When you’re having a baby, there are so many different things you can buy that claim to make you and your baby’s life easier or keep your little one entertained. It can be a struggle to figure out what items you need and what things won’t get used and will just take up space in your home. Nursing pillows are one of the items you might wonder if you really need or if they’re just a gimmick. If you’re thinking the same thing, this article can help; we take a look at several different uses for nursing pillows to show you how much you’re likely to use one.
During pregnancy
You can use a nursing pillow before your baby is born in several ways to provide extra support for your growing body. Your back is likely to be sore during your pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when your baby is almost ready to come into the world. A nursing pillow can be used as a back support when you’re sitting in an office chair, on the sofa, or anywhere where you need extra support. Place it around the bottom of your back for additional support and to help prevent back pain. In addition, you might feel like you need to support your knees or your bump when you’re in bed. Many women get a separate pregnancy pillow for this purpose, which might not be necessary. If you choose the right nursing pillow, you can use it during your pregnancy to support your back, knees, and bump, help you sleep, and to nurse your baby once you’ve given birth.
Prevent strain when breastfeeding
The main reason why nursing pillows are sold is to help with breastfeeding. They provide a comfortable place for your baby to lie whilst they’re feeding. Breastfeeding can be challenging; you need to get your baby and yourself into the right position to avoid back pain, cramps, wrist ache and arm ache. A good nursing pillow will help you with this positioning and make breastfeeding much easier for you and your baby. You’ll spend many hours breastfeeding your baby at all times of the day and night; getting into the right position can help with milk transfer and keep your baby latched on correctly.
Support when bottle feeding
If you bottle-feed your baby, a nursing pillow can still be extremely useful. It will help position your baby comfortably and provide support to your arms and wrists. Bottle feeding can also be challenging; like breastfeeding, a nursing pillow can make this whole process much easier and more comfortable for you and your baby.
Tummy time
Your baby should spend time on their stomach in order to build their shoulder and neck muscles. Building these muscles will help your baby transition to crawling and walking, which is vital for their development. Tummy time can be frustrating for your baby at first; to get them used to it, you can use your nursing pillow. Always carefully monitor your baby when they’re using a nursing pillow for tummy time. Their arms should be over the pillow, and they should be resting on their chest area.
Support when your baby is learning to sit up
When your baby gets to 4-8 months of age, they will start to practise sitting up and supporting themselves. This can take time to perfect and get right; during this stage, you can use your nursing pillow to help support your baby and provide cushioning if they do fall over to the side when trying to stay sitting up. Always make sure you keep a close eye on your baby when they’re in this position and be on hand to pick them up if they fall. You need to keep an eye on their positioning to ensure they can freely breathe.
Many parents see nursing pillows as vital baby items. Nursing pillows are very versatile and have many different uses. When selecting a nursing pillow, look for a high-quality pillow with good reviews. A good pillow will last much longer without being replaced, and a washable cover can be very useful to keep your nursing pillow in good condition. This is one baby item you won’t regret purchasing.
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