6 Best Nursing Pillows, According to Breastfeeding Moms

When it comes to nursing pillows, you just can’t beat Boppy’s original support pillow (formerly known as the nursing pillow). Just ask the What to Expect community, who voted Boppy the Best Nursing Pillow in the 2022 Feeding Awards and the 2022 Mom-Must Have Awards, What to Expect's 100 percent community-driven awards franchises. What to Expect moms touted this as one of the most supportive and versatile nursing pillows, and for good reason. 

To start, the gently curved C-shape design allows the pillow to rest comfortably against your body. Meanwhile, the dense filling gives the pillow structure to support you and your baby. Also good: Many moms in the What to Expect community who had a C-section said that the Boppy worked well for them, although they recommend nursing baby in a football hold position to avoid brushing up against your incision.

“I liked the fact that it was very comfortable and sturdy,” says Catherine Donald Evans, Managing Editor at What to Expect. “It fit me well, and could be used easily for several different nursing positions.”

Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s associate commerce director, echoes Catherine’s sentiments. “I would change my nursing position a few times during a session, and the Boppy’s C-shape design was a true game-changer,” she says. “I could easily switch my baby from cradle hold to football hold without moving myself or the pillow.” Leah adds the pillow was stiff enough that she felt support, but still padded enough that resting on it was comfortable.

We also love that Boppy pillows are extremely durable. Many second-, third- and more-time moms, including Catherine, say they’ve reused the same Boppy pillow after multiple babies. And since there are an infinite number of Boppy covers on Amazon, you can always freshen it up between babies. 

But the Boppy is so much more than a nursing pillow. The simple design lends itself perfectly to other uses, especially propping your baby up for tummy time and supported sitting. Some moms say they’ve even used their Boppy as a substitute donut pillow during the postpartum period to avoid sitting directly on perineal tears.

Keep in mind that the Boppy is best for anyone who wants a basic, streamlined nursing pillow and to be able to continue using it throughout the baby's first year and beyond. If you’re looking for extra features in a nursing pillow, like a side pocket, adjustable wraparound straps or back support, this is probably not the model for you. 

Weight: 2.72 lbs. 

Dimension: ‎20 x 16 x 5.5 inches 

Material: Cotton

Most nursing pillows are U or “C-shaped, the Twin Z nursing pillow is designed like a “W” to make it more comfortable for moms of multiples to breastfeed two babies at once. What to Expect moms love that the middle section flips up to become a comfy backrest, while the two sides (which can be buckled together) support two little ones, making tandem feeding much more manageable.

Like the Boppy pillow, the Twin Z is also popular for having many other uses. Twin moms say it helps them support one baby while the other feeds, for tummy-time practice and learning to sit up. Just remember that your baby should never sleep on or near this nursing pillow.

Unfortunately, the Twin Z is also more expensive than others on this list and tends to take longer to ship, so order it well in advance of your due date. It also weighs more than most other nursing pillows (over 6 lbs, while others tend to be 1-2 lbs.), though that is probably to be expected given it’s basically two in one.

Weight: 6.14 lbs.

Dimension: 35 x 25 x 12 inches

Material: Polyester

There are a few different versions of the popular My Brest Friend nursing pillow on the market. But some plus-size moms say that the twin version of the My Brest Friend pillow is actually more comfortable than the Original or Deluxe models. Despite being marketed for twins, this pillow is essentially a slightly longer and deeper version of the brand’s original pillow that offers extra support. Reviewers also appreciate that the back strap is adjustable.

Compared to some other nursing pillows which have a rounded, pillow-like design (such as the Boppy), My Brest Friend has a firmer, square-edged design. Some moms prefer this for the extra support it offers, and it keeps  baby from rolling into the center of the pillow as easily. The twin version offers even more side support than the Original and Deluxe models, as both of those have more of a C-shaped design.

All this extra support does result in a slightly bulkier breastfeeding pillow that’s not as travel-friendly, if that’s something you’re looking for. Compared to the Boppy, My Brest Friend is also a little less versatile, since its design doesn’t lend itself quite as well to other uses like tummy time support or supported sitting.

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Dimension: 5.9 x 23 x 15.7 inches

Material: Cotton

If you’ve come to depend on your nursing pillow and can’t imagine feeding baby without it, the thought of a long-haul flight or weekend away can be stressful. Although there’s nothing stopping you from bringing your regular nursing pillow on a plane, most take up quite a bit of space and can be a hassle to carry through an airport or fit in your car. 

My Brest Friend’s inflatable travel pillow is a top choice for an on-the-go nursing pillow. It offers a similar design to the brand’s Original and Deluxe versions (handy if that’s what you and baby are already comfortable with) but packs flat and can be inflated. Worth noting, some reviewers dislike the feeling of the cover, which is polyester and they say can be a little synthetic-feeling. (You could always lay a burp cloth or swaddle blanket on top to make it softer for your baby.)

Weight: 1 lb.

Dimension: ‎23 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches

Material: Polyester

A relative newcomer on the nursing pillow market, Frida Mom’s breastfeeding pillow scores points for an innovative layered design that lets you adjust the height as your baby grows. The firm top layer offers the most support for newborns, the semi-firm middle layer is ideal for infants who are nursing more easily and rolling less, and the soft base works best for older babies. (Bonus: With just one layer, the pillow is a little less bulky and easier to travel with.)

Another unique feature is the built-in back support, which wraps around your body while you nurse and is held in place with an adjustable strap. Moms also appreciate the additional pockets: a heat pack pocket for relief while you nurse, and a side pocket to stash a phone or even small snack.

One possible downside is the material. Although many reviewers say it does feel high-quality, the cover is polyester and might be more irritating if your baby has sensitive skin.

Weight: 1 lb.

Dimension: ‎16 x 23 x 8 inches

Material: ‎Polyester, Polyurethane

If having an organic nursing pillow is important to you, this American-made pillow from Blessed Nest is your best bet. The cushion is packed with pesticide-free buckwheat hulls, which give it a sort of bean bag feel: Many moms say this design makes it easy to mold to your body. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, made with 100 percent organic cotton and the slipcover is machine-washable, too. 

It is on the more expensive side for a nursing pillow. At 6 lbs., it does weigh more than most other pillows on this list, so wouldn’t be the best choice if you’d prefer a lightweight nursing pillow. Some reviewers also say that the smell can be a little strong.

Weight: 6 lbs.

Dimension: ‎30 x 16 x 5 inches

Material: 100 percent cotton