Find your nursing pillow from these nine top-rated supports for breastfeeding moms

The best nursing pillow is a real savior for breastfeeding mothers, offering support for the baby but also for a woman's back, neck and arms - every little helps.

Finding the right breastfeeding pillow for you can be pivotal in helping you to breastfeed or breast pump then feed, along with any breastfeeding tips you might find. The best pillows are incredibly versatile and have a long life span, as they can be used for feeding babies and supporting women during pregnancy to make sleeping more comfortable. 

Mom-of-two Jasmine tells us; "I bought my nursing pillow early, and was so glad I did By 8 months pregnant having it bolster under my bump while I slept was a godsend for my hip pain." Then as your infant grows, they also work well for tummy time and as a place for them to sit on their own. We've rounded up some of the best on the market, including familiar favorites such as Boppy and bbhugme - which customers cannot get enough of. So, whatever your budget and breastfeeding need, there's likely to be something to suit. 

How to choose the best nursing pillow?

"A breastfeeding pillow should be comfortable for feeding for you and for your baby," Sarah Beeson MBE, a former health visitor and author of parenting guide Happy Baby, Happy Family, tells us. "Choose one that will provide good head support for your baby and take the pressure off your arms, neck, shoulders and back."

"Many mums choose a pillow that also works as a pregnancy pillow though you may want to consider one that folds up small for when you’re out and about. Choose a pillow that’s got a washable cover and is wipeable. It should be fire retardant and made from natural fibres for a chemical-free and hypoallergenic product."

Some products feature straps which can help secure a pillow in place while you feed, while others double up as a seat which can be used for your baby to support them on their own. It's best to have a think about what you want your breastfeeding pillow to deliver on – whether that's comfort, convenience, back support or multiple functions. Once you've identified those key areas, it'll be easier for you to carry out your search. When looking for the best breastfeeding pillows, it's also worth thinking about your preferred breastfeeding position and if a pillow can accommodate that.

Best nursing pillows at a glance

• Best overall: Chicco Boppy Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow - £39.99, Mamas and Papas
• Best budget: Widgey Feeding Nursing & Pregnancy Pillow - £29.99,Boots
• Best premium: My Brest Friend Deluxe nursing pillow - $111.86/£91.98,  Amazon
• Best after a C-section: Lansinoh Breastfeeding Pillow - $23.09/£18.99, Amazon
• Best for body support: bbhugme Nursing Pillow - £69.70, John Lewis
• Niimo Nursing Pillow - $37.69/£30.99, Amazon
• Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow - $63.24/£52.00, Amazon
• ClevaMama ClevaCushion - £53.99, ClevaMama
• Bamibi Pregnancy Pillow and Nursing Pillow - $36.47/£29.99, Amazonpty list

Which is the best nursing pillow to buy?

Our Consumer Editor agrees that overall, the Chicco Boppy Pregnancy and Baby Nursing Pillow is the best nursing pillow you can buy in 2023, coming in at just under £40. It's a great price, has been recognised in the industry as an award winner and comes highly-rated by customers too. Additional benefits include it's versatility - working for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The pillow and cover are also machine washable, making it a fuss-free option to clean.

If you're happy to spend more than £40, the My Brest Friend Deluxe nursing pillow is our recommendation for the best nursing pillow in the premium price category. 

And if you're keen to find a more affordable option that still boasts excellent functionality, we'd pick the Widgey Feeding Nursing & Pregnancy Pillow.

The best nursing pillows - as chosen by Goodto.com's Consumer Editor

Mamas and Papas have been making nursing pillows for over 25 years, so it’s safe to say it knows its stuff. The pillow was also a winner in the 2019 What To Expect awards, by the pregnancy and parenting brand. 

This award-winning nursing pillow has many uses rolled into one. Not only can it be used to help feed a young baby, but it can also be used during pregnancy to help support your back, or knees and bump if you’re sleeping on your side. Alongside this, the breastfeeding pillow also can be used as a nest for relaxation when a baby gets a little older, as well as for tummy time and to help maintain their balance when sitting alone. The soft and stable pillow is designed to keep your body in a correct position and help your baby peacefully by sitting around your waistline. It also features removable cotton covers and both the pillow and the covers are machine washable.

