When it comes to breastfeeding you have a few different options to use for nursing pillows.

We've tried all of them, but be sure to check out our top nursing pillows.

Classic C-shape

This pillow is often a less-expensive option, and the simplest. They just wrap around your waist to provide that extra height and support to keep you and your baby in a good position. Many come with slipcovers, making cleaning easier. Example: Boppy

U-shape or boomerang pillow

A revamped shape to better accommodate women of different sizes, a U- or boomerang-shape pillow can fit better around plus-size women. U-shapes typically have more surface area, while boomerang shapes are more versatile. Example: Medela Maternity Pillow and Breastfeeding Nursing Pillow

Seat wrap

This pillow has a little seat with straps that can be used to secure babies to the pillow if they’re squirmy or tend to roll away. Example: Leachco

Wraparound

This style of pillow goes around your entire waist and buckles to keep it secure.

The top is usually level, making it more difficult for a squirmy baby to roll off. Some even come with an attachable nursing cover. Example: My Brest Friend

Angled

Great for moms with larger breasts, and makes a football hold easier. It’s shaped like a comma, one end raised higher for the baby’s head. Example: Dr. Brown’s Gia

Two-Sided

With one side made firm for nursing and the other softer for lounging or tummy time, these pillows are pretty versatile. Example: Boppy Two-Sided

Adjustable

Some of these pillows come with layers that can be folded over to adjust as your baby grows, and to better match the length of your torso so you can keep tummy-to-tummy contact.

Other adjustable pillows are similar to a beanbag, with loose filling on the inside that can be manipulated around to the best position. Example: Infantino Elevate or Organic Pillow by Blessed Nest

Travel

Some travel pillows are simply smaller and easier to tote around. Others are inflatable, making them easy to stow in your bag when you’re not using them. Example: Bosom Baby Li’l Something and My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

Twin

Made specifically to handle two babies, these pillows are made with built-in back support and a space for a baby on either side. Whether you are feeding both babies at once, or one at a time, it can be a huge help to moms with multiples. Example: Twin Z Pillow

Basic Functions of a Nursing Pillow

Nursing pillows are made to take the strain off your back and shoulders while you nurse. Even a seven- or eight-pound baby gets heavy after a little while, and with only two arms, it can make nursing uncomfortable or difficult.

A nursing pillow is made to lift the baby up to be level with your breast, so you don’t have to hunch over or tire your arms out. This also frees your limbs to better adjust your baby, correct the latch, or even take a drink of water if you need it.

Pros and Cons of Having/Using a Nursing Pillow

Are nursing pillows really a necessity? The short answer is no. The long answer is broken down into the pros and cons below.

PROS

• A nursing pillow is made specifically to fit around your body.
• They provide a firm surface for your baby to rest on.
• Regular cushions or pillows may not stay in place or be firm enough for your needs.

CONS

• Even the cheapest nursing pillows can be seen as an unnecessary expense if you’re on a budget.
• Nursing pillows can take up a lot of space, especially when you’re not using it.

Hopefully this helps with finding out more about the different types of nursing pillows.