Pillow for feeding an infant: photo, how to use? Reviews about the application

It is sometimes difficult for a young mother to hold her newborn near her breast for a long time. The body has not yet recovered after childbirth, the muscles have not regained their former tone, and the back suffers the most. To make the breastfeeding process more comfortable, and for the mother to be able to relax as much as possible at this time, a feeding pillow is needed.

Such a thing will replace ordinary pillows, diapers rolled into a bundle, and other tricks that a woman goes to in order to make it easier to sit for many hours with a child in her arms.

Is there a need to purchase

Often, a young mother ends the breastfeeding process early due to the inconvenience associated with it. The woman’s back becomes numb, her arms and legs go numb. In addition, an incorrect and uncomfortable position not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to a decrease in lactation, because the baby cannot properly latch onto the mother’s nipple. A baby feeding pillow is designed to solve such problems. The accessory will help:

1. The mother can sit comfortably and securely secure the baby, preventing him from accidentally falling.
2. Ensure close physical contact between baby and mother.
3. Free your hands and relieve them from the constant load when carrying and holding the baby. The baby's head is always in the correct position.
4. Gain some freedom for mom while breastfeeding. If you take a comfortable position and put the baby down, you can do what you love at this time: read, talk on the phone, and even take a nap.

POSITION "LYING"

Lie on your side with your back, shoulders and head arched on the pillows. For more comfort, you can place a pillow between your knees. Place your baby in front of you, facing your chest and tummy to belly. At first, when the baby is small, place him on your forearm with his head on a bent elbow or on a pillow. As your baby gets older, place him on the sofa on his stomach. His legs should be slightly bent.

Recommended: immediately after birth (after episiotomy or cesarean section). Recommended for night feeding, especially when you take your baby to bed, and during the day when you want to rest.

Multifunctional item

This accessory is useful not only for feeding. If the pillow is made in the form of a bolster, it is often placed on the bed to protect the baby from falling. A nursing pillow will replace a whole set when traveling. It can be used for its intended purpose, used to make a cozy nest for a child and create barriers to unwanted movements.

In addition, this product can be used for gymnastic exercises for mother and baby. It is used when the child tries to sit independently.

Rating of the best pillows

Manufacturers of products for pregnant women and children offer a fairly extensive selection of nursing pillows. All varieties differ in shape, size and materials from which they are made. The most popular types are shaped like the letter “C”, due to greater ease of use and versatility in the number of children - you can feed one or two. According to the rating, the following names are distinguished:

1. Milk Rivers nursing pillows for one child and Milk Rivers Twins nursing pillows made in Russia from foam rubber and cotton. The price starts from 2000 rubles.
2. Velina nursing pillows are polyester foam filling with a cotton surface, made in Russia. Suitable for use during pregnancy and pregnancy. Price from 2000 rubles.
3. “Nanny” nursing pillows from the Russian manufacturer Globex, made of knitted material with foam filling. The price of the product is from 700 rubles.
4. Nursing pillows are made of hypoallergenic material with Velcro fastening. The kit includes a carrying case. The cost starts from 1200 rubles.
5. Born Free nursing pillows made of cotton with polyester filling, made in Israel, are made in a multi-level version to change the height. The cost starts from 5,000 rubles.
6. Chicco nursing pillows are quite common, the Chicco feeding pillow model is especially attractive: boppi. The price for these products starts at 1,700 rubles.
7. Emma Jane nursing pillows have a universal shape, which allows you to adapt the selected product to suit you. The cost of products starts from 5,000 rubles.
8. Bebe au Lait nursing pillows are made in a double-sided version, where one side is hard and the other is soft and plush. The price of products starts at 3,500 rubles.
9. My Brest Friend nursing pillows are made of hypoallergenic materials using cotton and plush. The price of products starts from 2000 rubles.

When purchasing, it is recommended to check the quality certificate and carefully check the conformity of the product. This is due to the prevalence of counterfeits for such groups of goods. If the product looks suspicious, it is better to refuse the purchase and look for a suitable accessory elsewhere.

Help in establishing lactation

A baby feeding pillow helps promote lactation. Often a woman experiences difficulties with this process due to improper application. If you feed in a traditional position while sitting on a chair, then the body moves forward, which is incorrect, or the child rises in his arms, which leads to fatigue and numbness. The accessory helps to place the baby directly at chest level and allows the mother to take a comfortable and relaxing position.

