There are a few things I’ve done a lot of as the mom of 4 kids. I’ve changed more than my fair share of diapers, I’ve washed thousands of loads of laundry, and I’ve logged hundreds of hours breastfeeding. I’m pretty proud of that last one. Between my 4 kids (and my youngest only 10 weeks old!) I have (approximately) nursed for a combined 1,750 days. I would like to think I’m pretty experienced in the Breastfeeding department.. and with that experience comes a lot of knowledge about nursing accessories. Like pillows.
There didn’t used to be many options of nursing pillows on the market. You basically were stuck with the one common option – or you made do with a bed pillow. As time passed and I had more kids, there were more options. None really thrilled me. (There’s one on the market now that vibrates.. Uhhhhhh..)
Around the time I stopped nursing my third son, we got the Nook Sleep Pebble Pillow. I recall making the statement that it would have been the perfect pillow for nursing. I even asked them if they had any plans to make a nursing pillow. At the time, they had thought about it, but it wasn’t in the works yet.
When I got pregnant this last time, I was thrilled by the increased number of baby products that strive to rid themselves of harmful toxins. Naturally, I leaned towards those items… especially for the items my baby would be spending so much time breathing in. I realized then just how much I wished that a Nook Nursing pillow existed. Newborns, whether breast or bottle fed, eat a lot. A support pillow is a comfort necessity, and baby will spend a lot of time on it. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a pillow that is breathable, comfortable, supportive and also free of all the harmful toxins?
To my thankful surprise, the Nook Niche pillow became a reality during my pregnancy. It was released right before I gave birth and they were kind enough to send me one to review. I am not at all disappointed. It is everything that Nook Pebble products are… and everything that typical nursing pillows are not.
I am familiar with the Nook Pebble covers and how they breathe and their level if comfort, so that didn’t surprise me. However, if you’ve never used a Nook product before, those aspects will definitely jump out at you. It was just as soft and “squishable” (my husband’s terminology for his Nook Pebble Pillow..) as the standard Pebble Pillow, with one major bonus. The height, thickness and support of it are beyond my wildest dreams!!
I can successfully lay my baby on the pillow and he is level with the breast. I don’t need to put my arm under him or lift his head at all. (Though, I do.. Sometimes you just want to snuggle a nursing baby!) It also sits securely around my waist and is comfortable on my lap. My husband enjoyed using it to bottle feed our baby as well. Again, the height and support necessary to make feeding comfortable.
In addition to being amazing as a nursing/feeding pillow, it is the perfect support pillow for baby’s floor time. Both as a tummy time pillow and to prop him up in a seated position. It will grow with him as his physical development needs grow. I wish I had it for our toddler when he was young. He was hypotonic (also known as floppy baby..) and couldn’t support himself well. This pillow would have allowed him more successful floor play.
I will say, when I washed it, the fabric did pill up a little. It didn’t alter the comfort of the pillow, but might be something to be aware of when you wash it. It’s just a slight appearance disruption and not something I think is worth complaining about.
Seriously, the Nook Niche is amazing. I know that the price point seems a little high for a feeding pillow ($100) but it is worth it! An organic, washable, multi-purpose support pillow for mom and baby. PLUS – when you’re done using it for baby.. It makes an amazing side sleep pillow for mom or dad! You’ll melt into it.. That is, if you can pry it away from your kids. Mine don’t seem to want to share.
Note: I was provided a Nook Niche to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not otherwise compensated for this review.