8 Best Organic Nursing Pillows: Cotton, Kapok, Buckwheat

Having pillows for nursing makes it easier for babies to reach their mothers and will also mean less back pain, more arm support, and other helpful uses for the baby as they grow up.

The softness and gentleness of nursing pillows made the breastfeeding experience so much EASIER for both my baby and I!

Here’s a quick round-up of the best organic nursing pillows available to help you choose the best nursing pillow to get for you and your newborn!

Top 8 Organic Nursing Pillows

1. The Nesting Pillow by Blessed Nest

This organic nursing pillow uses buckwheat hulls as filling, allowing for easy adjustment, similar to bean bags when in use.

This best nursing pillow allows for added support, as the mother and baby can choose the most comfortable position.

It didn’t take long for my baby to be comfortable during breastfeeding!

Besides east adjustability, organic buckwheat hulls are also extremely breathable, letting air circulate through their hollow shells.

I can also easily clean the removable organic cotton slipcover afterwards!

This is a crescent-shaped nesting pillow, which easily conforms to the shape of my baby’s body.

It’s also not recommended for general use outside of nursing, such as for playtime and tummy time for the baby.I must point out it can be quite hefty and weighty due to the materials.

2. Holy Lamb Organics Bo Peep Nursing Pillow

This organic nursing pillow by Holy Lamb is one of my baby’s favorites! It is stuffed with 100% organic wool and has a cloth cover made of organic cotton.

As a breastfeeding mom, I can be confident that NO artificial bleaching or chemical treatments were used on the pillow materials.

They are gentle on me and my baby’s skin!

Its construction is nice and firm and provides ample support for my child and I when nursing.

On top of that, it is snug and comfy and stays in place!

The pillows are made to order, and it is suggested to purchase a separate slipcover in anticipation of staining during use.

Because of its size, this organic breastfeeding pillow can still be used when the baby grows up.

My baby can use it for playtime too! Also, this is machine washable for better convenience, which saves me A LOT of time.

3. Nook Sleep Niche Organic Feeding Pillow

When I learned that this pillow uses organic Kapok Tree filling, I knew it was a good choice.

This silk-like fiber is often used as an alternative for bedding and pillows, so I knew it would make my baby very comfortable. And I was right!

The cover itself is made of patented cloth, a combination of organic cotton and eucalyptus, embroidered in a special pebble design.

This design adds a nice texture that is soft enough for my baby to rest on.

It is said to be cooling, with added water resistance for avoiding stains.

The shape is close to the usual U of other nursing pillows, but the top is made to have a bigger area, providing more space for the baby to lie down comfortably on.

Thankfully, my arms are less tired from the added support!

However, the cover is not removal and it is quite pricey.

4. Twin Z Nursing Pillow

I don’t have twins, but I thought I’d recommend one for mothers who do have twins!

The pillow’s sides are wide enough to accommodate a nursing baby on each side. The cushion is 100% organic cotton and provides a fair amount of support with every use.

This nursing pillow might be one of the BIGGEST available, as it tries to have enough space for twin babies.

Compared to standard nursing pillows that hug the front, the Twin Z curves from the back include a fold-up backrest.

It provides you with ample back support and armrests needed when feeding twins at the same time.

The size, while convenient, also includes some setbacks.

It might be nearly impossible to use on a chair and require usage from a wide couch or the bed. It will also be difficult to bring with you while traveling.

However, this is a great pillow to invest in for its versatility in a child’s later years, as it’s suitable for sitting, playtime, tummy time, and even nap time.

It’s even machine washable to make for convenient washing!

5. The MoonWomb by Sustainable Baby Co.

Right off the bat, the moon shape was a big selling point for me.

But even more than that is the fact that this pregnancy pillow by Sustainable Baby Co. is made up of 100% organic materials!

The filling is made up of organic buckwheat hulls for support and breathability, with 100% organic cotton cover for the outer layer of the pillow itself.

One of the most unique things I noticed was the removable pouch with dried chamomile and lavender which helped my baby totally relax during nursing.

This organic breastfeeding pillow is crescent-shaped, meaning nursing will be easy and can be SNUG during use.

The pillows also come in a myriad of designs to choose from, with an option for a carrying bag for travel.

6. Pure Rest Organic Nursing Pillow

Simple, sturdy, and supportive!

This organic breastfeeding pillow provides my baby with sturdy and ample support, which helps me rest my arms comfortably during nursing.

You will be glad to hear that this pillow is PURELY organic, from the organic ecowool filling and 100% organic cotton cover.

However, I did notice it got flatter after constant use. The narrow form may not provide enough space for long sessions as well.

7. Boppy Original Nursing Pillow

Boppy nursing pillows are one of the more popular and best nursing pillows among nursing mothers!

The iconic U-shape allows me to easily customize it with different slip-on covers to catch my baby’s attention.

Here’s the biggest downside: only the slipcovers are 100% organic.