The product is also suitable for mothers whose babies are bottle-fed. Sometimes women complain that in this case they lack physical contact with their baby. A pillow can provide this if you lie together in the resulting textile cocoon during bottle feeding.

Useful functions of the pillow

How to put your baby to sleep without breastfeeding

The process of breastfeeding requires the constant presence of the baby in the mother's arms. This is tiring and requires special skills. A modern feeding pillow for newborns performs the following useful functions:

1. Effective unloading of female muscles. This is required in the first weeks and months after the birth of the baby, when the body is weakened.
2. Holding the baby in a comfortable and safe position.
3. Preserving the health of the mother's spine.

Attention! When there is no pad during feeding, it can cause curvature of the spine and the development of serious diseases.

1. Ensuring that the baby is correctly attached to the breast and in a natural position while feeding with artificial formula.

Natural feeding position

1. Providing a comfortable experience in transport. There are options for nursing pillows designed for cars, buses and trains.

How to use a nursing pillow

In order for the accessory to be useful and bring only positive emotions, you need to know the rules for its use:

1. Choose a place to sit or lie down, place a pillow and secure it around your waist so that your back and arms have good support.
2. The baby is placed on his side, towards the chest.
3. It is necessary to ensure that the child’s body is in a horizontal position, or that the legs are slightly lower than the head.
4. To start feeding, place the nipple in the baby's mouth and slightly lift his head. Once your baby starts sucking, you can free your hands and relax.
5. To make contact closer, the pillow is literally wrapped around itself and the baby.
6. It is necessary to ensure that the pillowcase does not rest against the child’s nose and mouth.
7. To avoid the risk of falls, you need to hold the child or turn towards the back of the sofa.

If the feeding pillow is used according to all the rules, then the mother does not get tired during the process. This type of cushion provides convenience and comfort. Even if the mother falls asleep, the baby is safe.

How to use the nursing pillow is demonstrated in the photo below.

How to use the pillow

The specifics of using a nursing pillow depend on whether you have one baby or two. The design of the product also affects operation.

For one child

The arm pillow is a smaller version that makes feeding easier. This is a small soft fabric cylinder, hollow inside. This pillow is placed on the arm in a place that will come into contact with the baby’s head.

A rectangular product with a fastener on the belt is usually used for sitting feeding. It is located on the mother's lap, below chest level. The baby lies on top of the pillow so that his head is opposite the nipple and he can take it without effort. Possible feeding positions are from under the arm and facing the mother.

A product in the shape of a long pipe, the letter C or U, is the most versatile. It is also convenient for mothers during pregnancy.

How to feed on a pregnancy pillow? In addition to the methods described above in a sitting position, this model can be used horizontally. In this case, the mother lies on her side, leaning on one of the edges of the nursing pillow, and the baby is on the opposite part of the product, facing her.

If the design includes a clasp, it must be taken into account that it cannot support the weight of the child. Therefore, when standing up or changing position, hold the baby with your hands.

For twins

A rectangular pillow is usually used for twins. You can feed both babies on it while sitting, in the “under-arm” position. To do this, the babies are placed on a pillow on either side of the mother, facing her chest. For the convenience of babies, you should hold them with your hands.

Various fillers

A pillow for feeding an infant can have different fillings, but the best choice is hypoallergenic and breathable.

1. Foam rubber. The products are budget-friendly, but not suitable for use by a young mother. Foam rubber quickly loses its previous shape, the pillow does not provide the necessary support.
2. Polystyrene, holofiber. This is an artificial non-woven material. It is considered a fairly good filler and has a low cost. The product is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. The pillow is able to envelop the body and follow its contours. After use, it quickly restores its shape. However, the material is not durable, so it is suitable for short-term use.
3. Theraline. Similar to the previous material, but more modern. It consists of small balls, but does not rustle. The advantage of the filler is good body support and increased wear resistance. Similar products are more expensive.
4. Polystyrene foam balls. The quality is not inferior to latex products, they are comfortable for active use. The material is airy, so the nursing pillow made from it is gentle and soft. At the same time, it literally envelops mother and baby, but guarantees the necessary elasticity. Among the disadvantages is the rustling of the balls, which can interfere with sleep. Also, the material is not durable, the balls shrink over time, and the product loses its original appearance.
5. Buckwheat husk. The pillow is comfortable and has a lot of positive reviews. It is comfortable for the mother to place her baby on it for feeding, because he does not sink into the soft filler. However, buckwheat creates a characteristic noise that can disturb and distract a sensitive infant. Also, this pillow is not suitable for sleeping.
6. Latex. Considered the best choice. The filler springs well and creates the necessary softness and elasticity. Latex is completely harmless and does not require special care. The material is durable, so the pillow will not lose its shape with active use for a long time. However, the products are expensive.

