Baby Nursing Pillow

Feeding is a time of closeness and strengthening of the unique bond between mother and child. But let's not forget that it is also a challenge - especially for female bodies, which have to hold their babies for many hours and provide them with an appropriate position for feeding. A product that can support women is a baby nursing pillow, which will successfully relieve the burden of mothers and at the same time provide comfort to babies.

Is a nursing pillow necessary?

For a baby, feeding is not only about satisfying its hunger, but also the need for closeness, which is why it may demand the breast even every hour, often feeding may last for several dozen minutes. This is completely normal and very frequent, but demanding for a mother. Each time a woman has to hold the baby in the right position, taking care of its comfort and proper position next to the breast. Each such session is a challenge for the back, shoulders, arms, and neck. Thanks to a nursing pillow this problem practically disappears, because the baby lies comfortably on the bed rest, without straining mom's muscles. An indisputable advantage of pillows is also the fact that the mother has her hands free. Nursing pillows makes motherhood much easier.

Some people claim that a special nursing pillow is an unnecessary gadget, because it can be replaced by a regular pillow. This was done long before this convenience was introduced on the market. The problem is that a regular pillow is not properly profiled, which makes it difficult for a baby to position itself at the breast, which can have a negative effect on breastfeeding itself - make it difficult for a baby to properly grasp the nipple and suckle. It can also make it more difficult for a woman to ensure that both the baby and herself are in the right position. A regular pillow does not solve the basic breastfeeding problem - it does not provide comfort and proper pressure relief.

Benefits of a nursing pillow

Nursing pillows for babies can confidently be called one of the greatest aids for the mother during feeding. Thanks to them, moms can finally feel relief, because they don’t strain their hands, spine, shoulders or neck. Holding a baby sometimes even for a several dozen minutes is quite an effort, especially when the baby grows like a weed. But this is not the end of the advantages of such a pillow. It allows you to breastfeed your baby better, because it provides good support, also thanks to the fact that some models allow you to slightly lift the baby's head. The pillow may be very helpful not only for the mother, but also for the bottle-feeding father, who will find it easier to find an appropriate position. What's more, you can think about buying a pillow even when you're pregnant, because it's also great for supporting your pregnant belly and helping you find a more comfortable position on the bed.

How big should a nursing pillow be?

A nursing pillow should be chosen according to your own needs. It should be big and high enough so that the baby does not slip off it and it fits perfectly into the mother's breast. Otherwise, the mother will be forced to bend over, so the whole benefit of having a pillow will disappear. If you have the opportunity, it is best just to try the pillow on before buying, and if not, remember that it should be at least several centimeters high. Larger pillows are more stable, and this is crucial, because during feeding the pillow cannot move, even when the baby is restless.

While larger breastfeeding pillows are more stable and better for positioning your baby to your breast, they are much more difficult to travel with. If you are a mobile mom and you happen to breastfeed in different places and circumstances, it is better to go for a smaller pillow, so you can take it with you more easily.

Hard or soft? What should a nursing pillow be like?

One of the primary functions of a nursing pillow is to provide stable support for your baby. That's why it should be larger rather than smaller. The same applies to firmness: Even firmer pillows are preferable, as they prevent your baby from slipping off. Remember, however, that it should not be too hard - it should adapt to the baby's body and head, otherwise it will be uncomfortable and strain the baby's small body. Therefore, it is best to choose such a nursing pillow, which will provide adequate stability and at the same time give comfort to the baby. As the baby grows, the pillow may be softer, because it will not need as much support for the spine.

Properly cambered pillow is essential

Your and your baby's comfort is greatly influenced by the shape of the pillow. It should be constructed in such a way that the baby's head is slightly higher than the torso so that the baby is better positioned at the breast, does not slip off and can be fed in a more comfortable position. The feeding position can also have an effect on the digestive problems of the baby. Proper positioning significantly reduces the risk of reflux or colic, and even ear infections.

