It is important to bring your baby up to the right level so that you can be well supported when nursing. Certain types of pillows are specifically designed for this purpose. They are referred to as nursing pillows. They are used on the lap of the mothers to prop up babies or kept behind the back of the mother for extra support on the shoulders. When buying this pillow, there are some factors that you should keep in mind. You may opt to ask other nursing mothers for recommendations as these products come in different styles and prices.
Nursing pillow buying guide to help you make a more informed decision
1. Longevity and size of the pillow
Before you purchase a nursing pillow, it is important to decide the length of the period you will be nursing. Although your decision might change after the baby is born, starts teething or starts feeding on solid food, or when you decide to go back to work, having a specified nursing timeline is important. If you plan on nursing throughout the baby’s first year, then the pillow’s size and life longevity is a key aspect, and you might want to consider a bigger investment.
2. The fitting
When looking around for the best nursing pillow, it is recommended that you get a pillow that will perfectly fit your torso when in a sitting position so that the body and head of the baby are correctly placed at the height of your nipple. The best time to purchase a pillow is when you are 5 or 6 months pregnant so that you can get one that will perfectly fit your midsection after the birth.
3. Fastening mechanism of the pillow
Although some nursing pillows are fastening mechanism that helps to reduce movement and shifting of the pillow in the middle of a feeding and prevent the baby from slipping between the mother’s body and the pillow, most of them make it quite difficult for the pillow to get on and off. Therefore every nursing mom should be keen on the fastening systems on the pillow so that it makes it easier for the mother to hold the baby in one hand and easily buckle the pillow with the other.
4. Portability of the pillow and location of nursing
Some moms have a fabulous nursing glider in the baby’s nursery. However, most moms find themselves nursing their babies everywhere else in the house, depending on when the baby gets hungry. When your child hits four months, you will need to set out a quiet place to be nursing to avoid distractions that will make the baby lose interest in feeding. Therefore choose the right type of nursing pillow that features a style that will suit all these feeding locations.
5. Materials
The quality of the materials used in making nursing pillows are different and affect the supporting capacity and ease of cleaning. It is recommended to get a nursing pillow made of food grade materials that do nose pose any health risk to your baby. The outer cover should range from synthetic polyester, cotton and other blends of organic cotton.