10 Best Pregnancy Pillows To Buy In Australia 2023
Growing a baby is magical and delightful, however, the discomfort pregnancy can bring during the night hours is the opposite. If you’ve reached a point where aches and pains are robbing you of precious sleep, let us introduce you to your new best friend: The pregnancy pillow.
These types of pillows are specifically engineered to ease discomfort and provide support to different areas of your body, whether that be your back, tummy, hips, legs, neck or all of the above.
Of course, not all pregnancy pillows are made equal and there are a plethora of styles on the market made with an array of materials to suit a variety of needs, personal preferences, sleeping positions and budgets. So, we’ve rounded up the very best pillows for each category so you can say goodbye to sleepless nights, once and for all.
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TOP-RATED PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This versatile C-shaped full body pregnancy pillow will replace the need for all your other pillows as it supports your head, neck, spine, belly, back, hips and legs. It has a machine washable soft jersey cover that’s buttery soft against the skin and it’s filled with an ultra-soft polyfill blend which offers increased support density and adapts to your belly and back. It’s incredibly versatile and you can position the pillow to sit upright in bed to read, watch TV or work on your laptop, or even on the couch or the floor. Plus, it’s not just for expecting mums, either — regardless if you’re pregnant, nursing, recovering from an injury or dealing with sleep issues, this maternity pillow will become your bedtime BFF.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One five-star reviewer said, “I bought this pillow while I was pregnant looking for something to help me with my sore hips that I was getting from sleeping. This was able to help me ease my hip pain by having something in between my legs and also supported my bump on the side at the same time. Highly recommend this pillow, it’s super soft and cosy and I’m still using it now as a nursing pillow as I find it gives me and bub a lot of support so I don’t get lower back and neck pains.”
Another reviewer had this to say: “I am so glad I bought this pillow! Not only is it very comfortable (give it the full 48 hours to fluff up) but it gives me the support I need. It’s also versatile-I can prop it under my knees and snake it up and around my head for support so I can sit up and watch movies with my husband. At night, it cradles me and makes me feel cosy and secure.”
MOST VERSATILE PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This genius Clevamama nursing cushion will be the only body pillow you need for you and your little one from pregnancy right up until the toddler stage. Made using ClevaFoam, it allows you to transform the nursing pillow into a comfy baby seat for home, pram and highchairs, and it has a removable machine washable cover for easy cleaning. You can fasten the soft but firm pillow around your waist via the adjustable strap to create a comfortable feeding position for you and a safe and secure position for your baby. It can also be used to support during bubs’ tummy time and as a portable bolster seat when they are learning to sit upright.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One five-star reviewer praised its versatility and said their pillow has been used non-stop from pregnancy onwards: “This product is absolutely fantastic from newborn, and onwards because of its versatility! Breast feeding I used this cushion to support when nursing from early months and beyond. We have now also started using the cushion as a seat support. We’ve also used the middle section as a lay down cushion in baby’s pram which is working really well. Ultimately when initially purchasing I didn’t realise how many uses this would give- but it has exceeded expectations. It also comes in a handy carry case, so easy to take to different houses if required.”
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This premium quality body pillow is machine washable and filled with 100 per cent polyester microfibre that’s been antibacterial treated. Measuring 150cm in length, the extra long design will ease the pressure points in your neck, shoulders, back and hips, relieving the pressure off your tired muscles so you can sleep more soundly. Ideal for pregnant or side sleepers, this body pillow provides total body support and comfort – plus, it makes for the most snuggly cuddle companion in bed.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One five-star rater summed it up, saying: “Awesome! … the pillow is of good quality in materials and stitching. Very comfortable.”
BEST PREGNANCY PILLOW TO ENCOURAGE SIDE SLEEPING
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Stomach sleeping when pregnant is off the table for obvious reasons and back sleeping is also discouraged since it can compress vital veins that transport blood to your baby. So, if you’re a regular stomach or back sleeper, it’s time to adapt to a side sleeping position with the Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow. The stretch panel allows the pillow to grow with your bump and its compact size means it won’t take up the entire bed, which we’re sure your partner will greatly appreciate, too. Because it only supports your tummy, it gives you more flexibility to continue using your other favourite pillows for added head and neck support.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I am a back sleeper so learning to sleep on my side is hard,” one person wrote. “I love this pillow because it provides great support both front and back and it is not too bulky. If you do want to go on your back for a bit then the pillow still props you up so you feel like you are on your back but you are not flat, therefore less restricting of the blood flow.”
