The Best Nursing Pillows We Tested While Feeding Our Own Babies

Support comes in all shapes and sizes!

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Three breastfeeding pillows on a couch

Parents / Alexander Huang

If you plan to breastfeed, a nursing pillow can help you find a comfortable position to feed your baby. These pillows provide the necessary arm and body support during feeding sessions—and they sometimes even double as a tummy time pillow. They come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors, so we put 16 of them through multiple tests at home with breastfeeding parents to help you find the best nursing pillow for your needs.

Above all, a nursing pillow should be comfortable and supportive, so that all you need to think about is how much you love the little person looking up at you. “My guidance is: Position your body, position your baby, position your breast,” explains Meema Spadola, a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor. “You’re going to know it’s the right pillow if you're not straining your back to fit the pillow.”

Look for a pillow that fits comfortably around your torso and provides adequate support for both you and your baby. Moreover, note that the cost of a nursing pillow differs by brand, material, features, and more—which we’ve broken down for you here. After using and evaluating the support, quality, ease of cleaning, and value of nursing pillows over a month of at-home testing, we narrowed our list to nine winners that help make breastfeeding experiences easier.

How to Use Nursing Pillows Safely

Never allow your baby to sleep on a nursing pillow, as that poses a risk of strangulation, entrapment, and suffocation. Keep all loose objects, soft bedding, and any other items that pose a hazard out of your baby’s sleep space, and be sure they’re alone and placed on their back in their crib, bassinet, or playard for every sleep.

In August 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released new safety recommendations for proper nursing pillow use, first and foremost warning against using them for sleep in a statement to Parents. Additionally, the CPSC requested new federal safety requirements, including:

  • That nursing pillows be firm enough so as not to pose a suffocation risk;
  • Have wider openings for the adult wearing them, reducing the risk of the baby's head getting trapped;
  • Have no straps for securing infants, which can lead to a false sense that babies are safe to be left alone on the pillow;
  • And have labels warning caregivers of the fall risks and suffocation hazards associated with the product.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: This sizable pillow holds the baby high enough to keep your back in alignment, and it's very easy to remove the cover for machine washing.

But Take Note: The slipcover is hang dry only, and this pillow cannot double as an infant lounger.

Firm, supportive, soft, and roomy—the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow tops our list for several reasons, even if the name is a little silly. We love the wrap-around design with an adjustable velcro strap to accommodate various body types. Most important of all, it has a raised end that supports the baby’s head while they’re nursing. Plus, the spacious pillow had ample room to hold little ones at an ideal height for breastfeeding. While using this at home, our editor loved how the pillow kept her back in alignment during feeding without sacrificing comfort.

This pillow attaches around your waist—and stays put even if you stand up and move around the room—with a silent-release buckle, which we could effortlessly open with one hand. That means you don’t need to worry about a loud sound each time you're done nursing—because who wants to risk waking a sleeping baby? A nearby front pocket was a welcome addition to the nursing pillow, especially since we fit a 40-ounce cup inside it to stay hydrated during nursing sessions. This is where you can stash a baby bottle, too!

The zipper of the slipcover wraps almost completely around the pillow, making it easy to get the fabric on and off for washing (no nail breakage here!). While the cover is machine washable, the company recommends hanging it to dry instead of tossing it in the dryer. One drawback is that the not waterproof, so a major spill or spit-up could reach through to the foam pillow inside if you don't remove it quickly.

In testing we also discovered that you should position the strap to cover its Velcro closure, just to protect your and your baby's delicate clothing. Also note that this pillow cannot double as an infant lounger. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 23 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Material: Polyester (slipcover), foam (pillow)
  • Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)
My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow

Parents

Best for Twins: Twin Z Pillow

Twin Z Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: It provides great back support for feeding twins, and the cover holds up after many, many washes.

But Take Note: We found we needed an additional small pillow for adult neck support.

If you’re breastfeeding twins, you’ll need a nursing pillow with double the support. The Twin Z Pillow works for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, tummy time, infant lounging, and more. We loved the cushioned area in the middle of the pillow that doubled as special back support for our nursing tester. However, we found a small pillow was necessary behind the head for neck support. Still, there’s plenty of space for babies to lie comfortably in the football-hold breastfeeding position without making nursing more difficult. 

