Have you heard of a boppy pillow? It's a simple, highly useful tool that parents can use to care for their babies in different ways. Although many mothers use this pillow for nursing, this isn't the only purpose for such a pillow. In fact, you can keep using it until your child grows into a toddler.
The more you know about boppy pillows, the more you can make the most of them. Here, let’s cover what a boppy pillow is, how to use it, and give you a couple of suggestions of the best boppy pillows you can buy for your baby.
What is a boppy pillow for baby?
A boppy pillow—or simply "boppy" in mommy circles—is a very popular choice among all various brands that offer nursing pillows. A boppy is a type of pillow with a "C" shape and it's designed to fit snugly around the waist. The main purpose of this pillow is to provide support while a mother nurses her baby.
There are both organic and conventional covers you can purchase for your boppy. Using these covers allow you to customize your pillow based on your own preferences. While a boppy is very useful for breastfeeding, it's much more versatile than that.
How to use a boppy pillow
Despite its many functions, it's important to use a boppy pillow properly. You should always supervise your baby while lying on or next to the boppy. While these pillows are well-loved and popular, you should still consider their potential risks to ensure your child's safety.
When babies are near voluminous or soft objects—such as the boppy—they're always at risk of suffocation. Infants and babies don't have the ability to turn their heads or push these objects away even when they can't breathe. This is why you must always supervise and you should know how to use your boppy properly.
Using a boppy pillow for breastfeeding
First, find a chair where you can sit down comfortably with your back well-supported. Then wrap the boppy around your waist and on your lap. Gently position your little one on the pillow facing your body. Make sure that your little one's mouth is at the same level as your breast for easy feeding.
Using a boppy pillow for bottle-feeding
First, find a chair where you can sit down comfortably with your back well-supported. Then wrap the boppy around your waist and on your lap. Gently rest your little one on the boppy pillow, face-up.
Cradle your baby's head and upper torso with your arm then rest your arm on the boppy. With your other hand, hold the bottle to feed your baby.
Using a boppy pillow for tummy time
Place a blanket on the floor or a firm mattress then place the boppy pillow on top of it. Gently place your little one on top of the boppy so that his/her body rests on top of the pillow. Your baby's legs must rest down into the pillow's C-curve.
Allow your baby to stay in this position for around 5 to 20 minutes. If he/she starts fussing, crying or if your baby can't hold his/her head up anymore, stop. Repeat tummy time once in a while to get your baby used to it.
Using a boppy pillow for other purposes
As aforementioned, a boppy pillow is a very versatile item. Here are other suggested uses for your boppy:
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To help your little one maintain a sitting position.
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To teach your little one to crawl or climb over things.
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For playtime.
Boppy pillow suggestions for you
1. Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner
This is an original, award-winning boppy pillow that supports moms, dads, and babies. You can use it to lift your little one for a more ergonomic position making you and your baby more comfortable during feeding time. You can also use it to support your little one during tummy time, playtime, and more.
For the Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow and Positioner, you can personalize it by purchasing slipcovers from the same brand. The pillow itself is of 10% cotton and 90% polyester. It's perfect for your own baby or to give as a present to your loved ones. Nothing beats its versatility as you can use it until your little one turns 12 months old.
Pros
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Helps you feel relief in your arms and back as while you care for your baby.
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It's a versatile pillow that's suitable for newborns and babies up to 1 year.
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This is an award-winning boppy pillow made of high-quality materials.
Cons
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It's quite expensive for a pillow.
2. Boppy Original Newborn Lounger
This boppy pillow is the best place for your baby to coo, kick, and move around comfortably. It has a unique design and a recessed interior making it perfect for your delicate baby. The Boppy Original Newborn Lounger is a must-have item, especially for newborn babies. Parents can use it to interact with their infant hands-free.
You can keep on using this pillow until your baby can roll over independently or until your baby weighs 16 lbs. It has a lightweight design and a convenient handle for easy portability. Another great thing about this boppy pillow is that you can easily wipe it clean and machine wash it for bigger messes.
Pros
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The soft and lightweight fabric along with the convenient handle makes it highly portable.
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It's easy to clean whether your baby makes a little mess or a big one.
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This boppy pillow offers award-winning quality as it received several awards.
Cons
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The silky material on top makes the surface quite slippery.
Conclusion
Simple as a boppy pillow may seem, it serves several purposes. Aside from using it for breastfeeding, your baby can use it too. Just make sure to supervise your little one while he/she uses the pillow and never leave it in the crib.
Now that you know how to use a boppy pillow safely and you have an idea about the best boppy pillows to purchase, finding the perfect one for your baby becomes much easier.
