Review: Boppy Breastfeeding Cushion from Chicco

One of the best things about breastfeeding is that you don’t need loads of kit to do it – in fact all you really need is a pair of boobs and a hungry baby!  But there are a few things that are really useful for a breastfeeding mum, and one of those things is a breastfeeding support cushion.   A feeding pillow can significantly help mothers when breastfeeding. It can help reduce the tension that builds up in the back, neck and shoulders of mothers during feeding; relieve the pressure on the mother’s tummy during feeding with its circular shape, and provide secure support for babies whilst they suck.

Chicco have recently launched US bestselling breastfeeding cushion, ‘Boppy‘ in the UK and when they offered me the opportunity to review the product I jumped at the chance to find out why it’s become such a firm favourite with our breastfeeding counterparts across the pond!

The Boppy pillow was designed by a mum in America 20 years ago and in that time it has gone on to become the undisputed market leader. Over a million are sold each year and are used in over a quarter of all US homes. It has won numerous awards including being voted ‘Best Product of the Year’ by American Baby.

The Boppy is designed to create an ergonomic ‘nest’ shape and its ‘Miracle Middle’ adapts to the contours of each individual mum’s body for a snug, comfy fit whilst feeding. The exclusive fibre padding used in each pillow means it keeps it shape and for practicality, the pillow and slipcover are machine washable at 30˚and can also be tumble dried.

The first thing I noticed about Boppy was that the product is quite heavy and the filling quite dense, which I initially thought might be a negative point.  However when it came to actually using the product I soon realised that this is exactly the thing that makes it so great!  The pillow really does ‘hug’ around you and feels very secure, while the fact that the filling is so firm means your baby is positioned at exactly the right height for feeding – no need to support pillow or baby with your arm.  I gave the product a ‘dummy run’ with my two-year-old even though we are no longer feeding and I can confidently say it would support even his weight easily.  I used a much floppier breastfeeding pillow when he was small and although it did help with positioning, it didn’t give me the level of hands free support that Boppy does – this product would have been a godsend in those early days when we were struggling to perfect the latch.

Despite its weight/density, the pillow itself is quite compact and the packaging doubles up as a handy waterproof carry case that would be handy for travel.  The slipcover is well made and pleasantly soft; it fastens with a concealed zip for comfort and safety and is available in five cute designs to suit all tastes.  I really liked the fact that the entire pillow can be machine washed and dried without losing its shape because as we all know newborns can be messy little creatures!

The Boppy is also extremely versatile for growing babies and as well as being used as a feeding pillow it can be used as a nest for small babies to lie in, a support for use during ‘tummy time’ and a safety net for little ones who are just learning to sit up!  Again I thought this was a major plus as the product isn’t cheap and the multiple functions mean it offers better value for money – although I would still buy it even if it had no alternative uses.  I would definitely recommend this product to anybody who is planning to breastfeed their baby.

Sold exclusively through Mothercare in the UK, Boppy prices start at £39.99 for the ‘Bare Naked’ pillow without slipcover, through to £49.99 for the pillow plus one of five cute cotton slipcovers or £59.99 for the pillow plus a velour slipcover.  Extra slipcovers are also available.  For further information visit the Boppy website or tel: 028 2587 8300.