A soft polyester slipcover kept the pillow in good condition, and it held up well against several cycles in the washing machine. All stains —there are a lot with twins—washed out of the material easily, and machine washing didn’t sacrifice the plush quality. Bonus: The slipcover is available in several colors, like bluepinkteal, and green, with the pillow included. You can also buy the slipcover separately in a stunning navy blue or royal purple

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 8 inches
  • Material: Polyester (slipcover), pillow (not listed)
  • Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)
Twin Z Pillow

Parents

Best for Warmer Weather:My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow

My BrestFriend Nursing Pillow - Bluebells

Amazon

Why We Like It: It offers great support and stays in place, while the poly

But Take Note: No hook-and-loop strap, Air dry-only slipcover

The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow features the same great support as its deluxe counterpart—our best overall pick—with a few differences. Similar to the company’s deluxe option, the original nursing pillow has a wrap-around design, giving back support while staying in place. Instead of the plush cover of the Deluxe, this version comes with a polyester cover that feels much cooler, making it a great choice for nursing during the warmer months.

While the deluxe has Velcro to keep the ends of the adjustable strap in place around the cushion, this version's strap is more like the strap of a backpack. It does have the same silent-release buckle, however. We love how the company kept the same raised head support for babies on one end of the pillow for a convenient nursing position. 

This slipcover is easy to remove for cleaning thanks to a near wrap-around zipper. We followed the manufacturer’s instructions to wash the slipcover in warm water and didn’t notice a difference in quality, but we wish it were safe to toss in the dryer (it’s hang-dry only). We recommend purchasing an additional slipcover, so you don’t have to wait for the first one to dry. 

There isn’t much difference in cost between the deluxe and original My Brest Friend nursing pillows. This has same back support, raised head support for babies, and machine-washable slipcover—all at a lower price. Like the deluxe version, this nursing pillow cannot be used as an infant lounger.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 23 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Material: Polyester (slipcover), pillow (not listed)
  • Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow

Parents

Best Adjustable: Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow

Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: Three inner layers allow you to go from a full, soft pillow, to a shorter, harder one as your baby grows.

But Take Note: We had to wrestle the cover back on after washing.

Finding the right height to feed a baby comfortably can be tricky, but thanks to the unique design of the Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow, it doesn’t have to be. This pillow has three interchangeable layers and different cushioning levels to ensure that you and your baby are comfortable as they grow and become more experienced nursers. The layers are essentially three foam pillows encased in the T-shirt-like pillow case, allowing you to remove the top layer and then the middle layer as the baby grows bigger. Using different levels had a bit of a learning curve, in testing, but it quickly became a feature we appreciate.

In addition, we loved the removable backrest that provided support while breastfeeding, as well as the adjustable strap—complete with a quick-release buckle—that helps the pillow adapt to different body types. The pillow features a soft, removable cover, though we found it difficult to get the cover back on after washing.

The cover also features several front storage pockets for burp cloths, a pacifier, and other small nursing essentials. There are additional pockets for heat packs (sold separately) to provide relief to the back and belly for lower back pain, postpartum uterine cramps, and C-section soreness. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 8 x 23 x 16 inches
  • Material: Polyester and spandex
  • Machine Washable: Yes (cover only)
FridaMom Adjustable Nursing Pillow

Parents

Best Looking: DockATot Wedge Nursing Pillow

DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: The cover comes in multiple attractive prints that don't scream baby gear.

But Take Note: Its decorative pleats needed ironing after one wash.

This DockATot nursing pillow is so stylish you could use it as decor, and no one would know. The cover is made of velvet and comes in multiple colors and beautiful patterns, and it features a removable tassel that acts as a chic accent to the overall look. While the function of a nursing pillow is more important than the aesthetic, it’s a big bonus when you can accomplish both simultaneously (just look at those pleats!). 

We thought the cushion didn’t feel too stiff, and it fit ergonomically around the torso during testing. Because one side of the pillow is higher than the other for nursing purposes, you have to move the pillow to the other side when switching feeding positions. Additionally, those pleats we love so much needed ironing after one wash to replicate the brand-new look. 

DockATot is a high-end brand, so the price tag is to be expected. However, because this pillow doubles as home decor, you get a multipurpose pillow for one price. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 22.5 x 13.3 x 6.7 inches
  • Material: Velvet (cover), pillow (not listed
  • Machine Washable: Yes (cover)
DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow

Parents

Best Washable: Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support

Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: The whole pillow is machine washable.

But Take Note: The material could be softer, and it must air dry until damp before tumble drying.

Considering the inevitable spit-up and leakage that happen during breastfeeding, a nursing pillow has to be easy to clean. Instead of just having a removable slipcover, the entire Snuggle Me feeding pillow is safe to throw in the washer. The company recommends washing the pillow by itself, allowing it to air dry until damp before tumble drying on low. We liked the idea of washing the pillow in its entirety, though waiting on the pillow to achieve the “damp” stage can be time-consuming. Still, even after washing, the Snuggle Me nursing pillow maintained its high-end and modern crescent-shaped look. 