You should not buy down or feather pillows for feeding newborns. Natural filler has undeniable advantages, but can cause an allergic reaction in the baby. The wool option is also not recommended because lumps often form in such a pillow. In addition, such a product cannot be washed.

When does it make sense to buy a nursing pillow?

If you plan to use the pillow during pregnancy, then, of course, you can purchase it at an early stage. Comfy pillows are a popular gift at baby showers. So let your friends and family know which model you'd be especially excited to receive. A good pillow can also be used after the lactation period. Among other things, it perfectly serves as a bumper in a baby's crib; it is also pleasant to lie with and cuddle with. This pillow is ideal for relaxing on the sofa in the evening.

Pillow dimensions

You can find a variety of pillows on sale. Their length varies from 50 cm to 2 m. It is easier to understand which option is preferable if you test the product directly in the store. Specialized salons that value their reputation provide this opportunity. It is also important to take into account the mother's height. If the product is too small, it will not be useful and will only cause discomfort. However, a pillow that is too large may be uncomfortable if used frequently by a particular woman.

What should you consider when buying a breastfeeding pillow?

Among the variety of nursing pillows, it is important to choose a model that is right for you. Due to the long period of use, it is recommended to pay attention to the good quality of the product. The classic filler consists of small microgranules. This pillow is washable and adapts perfectly to your body shape. The microbead filling is odorless and provides durable support. An alternative to standing microbeads is hollow fiber fill (PES). Its structure is reminiscent of cotton wool, very soft, usually easy to wash and dry quickly. Spelled shells are a natural option. However, these organic pillows require manual care.

Most pillow covers are made from cotton or synthetic fibers. But you can also purchase exclusive options made from genuine leather. When making a choice, pay attention that the zipper is not openly accessible. Ideally, the pillowcase should be removed for washing. Because when breastfeeding, sometimes it happens that something gets on the pillow. Another alternative is a pillow with a plush cover. They are very soft but should be hand washed.

When purchasing a nursing pillow, pay attention to the following points:

• The pillowcase is removable and washable
• the pillowcase is pleasant on the skin and suitable for people with allergies
• the pillow is long enough for your height and girth
• filler matches your preferred firmness level

Optimal product shape

The nursing pillow, the photo below demonstrates this, promotes the correct positioning of mother and baby and guarantees proper rest. But if its shape is chosen incorrectly, then instead of relaxing, mommy will suffer from pain in her back and arms, and the feeding process will become burdensome.

The optimal shape for a pillow for a young mother is considered to be:

• U-shaped. The product resembles a cushion that can support a woman’s back and arms. The pillow freely bends around the woman’s body, creating a cocoon for full body contact and comfortable feeding. This pillow shape is also recommended for the mother of twins.
• C-shaped. The product is designed to support a woman’s back, abdomen and legs, so it is convenient to feed the baby during night sleep. Pillows are popular and comfortable. Often used as a bolster to prevent a baby from falling and as additional support while sitting.

Varieties of forms

At what age does a child need a pillow?

Parents may come across different shapes of baby pillow for small children:

1. Crescent. It is allowed to be purchased during pregnancy to prevent curvature of the spine and fatigue of the mother’s muscles.
2. C-shaped. This form is convenient for children up to six months.

C-shaped pillow

1. Horseshoe-shaped. Convenient for twins.
2. The I-shaped pillow is easy to adjust its shape.
3. L-shaped.

There are varieties in the form of a long rectangle, boomerang. Pillows may additionally have straps, pockets or Velcro.

Information for craftswomen

A self-made nursing pillow will take an equally honorable place in a woman’s life and will not require much effort and materials. To make it you will need:

1. About 2.5 meters of fabric that will act as a pillowcase. It is better to use linen or calico.
2. For fixation you will need a zipper, ties or hooks with Velcro. You can use buttons, but the baby may accidentally tear them off.
3. Filler that is not afraid of washing. Expanded polystyrene fillers would be the best choice. Synthetic winterizer, down, fur or wool are not recommended for use.
4. Scissors, thread and needles.
5. Sewing machine.

