Maternity Pillow or Nursing Pillow: Which to Buy First?

By For Your Little One | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: Comparaisons

A maternity pillow supports your bump and hips during pregnancy; a nursing pillow supports breastfeeding and sitting once baby arrives. Here is how to decide which to buy first.

Quick answer

Buy the maternity pillow first if you are still pregnant, because it supports your bump, hips and lower back through the months when sleep is hardest. Buy a nursing pillow first only if your baby has already arrived and you need feeding support now. If you can only choose one, a firm C-shaped or wrap-around pillow that holds its shape will do more for you during pregnancy; add a dedicated nursing pillow later if breastfeeding leaves your arms and shoulders tired.

What each pillow actually does

A maternity pillow is shaped to follow your body during pregnancy. Long U-shaped or C-shaped versions let you lie on your side with the lower curve supporting your bump and the upper curve supporting your back, which can reduce the feeling of rolling forward. A wedge or smaller maternity cushion does one job: it props your bump or lifts your knees.

A nursing pillow is shorter and firmer. It wraps around your waist so baby sits at breast height, taking the weight off your arms and shoulders during feeds. Many parents also use it for supervised tummy time, sitting practice and bottle-feeding once baby has head control. It is not designed to support a pregnant adult's back or hips.

Size, firmness and how long you will use it

Maternity pillows are bulky. A full-length U-shape takes up most of a double bed, so measure your sleep space before buying. Nursing pillows are smaller and easier to move between the sofa, nursery and grandparents' house, but they take up lap space and can feel tight on a deep armchair.

Firmness matters more than shape. A maternity pillow that compresses flat stops supporting your bump; a nursing pillow that is too soft lets baby roll toward you instead of staying level. Look for a removable, washable cover on either type, because both will see milk, dribble and night sweats.

Covers, twins and the second purchase

Maternity pillow covers are usually sold separately from the pillow, so check whether the cover is included before you compare prices. A spare cover is worth having if you use the pillow every night. Nursing pillow covers follow the same pattern, and a spare is almost essential in the first weeks when leaks are frequent.

If you are expecting twins, a standard nursing pillow will not support two babies at once. A twin nursing pillow is wider and firmer so both babies can feed together, and it can double as a pregnancy support if you lie with it behind your back. Twin parents often buy the twin pillow first and skip a separate maternity pillow, because the twin pillow is large enough to use in both stages.

What to check before you click buy

Confirm the filling and whether the cover is removable and machine washable. Check the return window, because pillow comfort is personal and a pillow that feels right in the shop may not suit your bed or chair. If you plan to use the pillow on a sofa, measure the seat depth; a wrap-around nursing pillow needs a flat, stable base to sit level.

Do not assume a pillow replaces safe sleep guidance. A nursing pillow is for supervised feeding and play, not for leaving a baby to sleep in. Keep the cot or Moses basket clear, and use the pillow only while you are awake and watching.

Trade-offs to weigh before you choose

Pregnancy support vs feeding support: A maternity pillow helps you sleep while pregnant; a nursing pillow helps you feed after birth. They solve different problems at different times. If you are pregnant now, the maternity pillow has an immediate job. The nursing pillow can wait until feeding starts.
Bed space vs lap space: A full-length maternity pillow takes up a large share of the bed. A nursing pillow is smaller but occupies your lap and needs a stable chair or sofa. Measure your bed and your usual feeding chair before buying either.
One pillow vs two: A twin nursing pillow is wide and firm enough to support two babies and can also be used behind your back during pregnancy, so some parents buy it first and skip a separate maternity pillow. Expecting twins? Start with the twin nursing pillow and reassess whether you still need a maternity pillow.

Product facts that help this decision

Pink Waffle Grey Wicker Baby Moses Basket With Stand: Pink Waffle Grey Wicker Baby Moses Basket With Stand is a complete set with a grey wicker basket, soft pink waffle bedding and a matching wooden stand. If you are setting up a safe newborn sleep space, this is the purchase that covers the first months; a nursing pillow supports feeding but is not a sleep surface.

Wicker Pod Baby Deluxe Moses Basket-No stand included: Wicker Pod Baby Deluxe Moses Basket is sold without a stand and comes in base colour, bedding and colour options. Choosing a basket without a stand saves money if you already have a stand, leaving more budget for a maternity or nursing pillow.
Foryourlittleone Xplor Plus 6 in 1 Foldable Trike - Jet Black (10m-4y): Foryourlittleone Xplor Plus 6 in 1 Foldable Trike in Jet Black is for 10 months to 4 years and folds for storage with a travel bag sold separately. This is a later purchase, not a newborn one; knowing it exists helps you sequence spending rather than buying everything at once.
Pram Fur Hood Trim Attachment For Pushchair Compatible with Infababy: Pram Fur Hood Trim Attachment is a faux fur trim for Infababy pushchairs and comes in colour and model options. Small accessories like this are easy to add later, so they should not compete with the pillow decision in your first baby budget.