The pillow’s fabric is organic cotton, and though it didn’t irritate or bother us or the little one nursing on it, we thought the material could be softer. We found the pillow needed readjusting when switching breastfeeding positions, but overall it felt supportive and firm with some give for the baby’s comfort, too. 

Note that the company says this pillow is not safe for sleeping, propping or sitting a baby up, or tummy time use. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 6 inches
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Machine Washable: Yes (pillow)
Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support

Parents

Best for Newborns: Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow

Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: A firmer cushion provides more support for newborns.

But Take Note: The curved shape can feel awkward and might be uncomfortable after a C-section.

The Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow contains the word “curve” in its name for an obvious reason—it’s shaped like the letter C to provide several types of support, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or watching your little one do tummy time. In testing, the C-shape design felt awkward, and the pillow was almost too stiff, though we do appreciate the pillow’s firmness for those breastfeeding newborns who need extra support for their tiny heads and necks. In addition, the pillow's incline pushed the baby’s weight around our tester’s mid-section, so it may not be user-friendly for C-section parents and caregivers. 

On the other hand, this nursing pillow had a solid construction and super soft fabric on the inside for babies to rest comfortably. There’s even a handle on top for easy portability and an adjustable waist strap for users to find the best fit. 

Like other breastfeeding pillows, this one also has a removable, machine-washable cover, though we found it difficult to put the cover back on after washing. The pillow is also safe to use during tummy time, which we think makes the price tag quite reasonable.

Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow

Parents

Best Multipurpose: Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow

Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow

Amazon

Why We Like It: It's soft and well-constructed, and the V-shape is useful beyond nursing.

But Take Note: It's a large, bulky pillow with no strap.

The V-shape of the Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow is something to celebrate—it felt supportive on the back when breastfeeding and when used as an infant lounger for babies. We thought this pillow was well-constructed, although it's much larger than other nursing pillows we tested and won't exactly blend in with your home decor. Nevertheless, its open design (with no strap) allows it to fit comfortably on any body type (even as a pregnancy pillow), and the polyester material felt soft to the touch. 

It features a traditional pillowcase, meaning there are no zippers, buttons, velcro, or hooks to remove the machine-washable polyester cover. And best of all, that luxuriously soft material came out fine after washing. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 45 x 18 x 7 inches
  • Material: Polyester
  • Machine Washable: Yes (cover)
Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow

Parents

Best Budget: Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support Pillow

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support

Amazon

Why We Like It: Compact size, Stretchy belt, Whole pillow is machine washable

But Take Note: Learning curve to find right adjustments, May take longer to dry

Nursing on the go just got a whole lot easier thanks to the Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support Pillow, which is compact and squishy enough to pack in a bag. (The company makes it clear that this product is not for sleep, so it never calls this product a “pillow.”) We found it lightweight yet supportive enough to provide comfort for babies to lie on. There was a bit of a learning curve to find the right positions, but after multiple tries, our editor got the hang of it. The stretchy belt is a triple threat: It holds the support in place during nursing, provides an adjustable fit for petite to plus-size parents, and doubles as a carrying or hanging handle for storage and portability purposes. 

The whole pillow is safe to throw in the washer, but if you don’t have a backup, you may find yourself waiting longer for the pillow to dry. Nonetheless, you can’t beat the price of the Boppy Nursing Support Pillow.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 15 x 15.5 x 6 inches
  • Material: Polyester and rayon mesh (cover)
  • Machine Washable: Yes (cover only)
Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support

Parents

Nursing Pillows We Also Tested

  • Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow: This nursing pillow felt well-constructed and was easy to clean, yet it lacked support, and the fabric was scratchy.
  • Nook Niche Organic Nursing Pillow: We thought this nursing pillow was helpful and comfortable but the nursing baby sank into it more than we’d like, and the cover has to be washed alone. Plus, we didn’t feel that the splurge-level price was worth it. 
  • Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow: While we loved the high quality and easy-to-clean cover, the pillow didn’t provide adequate support to keep a baby at breast height.

Our Testing Process

Eight testers evaluated 16 nursing pillows in the comfort of their homes for one month, assessing each on several attributes, including quality, ease of cleaning, support, and overall value. We also consulted with Meema Spadola, a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor, to find out what to look for in a nursing pillow. 

First, we removed each breastfeeding pillow from the packaging to look for any rips, tears, or loose threads, while examining the quality of the fabric. Next, we washed the pillows or pillow covers (whichever the manufacturer recommended) to determine if the covers were removable, easy to clean, and difficult or easy to put back on. 