In fact, one mum was so happy with the product she wrote that she couldn't find a bad thing to say about it. She wrote, "Bought it while I struggle to breastfeed after c-section. Couldn't do it without this pillow, absolutely life saver. Would recommend for any new mum."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "Mums absolutely love this pregnancy and nursing pillow and we can see why – it’s affordable, versatile and compact. It’s not going to take up lots of room on the sofa, like some nursing pillows do, and we love that you can use it throughout pregnancy too. There aren’t many baby products that represent such great value for money. This is our pick for the best breastfeeding pillow overall."

This best-selling breastfeeding pillow at John Lewis has glowing reviews and comes in an exclusive grey stripe print for the retailer. As with many other products on the market, this pillow can be used for feeding, but also to provide back and knee support. The pillow is also nice and stable, so helps a baby stay in the right position for feeding. 

One mum said, "Lovely soft cushion which has a lovely warmth to it. Very soft but also very stable so baby stays in the right position. The cover washes very well and goes in a dryer."

While another reviewer said it was her pick as the breastfeeding pillow, as it was the perfect shape for their baby to sleep in. They commented, "This is our second pillow as we have one downstairs and one in our bedroom. It's the perfect size and plumpness for keeping our little one at the right height and the cover is super soft as well. The case it comes in acts as a great carry case if we're visiting family, for example."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "This is another great value option and our pick as the best budget breastfeeding pillow. It’s firmer than other nursing pillows so not quite as easy to mould around your baby or your body, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive option from a reliable brand, this is it."

The flat shape of this breastfeeding pillow is to ensure an infant doesn’t slide into the space between the cushion and the breast. This pillow was a winner at the 2019 What To Expect awards, for its versatile nature. It takes a mother’s comfort into account with a built-in backrest, which helps to promote good posture and prevents aches.

The wraparound design also includes an adjustable strap which can be fastened around the mother to help the baby stay in place – taking the strain off. This has also been designed so it can be adjusted with one hand as, let’s face it, that’s all you’ll have free when feeding. The silent release clip also lets you remove the pillow without waking your baby.

In addition to this, there’s a storage compartment which is great for keeping bits and pieces during feeds, such as snacks or a phone.

Customers have noted that while this pillow is a bit more expensive than other ones on the market, it's well worth spending a little more. One commented, "Fantastic feeding pillow. Worth every penny. I started with a very cheap one, which didn’t help at all. This one is supportive for your back, so baby and mum are comfortable. Because it straps around the waist, it doesn’t move, the baby does not fall between the pillow and mum, and the baby stays in the right position. I have recommended it to all my friends."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "We’d recommend this nursing pillow if you suffer with a sore back, as the design seems to help support good posture, preventing the aches and pains that easily develop during long feeding sessions. The adjustable strap makes it really easy to get comfortable. The pocket is our favourite feature though – never find yourself without snacks whilst feeding again!"

This breastfeeding pillow is a more compact option for those who don’t want a huge pillow taking up all the space. Ideal for C-section tummies, this product slides onto the arm, rather than around the waist, and allows a mother to naturally bring her baby up to the breast to nurse rather than leaning over. This is the ideal positioning for latching and to avoid back pain. It’s also super lightweight and portable which means it’s easy to manoeuvre and carry. It can be used in multiple hold styles including cradle hold and rugby hold, so is adaptable to a mother’s preference.

Some reviewers have commented that they prefer this style to the typical U-shape pillows. One said, “This cushion was a god-send! I had the standard U shaped nursing pillows but found them uncomfortable to use as my baby increased in size (as she grew > 7 lb) - she was a prem baby! I also had backache from breastfeeding. This pillow took all the awkwardness of breastfeeding in the cradle hold position away. You can also do a rugby hold with this pillow but I prefer the standard cradle hold. So soft, comfortable and easy to use.”

