The 5 Best Newborn Pillows

Newborn pillows are a popular item in the nursery. They can compliment the decor, give your baby some support while they're eating, and help prevent flat heads. Like any products for babies, you want to ensure any newborn pillow you use is built with safety in mind. They also need to be soft against your baby's delicate skin. The five newborn pillows in this review meet those requirements, so check them out and see which one will be best for your child.

Boppy Original Newborn Lounger

Multi-Purpose Newborn Pillow

This award winning newborn pillow is a favorite for many moms.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

This newborn pillow creates a comfortable little nest for your newborn’s whole body. The recessed interior allows your newborn to snuggle down, while their head is elevated on the raised portion of the pillow. This pillow is designed for supervised play while your baby is awake. If your little one spits up on the pillow, it’s easy to wipe clean. You can also wash it in the machine if the whole thing needs cleaned. The Bobby is lightweight, so it’s easy to move from room to room. There’s a carrying handle that makes is simple to grab. Your baby should stop using this product once they can roll on their own. It’s best for newborns and babies up to 16 pounds.

Pros

Machine washable
Creates a cozy spot for baby
Lightweight

Cons

The cover doesn’t come off for easier washing

W WelLifes Baby Pillow for Newborn Breathable 3D Air Mesh Organic Cotton Protection for Flat Head Syndrome

100% Hypoallergenic Pillow

Your baby will rest comfortably on this newborn pillow.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

If you’re worried about your baby developing a flat head, speak to your doctor about using a newborn pillow with a concave center. This adorable pillow has that special concave shape. It is available in several different colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one to match your nursery. The front of this pillow is made from 100% organic cotton. The interior is breathable sequential 3D-air Mesh construction. This allows for airflow that help keeps it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You can adjust the height of the pillow by lightly rubbing the pillow from the center out. This can help you ensure it’s the perfect size for your baby. This pillow measures 12.6-inches in width by 9.5-inches in length. It’s lightweight and very portable. You can use it in a baby swing, bouncer, stroller, cradle, and anywhere else your baby is.

Pros

Concave shape
Cute color options
Very breathable material

Cons

Must hand-wash and air dry

Organic Cotton Baby Protective Pillow

Available in Several Cute Shapes

You won't have to worry about dangerous chemicals or harsh dyes with this newborn pillow.

Most Eco-Friendly Materials

Find on Amazon

Your baby will rest comfortably snuggled up on this adorable animal shaped pillow. It’s available as a lamb, elephant, horse, and more. The natural organic cotton is dye free. There aren’t any bleaches or printing on it. The comfortable design helps support your baby’s head. It has a concave place for your baby’s head to rest. Both the front and the back of the pillow can be used, and they are both covered with the same material. While hand washing is recommended for best results, you can also use a gentle cycle in the washer. It must air dry, as the high heat of the dryer can cause the untreated material to shrink.

Pros

Double sided
Organic and dye free
Concave design

Cons

The material isn’t soft and fluffy, but it is durable

Hidetex Baby Pillow – Preventing Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly) for Your Newborn Baby, Made of Memory Foam Head-Shaping Pillow and Neck Support (0-12 months)

Viscoelastic Memory Foam

The design of this pillow helps keep your baby's head straight.

Softest

Find on Amazon

This newborn pillow is soft to the touch. It’s made from viscoelastic memory foam, which is an organic and breathable material. It’s covered in an organic cotton fabric that has been bonded with a sponge, which helps provide cushioning. There are several color options available, in shades of pink, blue, and yellow. You can place this pillow in a stroller, crib, or even on the floor. It’s concave design helps give your baby’s head and neck the support it needs. To help keep your baby’s pillow clean, it’s recommended that you hand wash it every three days.

Pros

Comfortable
Ergonomic shape
Very portable

Cons

Lint and hair easily cling to the material

Boppy Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner

For Nursing & Play

If you're breastfeeding mom, this newborn pillow offers plenty of support while you're baby nurses.

Best for Nursing Babies

Find on Amazon

This classic Boppy pillow provides great support while your baby is nursing. But, that’s not its only use. You can use it to prop your baby up on the floor once they have solid head control. You can also use it as a fun addition to tummy time. Your baby will work their muscles lifting their head up off the pillow and kicking their feet in glee. The unique shape of the newborn pillow is also beneficial once your baby starts to sit. It can provide just the soft support your baby needs to stay upright. This pillow features a removable slip cover that you can wash easily. If a large mess happens, the entire pillow is also machine washable.

Pros

Removable cover for easy cleaning
Firm pillow offers plenty of support
Multiple uses

Cons

The shape isn’t comfortable for all body sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for newborns to sleep with pillows?

You will need to speak to your doctor to get the most accurate information for your child. There are circumstances when some pediatricians recommend the use of a special pillow at night to help with head flattening. However, due to the risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), most experts recommend not having any pillows in your child’s bed before they are one. If you prefer not to use a newborn pillow at night for safety reasons, you can consider using one during supervised play time. Some newborn pillows also fit nicely into a car seat, stroller, or playpen. You can use these to provide a little extra comfort and support while your child is within your eye sight.

How can I use a newborn pillow during the day?

There are plenty of ways to use a newborn pillow while you are supervising. You can simply set it on the floor and give your child a hands-free place to relax for a bit. They can kick their feet and look around them at all the things. You can place them in a stroller or car seat, to provide some extra padding. Once your baby is a little older, you can prop them up on a newborn pillow. Some are perfect for tummy time play. You can set them there with a rattle and let them experience a new position.

Will my baby have a flat head if I don’t use a newborn pillow?

Babies are born with bones that are still soft. This allows them to fit through the birth canal. Since these bones don’t harden for several months, it is possible for babies to develop a flat head. Many babies do get a flat spot. If you are worried about the shape of your baby’s head, please consult your baby’s doctor. This person will be able to make recommendations for your baby’s health.