Boppy pillows are made with blended organic cotton and polyester, giving ample support and springiness that I prefer.

If you are still set on a 100% organic nursing pillow, you can still choose a unique print from Boppy to cover it with.

8. Organic Caboose Nursing Pillow

Lastly, I have this 100% hand-stuffed organic cotton pillow!

There were NO herbicides or pesticides used in the cotton harvest, making sure that no chemicals come in contact with your skin when in use.

This pillow sports a stubbier U-shape, adding support for my arms and my baby while nursing without eating up space on the sides.

It’s also a great pillow to use for tummy time, changing your baby’s diaper, and as an all-around pillow for everyday use.

One downside of this pillow is that it will be prone to getting stiff and clumping over time due to being made up of cotton.

It will eventually lose its springiness and will flatten, especially with constant use.

Do I Need a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow isn’t really a MSUT for breastfeeding; in fact, a regular pillow will do the job.

But nursing pillows have certain advantages that will make breastfeeding (even bottlefeeding) A LOT easier.

For starters, the curved shape of the pillow supports the baby’s small body better, allowing the mother to properly support and the baby and keep them at breast-level.

Nursing pillows are also good for newborns and younger babies who need that extra support of a nursing pillow.

After a few months, when the baby has more head and neck control, they can transition to a regular pillow or may not even need a nursing pillow at all!

When Do I Need a Nursing Pillow?

You may need an organic nursing pillow every time you breastfeed, which is several times a day!

Use those early days to get yourself and your baby used to having the nursing pillow support (because there may be a learning curve for first-timers).

Eventually, you will get the hang of it and nursing will come NATURALLY.

Apart from breastfeeding, you can also use a nursing pillow for tummy time or playtime, provided they are always supervised by the mother.

Once your baby outgrows the nursing pillow and doesn’t need it, you can even keep it for yourself as a neck pillow!

Are Organic Nursing Pillows Better?

Using organic materials has its benefits.

Organically sourced and natural materials, like cotton, are produced without the use of pesticides and chemicals.

Ideally, this prevents harsh reactions on babies’ skin, which can be very sensitive and prone to reactions.

Many organic materials also have better documentation on where it’s sourced, which covers parents who want to make ethical and sustainable consumer decisions when buying products.

Organic materials are also often BIODEGRADABLE.

Considering that an organic nursing pillow won’t be used forever, it can be a good option to choose natural materials that will quickly break down once discarded or are easier to recycle.

Some of these companies that use organic materials exclusively also provide convenient recycling programs for old products about to be discarded.

This minimizes waste and encourages maximizing the use of their customers’ products.

Organic Nursing Pillows can still be gentle on the baby’s skin and are made with comfort in mind.

Things to Consider When Buying an Organic Nursing Pillow

Filling

There are multiple organic stuffing that can be used to fill a nursing pillow.

The most common ones are: organic cotton, buckwheat shells, and organic kapok silk threads.

These natural materials are non-toxic and are getting even easier to source. Take a look at some things to consider for you and your baby from each type of fill!

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is unbleached, harvested without the use of chemical pesticides, and processed NATURALLY.

It is still soft to the touch and readily available from many brands!

One downside of using organic cotton is it tends to stiffen up over time.

They are machine washable, but organic cotton can clump up and become flat over time, losing the support you would need from a nursing pillow.

Buckwheat Shells

Buckwheat hulls are another common filling for organic nursing pillows.

They have a smooth exterior but have rough edges that are important in providing support and shape for the pillows they fill.

The edges connect and attach to other buckwheat shells, holding the shape you form your nursing pillow with.

This is a great feature for mothers who require adjustments while nursing or finding the most convenient pillow form for first-time mothers.

However, with mishandling, pillows filled with organic buckwheat hulls can flatten and lose their ability to take shape. It can also get crushed and turned into dust-like particles, which can irritate the baby.

Careful handling during travel is needed for these kinds of pillows!

Organic Kapok SIlk

Lastly, Kapok Silk Fiber is harvested from kapok tree seeds and is similar to silk threads in terms of texture.

Most companies gather organic kapok from rainforests, supporting local communities and sustainable production.

Kapok fiber is soft, similar to down feathers, but is firm enough to provide ample support for nursing a baby.

While it may seem the best option, not many companies producing organic nursing pillows have them as a stuffing option.

Cover Customization

It may seem like an unimportant feature, but the nursing pillow’s cover can provide support and comfort for both the mother and baby.

Some nursing pillows have a removable slipcover, while some have fixed cloth covers. The choice is dependent on your preference!

Some brands offer multiple designs with different slipcovers, which allows for easy changing and washing.

Some pillows have printed designs you can pick from, with special washing instructions to keep the print vivid for a long time.

These covers are usually made with organic cotton, providing extra padding, and are very easy to wash!

Shape

Here is where a lot of variety can make choosing difficult.

