When to Stop Using a Nursing Pillow: 3 Things to Consider

Breastfeeding is amazing, but let’s be honest: holding a baby in the perfect position 10 times a day is a serious workout.

A nursing pillow saves your arms and helps with the latch, but eventually, it just becomes another piece of baby gear cluttering up the living room. So, is it time to toss it, or does it still have a purpose?

Here is everything you need to know about when to stop using a nursing pillow and how to repurpose it once breastfeeding days are behind you.

Signs It Is Time to Stop Using Your Pillow

Using a nursing pillow is a personal preference, not a requirement. While they are great for the newborn stage, many moms find that natural nursing positions become easier without props as the baby grows ⁽¹⁾. unlike car seats, there is no legal age limit or hard rule here.

If you are wondering if you are ready to move on, consider these three factors:

1. Baby’s Size and Strength

As your child grows, your reliance on the pillow usually drops. In the newborn days, your baby is floppy and tiny. The pillow is crucial for lifting them high enough to reach the breast without you hunching over, saving your back and arms.

However, once your baby gains head control and core strength, they can support themselves better. You might find the pillow actually gets in the way or lifts a larger baby too high, making the latch awkward.

2. Mom’s Body and Recovery

Nursing pillows are not “one size fits all.” Your anatomy plays a huge role in how long you need that extra support. What works for your best friend might not work for you.

Here is how different body types affect pillow use:

• If you are tall: You have a longer torso, meaning there is more distance between your lap and your breast. You will likely need a pillow longer to bridge that gap until the baby is tall enough to sit on your lap and reach.
• If you are short: You might ditch the pillow sooner. As the baby grows, a thick pillow might push them up past your nipple line, making it uncomfortable to feed.
• If you had a C-section: This is a big one. A nursing pillow acts as a buffer, protecting your sensitive incision from a kicking baby. You might keep using it purely for protection long after you need it for positioning.

3. Posture Check

It is easy to go into “auto-pilot” mode during feedings. Take a moment to assess your form.

If you are using the pillow but still leaning forward, hunching your shoulders, or feeling back pain, the pillow might be doing more harm than good. A pillow should bring the baby to you, not force you to lean into the baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests frequently checking your technique to ensure you aren’t developing bad habits ⁽²⁾. If the pillow is causing awkward positioning, it might be time to try laid-back nursing or side-lying positions without it.

If you are struggling with position, this video guide can help you troubleshoot:

5 Ways to Repurpose Your Nursing Pillow

Just because you are done nursing doesn’t mean the pillow is useless. These things are surprisingly versatile.

Here are five ways we have used ours to get more bang for our buck:

• Bedtime reading prop: I used my nursing pillow behind my back while reading in bed. It offers great lumbar support. If you are recovering from a vaginal delivery, sitting on the pillow (using the hole to relieve pressure) can be a lifesaver.
• Sibling bonding: Big brothers and sisters love to hold the new baby, but they often lack the arm strength to do it safely. Place the nursing pillow on their lap to support the baby’s weight. It makes for a safer, sweeter snuggle session (always with adult supervision, of course).
• Tummy time support: Tummy time is hard work for tiny muscles. Once your baby has some head control, prop their chest up on the curve of the pillow. It gives them a new vantage point and makes the exercise a little less frustrating.
• The baby nest: You can place the baby on their back in the center of the pillow (like a lounger). It cradles them while they look around.

  Safety Warning

  Never let a baby sleep on a nursing pillow or leave them unsupervised in one. It is not a safe sleep surface and poses a suffocation risk ⁽³⁾.
• Supported sitting: When my son was learning to sit up, he was wobbly. I wrapped the pillow around his lower back/hips to act as a safety net. It gave him confidence and cushioned his tumble when he inevitably tipped over.

FAQs

Is It Necessary to Use a Nursing Pillow?

No, a nursing pillow is not strictly necessary. While many moms swear by them for saving their arms and back, you can achieve a good latch using regular throw pillows or rolled-up towels. Some mothers even prefer feeding without any props at all, especially when nursing in a laid-back position.

How Long Can I Use My Brest Friend Pillow?

My Brest Friend pillows are designed to fit babies up to about 18 months old. However, most toddlers are active enough to nurse without needing that level of structured support well before that age. It really comes down to your comfort and whether your child stays still enough to use it.

At What Age Do You Stop Using a Boppy Pillow?

Most parents stop using the Boppy for breastfeeding around 4 to 6 months. This coincides with when babies start sitting up, rolling over, and becoming too long for the pillow to support comfortably. However, you can keep using it for seated support or tummy time until the baby is crawling.

Can I Let My Baby Sleep on a Nursing Pillow?

No, you should never let a baby sleep on a nursing pillow. The shape and soft filling can cause positional asphyxiation if the baby slides down, or suffocation if they roll against the plush fabric. Always move a sleeping baby to a firm, flat crib or bassinet.

Do Nursing Pillows Cause Mastitis?

They can if used incorrectly. If you lean forward into the pillow, or if the pillow presses too firmly against the underside of your breast during feeding, it can restrict milk flow and lead to clogged ducts. Ensure the pillow supports the baby, not your breast tissue.

It is Okay To Let Go

Maybe you are tired of dragging that giant cushion from room to room. Maybe your baby is practically doing gymnastics while eating. Whatever the reason, there will come a day when you realize you just don’t need it anymore.

Keep reevaluating your setup every few months. If your back feels good and the baby is latching well without it, feel free to retire the pillow, or better yet, use it to take a nap yourself!