The Boppy pillow is an essential item for any new mom. Not only do these supportive pillows make feeding, burping, and holding your baby more comfortable, but they can also help reduce the strain on your back, neck, arms and shoulders that comes with caring for a newborn.
A boppy provides better body alignment while nursing or bottle-feeding so you can relax and enjoy snuggling time with your little one.
They are also great when you need to prop up your baby while changing diapers or giving them “tummy time” playtime.
This guide was created to help you get the most out of your boppy pillow and make baby care easier. With the right positioning, your arms, neck, and back will thank you for it!
Understanding The Different Types of Boppy Supports
There are currently three different Boppy Pillow models to choose from. They offer the Original Nursing Support, Anywhere Nursing Support and the Best Latch Nursing Support.
It is important to note that the manufacturers themselves do not call their product a pillow. They want to be clear that they do intend this product to be used for sleeping to support safe sleep practices.
Each support has a cover and there are a variety of styles and colors to choose from.
What are the differences between the three styles of Boppy support pillows?
The Original Nursing Support Pillow is the most basic design and features a U-shaped curve that offers support for baby’s neck, tummy, and legs. This pillow can be placed on your lap or flat on a surface to provide a comfortable base for feeding or diaper changes.
The Anywhere Nursing Support Pillow provides additional comfort with an adjustable strap that comfortably wraps around your waist while nursing. This model also has extra side bolsters to help keep baby in place if you need to get up during feedings.
Finally, the Best Latch Nursing Support Pillow offers neck and back support with extra cushioning and a belt that fits around you while breastfeeding. It also has added height and firm contour foam so you can find the right fit and position for both of you.
Boppy Pillow Uses
Having a boppy can make all those moments of cuddling with your baby more enjoyable. With its versatility and ease of use, you’ll quickly understand why it is one of the most popular and sought-after baby products.
Maybe you got one of these from your baby shower or it’s on your baby registry. Here are 11 suggestions for how to use a boppy.
1. Feeding
One of the most popular uses for a Boppy pillow is feeding. The Boppy pillow can be used to support a baby’s head and neck while they are being bottle-fed or breastfed. This can help to prevent strain on the mother’s back and arms and can make feeding time more comfortable for both the mother and the baby.
2. Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important part of a baby’s development as it helps to strengthen their neck and back muscles. The Boppy pillow can be used to support a baby during tummy time, making it more comfortable and helping to prevent them from getting tired too quickly.
3. Play
The Boppy pillow can also be used for playtime. Babies can use the pillow to sit up and play with toys, or they can lie on it and kick their legs in the air.
4. Help with acid reflux issues
The Boppy pillow can be used to create a safe and comfortable supported sitting environment for babies who are suffering from reflux or colic.
5. Travel
The Boppy pillow is also convenient for travel as it is small and lightweight enough to fit in a diaper bag or suitcase. This means that parents can take it with them when they go out on errands or on vacation, ensuring that their baby always has a comfortable place to rest.
6. Sitting Positioning
Babies often need a little extra support when learning to sit up independently. The Boppy pillow can be used as an adjustable seat for babies who are learning how to sit up by themselves. It helps them stay upright longer with less effort and strain on their bodies. It is an alternative to the more structured option of sitting with a Bumbo seat and can be better for babies 3 months and younger.
7. Pregnancy Pillow Alternative
The Boppy pillow can be used as an additional prop when propping up other pillows in bed to make it more comfortable to sleep or read in bed. It is also useful for pregnant mothers who are looking for extra support while they rest or sleep during pregnancy.
9. Changing Table Alternative
The Boppy pillow can also be used in place of a traditional changing table. Just lay it on a flat surface, secure your baby, and change away! This is especially helpful for those times when you find yourself out and about without access to a changing table.
10. Baby Lounger
The Boppy pillow can also be used as a baby lounger. Just place it on the floor and let your little one relax while they play or watch TV. Not only is it comfortable but it’s an alternative to traditional baby bouncers or swings if you’re short on space or your baby just doesn’t like bouncers or swings.
11. Picture Perfect Baby Prop
The Boppy pillow makes for a perfect prop when taking pictures of your little one. The U shape and bright colors and patterns make it a cute, decorative prop to place your baby into fun poses and capture those precious moments.
Safety Considerations When Using A Boppy
Although the Boppy pillow is a great tool for helping you care for your baby, it is important to use it safely. Never leave your baby unattended while on the Boppy pillow and make sure that they are properly positioned so as not to slide off or become trapped between the pillow and another surface.
A Boppy should never be used unsupervised or in the absence of caregiver presence on an elevated surface such as a bed or couch where there is potential for baby to roll off or fall.
When using a Boppy with an infant, always make sure that their head, neck and back are supported in order to prevent any strain on those areas from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my newborn in a Boppy?
Yes, you can put your newborn in a boppy. However, be sure to always supervise them and make sure that their head, neck, and back are supported properly.
How long can my baby stay in the Boppy?
It is not recommended for babies to remain in the Boppy for more than 15 minutes at a time.
What age can a baby use a Boppy pillow?
The answer is simple-any age! The support is designed for babies of all ages.
How long do you use a Boppy for nursing?
It should be noted that there are no hard and fast rules for how long to use a boppy when nursing. As long as the support is comfortable for you and your baby, it can continue to be used for nursing. If you are using the pillow as a nursing support it will get tons of use but if you find it is no longer comfortable, feel free to use your Boppy in any of the other ways that I mentioned earlier!
Do I need to wash my Boppy before using?
Yes, it is recommended the Boppy should be washed before first use. Doing so will help minimize any potential risks for skin irritation or other reactions.
It’s also a good idea to clean your boppy regularly, as babies can make quite a mess! Generally, most Boppy covers can be machine washed on gentle with mild detergent and then tumble dry.
The pillow insert can also be machine washed in a gentle cycle with mild detergent. The insert should be tumble dried as well and if you find the pillow insert has lost its shape, you can add a tennis ball or tennis shoe wrapped in a pillow case to the dry cycle.
What To Use A Boppy For?
One of the most important investments that new moms can make is in a Boppy, an incredibly versatile piece of baby gear. Not only does it provide newborns with a comfortable surface to lay on and support their heads, but it also helps them transition into sitting positions.
For breastfeeding mothers, the Boppy can provide extra comfort while nursing in any position. It is also helpful for propping up babies when they are learning to sit or helping parents with tummy time activities.
Do you plan on using a Boppy or adding it to your list of newborn baby essentials?