Nursing pillows often differentiate through their pillow shapes.

While there are two basic types of organic nursing pillow shapes, these are modified in varying degrees depending on the benefit it wants to highlight.

U-Shape

This is the most common shape of a nursing pillow.

The inverted u-shape hugs the mother’s waist, providing space to rest her arms while holding the baby. You can bring the baby closer while nursing and freely adjust your posture while using the pillow.

One possible downside is the space needed to use the U-shaped nursing pillow.

Since the pillow hugs the sides of the waist, it may not be suitable to use when sitting on narrow chairs. It will also be a bit difficult to use during travel if there is limited seating space.

One benefit of this shape is that it can provide sitting support for the baby for other activities.

When the baby is playing or eating, the pillow’s u-shape can easily give back support when the baby trains to sit up properly.

Crescent or Moon Shape

This is another shape of nursing pillows that is popular among mothers.

The crescent shape is often applied to pillows with adjustable fillings, letting mothers shape the pillow with how they want to use it, letting them bring the baby closer in the most comfortable way.

Crescent pillows can conform to the contours of the waist. It’s an easier pillow to use on chairs, as it only needs to sit on top of the legs to provide support.

One possible downside of crescent pillows is that it’s not snuggly fixed and can move around.

However, this can work to a mother’s advantage if a baby is fussy during nursing and requires constant readjustment from the pillow.

Flexibility

You can maximize the use of your organic nursing pillow by using it for other activities outside of nursing and bottle feeding your baby.

These pillows can be used in other activities, with some pillows being designed with this FLEXIBILITY in mind!

Some nursing pillows can be used for tummy time for the baby. Tummy time is an essential step after feeding to avoid tummy aches and uneasiness for babies.

Pillows can also be useful for playtime, as some pillows are firm enough to provide lumbar support, especially for a baby just learning how to sit up for the first time.

It’s also important to consider a pillow’s portability, especially for parents that travel often. Some pillows are made to be bigger and will not easily fit travel bags or carry-ons.

While you have the option to buy dedicated nurse pillows for travel, having a single organic nursing pillow that’s easy to bring anywhere lowers costs and is more efficient in the long run.

Durability

Since you will be using these pillows for mostly for breastfeeding, it is important to consider the pillow’s durability and longevity.

After multiple sessions of breastfeeding, you want to ensure the pillow remains intact and usable for future use because it will inevitably undergo some wear and tear.

Buy a good nursing pillow that will maintain its firmness and usability after countless breastfeeding sessions.

These pillows will also benefit you in the long run! As your baby gets older, they can use them for sleeping or playtime as well, and even then, the pillow must remain durable.

Pricing

Lastly, consider your budget. An organic nursing pillow is just one of MANY other baby expenses.

Some high-quality nursing pillows come off quite expensive, so you want to set your budget wisely to choose the best one.

I would recommend looking for an organic nursing pillow from reputable brands like Boppy as they produce organic and more premium-quality pillows, even at affordable prices.

The Best Organic Nursing Pillow

Having a good nursing pillow is an investment for you and your baby. Most use the finest organic cotton, ensuring a comfortable nursing experience all around.

From this list, we can say that Nook Sleep’s Nook Niche Feeding Pillow is the best breastfeeding pillow you can get for its price.

Its kapok filling ensures longevity and softness. 

The unique pebble design makes it convenient with its water-resistant feature for accidents during bottle feeding. 

Your baby will definitely have a relaxing time using this breastfeeding pillow during and after nursing. Its flexible design can provide support for other activities you might need it for!

Bring your baby closer and create the best nursing routines with this nursing pillow!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve never used an organic nursing pillow before, do not worry! I can help answer some of additional questions you may have.

How Do I Clean an Organic Baby Pillow?

Most organic nursing pillows can be machine-washed and dried outside.

Use a gentle wash and chemical-free detergent to ensure it maintains it shape and quality.

You can always refer to the product labels to assure you are washing it correctly.

Are Organic Baby Pillows More Expensive Than Conventional Baby Pillows?

Organic baby pillows may come more expensive than regular ones because of the higher-quality organic materials.

However, I think the higher price is worth it as organic nursing pillows are a big help to any breastfeeding mother and her baby.

Are Organic Baby Pillows Safe for Newborns?

Yes, organic baby pillows are safe for newborns as long as they contain NO TOXIC MATERIALS and are hypoallergenic.

Look for official certifications to ensure that the pillows have been tested for toxic materials.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap on my guide on organic nursing pillows!

Breastfeeding is quite difficult for some mothers, but these pillows are a great find to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for you and your baby.

If a pillow doesn’t have all of your needs covered, don’t hesitate to look for independent sellers!

Contact them with your name, email address, and ask for a bespoke nursing pillow with organic materials.

Many sellers on shops like Etsy will be more than happy to make a customized pillow for your baby and gladly embroider their name. Email away and be specific with your needs for the best results!