New parents are bombarded with advertisements and recommendations for the next “must-have” baby product. One of the most popular is the Boppy Nursing Pillow and its sister product the Boppy Lounger. Are these Boppy products and similar pillows from other brands really worth it?
The Boppy Nursing Pillow is very popular with new parents, particularly nursing mothers. These pillows offer support throughout your infant’s development, and aid in propping up, tummy time, and sitting up. Similar products, such as the Brest Friend Pillow may offer a different range of benefits, so research each style before making your decision.
Read on to learn more about Boppy pillows and loungers, their recommended usages, as well as a comparison to similar products from other brands like the My Brest Friend pillow.
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Are Boppy pillows worth it for your baby?
If you’ve ever walked through the aisles of a baby store, you’ve probably seen entire sections dedicated to comfy-looking nursing pillows and loungers. They may seem expensive for a simple pillow, but are they worth it?
The Boppy pillow is the most popular of all the nursing pillows on the market, most likely due to its affordable price, simple design, and comfortable material.
The original Boppy nursing pillow is designed to support your infant through a range of developmental stages:
- 0-12 months – Feeding
- 3+ months – Propping
- 6+ months – Tummy time
- 9+ months – Sitting
It retails for right at $40, comes in 11 patterns and colors, and is a staple on the baby registries of most new parents. The recommended age is for 0-12 months and the Boppy should never be used for sleep.
Is a Boppy pillow the same as a nursing pillow?
Nursing pillows help support proper breastfeeding posture and make the nursing session more comfortable and enjoyable for both mama and baby. Nursing pillows typically have washable covers and are created with colorful and fun designs to appeal to families.
The main difference between a typical nursing pillow and the Boppy is that the Boppy does not go all the way around the mother and does not provide any back support. Instead, with a similar design and shape to a travel pillow, the Boppy wraps around the nursing mother’s stomach and sides, providing a comfy place for the baby to rest while feeding.
Are nursing pillows worth it, or can regular bed pillows suffice? The answer will vary from mom to mom and is often a matter of personal preference. The size, shape, fit, material, features, and versatility of the different pillows available are also a matter of personal preference.
Other popular nursing pillows include the Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow, the Nook Niche Organic Cotton Feeding Pillow, the Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow, and the My Brest Friend Nursing Posture Pillow.
My Brest Friend vs Boppy Pillows
While the Boppy pillows may be more commonly known, the My Brest Friend Pillow is gaining popularity for being as comfortable for mom as it is for baby.
Unlike the Boppy, the My Brest Friend pillow offers mom back support with a design that goes all the way around your body and snaps into place. The My Brest Friend pillow also has a flatter surface for your little one to rest on. The flat surface vs. the cushier design of the Boppy pillow is a matter of personal presence, and if your little one tends to roll away during nursing sessions.
The Boppy pillow is more versatile in that it can be used for tummy time, as a cushion for mom to sit on after giving birth, a pillow for baby to practice sitting up, a travel pillow, and many other uses.
On the other hand, the My Brest Friend can be restrictive and may not fit all moms. The My Brest Friend pillow is also larger, bulkier, and more awkwardly shaped making it less convenient for travel or use on the go.
Both pillows are phthalate-free, latex-free, lead-free, and BPA-free. The My Best Friend pillow is made with 100% cotton, while the Boppy is made with 90% polyester and 10% cotton, but both are machine washable and come with easily removable slipcovers.
In terms of price, the My Best Friend pillow and the Boppy pillow are both sold in the $30-40 price range on Amazon and from other baby retailers.
For moms who have had c-sections, other nursing mothers tend to recommend the My Brest Friend as being more compatible for use with c-section scars and less painful or irritating with them. However, both pillows can be painful and put pressure on your scar depending on where it is located. You may want to try both or borrow one from a friend before committing to which one you’d like to buy.
Are Boppy Loungers worth it for your baby?
A newer addition to the Boppy pillow line is the Boppy Newborn Lounger, which is specifically for babies 0-4 months old.
The Boppy Lounger was created for babies to have a place to rest during supervised awake time. They have been designed to bring comfortable support to your little one’s delicate bottom as they rest and play in the lounger throughout the day.
Priced at $33, the Boppy Lounger is a great product that offers new parents a fantastic value. With a reversible and machine washable cover complete with a carrying handle, the Boppy Lounger is a convenient and portable option for new parents hoping for some safe, hands-free time.
Even though you will only get a few months of usage out of the Boppy Lounger before your child outgrows it, most parents say the purchase is worth it, and even more so if you receive it as a baby shower gift.
Are Boppy Loungers safe?
Boppy Loungers are safe when used as directed. As with many baby products, improper use can result in serious injury or death.
Your newborn should always be supervised and positioned properly on the lounger with their chin off their chest, not seated too high up, sideways, or curled up.
The Boppy Lounger should only be used on the floor, and never on an elevated surface. It should not be used for “Tummy Time.”
Use of the product should be discontinued when your baby is able to push themselves up on their hands and knees or roll over.
How long can a baby sit in a Boppy?
Boppy Loungers are designed for short-term use during the day.
As long as your child is comfortably and happily tolerating their time in the Boppy, they can safely use it for extended periods of time.
You should not leave your child in the Boppy Lounger unsupervised or for several hours at a time.
Can babies sleep in Boppy Loungers?
The Boppy Lounger is not designed for babies to sleep in for any amount of time. They should only be used during your child’s waking hours and with the proper supervision.
Many parents do let their babies nap in the Boppy Lounger, but it is not recommended. The reason for this is due to the risk of asphyxiation.
When it comes to safe sleep and the safe usage of baby products, it is better to be safe than sorry.
