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 .

The 9 Best Nursing Pillows of 2023

If you plan to breastfeed, a nursing pillow is a must-have that helps you find a comfortable position without causing strain. Breastfeeding 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 to help you find the best nursing pillow for your needs. We carefully assessed each on quality, support, ease of cleaning, and overall value, which are important factors to consider when making your purchase.

Above all, a nursing pillow should be comfortable and supportive. “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 nursing pillows over the course of a month, we narrowed our list to nine winners that help make breastfeeding experiences easier.

A Note About Safety

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow at Amazon

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Best for Twins:

Twin Z Nursing Pillow at Amazon

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Best for Warmer Weather:

My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Adjustable:

Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow at Amazon

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Best Looking:

DockATot Wedge Nursing Pillow at Amazon

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Best Washable:

Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support at Amazon

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Best for Newborns:

Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow at Amazon

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Best Multipurpose:

Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Adjustable
Wrap-around support
Soft slipcover

Cons

Slipcover is hang dry only
Does not double as infant lounger

Firm, supportive, soft, and roomy—there are several reasons why the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow tops our list. We love the wrap-around design with an adjustable velcro strap to accommodate various body types. A silent-release buckle, which we effortlessly opened with one hand, ensures that you don’t need to worry about a loud sound each time you nurse (who wants to risk waking a sleeping baby?). We do recommend that you position the strap to completely cover the hook and loop closures so delicate clothing doesn’t get snagged. Still, 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.

A split key ring helps keep the plush polyester slipcover’s zipper closed, and it was surprisingly user-friendly to remove the cover for washing (no nail breakage here!). The zipper wraps almost completely around the pillow, making it easy to get the slipcover on and off. While the cover is machine washable, the company recommends hanging it to dry instead of tossing it in the dryer. Moreover, the slipcover is not waterproof, so a major spill or spit-up could reach through the foam pillow inside.

We appreciate the 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. Our nursing tester loved how the My Brest Friend nursing pillow kept their back in alignment without sacrificing comfort. Between the firm foam, soft slipcover, and supportive wrap-around design, the $53 price tag is a great deal.

Important note: The company’s directions for this pillow say it should only be used by adults, meaning it cannot double as an infant lounger.

Price at time of publication: $53

Laura Miller

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 23 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: Polyester (slipcover), foam (pillow) | Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)}

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Multiple uses (nursing, tummy time, and more)
Back support
Machine-washable slipcover

Cons

Small pillow needed for adult neck support

If you’re breastfeeding twins, you’ll need a nursing pillow with double the support. The Twin Z Pillow features a 6-in-1 design 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 lay 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 washed out of the material easily—there were a lot with twins—and didn’t sacrifice the plush quality.

Breastfeeding twins is challenging, but we stand by this twin nursing pillow for anyone expecting two. It supported our tester and their twins, even beyond breastfeeding.

Bonus: The slipcover is available in several colors, like blue, pink, teal, and green, with the pillow included. You can also buy the slipcover separately in a stunning navy blue or royal purple.

Price at time of publication: $120

Verywell Family / Jessica Fleming

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 8 inches | Material: Polyester (slipcover), pillow (not listed) | Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)}

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Supportive wrap-around design
Raised head support for babies
Silent-release buckle

Cons

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 additional comfort and support to nursing users. Instead of an adjustable velcro strap, this version offers the same silent-release buckle with extra length on the strap to find a comfortable fit. We love how the company kept the same raised head support for babies on one end of the pillow for a convenient nursing position.

The slipcover material is the second difference between the My Best Friend Original Nursing Pillow and the deluxe version. Rather than a plush slipcover like the deluxe boasts, the original option comes with a regular polyester cover that is easy to remove thanks to a near wrap-around zipper. The polyester cover felt cooler than the plush one, making it a great choice for nursing during the warmer months. 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. The original flaunts the 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.