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "We love this innovatively-designed nursing pillow. Some mums just find they don’t get on well with the crescent-shaped ones that you pop on your lap, and this tends to impress them. It’s machine washable and small enough to pop in your change bag – what’s not to love?!"

This nursing pillow was designed by a chiropractor, so you can rest assured it’s been made with comfort in mind. With a beanbag texture, the pillow not only supports your neck and shoulders but it’s designed to be tied around your waist, so that the baby and pillow stay in the same position the whole time. It also has two "pebbles" at each end which can help make the pillow more firm or softer for your baby - depending on your preference. This function is great if you’ve had a C-section birth as the pillow can help protect the scar, while also helping to distribute the weight of the baby around the body. It can also double up as a hip rest, for a mother to rest her baby on when carrying.

The breastfeeding pillow, made with eco-friendly materials, is available in two different colours - grey, or pale pink - and even comes with its own travel bag, so it can be easily taken on-the-go. What's more, the cover is machine washable so if things get a little messy, it’s easy to pop it into the washing machine - or simply wipe down.

One reviewer commented on its versatile nature, saying, "This is by far the best purchase I made for the arrival of our new baby! This pillow has been useful from the late stages of pregnancy where it gave me comfort when resting, to the early stages of breastfeeding, and even now when baby is six month old and plays with it as it supports his little body when he sits up. It’s so soft and lovely to touch and easy to move about with. Great design! Warmly recommended!"

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "We’re huge fans of this stylish, versatile nursing pillow. It ticks so many boxes – it’s eco-friendly, you can adjust the firmness, and the cover is machine washable. If you’ve had a c-section, this is definitely the nursing pillow you need."

This all-rounder nursing pillow offers back support while breastfeeding, but also can be used when a baby gets older. Made of 100% breathable cotton, the Niimo pillowcase can be removed through a hidden zipped and popped in the wash.

It’s filled with polystyrene microspheres, which allow adapting the shape of the cushion to different positions - making it a versatile pillow. It fastens together via a loop to provide a large cushion for back support or when breastfeeding. But it can also be used as a tool for your child and their balance. For example, it can be placed under your child while they try to take their first steps – to avoid dangerous falls.

These Niimo nursing pillows come in a variety of cute patterns and designs, from grey and pink hearts to polka dots - so there's something for everyone.

One customer wrote the positive impact the pillow had on their breastfeeding experience, saying, "This has been a lifesaver for me. I was determined to breastfeed my baby but really struggled with latching. It felt like a battle every time I fed and it was emotionally draining. I was close to giving up until I gave this pillow a try. I can now get my baby in the right position and in a way that's most comfortable for me and best for my back. Latching can still be a struggle at times but I know I would have given up breastfeeding completely without this pillow."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "The polystyrene filling in this nursing pillow means it probably won’t appeal to green-minded mums, but there’s no denying that this is easy to mould around your body and your baby to help you get the optimal latch. We like that it has a 100% cotton machine washable cover for easy cleaning between feeds."

This breastfeeding pillow will stand the test of time, seeing you through pregnancy and breastfeeding, too. From 20 weeks onwards, it can be difficult for pregnant women to sleep comfortably - especially with a big bump. But this pillow is designed to help. The tail of the Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow is designed to neatly and compactly sit between the legs of pregnant women as they sleep - which helps to align hips and provide the necessary relief.

When the baby arrives it also doubles up as a nursing pillow - the soft cotton jersey is also a comfortable material for a little one to nestle into. One customer commented, "The flat part in the middle is where your back rests and you wrap the rest around your body [for feeding]."

In reviews, many mums commented on how handy they found the pillow before birth, too. Once commented, "This pillow is so comfy, it’s like a hug that lasts all night. It doesn’t take up loads of room in the bed or make you too hot and it does the job."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "This is one of our favourite nursing pillows because mums who test it out rave about it so much. It’s incredibly comfortable and supportive during pregnancy, and although it seems quite big for use during feeding, it’s actually really easy to squash into the perfect shape, creating a little cocoon for your feeding times."