We took time testing the pressure and softness of the pillow, as we wanted to know if the pillows felt adequately supportive, too firm, or too soft. While we understand a pillow's softness is a matter of personal preference, nursing pillows should always be stable and never so soft the baby “droops” or sinks. 

Testers placed the pillow in a way that supported their backs—if it was meant to do so—making sure the baby was lined up against their body to belly and baby at breast level. Testers then breastfed their babies using the pillows, ensuring they didn’t strain their back, shoulders, arms, upper back, or abdominal muscles. Testers then switched sides to see if they experienced any strain. Finally, we carefully considered all other attributes compared to the price of each nursing pillow to assess overall value.

What to Look for in a Nursing Pillow

Size/Shape

One of the most important factors to look for in a nursing pillow is its size and shape. Breastfeeding can put you in uncomfortable positions, so you’ll want a pillow that fits comfortably around your torso. According to Spadola, the right nursing pillow won’t cause you to strain your back to fit the pillow. 

Consider different styles of nursing pillows. For example, the My Friend Brest Deluxe Nursing Pillow (our top pick) features a wrap-around design for 360 degrees of support. At the same time, the DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow resembles a shrimp, with one end fuller than the other, which may be a better fit for some breastfeeders. Overall, you don’t want a pillow that’s too bulky, and if you gave birth via C-section, you’ll want one that doesn’t press uncomfortably against your stomach.

Support

The goal of a breastfeeding pillow is to provide you and your baby with stable support and comfort while nursing. However, nursing pillows aren’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to providing support—the best fit will depend on the needs of you and your baby. 

“If you’re straining to get up to the baby’s level or down to the baby’s level, it’s going to be harder for both of you,” says Spadola. “The pillow should put the baby against you. The baby should feel stable and supported, and their face should be against your breast. Your nipple should be resting on their upper lip. The baby should not be bobbling. You should not be hunching over to get to the level of the baby. If you are, that is a crummy pillow.”

Washable

Spit-up, leakage, spilled drinks—a lot can happen during breastfeeding, so you’ll want a machine-washable pillow or one with a removable slipcover. When the material is machine washable, it’ll make for easier cleanup for you in the long run. Double-check whether your pillow or cover is machine washable before tossing them in the washer and dryer, as you may ruin the pillow or cover during the process.

Versatility

Many nursing pillows can double as a pillow for tummy time (or even decor). However, it’s vital you check what the manufacturer recommends and follow those instructions. Babies should sleep alone, without pillows, bedding, toys, or bumpers, due to a suffocation risk. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or playard that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. If a manufacturer states you can use the pillow as an infant lounger or tummy time pillow, ensure you use it during supervised awake time and never for sleep.

Your Questions, Answered

What kind of nursing pillow is best?

The best nursing pillow provides support for both baby and the user, is comfortable to use, and is easy to clean when accidents inevitably happen. “In terms of softness: that’s a personal thing. The squishiness or firmness should not annoy you,” says Spadola. “Ask if this is a pillow you can use in another context when you are done nursing.”

How do I choose a nursing pillow?

A nursing pillow should fit your torso comfortably while keeping your baby at nipple level for easier breastfeeding and less strain on your back. To continue using a nursing pillow outside of breastfeeding, opt for a versatile one that doubles as decor, like the chic DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow, or an option that works for tummy time use, such as the Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support.

Do I actually need a nursing pillow?

While nursing pillows aren’t a requirement, they’re helpful to have on hand for nursing. Regular pillows often lack the firmness and support needed for breastfeeding, so you may end up using two, three, or more to achieve the necessary height for feeding.

In addition, nursing pillows feature special designs to cater to the user’s unique needs. For example, the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow has a wrap-around design that provides back support for users and a roomy spot for babies to lie comfortably. (It also has a handy front pocket to hold a phone or a burp cloth.)

How much do nursing pillows cost?

The price of a nursing pillow depends on the brand, material, and features, like adjustability, versatility, and portability. The nursing pillows we tested ranged from $30 (Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow) to $139 (Nook Sleep Niche Organic Nursing Pillow). Expect to pay more for higher-end brands, like DockATot, or for larger pillows, such as the Twin Z Pillow.

Who We Are

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer with nearly eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Katrina is a parent who used the Boppy Original Nursing Support during her breastfeeding journey. While this pillow wasn’t a hit in our test, Katrina thought the Boppy Original was supportive of her plus-size frame, and she loved the machine-washable cover that was a breeze to take on and off.

Was this page helpful?
Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.

  2. Draft Vote Sheet Nursing Pillows NPRConsumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). August 23, 2023.

  3. Inclined sleepers, crib bumpers & other baby registry items to avoid. HealthyChildren.org.

  4. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: aap policy explained. HealthyChildren.org.

Related Articles