As any new parent will tell you, sleep is precious. But while all parents-to-be are prepared to lose the hours after their baby is born, they don’t expect so many sleepless nights beforehand. But for many mums-to-be, getting that all-important eight hours becomes increasingly difficult as pregnancy progresses. From restless legs to over-heating and the inability to find a comfortable, safe position, nodding off can be a nightmare in itself. And with all that tossing, turning and quilt-throwing, good luck to anyone else trying to get a restful night’s sleep in the same bed. Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of the pregnancy pillow. Different designs boast different benefits but they are all aimed at easing the pressure on key areas – such as bump, back, knees, hips and neck – and promoting more restful sleep. It’s not just pregnant women who can reap the rewards – many products are suitable for patients with neck, back or arthritic problems and anyone who just enjoys a bit of extra support.
So pick the right pillow now and start savouring that sleep – before a good night’s rest becomes a distant dream. 1. The Snuggle Up Collection: L-shaped pillow: From £25, Snuggle Up The Snuggle Up Collection features four pillows in a range of letter shapes – the V, U, C and L. All of them guarantee to alleviate the pressure of sleeping on your side during pregnancy. The pillows – which can be used as a support aid during breastfeeding – are also suitable for anyone with neck or back problems. We like the L-shaped pillow as it offers full body and neck support and comes in seven different colours. Each of the pillows is made from shape-retaining material and is fully machine washable. The original and premium edition pillows are coated with lavender to further help calm and restful sleep. 2. Kit for Kids Cuddle Me Pregnancy Pillow: £39.99, Argos This cute and cosy pillow can be used in a variety of positions to offer support for your bump, back and knees – depending where you feel you most need it.
Its versatility makes it ideal to meet your changing needs (and discomforts) as your pregnancy progresses. It’s also available in a range of different prints and can easily be machine washed at 40 degrees. 3. Mamas & Papas Night Stars Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow: £29, Mamas and Papas Designed to support your bump, back and knees, this trendy-looking pillow moulds to fit your changing shape. The slim design also makes it more comfortable to curl around. Suitable as a sleep aid or to support the baby during breast and bottle feeding, it can also be used to alleviate back pain while sitting. The cover is removable and machine washable. 4. Boppy Total Body Pillow: £59.99, Mothercare Designed in consultation with physiotherapists, the Boppy Total Body Pillow promises to “fill in all the gaps” from head to toe, alleviating pressure on the spine. It is designed with side-sleeping in mind, the recommended position for pregnant women. The three-piece design can be pulled apart and used separately or all together – ideal as your bump grows and your pressure points change.
The 100 per cent cotton pillow is hand-wash only. 5. Dreamgenii Pregnancy Pillow: £47.99, Babies R Us This multi-award-winning product is recommended by midwives as it encourages you to lie on your left side and gently prevents you from rolling over onto your back during sleep. This position is encouraged during pregnancy as it helps to maximise blood flow between mother and baby and the shape of the pillow helps to maintain it. It offers support for the back, bump and knees and the cover is removable and machine washable. Also suitable for use as a nursing pillow after birth. 6. John Lewis V-shaped Maternity and Nursing Pillow: £25, John Lewis This simple design is ideal for mums-to-be who suffer with back, neck and shoulder pain as it can help to relieve all three. By adjusting your posture, the pillow can help to alleviate pain. It is also suitable for use as a bottle or breastfeeding pillow when your little one comes along. The removable cover is machine washable and the pillow comes with its own bag so can easily be transported.
7. JoJo Maman Bébé Multi-purpose Maternity Body Support Pillow: £45, JoJo Maman Bébé This versatile design offers back, tummy and hip support in the later stages of pregnancy as a comfortable sleeping position becomes harder and harder to find. The soft, flexible material follows the curves of your shape to offer full body support. The pillow also zips into a unique coil design that creates a snug nest for babies to sit or play in and can be used as a soft chair for older children. Also suitable for nursing. Features a removable, washable cover. 8. Summer Infant Bliss Feeding Pillow: £33.99, Argos This bean-shaped pillow will come in more handy after birth than it will before. Designed specifically to support your newborn when breastfeeding, this contoured cushion fits around your body and allows your baby to settle in the ideal place for feeding. It also eliminates the stress upon the new mother’s back and neck. Suitable for newborns and older babies. The cushion is 100 per cent cotton and comes with a spare cover.
9. Dunelm Nursing Pillow and Pillowcase Set: £12.99, Dunelm This crescent-shaped cushion offers both comfort and great value for money. Suitable for use in pregnancy to relieve neck and back discomfort, the contours also provide ideal support for newborns during feeding. The shape has been designed specifically to help babies relax while reducing pressure on mum’s neck. Both the case and the pillow are machine-washable making the product suitable for everyday use. 10. Tesco Grey Flamingo Maternity Pillow Pack: £40, Tesco Practical during and after pregnancy, this maternity pillow pack makes sleeping and nursing more comfortable for you and baby. The set includes a supportive curved pillow and a wedge pillow. Place the wedge under the tummy to prevent strain on your back and hips or behind the back to reduce tossing and turning in your sleep. The curved pillow is ideal for use during the later stages of pregnancy to support your tummy and back. It can also be used to support your arms, neck and back during feeding.