A nursing pillow is a lovely helper at feeding time, whether you feed your baby in your arms or with a bottle. It helps you and your little one settle into a comfier position and keeps you close together, right from the very first days.
Which positions can you use a nursing pillow for? Read on to find out.
5 reasons to use a nursing pillow at feeding time
The first weeks of feeds are a time of discovery: you and your baby are getting to know each other and finding your own rhythm. Your little one is getting used to feeding time, and you’re looking for a cosy position that doesn’t tire out your back and arms.
A nursing pillow can make this new phase easier and keep you company for as long as you like. Here are its advantages:
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Your baby is comfier
A nursing pillow is soft enough to keep your baby comfortable, but not so soft that they sink into it. -
It cradles your baby’s little head
Babies spend many hours a day feeding. Mum and dad’s arm can feel rather firm for their little heads, while a soft, stable pillow is much cosier. -
It takes the weight off your arms
A nursing pillow carries some of your baby’s weight, so your arms, shoulders and neck don’t have to do all the work. It’s especially handy in the first weeks with your newborn, as it keeps the weight off your tummy. -
It helps you find a comfortable position
When you and your baby are settled comfortably, feeding time becomes calmer and more enjoyable for you both. -
A multifunctional nursing pillow
Koala Hug Baby is not just a simple feeding pillow, but a 5-in-1 cushion that keeps your baby company every step of the way: relaxing after feeds, as a Tummy Time pillow and while learning to sit up.
How do you use a nursing pillow?
Wrap the pillow around your waist and lay your baby on it at feeding time. This way, the pillow carries some of the weight for you and your back and arms can relax.
Your baby should lie on their side with their tummy facing you. A comfy position helps your little one feed calmly and contentedly.
The nursing pillow for bottle-feeding
The pillow isn’t only for feeding your baby in your arms: it’s really useful for bottle-feeding too. That means it’s just as comfortable for dad and for anyone else looking after your little one.
When bottle-feeding, your baby should be in a slightly raised position with their head facing upwards. You’ll still support your baby’s head with your arm, but the pillow helps carry their weight.
The best feeding positions with a nursing pillow
The two favourite positions with a nursing pillow are the cradle hold and the rugby hold. Let’s explore them in detail.
The cradle hold
In the cradle hold, your baby lies horizontally on the nursing pillow, at chest height, tummy to tummy with you.
The pillow wraps around your waist and carries some of your baby’s weight, so your back, arms, shoulders and neck can stay relaxed. Your baby will be snug and comfy for their feed.
The rugby hold
Place the pillow around your waist and lay your baby on top of it, on their side, just like carrying a rugby ball. Their body is horizontal, their tummy rests against your side and their feet point towards your back.
This position is especially comfy if you’d like to keep weight off your tummy, and it’s handy for feeding twins at the same time.
Does the nursing pillow have other uses?
Not all nursing pillows are the same. Koala Hugs is a multifunctional 8-in-1 body and nursing pillow, a mum’s best friend while she’s expecting and throughout her baby’s first year.
Feeding time is just one of its functions! When your baby is a few months old, you can use it for Tummy Time and to encourage crawling.
In the months with a bump, when finding a comfy sleeping position gets trickier, it helps you rest cosily through the night.
Using a nursing pillow from the very first days makes feeding time more relaxed for both mum and baby. With Koala Hugs, you’ll have a faithful companion while you’re expecting and once your little one arrives.
