Baby Showing Gifting: Nursing & Feeding Pillows
Once they were just an occasion on American TV shows. Now they're a common event for mums-to-be across the UK. Whether you're creating your baby shower wishlist, or you've just had an invite to attend one; sometimes trying to curate the perfect gifts can be a challenge! Especially when preferences are so different and there are SO many products on the market!
An item that you cannot go wrong with is a nursing pillow. They're the multi-use item that come in handy in a range of ways! From helping your birthing partner to get comfortable in those legendarily uncomfortable hospital chairs, to supporting your little one during tummy time and beyond - they can become one of the most versatile items in your endless baby prepping hoard.
What exactly is a nursing pillow?
As a first time mum (or an attendee of a baby shower who hasn't experience children yet!) you might be wondering what a nursing pillow actually is! Sometimes they're called a feeding pillow too. And they're simply a curved shaped pillow designed to make feeding time more comfortable.
With its ergonomic shape and soft, supportive cushioning, a nursing pillow helps position the baby at the perfect height for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. (It's like a little fluffy pedestal for your tiny human!).
Not only that, but during tummy time they can support your baby to help build neck strength and movement. Some babies don't like being placed face down on the floor, so it really helps to make it a little bit less stressful in those first attempts to help your baby to develop! Not only that, but as your baby grows and hits those coveted milestones, the pillow can also help to support their lower back when in the seated position. As they become more confident in sitting you can move the pillow back more and more to support them if they do fall back.
Why is a nursing pillow the perfect gift?
So, why should you consider gifting a nursing pillow at the baby shower? Well, for starters, it's a practical gift that any new parent will appreciate. (Trust us, it'll be extra appreciated during those late-night feeding sessions!) It also demonstrates that you have put through and care about her comfort and well-being during those early days of motherhood. A lot of baby shower gifts can focus solely on the imminent arrival, and whilst this is *for* the baby, it's actually much more useful for the parent!
A nursing pillow also ticks so many boxes to ensure it will be used. For example, they are suitable for both vaginal and c-section births, as they allow breastfeeding mums to position the baby in a more comfortable way to alleviate pressure from any sore bits. They suit both breast-feeding and bottle feeding positions and can also support positioning when having skin to skin contact in the very early days of birth.
Things to look for in a nursing pillow:
🤱Ergonomic Design: Look for a pillow that fits comfortably around your waist and supports your baby in an ideal feeding position (whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding).
🤱Is it the right Size: It should fit your body size, with enough space for your baby to rest comfortably. Some pillows are larger for added support.
🤱How Firm it is: A pillow that is too soft may not provide enough support, while one that’s too firm might be uncomfortable. Look for a balance of firmness to hold the baby at breast or bottle level.
🤱Can it be Washed: Feeding pillows tend to get messy, so it’s important that the nursing pillow cover is removable and machine washable.
🤱Quality of Materials: Look for a pillow with durable stitching and quality foam or fill to ensure it lasts through frequent use.
