from easy clean velvet

Best nursing cushion for breastfeeding

This adjustable support pillow is designed for mamas looking for relief for back, neck, and shoulder discomfort during pregnancy and facilitates comfortable breastfeeding positions too. Mum testers loved how this pillow helped reduce strain while nursing especially in those early weeks when your body is still recovering from childbirth. Adjustable Velcro-secured straps ensure a secure fit and versatility for various body shapes and sizes. However, some parents found note issues with the durability of the fabric wasn’t as durable as others and some needed to use the addition of a blanket on this.

Parent testers loved how versatile and adjustable this pillow was, offering support during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and baby propping. However, not all mums were keen on the pillow's thickness when it came to longer nursing sessions. Some mums were also not impressed with the durability of the straps.

Pros

  • Additional pillow
  • Helps to get the baby in the right position

Cons

  • Not the most stylish option
Dimensions:55 x 32 x 15 cm
Weight:1.2 kg
Material:Cotton

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.

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