Another reviewer wrote: “Best pregnancy purchase so far. It’s really helped my sanity, because I cannot stand not being able to sleep on my back. Prior to getting pregnant I never slept on my side, always slept on my back or stomach, so being pregnant sleep time can be really uncomfortable. This pillow has helped soooo much. It perfectly cradles my back and belly when I’m on my side.”
BEST MEMORY FOAM PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This extra-long full body pillow from Giselle Bedding is filled with 60D gel memory foam and 2.5kg of shredded foam, which practically melts and moves with you as your belly grows. It makes a great pregnancy pillow as it is long enough to offer extended support in any sleeping position, especially a side sleeping position and it reduces aches, soreness and pressure throughout the pregnancy. The cool and machine washable bamboo fabric cover is allergen-free and breathable, allowing air to easily flow through the pillow. We’d also recommend this as a solid option for those who prefer a firmer and thicker pillow.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“This is the first body pillow I have used that has not moved place throughout the night,” a reviewer admitted. “The firmness and height of the pillow has been perfect in keeping my hips and body aligned while sleeping. If I could give more than five stars for all aspects involved in this purchase, I would!”
“This pillow has made sleeping in pregnancy much more comfortable. The memory foam makes it the perfect size and the bamboo cover is nice and natural. Don’t even mind that it gets between me and my partner!” another wrote.
BEST U-SHAPED PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
We love this as a U-shape pregnancy pillow, however, this adjustable pillow can easily be transformed into a C, H or J-shaped body pillow to suit any sleeping position you prefer. It’s cleverly designed in a way that you can detach various parts of it off to cater to your needs and body shape at every stage of your pregnancy and beyond. It also features a wide strap so you can tether the two sides so that they stay put while you sleep. Furthermore, this versatile pillow has been designed with openings, meaning you can add or remove as much of the filling as you need for it to feel just right.
While it’s on the more expensive side of pregnancy pillows, know that it also comes with a small 45⁰ angle pillow, which is perfect for propping your baby bump to lessen the strain on your back muscles while sleeping. And it’s not just for mums-to-be, anyone can use it to relieve aches and pains in the head, shoulders, arms, back, legs, knees, ankles and feet. That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask us.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
The five-star reviews speaks for themselves, so much so that it has even stolen the hearts of those who aren’t even pregnant but just suffer from bodily pains.
One person commented on how they’re ‘in love’ with this body pillow: “So I know this is a pregnancy pillow, but I have some wild joint pain from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and this pillow is the best thing I’ve found for night-time support... It doesn’t matter which way you turn over either, you get cushioned on both sides by pillowy goodness! I’m very happy with this pillow.”
BEST C-SHAPED PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Use the elongated arch for your head or flip the pillow on its end to give added support through your legs and hips. It’s long enough to offer both upper and lower body support and versatile enough to wrap around in a seated position for breastfeeding. The removable washable cover is crafted from a 100 per cent cotton soft grey jersey, which feels cool against the skin and will squash into any position you desire. Plus, it has a zipper closure covered with a fabric flap so that it’s out of the way and allows for total comfort when sleeping.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
One reviewer had the best sleep of her life after investing in this pillow. “I just bought this after making it eight months through my pregnancy with no maternity pillow,” she wrote. “I had the best sleep of my life! 100 per cent recommend!”
“The best pillow for pregnancy. I’ve been using this for about three weeks now (currently 18 weeks) and although I’m not that big yet, it is so comfortable, doesn’t move during the night and you can use it in a number of configurations (lying down or doubled over for sitting up reading, or even half behind, half in front as a little prop for laptop or book). Highly recommend. My partner is very jealous!” another wrote.
