Nursing pillow

Are nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows sensible?

Make nursing pillows with cover yourself

In Germany, the market for baby accessories and mother-child products is booming. Expecting parents are faced not only with the task of choosing equipment for the future nursery but also with a huge selection of baby accessories, children's fashion, maternity wear, and toys for the child. Care products on the market for mothers and children are not even taken into account yet. Questions that arise for expecting parents are: What do we really need and which purchases are sensible? The Mister Sandman guide shows why one should acquire a nursing pillow in addition to a suitable mattress. Are you still looking for the right mattress? Our free mattress consulting service is happy to help you. Many women consider getting a nursing pillow during pregnancy. Nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are tailored to the needs of pregnant women during and after pregnancy. Thus, nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows can be a sensible purchase during pregnancy.

Nursing pillows increase comfort during pregnancy

These pillows not only increase comfort during and after pregnancy but are also a practical aid for the new mother. Nursing pillows are offered by various brand manufacturers in all imaginable nursing pillow shapes, from plush moons to nursing eggs. A nursing pillow cover is either included from the outset or can alternatively be purchased separately for the nursing pillow. If one does not want to buy a pillow or nursing pillow from a specific brand but rather implement their own ideas of a perfect nursing pillow, they can find sewing instructions for the individual nursing pillow. If one chooses the latter, they can get creative in making the nursing pillows and design their very own nursing pillow.

Color variety in nursing pillows

Covers for nursing pillows are available in almost every color: gray, yellow, blue, beige, turquoise, red, pink, purple, orange, or green. However, nursing pillows with elaborate designs are particularly popular. This includes nursing pillows with patterns and prints. Especially animal designs are currently very trendy, such as fox, donkey, or sheep designs. Nursing pillow products for children and mothers are currently in high demand. When purchasing a nursing pillow, one should get an overview of the nursing pillow offerings and base the purchasing decision for a specific nursing pillow on one's own requirements and expectations regarding the function of the nursing pillow.

Breastfeeding: Nursing pillows are a great help

Breastfeeding is often referred to as the most natural thing in the world. The fact that many mothers have difficulties with breastfeeding often goes unnoticed. Because, while breastfeeding is a natural process, it still needs to be learned, as many midwives point out. Breastfeeding can quickly become a torment for many women when the most natural thing in the world doesn't work out as they had imagined. But even when breastfeeding poses no difficulties, it is still a draining time for many mothers. Therefore, it is all the more important that mother and baby go through this time as relaxed as possible. Nursing pillows can contribute to a relaxed breastfeeding. Nursing pillows help to adopt the correct position while breastfeeding. This way, nursing pillows contribute to relaxation and more comfort for both mother and child during breastfeeding. The breastfeeding experience becomes particularly pleasant when done at home in one's own four walls. Especially the bedroom is a quiet and protected place to breastfeed on your mattress. It becomes especially great with the following Mister Sandman mattresses, which you can customize to your individual needs:

Test nursing pillows and mattresses before deciding to buy

Before purchasing bedding, whether pillows or mattresses, one should always try out whether the offered products fit individually. Mister Sandman products can be tested without obligation for 30 days. This way, you can first test sleep on Mister Sandman mattresses before deciding for or against the mattress. At Mister Sandman, it is very simple:

Nursing pillows are practical not only during pregnancy

Unlike what one might conclude from the name nursing pillow, nursing pillows can be used sensibly during and after pregnancy, not just for breastfeeding. During pregnancy, a nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow can serve various functions.

A nursing pillow can be used as a sleeping pillow

As pregnancy progresses, it is no longer so easy for the expectant mother to find a sleeping position that is comfortable. A nursing pillow can be used as a sleeping pillow and thus significantly increase comfort while sleeping. Expectant mothers adopt a side sleeping position at the latest from the seventh month. If the pregnant woman adjusts the nursing pillow to her baby bump and passes the nursing pillow between her legs, she can lie comfortably and relieve her spine with the help of the nursing pillow.

