12 Boppy Pillow Positions For Newborns + Other Benefits

There are a variety of boppy pillow positions for newborns that all moms need to know about in advance. Some items on this list are not so obvious!

Nursing pillows are a MUST for new moms. The strain caring for a newborn has on your neck, back, and really the rest of your body is like nothing nobody could have prepared me for. BESIDES helping with bottle feeding and breastfeeding, there are plenty of other benefits to using this nursing pillow. 

Think of this as your own personal assistant for the next year. Aside from helping care for your little one, it can also help you too. This is something many new mamas don’t realize (myself included). 

From tummy time to providing a safe landing for recovery, let’s unpack boppy pillow positions for newborns PLUS other benefits you probably don’t know about.

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Boppy Pillow Positions For Newborns

1. Feeding

There are various feeding styles, and whatever your go-to position is, a nursing pillow will make feeding so much easier. Have you fed your baby without the boppy pillow? Yikes. I have and is SO exhausting for your arms and your back. So use a nursing pillow for support mamas! Without it, it will feel like feedings go on for a very long time! Finding the right position is key. Especially if your little one has latching issues. It also helps reduce reflux or swallowing issues.

Here are some helpful feeding positions:

• Cradle position: Lay your little one on his or her side facing you.
• Cross-cradle position: Similar to the cradle position, use the pillow to lay your baby across the front of your body so you are belly to belly. Then hold your little darling with the opposite arm of the breast you are feeding with. While in this position you can use the pillow for arm support.
• Football hold: Hold your baby at your side (facing you) and tuck their body under your arm. Like you are holding a football. They should be held on their side- belly to belly. Cradle your baby with your hand to support your baby’s head and neck.

And just like that, feeding time is a breeze!

2. C-Section Support

Whether you’ve had a vaginal or a c-section, birth brings a lot of pain. Calling all mamas who had a c-section! A nursing pillow will make breastfeeding more comfortable because it serves as a layer of protection from stomach tenderness.

3. Help Taking Care of Twins

While there is not a Boppy nursing pillow designed for twins, the pillow can be used to feed two babies. This is where the rugby/football hold comes in handy.

Support is appreciated while nursing one and support is certainly needed to help feed multiples!

If you don’t want to use the c-shaped design for twins, there are nursing pillows that are made specifically for twins. Like this one.

4. Prevents Strain

If you frequently nurse your baby in a sitting position, you’ll appreciate that a nursing pillow brings the baby closer to you. As a result, this will help you have good posture while feeding. Hunching forward won’t do your neck and back any favors. So be mindful of your posture while nursing.

5. Tummy Time

As new parents,  we did not realize the benefits of using a nursing pillow OUTSIDE of breastfeeding.

The boppy pillow can also be used during tummy time. During awake time, lay the pillow beneath your baby for extra support.

6. Play

Many mamas add a playmat or play gym to playtime. By the way- do you have this play gym? It’s too good. Plus it will actually grow with your baby. The longer you can use products the more practical they are.

For young babies, reaching for toys can be a challenge. So adding the boppy pillow to the mix is a game-changer. This will help prop your babe up so they can reach the toys more easily.

7. Help With Acid Reflux

If your baby suffers from acid reflux, it is recommended to keep them upright after feedings. Just like your doctor reminded you to do after eating during pregnancy. It is never helpful to lay down immediately after feeding. The boppy is great for helping with acid reflux.

8. Help With Sitting

The Boppy ALSO comes in handy giving your baby support when sitting up. In addition, it can help catch them if they get wobbly! Wrap the curvy part of the pillow around your child’s back and let them practice, practice, practice!

9. Support Holding Baby

Count on this plush product to assist you with holding your baby. Remember when I mentioned that my back hurt more than ever during the fourth trimester? I am sure I am not alone here. If this is the case for you, you’ll enjoy this one.

For some relief, I would lay my daughter on the pillow while it was wrapped around me. I would also sit her up on top of the pillow. This allowed me to stay snuggled with my girl, but also feel more comfortable.

10. Great For Travel

As a new mama, traveling is a challenge. Mainly because you are away from all your baby items that simplify nursing. Like your rocking chair, supplies, and you can fill in the rest! This pillow makes traveling easier. It is comforting knowing you have your trusted sidekick to help feed your baby and assist during playtime too.

11. Pregnancy Pillow

Don’t you just love products that serve multiple purposes? Not only does the Boppy Pillow help support your little one, but it can support you too! As a pregnancy pillow.

I liked to sleep with it between my knees.

12. Postpartum Pillow

Sitting down after labor is really painful. NOT a comfortable experience. If you’re not a first-time mom then you already know. Having a Boppy pillow to sit on is incredibly helpful because it takes some of the pressure off. Do yourself a favor and remember to do this during the fourth trimester. You can thank me later!

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