Everyone knows that the Boppy Nursing Pillow is basically THE golden standard for baby feeding essentials. You’ve even seen Nina use it in the past when demonstrating how to get the best latch when breastfeeding a baby. It’s a must-have item for all new families! Whether we’re talking breast or bottle, it makes no difference. If you’re feeding a newborn, you’re going to want a Boppy. I love mine so much that I have TWO — one for upstairs and one for downstairs.
You may think that this is pure laziness — needing two Boppys — but when you’re the “lucky” (read: insane) mommy of three beautiful, healthy (read: busy) little girls under the age of four like myself, you have to find ways to make life easier. That being said, not everyone realizes what an incredible tool the Boppy is outside the confines of feeding time. So listen up because I am here to tell you that your Boppy is (or will be) your new best friend!
A Cush for Your (Healing) Mama Tush
Birth is beautiful, but for most women, it is also extremely painful. Especially for those of us that experience perineal tearing, which requires stitches. Ouch! Anyone who has experienced this knows the pain that is sitting (or even just existing). The Boppy Nursing Pillow makes an excellent butt cushion (for lack of a better term) while your lady parts recover. Simply sit on the hole of the pillow to take some pressure off that sensitive area — but make sure you are sitting on a soft surface. Stay away from sitting on hard, wooden surfaces or tile floors. They are not your friend.
Snuggle Time + Sibling Support
When you aren’t feeding baby, the Boppy Nursing Pillow is snuggle time perfection. Even with a small baby, always cradling and holding your newborn can take a toll on your back and shoulders. The heavier your little one is, the harder it is on your body to hold them for extended periods. Being able to prop up baby on the Boppy in your lap is a great way to keep your little one close while simultaneously saving your forearms, shoulders, and back.
The Boppy has also proven to be a great support system for (younger) siblings who want to hold the new baby but may not have the upper body strength. Mamas can breathe easy knowing that their newest little one is safely secure in their brother or sister’s lap and arms with the Boppy.
Propped Playing
The Boppy Nursing Pillow is also ideal for playtime! Keep baby cozy by placing his head and shoulders on the pillow and his little tushie in the hole. This is a great way to help baby recline comfortably (propped) below hanging toys. He may not be ready to reach out and grab them just yet, but he will still get a kick out of seeing them overhead. Babies are curious creatures. Why NOT feed their curiosity? And keep them safe while doing so!
NOTE: Never, ever leave your baby unattended while sitting in a Boppy! Adult supervision is recommended.
Tummy Time
Once baby is strong enough to lift his head, place his chest on the Boppy pillow — arms draped over the front and knees in the hole. The Boppy Nursing Pillow provides the support baby needs to do tummy time and build upper body and neck strength. And bonus: this puts him in the perfect position to snap some super adorable photos!
NOTE: Pediatricians recommend building up to 20 min -30 min daily supervised tummy time (not all at once), so grab some toys and make some memories!
Supported Sitting
The Boppy Nursing Pillow creates “the perfect little nest” for supported sitting. The Boppy can either go around his back or across his little tummy. This will help him to develop the necessary core strength to (eventually) sit up all on his own. The Boppy helps support baby (once he is moderately stable) and protects him from the hard floor when he inevitably falls over.
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