Nursing pillow before birth

But not only when sleeping, a nursing pillow can be a true blessing in its function as a sleeping pillow. As support when sitting, the pillow can effectively relieve the back. The steadily growing belly particularly puts strain on the back. By using nursing pillows or pregnancy pillows, effective relief of the spine can be achieved. The nursing pillow is not only functional but also comfortable and soft, thus contributing to comfort and well-being during and after pregnancy.

Nursing pillow after birth

After giving birth, the nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow can of course still be used as a sleeping pillow and as a sitting pillow. After pregnancy, the new mom spends a lot of time breastfeeding. Due to the frequent sitting and holding of the baby, a wrong sitting position is often adopted while breastfeeding. This leads to various complaints, such as tension. When the nursing pillow is wrapped around the body while breastfeeding, it not only allows for a comfortable sitting position for the mother while breastfeeding, but also makes it easy to position the baby for breastfeeding and provides a stable breastfeeding position for the baby. This feature of nursing pillows makes breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for both mother and child. The nursing pillow can also be used for breastfeeding while lying down. Nursing pillows thus combine safety and comfort in various breastfeeding positions.

Nursing pillows in additional functions

A nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow is versatile. Contrary to what the name nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow suggests, this type of pillow can also be used in other situations:

  • Nursing pillows as cuddle pillows for the child
  • Nursing pillows as assistance during baby gymnastics
  • Nursing pillows as assistance during the baby's first sitting attempts

Alternative products to nursing pillows

Aside from classic nursing pillows, there are a number of other products designed to make breastfeeding easier for new mothers. One of them is the nursing pillow. It serves as a sleeping mat for on the go. A nursing pillow provides a safe lying surface for a baby, and the baby can be easily repositioned with a nursing pillow. However, it is not a true alternative to a nursing pillow, but rather, depending on the need, a supplement. The nursing pillow is, in contrast to the nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow:

  • Egg-shaped
  • Smaller
  • Very shape-stable

Nursing pillow advice: tips for buying nursing pillows

The selection of nursing pillows and cushions specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women is large. One should extensively test which nursing pillow shape works best for them. Most nursing pillows are very large and have a length of 170, 180, or even 190 cm. Meanwhile, various brand manufacturers also offer nursing pillows for on-the-go. Nursing pillows for on-the-go (Stillei) are significantly smaller than the nursing pillows for home.Nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows come in various shapes. The following are offered:

  • Moon-shaped nursing pillows
  • Just nursing pillows in various lengths

Out and about with the baby: nursing pillow and stroller

In addition to the common nursing pillows with a length of 170, 180, or 190 cm, nursing pillows for on-the-go are offered, which are significantly smaller and more manageable. This should make breastfeeding easier for the mother while on the go. Being out and about with the baby is often a logistically demanding affair. Therefore, it is all the more important to be well-equipped while out and about to get through everyday life as stress-free as possible. A good stroller can be very helpful in this regard. A good stroller is characterized by safety and comfort for the baby and easy handling for the parents. Many brand manufacturers offer strollers in a variety of models and designs. Depending on what type of stroller one is, one should pay attention to certain features when choosing a stroller.

  • Is the stroller suitable for transport in the car?
  • Should shopping also be possible with the stroller?
  • Would one like to be able to take the stroller along while jogging?
  • Will the stroller primarily be used in the city or off-road?

EPS beads: microbeads as filling in nursing pillows

In addition to the shape of nursing pillows, the filling of nursing pillows plays a major role. The filling material that is most commonly used for nursing pillows consists either of microbeads or polyester. EPS beads are small balls made of foam (polystyrene). EPS beads come in various sizes, for example, standard beads with a size of 1.5 to 2.4mm or microbeads with a size of 0.5 to 1.5mm. The smaller the beads in the filling of the nursing pillows, the quieter the pillow is. Additionally, nursing pillows with microbead filling are suitable for allergy sufferers. General advantages of nursing pillows with microbead filling are:

  • the lightweight of nursing pillows
  • the durability of nursing pillows
  • Suitability of nursing pillows for washing machines

Nursing pillows with polyester filling

Another common filling for nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows is polyester. In principle, polyester as a filling in nursing pillows has very similar properties to microbeads as a filling in nursing pillows. A significant difference between a microbead filling and a polyester filling in nursing pillows lies in the question of shape stability. Polyester is more shape-stable compared to microbeads and thus has lower adaptability.

