How to Safely Use a Nursing Pillow: What Every New Mom Should Know

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I get asked about nursing pillows all the time. They’re often marketed as a “must-have,” but what’s missing from the conversation is how to use them intentionally—or if you even need one at all.

If you're wondering whether you should get a nursing pillow, which one is best, or if they’re safe, you’re in the right place!

I want to start out by saying this - you don’t need a nursing pillow to successfully breastfeed. In fact, I always aim to help parents learn how to feed without one first. Understanding the natural mechanics of breastfeeding allows for more freedom, confidence, and fewer logistics in the long run.

But for some moms, a nursing pillow can make those early days feel less overwhelming. When used thoughtfully, they can help reduce tension, support posture, and give you a little more confidence with holding and feeding your baby. Especially during the first few weeks, that extra support can go a long way. Ast the end of the day, my goal is to meet you where you’re at.

I have partnered with MomCozy for this informational post on nursing pillow safety. All opinions are my own.

Why Some Parents Benefit from a Nursing Pillow

Feeding, whether you’re nursing, pumping, combo feeding, or bottle feeding, can take a toll on your body, especially when you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing. The hunched shoulders, sore wrists, and awkward angles can wear on you fast. A nursing pillow may help relieve that strain, especially if you're still getting used to handling your baby.

I find them particularly helpful for bottle feeding or side-lying bottle feeding, where a bit of elevation or stability can improve comfort for both baby and caregiver. In fact, I often recommend a nursing pillow for bottle-feeding families.

That said, most moms I work with eventually move away from using them. And that's a good thing, it often means they’ve found their rhythm. But if you're someone who finds a pillow helpful? That’s totally fine. The key is using it in a way that supports both safety and a healthy latch.

What to Look for in a Safe, Supportive Nursing Pillow

If you decide to use a nursing pillow, here are the key features to consider:

1. Meets 2025 Safety Standards

With new regulations going into effect, it’s vital to choose a pillow that complies with these regulations. These include:

• Pillows must be firm enough that it won’t conform to an infant’s face or close off the baby’s airways. 

• Have a wider opening to fit the adult rather than just the infant to help reduce the risk of the baby’s head becoming stuck in the pillow’s opening. 

• Straps, buckles or harnesses are designed to attach the baby to the pillow are prohibited.

• Warning labels must be clear to advise caregivers of the risks of using nursing pillows - including explicitly prohibiting them for the use of sleep. 

The MomCozy MaxSupport Nursing Pillow, for example, has been updated to meet the latest U.S. safety standards, providing you with peace of mind that their pillow is safe. There are straps and buckles, but this is for your comfort and not to attach the baby to the pillows. 

2. Back and Body Support for Mom

Feeding isn’t just about the baby’s position; it’s about your comfort, too. Look for a pillow that includes lower back support, like the extra lumbar cushion in the MomCozy MaxSupport Pillow. It’s designed with real moms in mind to relieve body pain and reduce the tension that builds up from feeding in awkward positions.

3. Added Safety Features

Keeping your baby in place during feedings can help reduce the need for constant repositioning. The MomCozy MaxSupport Pillow includes a soft safety fence that provides gentle boundaries, helping keep your baby from rolling out of position—especially useful when your arms need a break.

How to Use a Nursing Pillow Safely

Even with the best pillow, safety must come first. As an IBCLC, I always remind parents that a nursing pillow is a tool for feeding, not a sleeping space. Here are the key safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Use nursing pillows only during active feeding - whether that’s with the breast or bottle.

• Never allow a baby to sleep or lounge on a nursing pillow.

• Do not use nursing pillows in cribs, bassinets, or any other sleep spaces.

• Never leave your baby unattended on a nursing pillow, especially on beds, couches, or elevated surfaces.

• If your baby falls asleep during feeding, gently transfer them to a safe, flat sleep space.

• If you start feeling drowsy during a feed, hand baby to another caregiver or place them in a safe sleep area.

The MomCozy MaxSupport Pillow meets and exceeeds these requirements, which can give you more peace with feeding.

Final Thoughts from a Lactation Consultant

You don’t need a nursing pillow to succeed at feeding your baby, but if one helps you feel more confident, more supported, or just a little more at ease, that matters too.

My job as a lactation consultant isn’t to sell you on tools. It’s to help you feel empowered in your feeding journey. The right nursing pillow, used wisely and safely, can be a helpful tool for some families. Just make sure it’s one designed with real-life needs and updated safety standards in mind.

You deserve a feeding experience that works for you - with or without a pillow.