The way it is cambered is also related to the shape of the pillow itself. You can find several types on the market, however most of them resemble letters C or U - the idea is that they wrap around the waist and thus adhere well to the hips. Pillows of such shape not only support the mother's back but also the baby's head, additionally securing the baby against slipping off and ensuring comfort.

Feeding pillow - the answer to the need for closeness

The pillow doesn't have to be used just for feeding. It can also support the parent every time the toddler wants to feel a bit of closeness and safety, that is during cuddling. This need is very big with a small child, also at night, so it is a good solution to get a co-sleeper cot, such as our NESTE UP, thanks to which the child will feel the closeness of the parent all the time. It is also a good solution for parents' convenience - mom won't have to get up for night feedings. The pillow will also help her to find an optimal position - comfortable for both baby and mom. This way the mother will not have to frequently change her position, get up or move around. It is not difficult to understand why it is important - after all for a tired parent every moment of rest counts but this solution will be especially appreciated by women who find it difficult because of pain they feel - the result of night breast fullness or a caesarean section.

Types of filling for nursing pillows

It has already been mentioned that the level of firmness of a nursing pillow is an extremely important issue, ensuring comfort, stability and safety of the baby. The proper firmness is determined by the filling of the pillow. You can find different types of fillings on the market - polyester (with granules), polystyrene, silicone, foam and buckwheat. Which is the best?

Polyester filling is one of the most popular on the market. It allows for proper adjustment to a child's body and also ensures proper resilience and elasticity. It gives proper support but at the same time is not too firm.

Because of the price, pillows with polystyrene filling are popularly purchased. Unfortunately this is not the best choice. Polystyrene granules have a tendency to close up, which causes the pillow to lose its shape over time, become too hard and lose volume.

Just as good a choice as polyester pillows are those filled with silicone. There are two types of them - filled with granules or fibers. Their advantages definitely include proper ventilation, resilience and durability.

A very good option, but unfortunately slightly more expensive than the others, is a pillow with foam filling. There are two versions on the market - with polyurethane and thermoelastic foam. The first one gives proper air permeability and proper support for the baby's body, while the second one adapts to the shape of the baby. Both foams are hypoallergenic.

Buckwheat-filled pillows, which are becoming increasingly popular, also provide good ventilation and adapt to the shape of the body. They also have the advantage over some models that they are not allergenic.

Pillow with adjustable filling

The ideal nursing pillow should be neither too firm nor too soft. Pillows with adjustable filling can be very helpful in adapting them to your needs. This option is available only for pillows with loose filling, i.e. polystyrene or silicone pillows with transversely crimped fibers. This allows you to add granules at any time, for example when the filling becomes too compact. The possibility of adjusting the filling also gives a chance to completely replace the granules with new ones. This type of pillow also makes it easier to adjust the firmness, so that when the child grows up, the level of firmness can be lowered to ensure greater comfort.

What should the ideal infant feeding pillow have?

The perfect nursing pillow for a baby is one that is also the perfect fit for mom. It must be the right size and height. Remember: the bigger the pillow, the more comfortable it is, but only if you use it at home. Try the pillow on before you buy to check its height: it should allow you to breastfeed your baby properly. The hardness of the pillow depends on the age of your baby. The older the baby, the softer the pillow. However, a firmer pillow is preferable for infants, as it provides better protection for the baby's delicate spine. Also pay attention to hygiene. Babies may spit up or the milk can leak during feeding - most likely onto the pillow. So it's a good idea to keep it clean by washing it. A good option is a cover that can be easily removed and cleaned - make sure it is machine-washable, as this is a great convenience. The material it is made of is also important. The best material is natural cotton, which does not sensitize or irritate the delicate skin of the baby. Some pillows have additional features, such as useful pockets - just in time for the necessary small items. Finally, do not forget about aesthetics. The pillow will become an important design element. Make sure that the color and pattern match with the baby's room.