Nursing pillow cover: Which material is suitable for nursing pillows?

Many manufacturers and brand manufacturers of nursing pillows offer their nursing pillows with covers. The cover can be made of different cover materials. Each cover has its pros and cons. When choosing the cover material, one should orient themselves to their own needs. A common nursing pillow cover is made of the following material:

  • Nursing pillow cover made of cotton
  • Nursing pillow cover made of polyester
  • Nursing pillow cover made of cotton blend
  • Nursing pillow cover made of plush

Pros and cons of a cotton cover for nursing pillows

Cotton is excellent for a pillow cover because cotton is not only durable and washable at high temperatures, but it also feels very good on the skin. Aside from being particularly absorbent, cotton has the following properties:

  • A cotton cover is washable at high temperatures
  • A cotton cover is soft and breathable
  • A cotton cover is not wrinkle-free

Advantages of a cotton blend cover for nursing pillows

The advantage of blended fabric compared to a cover made of cotton lies primarily in the fact that blended fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, combine the properties of both materials:

  • A mixed fabric cover is easy to care for
  • A mixed fabric cover dries quickly
  • A mixed fabric cover is easy to iron 

Advantages and disadvantages of a polyester cover for nursing pillows

In contrast to cotton, polyester is a synthetic material. While polyester is lighter and dries faster compared to cotton, it is less absorbent:

  • A polyester cover is dirt-repellent
  • A polyester cover is easy to care for
  • A polyester cover is not absorbent, which can lead to unpleasant odors

Plush nursing pillow cover for nursing pillows

Plush is a very cuddly material. Unlike other materials, plush is not so easy to clean. For stubborn stains, the plush cover cannot be washed at high temperatures:

  • A plush cover is soft and cuddly
  • A plush cover is wrinkle-free
  • A plush cover can only be washed at low temperatures
  • A plush cover is not particularly durable

What should you pay attention to when buying a nursing pillow cover?

Before deciding on a nursing pillow, you should test which pillow best suits your needs. Additionally, you should:

  • Test different nursing pillow models
  • Pay attention to the quality of the covers for nursing pillows (the pillow must withstand frequent washing)
  • Compare prices for nursing pillows
  • Pay attention to chemical safety in nursing pillows

Comparing prices for nursing pillows is worthwhile

Nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are available in every price range. Brand products are often many times more expensive than products from no-name manufacturers. However, a high price does not necessarily indicate particularly good quality. Nursing pillows from certain brands are not necessarily of better quality than nursing pillows without a brand label. The choice of which pillow to buy depends heavily on one's own requirements. What size do you want to buy the pillow in (170, 180, 190 cm)? What material should the nursing pillow be made of? What filling should the nursing pillow have? Do I want to buy additional covers to be able to change the cover regularly?

Nursing pillow cover: Donkey or stars? - Sew nursing pillows from jersey yourself

If you decide to create a completely custom pillow, whether it is a sleeping pillow, pregnancy pillow, or nursing pillow, the first questions that arise are about the right fabric for the cover. The choice of fabric for the nursing pillow cover is of great importance, as the fabric for the nursing pillow cover or sleeping pillow should be as washable and durable as possible while still feeling pleasant on the skin. A fabric for the cover that is excellent for making pillows and nursing pillows is jersey. Jersey is also used by most brand manufacturers for the production of pillows, nursing pillows, and sleeping pillows.

Why Jersey for a nursing pillow?

Jersey is very well suited for making a cover for pillows, nursing pillows, and sleeping pillows due to its properties:

  • Jersey is elastic and soft
  • Jersey is breathable and easy to care for
  • Jersey is dryer safe
  • Jersey is absorbent

In which colors is Jersey available?