Next, two identically shaped pieces of fabric are cut out. You can choose U-shape or C-shape. Their sizes should correspond to the mother’s height.

Both pieces must be stitched at the inner edge, not forgetting to leave room for the filler. Next, the cover is turned inside out and the filler is filled evenly. The edges of the remaining hole are stitched by hand.

After this, you need to sew the pillowcase according to the same principle as the cover. It is also necessary to leave a hole, but a larger one, so that the pillow can be easily inserted into the pillowcase. Next, a zipper is sewn in, ties are sewn on, or buttons are sewn on.

A hand-sewn pillow will please you no less than a purchased one, but it will bring much more positive emotions.

Pillow care

Before use, immediately after purchase, it is recommended to wash the pillowcase in a washing machine at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees, and then iron the dry cover on both sides. Some synthetic fillings (sintepon, holofiber, comforter) can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle in a special case.

After washing, shake the pillow thoroughly so that the filling is evenly distributed. When washing, it is recommended to use any washing machine detergent. Air conditioners and bleaches should not be used.

Caring for polystyrene foam filling does not require washing. If the granules have “settled”, you can add balls to the pillow.

Reviews from mothers

On forums, women are happy to leave reviews about their experiences using nursing pillows. If you purchase synthetic winterizer products, then among the advantages are the affordable price, hypoallergenicity and ease of care. However, consumers notice that the product does not hold its shape well, does not spring back and does not withstand long-term use. Suitable for first acquaintance with such a pillow and short-term use.

Pillows with buckwheat husks have received a lot of reviews. Mothers note that they hold their shape well and are comfortable to sit on with a child. At the same time, the baby does not sweat. The product does not lose its shape even after repeated use. Among the shortcomings is rigidity. In this case, the pillow is not for everyone. Some people are also bothered by rustling sounds.

The pillow with polystyrene balls has received only positive reviews. It holds its shape, is springy and promotes relaxation. The product is breathable, but does not absorb water. No negative reviews were found.

The latex nursing pillow also has extremely positive reviews. It is noted that after its use, back pain decreases. Feeding your baby is much more convenient, while you can relax and unwind as much as possible. Latex does not cause unpleasant reactions in the child. The baby does not drown in the filler, but gently sinks into it. The product helps to establish close contact with the baby and establish good lactation.

Wide selection of nursing pillows at kidsroom.de

The practical nursing pillow is available in various sizes.
Depending on your body size and area of ​​use, there are different options to consider. If the pillow will be used only for breastfeeding, then a short option is sufficient. These models are approximately 120 cm long and fit comfortably around the torso. The most commonly used lengths are 140 cm and 180 cm. However, there are also models with lengths up to 220 cm. Longer pillows can be used very well during the last months of pregnancy, as they help to achieve a more stable sleeping position. In this case, one end of the pillow is placed between the thighs, then the pillow is laid along the body, and the head is comfortably placed on the upper end. This position relaxes your back and ensures a comfortable sleep.

How comfortable is a pillow during feeding?

But a nursing pillow will become truly useful after the baby is born. After all, it makes it possible to take a comfortable position, so that neither the mother’s back nor her arms will get tired. In addition, the baby will be elevated so that he can easily latch on to the breast. This is especially important during the period when it is necessary to establish feeding. Improper breast latch is a common problem. As a result, the nipples are injured, the baby does not eat enough, as it receives only foremilk, and this provokes colic. A comfortable position makes this task easier.

It is also worth remembering that it is normal for an infant to stay at the breast for a long time. Some children can be satisfied in 10 minutes, while others may take half an hour or even an hour. It is important to give your baby the opportunity to receive more than just foremilk, so it is not recommended to remove it too early. And the nursing pillow frees up your hands. So while the baby is eating or even taking a nap, the mother can read a book, check her email, or do embroidery. Time spent with benefit and pleasure will have a positive effect on breastfeeding.

Advice

When buying a pillow, you should pay attention to whether it has a removable cover. It is better to choose just such models in order to be able to clean the product efficiently.

If you constantly feed your baby in one position, then some lobes of the breast are almost not used. Milk stagnation can form in them, and as a result - lactostasis. This, in turn, can develop into mastitis. With the help of a pillow it is much easier to feed the baby in the “under-arm” position than if you hold him in weight. And for a mother of twins, this is an almost irreplaceable thing.