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The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
The nursing pillow is the accessory that breastfeeding mums can no longer imagine living without after a few days of use. But it isn't just for breastfeeding: it also comes in handy for bottle-feeding, supports baby during their first waking hours, and doubles as a maternity pillow before birth. Here is the complete guide to making the right choice. 🤱
The most classic and widespread shape. It wraps around the waist and holds baby securely. Compact, easy to store, compatible with most armchairs and sofas. Ideal for a first purchase.
Offers superior bilateral support to the C — very useful for rugby-ball position breastfeeding, for mums breastfeeding twins in tandem, or for pregnant women who want to use it as a pregnancy pillow.
Firmer than a standard pillow, it supports baby's position better without sagging after a few weeks of heavy use. Ideal for mums who breastfeed for a long time — the firmness remains stable even after dozens of washes.
The cover must be made of cotton washable at 60°C — baby regurgitation requires frequent washing. You must choose a model with a removable cover that can be washed independently of the cushion.
Baby lying facing you, their head in the crook of your elbow, their body on the cushion. The most natural position for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
Baby positioned under your arm, feet towards your back, head level with the breast. Very useful after a caesarean (no pressure on the scar) or for twins. The cushion supports their body.
Lay baby on their tummy on the rounded part of the cushion, with their head slightly elevated. This position helps strengthen neck muscles and prepares them for unsupported head control. For use under supervision only.
It’s one of the most useful yet least commonly given baby gifts. Parents receive plenty of ‘one-size-fits-all’ items and soft toys — but rarely the full set of breastfeeding essentials they’ll need from the very first hours. A high-quality nursing pillow, an extra cover and a book on breastfeeding make for a much-appreciated gift set.
For more practical gift ideas, check out our selection of original newborn gifts.
Yes — that is where you will need it most. Pack it in your hospital bag. The first times putting baby to the breast with the help of a midwife are often done with a cushion.
For as long as you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding — some mums use it up to 12-18 months. Beyond that, it remains useful for sitting baby up (up to 8-9 months) and for tummy time (until baby crawls on their own).
Yes, highly recommended. One cover in use, one in the wash. Baby regurgitation is frequent and unpredictable — having a clean cover available immediately avoids using the cushion without a cover.
Definitely — it is one of its main roles, which is often forgotten in the name. Whether you are breastfeeding or not, the pillow relieves the arms and back during bottle feeds, especially at night when you are tired.
Soft cotton nursing pillows with removable, machine-washable covers: PetitMaxou offers designs made to last as long as you need them. Free delivery throughout the EU, returns within 14 days.
→ See PetitMaxou maternity and breastfeeding accessories
Prices range from 20 to 80 euros depending on the quality of the filling, the material of the cover, and the brand. A cushion between 40 and 60 euros generally offers good value for money and durability. Avoid models under 20 euros — the filling often sags after a few weeks. Modular cushions with adjustable filling are at the higher end of the market but really last a long time.
A good quality nursing pillow can last for 2 to 3 children if well maintained. The signs that indicate it is time to replace it: permanent sagging even after fluffing the filling, a cover that no longer closes properly, persistent odours despite washing, or deformations that no longer hold baby in the right position. The cover can be replaced separately on most quality models — a good way to extend the lifespan of the pillow.
To summarise this guide on nursing pillows in a few key points:
PetitMaxou selects all its products according to these strict criteria. Our team is on hand to advise you if you’re unsure which model to choose. Free delivery throughout the European Union; returns accepted within 14 days.
Our blog is packed with practical guides to support you through the first few months with your baby. Here are a few articles related to this topic that you might find interesting:
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