Jersey is a fabric available in a wide variety of colors. With such a large selection, it is easy to find a cover that not only matches personal preferences but also fits with the rest of the decor or bedding:

  • Nursing pillow cover in red
  • Nursing pillow cover in pink
  • Nursing pillow cover in yellow
  • Nursing pillow cover in gray
  • Nursing pillow cover in blue
  • Nursing pillow cover in green
  • Nursing pillow cover in orange
  • Nursing pillow cover in purple
  • Nursing pillow cover in cappuccino
  • Nursing pillow cover in turquoise
  • Nursing pillow cover in beige
  • Nursing pillow cover in blue

Jersey: prints and patterns

Jersey fabric is not only available in the colors red, pink, orange, yellow, gray, blue, green, orange, purple, and cappuccino, but is also offered in many patterns and prints. Prints that are particularly popular for a nursing pillow cover or a baby pillow are:

  • Nursing pillow cover with fox print
  • Nursing pillow cover with donkey print
  • Nursing pillow cover with sheep print
  • Nursing pillow cover with star pattern
  • Nursing pillow cover with polka dot pattern

What should one pay attention to when sewing a nursing pillow cover?

The nursing pillow cover can be made from various materials (plush, cotton, jersey). When choosing the material for the cover, one should also ensure that the fabric is tested for harmful substances, as the baby will have intense skin contact with the nursing pillow cover. For a nursing pillow, microbeads or polyester materials can be used for the filling. If one wants to make a nursing pillow or sleeping pillow for the child themselves, there are two points that need to be considered: the pillow filling and the pillow cover.

The choice of color for nursing pillows and sleeping pillows

The choice of color for nursing pillows and sleeping pillows is not just a matter of preference. While questions of taste play a role in the choice of color for nursing pillows, such as whether one prefers turquoise over yellow or whether one favors gray, beige, and blue over orange and purple. Depending on preference, one chooses products in the respective color (blue, beige, turquoise, yellow, etc.). Some new mothers choose a color that matches well with the rest of the baby accessories, for example, with the stroller. Others choose certain colors because they create a calmer atmosphere.

Muted colors for nursing pillows and baby accessories

When setting up the baby room, it is recommended to use muted colors, such as gray and beige. Pastel colors are also advisable for a baby room or baby equipment, such as blue and pink. If one does not want to keep the baby accessories or room in the classic colors blue and pink, there is the option to choose a different color selection. One can opt for a soft yellow or green, for example. The right color selection for cushions, sleeping pillows, and baby accessories creates a relaxed atmosphere and increases comfort for mother and child.

Color selection for nursing pillows has an impact on the baby

Newborns react very strongly to sensory impressions shortly after birth. Contrary to popular belief, babies are not colorblind. Studies have shown that a newborn reacts more strongly to strong contrasts and certain colors, such as red, than to other colors, such as yellow or gray. Surprisingly, newborns are particularly attracted to red (or orange). Researchers believe that a baby is especially drawn to red because they recognize red tones from the mother's womb. For this reason, some birthing clinics wrap newborns in red-colored towels:

  • Black-and-white contrasts are perceived more strongly than solid-colored objects in weak colors, e.g. gray or beige
  • Red and orange are perceived very strongly

 Sewing instructions for nursing pillow: the nursing pillow cover

  1. Choose a fabric for the pillow, e.g. fabric with stars or a polka dot fabric. If you prefer solid colors, choose a corresponding solid color fabric for the nursing pillow cover in yellow, blue, green, gray, etc.
  2. Choose the fabric size for the nursing pillow: 100x170, 100x180, 100x190 or for two fabrics for the cover each 50x170, 50x180, 50x190, etc.
  3. EPS microbeads for filling (also available as a refill pack)
  4. Scissors, needle, thread, paper for the pattern of the nursing pillow
  5. Trace the pattern for the nursing pillow, place the pattern on the nursing pillow fabric, and cut it out
  6. Turn the fabric pieces for the nursing pillow right side out and sew them together
  7. Fill pillows with microbeads and sew them shut

Find the suitable mattress for your pillows with the Mister Sandman mattress finder

To sleep well, the pillows should match the mattresses and vice versa. It is therefore important to coordinate the individual products when purchasing bedding. In the search for a suitable mattress, Mister Sandman mattress finder can help you. Our online guide recommends a mattress that is individually suitable for you in just a few minutes.