Price at time of publication: $45

Verywell Family / Laura Miller

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 23 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: Polyester (slipcover), pillow (not listed) | Machine Washable: Yes (slipcover)}

4.7

Amazon

Pros

Removable backrest
Three adjustable levels of cushioning
Built-in cradle holder

Cons

Heat packs sold separately
Difficult to put cover back on

Finding the right height to feed a baby comfortably can be tricky, but thanks to the unique design of the FridaMom Adjustable Nursing Pillow, it doesn’t have to be. This pillow has three interchangeable layers and different cushioning levels (both of which required a little learning curve) to ensure that you and your baby are comfortable as they grow and become more experienced nursers.

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 special built-in cradle holder for babies to lay in and a soft, removable cover, though we found it difficult to get the cover back on after washing. Still, that minor hiccup doesn’t take away from the several front storage pockets for burp cloths, a pacifier, and other small nursing essentials.

A bonus we love: 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.

Price at time of publication: $50

Verywell Family / Alisha Hartmann

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 8 x 23 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester and spandex | Machine Washable: Yes (cover only)}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

Chic and stylish
Comfy fit
High-quality fabric

Cons

Must move pillow to switch feeding positions
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 pillow’s quality didn’t feel too sturdy or stiff, and it fit ergonomically around our tester’s torso. However, one side of the pillow is higher than the other for nursing purposes, so 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 $90 price tag is to be expected. However, because this pillow doubles as home decor, you get a multipurpose pillow for one price.

Price at time of publication: $90

Verywell Family / Kimberly Souza

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 22.5 x 13.3 x 6.7 inches | Material: Velvet (cover), pillow (not listed) | Machine Washable: Yes (cover)}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Whole pillow is machine washable
Supportive and firm with some give
Doubles as tummy time pillow

Cons

Material could be softer
Must air dry until damp before tumble drying

From spit-up to leakage, an easy-to-clean nursing pillow is almost a requirement when breastfeeding. Instead of 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 didn’t irritate or bother our tester and their little one, but we thought the material could be softer. In addition, 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.

Price at time of publication: $74

verywell Family / Jessica Christopher

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 6 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Machine Washable: Yes (pillow)}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

Multi-purpose
Machine-washable cover
Soft fabric where baby lays

Cons

Awkward shape resulted in odd feeding positions
Difficult to put cover back on after washing

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. However, 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. Otherwise, the $55 cost was spot-on due to the pillow’s versatility from breastfeeding to tummy time.

Price at time of publication: $55

Verywell Family / Kimberly Souza

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Soft and well-constructed
Supportive for nursing and lounging

Cons

Bulky

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 the large design took up more space than other nursing pillows we tested. Nevertheless, its open design 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. Despite no bells and whistles, this pillow didn’t need them, thanks to the overall support and luxuriously soft material.

Price at time of publication: $60

Verywell Family / Abigail Moore

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 45 x 18 x 7 inches | Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes (cover)}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Compact size
Stretchy belt
Whole pillow is machine washable

Cons

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. The company makes it clear that this product is not for sleep, so they don’t refer to it as a “nursing pillow.” We found it lightweight yet supportive enough to provide comfort for babies to lie on. It was a bit of a learning curve for our tester to find the right positions, but after multiple tries, they 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, for $30, you can’t beat the price of the Boppy Nursing Support. Despite its learning curve, it provided plenty of breastfeeding support and even worked as a travel pillow for our tester’s head, which was a big plus.

Price at time of publication: $30

Verywell Family / Jessica Christopher

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 15 x 15.5 x 6 inches | Material: Polyester and rayon mesh (cover) | Machine Washable: Yes (cover only)}

How We Rated the Best Nursing Pillows

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best nursing pillows we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These nursing pillows are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great nursing pillows, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These nursing pillows are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend nursing pillows with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

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 for our tester and their baby, but their little one 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.

How We Tested the Nursing Pillows

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, testers 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 asked testers to wash 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.

Testers 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, we told testers the nursing pillows should always be stable and never so soft their baby “droops” or sinks.

We asked testers to place the pillow in a way that supported their back—if it was meant to do so—making sure their 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. We then asked testers to switch 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 Brest Friend 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 fit 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 if 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 that poses a fatal outcome. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family 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 with our tester, Katrina thought the Boppy Original was supportive of her plus-size frame, and she loved the removable, machine-washable cover that was a breeze to take on and off.

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