7 Best Nursing Pillows, According to Breastfeeding Moms

When it comes to nursing pillows, you just can’t beat Boppy. Just ask the What to Expect community, who voted Boppy the Best Nursing Pillow in the Feeding Awards and the 2022 Mom-Must Have Awards, What to Expect's 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.”

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. 

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. 

Tested by Leah Rocketto, mom of two and What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director:

“I would change my nursing position a few times during a session, and the Boppy’s C-shape design was a true game-changer. I could easily switch my baby from cradle hold to football hold without moving myself or the pillow. The pillow was stiff enough that I felt supported, but still padded enough that resting on it was comfortable."

A cult-favorite among minimalist parents looking for a more aesthetic nursing pillow, the Snuggle Me Organic Nursing Pillow earns high marks for its organic materials and ergonomic shape. Made with organic cotton and filled with hypoallergenic polyester, this soft U-shaped pillow wraps naturally around your waist to cradle your baby close for a secure latch. It's also machine-washable. 

Many What to Expect parents say it was an “essential” in the newborn stage. One mom noted, “I liked that the Snuggle Me wrapped around my body and made positioning very comfortable,” while another wrote, “We loved our Snuggle Me. We used that thing all the time.”

However, for some parents, the design slipped away and off their torso, though the brand recently redesigned the crescent moon-like shape to feature less narrow ends that tuck neatly behind your back. 

Most nursing pillows are U or C-shaped, but the Twin Z nursing pillow is designed like a “W” to make it more comfortable for moms of multiples to breastfeed two babies at the same time. 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.

The firm, wrap-around design of My Brest Friend offers exceptional support — especially for parents recovering from a C-section. The structured surface helps bring baby up to breast height without pressure on the incision area, while the adjustable back strap keeps the pillow snug against your body for better posture and reduced strain.

Many What to Expect parents say this was a “lifesaver” during the first weeks postpartum. One mom shared, “Couldn’t have survived without my Brest Friend pillow after my C-section.” Another user recently echoed that it also helped her feel more supported after a C-section.

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, as it keeps baby from rolling into the center of the pillow as easily. Bonus: 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. It's also earned praise from plus-size moms.

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.

Other features we appreciate include the machine-washable, removable cover; side pocket to keep water bottles, cell phones, and more essentials close; and wrap-around design that fastens in the back to guarantee that it will stay put during feeding sessions.

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 (so you don't have to worry about it taking up precious suitcase or personal item space) 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.)

Another wrap-around style Frida Mom’s nursing pillow scores extra 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 waist 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 a small snack.

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

Momcozy’s CozyPro pillow combines the plush support of memory foam with an ergonomic design that benefits both parent and baby. The tri-point support system keeps your baby elevated (there's also a built-in headrest and safety bar) and properly aligned while reducing shoulder and wrist fatigue. The adjustable strap ensures a secure, customized fit for all body types — and even helps partners nail the right feeding posture.

Its wider shape accommodates growing babies and helps you maintain a consistent, comfortable latch throughout long sessions.