Video: The Boppy Pillow Just Got a Makeover—Here’s Why Parents Love It
A wider U shape design fits comfortably with more body types, and a firmer cushion keeps baby higher and closer during feedings.
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There’s no better feeling than cuddling your baby in your arms—except maybe when your arms get tired during those frequent newborn nursing sessions. This is exactly why the Boppy Nursing Pillow has become a baby registry mainstay. It’s a cleverly designed pillow that helps hold your baby up while you nurse or bottle feed so your arms can get a break, and now it’s available in a new shape that supports your arms and back.
Curious about how the new Boppy compares to the OG? Check out our video review where Charlene, a mom of two, shares some helpful insights about the original and newly redesigned Boppy nursing pillows. Or, keep reading for what you should know before buying it or adding it to your Babylist registry.
Why you may want a nursing pillow
Your newborn will eat between eight and 12 times per day during their first month, which translates to a lot of time spent holding them. Nursing pillows help keep both of you comfortable during these frequent feedings, thanks to their unique shape that curves around your body. This shape helps breastfed babies stay at just the right angle for proper latching, and it gives your arm a place to rest while bottle-feeding your baby.
It’s possible to get similar support using a sleeping or throw pillow, but those don’t tend to be as firm as nursing pillows, meaning your baby won’t sit as high, so you’ll need to offer them additional support with your arm. Nursing pillows are also easier to grab and place into position with one hand, whereas your trusty bedroom pillow may require a second pillow or a folded blanket to build the best setup (aka a lot of finagling).
What is the original Boppy pillow?
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through baby registries, chances are you’ve seen the original Boppy Nursing Pillow pop up. This uniquely C-shaped pillow has been around for 35 years, and many expecting parents add it to their registries after learning about its benefits, especially during the newborn phase.
The Original Boppy is ergonomically designed to fit along the front of your body or around your waist, giving you the freedom to try different breastfeeding positions and find what feels right for you and your baby. It’s also just the right size—big enough to hold up your growing little one, but compact enough to use on the couch, in a rocking chair or wherever you like to feed.
What makes the new Boppy pillow different?
The new Boppy pillow still does everything the original does—but with a few upgrades to make feeding (or snuggling) even better for you and your baby. The classic C shape has been updated to a U shape with a wider front opening, making it more body-inclusive and comfortable for a broader range of parents. You can spot the difference in shapes at the 0:49 mark in our video review..
The new version is also a bit firmer and gives a little more lift. Why does that matter? A firmer cushion means your baby is positioned higher up, so you’re not hunching over during feedings (your back and shoulders will thank you). It also helps bring your baby closer to your body at just the right angle so your baby can get a strong, comfy latch.
Bonus: Feeding holds to try with the Boppy
Good news: There’s more than one way to safely feed your baby. While you may be used to the classic cradle hold (think: the emoji showing one arm cradling a baby and the other feeding them with a bottle), that’s just one of the positions you can use with the new Boppy pillow. Here are some others:
Cross cradle hold: File this one under “good for beginners.” To try the cross cradle hold, bring your baby to the breast they’ll be feeding from, then support their head with your opposite hand while letting their back rest on that arm. Use your Boppy below your arm to support their weight, and use your other hand to hold your breast and gently guide your baby to latch. (1:52)
Football hold: This one is great for newborns and anyone recovering from a C-section, since it keeps your baby and the pillow from resting on your scar. It can also be used to breastfeed twins, since it helps you feed one on each breast. Try it by supporting your baby’s head in your hand and resting their back along your arm. Hold your baby level, facing up beside you, and use the breast on the same side of the supporting arm. Put the Boppy under your arm (or arms) to let them rest during your feeding session. (2:14)
Elevated side-lying position: Bottle-feeding newborns, we didn’t forget about you! This position helps your newborn pace themselves. Support their back and head as they rest on the Boppy with their ear, shoulder and hip, along the same side of their body, facing the ceiling. Keep their head slightly elevated and offer the bottle. (2:40)
Cradle hold: This classic position is better when your baby is older and both of you have had some time to get comfortable with feeding. For the cradle hold, rest your baby in the crook of your elbow and use the Boppy to support the weight of your arm. (3:05)
Remember to keep their nose clear and their airway open, regardless of which hold works best for you and your baby. You should also ensure their chin is up, which gives the milk a clear pathway. And a PSA for first-time parents (or any parent who needs a friendly reminder): A big part of baby feeding is trial and error. There’s nothing wrong with trying multiple holds before settling on the one that feels best. Just remember to keep an eye on their posture for their safety, and make sure you are staying hydrated if you’re breastfeeding or pumping.
Who we recommend the Boppy pillow for
Comfort matters when you’re feeding around the clock. The original and new Boppy Nursing Pillows (both $44.99) are two options that offer much-needed support and help you get set up quickly, no matter where you prefer to feed. With a few subtle differences between the new and old design, parents can pick the one that best fits their needs for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or even just a little extra support during those newborn cuddle sessions.
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