BEST MOON-SHAPED PREGNANCY PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This moon-shape pillow will see you right through pregnancy and post-pregnancy. It can be formed into multiple positions and offers great support as a baby cushion and for nursing, sleeping and breastfeeding – it has a small wraparound buckle design to help positioning and latch. Made with premium hypoallergenic foam, it is incredibly breathable, ultra-absorbent and temperature regulating, so you can kiss sweaty sleeps goodbye. It contains high elasticity foam and high-density floss to maintain the fullness for better performance, however, you can access the filling and adjust the amount for a softer or firmer feel. Not to mention, it has a machine washable cover made of crabyarn fabric that is super gentle on the skin. Although on the more expensive side, this maternity pillow seems to be well worth the splurge according to the five star rating on Amazon and 4.6 rating on Google.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I bought this pillow while pregnant and loved it for my growing belly. Since having my bub its been so great for breastfeeding, and I’m looking forward to using it when my baby is starting to sit up,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Moon Pillow. It’s SO soft and comfortable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, AND has so many different uses! With my two babies, I thought I needed an expensive pregnancy pillow, a nursing pillow, a baby lounger, and a separate pillow for back support. If I had this product, it would have been the only one I’d need! Every mother needs this, from pregnancy into the baby years!” another wrote.
BEST PREGNANCY KNEE PILLOW
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Did you know cushioning and supporting both your legs and knees is crucial for maintaining proper alignment to help reduce pain? This handy pillow features an ergonomic hourglass shape that perfectly props between your legs and contours your body without restricting movement and reduces pressure from poor sleeping posture. It’s also designed with ventilated air holes in the memory foam to promote continuous air circulation throughout the night.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I did sleep more comfortably with this pillow between my knees and it stayed in place quite well,” one of the 19,400 five-star reviewers wrote. “The surprising benefit was that it helped me turn over more easily and with much less pain.”
Another five-star reviewer claims this knee pillow was a ‘life saver’ during her pregnancy. “This pillow has saved the quality of my sleep while pregnant. I’ve had some terrible hip pain that was difficult to manage through the night. Sleeping with a full size pillow between your knees is difficult when you’re rolling from one side to the other every hour or so. This pillow provides the perfect support without being a bulky burden. I use it every night, and have travelled with it multiple times, it’s a life saver!” she wrote.
BEST PREGNANCY PILLOW FOR TRAVEL
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Proving good things come in small packages, the Hiccapop wedge pillow is the best on-the-go pregnancy pillow option. It features a plush velboa cover that is soft yet durable and washable, and a two-sided design to suit mums during all three trimesters — a deluxe, soft memory foam on one side and a firmer support foam on the other, the perforated foam layer helps keep the pillow cooler. Place it under your belly, behind your back or between your knees to relieve nerve pain and numbness so you can get quality sleep, night after night, at home and when travelling. It also comes with its own carry bag for easy travelling.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“After weeks of searching for a good pregnancy pillow, I stumbled upon this one and I’m so glad I did,” one user commented. “I’ve been using this for about a month now and I love how easy it is to travel with and the multiple ways you can use it. It’s really soft and I sleep a lot more comfortably with this pillow wedge.”
WHICH PILLOW IS BEST DURING PREGNANCY?
Picking the best pregnancy pillow is a highly personal choice. To help make the decision process easier, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best one for you.
Material: Are you a hot sleeper? You’ll want to opt for a cotton-covered pregnancy pillow instead of fabric that’s less breathable like polyester. As for the type of filling, would you prefer an inflated, memory foam or fluffy full-body pillow? Lastly, you’ll definitely want to consider things like cleaning — you sweat more when pregnant so look for one that has a removable cover so you can wash it regularly.
Size: Pregnancy pillows come in a range of sizes from small wedge pillows to full-length and total body ones. How much support do you need and where do you need it the most? Additionally, if you sleep with a partner, you’ll want to run the size of your pillow by them as it will take up space in the bed they share with you.
Your sleep style: Are you a front, back or side sleeper? This will determine what shaped pregnancy pillow will help you sleep your best.
IS A C-SHAPE OR U-SHAPE PREGNANCY PILLOW BETTER?
This really depends on your personal preference and needs. A U-shaped pillow will provide support for both your back and front but you’ll find it takes up quite a lot of space in the bed. On the other hand, a C-shaped pillow will take up less space but doesn’t offer the same amount of full-body support.
WHEN SHOULD I START USING A PREGNANCY PILLOW?
There’s no set time for when you need to, or have to, start using a pregnancy pillow. Really, you should start using a pregnancy pillow when you think you need one. Generally speaking, most women transition from their regular pillow to a pregnancy one when they find it difficult to change positions during sleep, which is normally around week 20 when the belly starts to expand.
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Originally published as 10 best pregnancy pillows to buy in Australia 2023
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