This nursing pillow is made with advanced ClevaFoam technology which protects the round shape of a baby’s head and aims to prevent Flat Head Syndrome, as well as reducing pressure on the back of a little one’s head. It’s also hypoallergenic – so is ideal for babies who suffer from asthma and allergies.

This one will stand the test of time, as not only can it be used for feeding but it also works well for tummy time and as a bolster seat. What’s more, the Baby Nest (the extra comfort insert that comes with it) can offer support in prams and highchairs.

If the Smyths website is anything to go by, it seems this breastfeeding pillow has gone down a treat with mothers with an overall 4.6 rating out of 5. One person wrote, "This is a great cushion for nursing. It is plump enough to give the baby support and comfortable around the stomach. My baby also used it for tummy time and support whilst sitting. The cover very good quality and machine washable. One of the better ones out there. Would highly recommend."

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "This is another breastfeeding pillow that we’ve seen do really well in consumer reviews. It’s so versatile – mums love that they can get so much use out of such an affordable product. We’re also big fans of ClevaFoam and the peace of mind it give mums who are worried about Flat Head Syndrome."

This slightly larger breastfeeding pillow focuses on different areas of support for a mother. This three-in-one product can be used solely by mums, solely by babies and by both together at the same time, Not only does this pillow offer back support for pregnant mums, but it also helps with neck, shoulders, arms, side and legs. It also can hold a baby as the clasp keeps the ends together, so it can be used as an infant lounger or lap pillow to feed your newborn.

One customer praised its multi-functional use, saying, "I bought this pillow before my little one was born. I held myself back with my first but decided I wouldn't with this pregnancy. It was a life saver for my back and tummy when I couldn't get comfortable. Nursing with this pillow is just amazing. It frees both of my hands when I'm nursing. After my C-section I had severe swelling, this pillow was perfect to elevate my legs. The only qualm I have is the smaller pillow is easy to be pushed around when she gets upset. But that's it. Would definitely suggest this pillow."

This nursing pillow is made of 100% cotton which is machine washable, whereas the pillow itself is made with polyester filling. So it’s easy to maintain and keep clean.

Goodto consumer editor, Heidi Scrimgeour, says: "Multifunctional products like this one always score well in our consumer tests, because mums love having practical items of baby gear that serve more than one purpose. Who doesn’t appreciate value for money!? This is really affordable for an item that you can use from pregnancy right through to when your baby starts learning to sit up."

Are breastfeeding pillows worth it?

Vicki Renz, founder of parenting platform Oh My Mama Body, tells Goodto, "In my opinion, breastfeeding pillows are a vital investment for our health and wellbeing as, on average, a woman breastfeeds for 1800 hours a year. Breastfeeding pillows support your back, avoiding chronic back pain and migraines caused by bad posture due to breastfeeding."

Overall, mothers opt for breastfeeding pillows to offer their arms, necks and backs some relief from having to hold a baby on their own. A breastfeeding pillow simply takes the strain off, while providing comfort for your little one while they feed.

As with any baby product, some are more expensive than others, but there are cheaper, mid-range and pricer pillows depending on how much you want to spend and what added extras you want from the pillow. We've included a selection in our roundup to cater to every budget.

Which is better Boppy or My Brest Friend?

Both Boppy and My Brest Friend pillows come out on top as customer favourites – and each has its own unique selling points.

The Boppy pillow is great for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding and both the cover and the pillow itself are machine washable – so it's a handy product for those messy feeds. 

While the My Brest Friend pillow features a built-in back rest, which helps to promote good posture and prevent aches, as well as an adjustable strap which can be fastened around the mother to help the baby stay in place – taking the strain off the body. 

So, if you're looking for more back support, the My Brest Friend pillow could be a more suitable option, while if you're looking for comfort and convenience with an easy-wash appeal then Boppy could be a better bet.

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