Evie Summers
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers and babies during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. They provide optimal positioning and comfort for both the mother and the baby, reducing the risk of back, shoulder, and arm pain. While nursing pillows are a valuable tool for feeding, they are not intended to be used as sleep aids. In fact, using a nursing pillow for sleep can be dangerous and may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It is recommended that babies are always placed on their backs on a firm, flat surface without any pillows or soft bedding.
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What You'll Learn
Nursing pillows are not for infant sleep
Nursing pillows are designed to support parents and their babies during feeding time. They can be used to prop up the baby, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxed nursing experience. The shape of the pillow supports the mother's arms, shoulders, and neck, and can also help support the baby's head.
However, nursing pillows are not intended for infant sleep. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned parents and caregivers that nursing pillows are not designed for sleep and are not safe for sleep. The CPSC is currently investigating infant deaths that may be associated with pillow-like products, including nursing pillows. The initial assessment of incidents shows deaths when children are left on or near pillows and then roll over, roll off, or fall asleep.
Nursing pillows are not flat and can cause suffocation by blocking the infant's mouth and nose, or positional asphyxia by dropping their chin to their chest, compromising their airway. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies sleep safest on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface. It is recommended that infants always be placed on their back to sleep, on a flat mattress, in a crib free from clutter such as blankets, pillows, or toys.
It is important to follow safe sleep practices for infants and to use nursing pillows only as directed by the manufacturer.
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Pillows should be firm and secure around the waist
Nursing pillows are designed to provide support and comfort to both the mother and baby during breastfeeding. They are placed on the mother's lap, with the baby lying on the pillow facing the mother. This helps to achieve the optimal nursing position and prevent strain on the mother's upper body.
It is important to choose a nursing pillow that is firm enough to support the correct posture and minimise the risk of suffocation. The pillow should be securely fastened around the waist to provide stability and ensure that the baby does not roll off. The Boppy Best Latch Nursing Pillow, for example, buckles around the waist for a secure fit. The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow is another firm option that minimises the risk of suffocation with its moulded shape and buckle.
When using a nursing pillow, it is crucial to ensure that both the mother and baby are comfortable. This includes adjusting the baby's position to achieve the best possible nipple latch, which will result in increased milk flow and better transfer. It is also important to ensure that there is enough room between the mother and baby to prevent the baby from rolling off the pillow.
While nursing pillows provide numerous benefits, it is important to remember that they are not intended for sleep. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface without any pillows, blankets, or soft bedding. Using a nursing pillow for sleep can be dangerous and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, if a baby falls asleep while feeding on a nursing pillow, it is recommended to transfer them to a safe sleeping spot as soon as possible.
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They help mothers maintain good posture
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers maintain good posture and avoid discomfort, pain, and tension in the back, shoulders, and arms. They can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
The shape of most nursing pillows allows them to act as a cradle that supports the baby's head while lying flat on their tummy or side, with their face uncovered. This provides easy access for feeding time and helps the baby stay comfortable and relaxed while eating, reducing the risk of colic or gassiness from swallowing too much air.
Nursing pillows can be placed on the mother's lap, with the baby lying on the pillow facing the mother during breastfeeding. The pillow should be positioned at a 45-degree angle to facilitate latching. When bottle-feeding, the baby should sit up with their back against the pillow.
It is important to choose a pillow that is explicitly recommended for the intended use. The pillow should be large enough to wrap around the waist and support the arms and elbows. The Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow, for example, is a pillowy option, while the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow is firm and buckles around the waist for a secure fit.
Nursing pillows are not intended to be used as sleep aids for babies. They are meant to provide support to the adult caregiver during feeding.
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Pillows should be placed on a flat surface
Nursing pillows are designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient for both the baby and the mother. They provide optimal positioning, especially in the early days when positioning changes frequently. The pillow should be placed on a flat surface to ensure the baby's safety and comfort.
A flat surface is essential for a baby's safe sleeping environment. When placing your baby down to sleep, it is important to remove any pillows or soft bedding from their crib. This includes nursing pillows, which have been found to increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Alexis Lopez, a neonatal intensive care unit manager, emphasizes that infants should never sleep on any type of pillow, and that a safe sleeping space includes a firm, flat surface with a tight-fitting sheet and nothing that could interfere with their breathing.
When using a nursing pillow, place it on a flat surface where you can lean back comfortably without it tipping over. Ensure that there is enough space between you and your baby to prevent them from rolling off onto a hard floor. Placing the pillow on a chair with armrests can provide additional safety and stability.
It is crucial to remember that nursing pillows are not intended for sleep. If your baby falls asleep while feeding on the nursing pillow, transfer them to a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard. This ensures their safety and provides a comfortable sleeping environment.
By following these guidelines and placing nursing pillows on a flat surface, you can ensure the comfort and safety of both you and your baby during feeding and sleeping times.
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They help babies achieve the correct latch
Nursing pillows are designed to prop up your baby and maintain a comfortable and safe feeding position for both parent and child. They can help to achieve the correct latch, which is how your baby attaches to your breast during breastfeeding. A proper latch is important to ensure your baby is getting enough breast milk and to prevent breast discomfort and sore nipples.
The correct latching position can be achieved by ensuring the baby's head and neck are supported by your hand, with the body supported by pillows, so they are raised to your breast. The baby's bottom lip should be at the base of the areola and the nose opposite the nipple. When done correctly, the baby should have a big mouthful of your breast, including both nipple and areola. The chin and nose should be touching your breast, and the baby's lips should be flanged outward like a trumpet or fish lips.
Nursing pillows can be used to support the baby's head while breastfeeding, keeping them comfortable and relaxed, reducing the risk of colic or gassiness from swallowing too much air. The pillow can also be placed between you and your partner so you can both hold it while nursing together.
The laid-back or reclining position is ideal for mothers breastfeeding for the first time. Simply lean back with pillows supporting your neck, shoulders and arms. With the baby's belly on yours, allow them to find your breast and make any necessary adjustments. The side-lying position is another option, where you lie on your side with cushions or pillows behind you for support, and the baby lies facing you to nurse.
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Frequently asked questions
A nursing pillow is a pillow designed to support a baby during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. They are placed on the parent's lap, with the baby lying on the pillow facing the parent.
When breastfeeding, the baby should be lying on their side, facing the parent. When bottle-feeding, the baby should be sitting up with their back against the pillow. The pillow should be placed on a flat surface, with enough room between the parent and baby to avoid the baby rolling off.
No, nursing pillows are not intended to be used as sleep aids. It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, free of pillows and soft bedding.
Nursing pillows can help to improve the feeding position, providing support to both the parent and baby, and reducing discomfort and tension. They can also help to promote bonding between the parent and baby during feeding time.
