Parents Choice Nursing Pillow

Why This $20 Walmart Find Might Be the Best Investment for Your Feeding Journey

As I sit here typing with my 3-month-old snuggled against me, I can’t help but think about how different our feeding journey would have been without my trusty nursing pillow. After three babies and countless hours of both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, I’ve tried more baby products than I care to admit. But today, I want to talk about one product that genuinely made a difference in my parenting journey: the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I had no idea how important a good nursing pillow would be. I remember standing in the baby section at Walmart, completely overwhelmed by all the options. The pricier brands caught my eye first (doesn’t that always happen?), but then I spotted the Parent’s Choice option. Finding an affordable nursing pillow that actually works well can completely transform your feeding experience – and that’s exactly what happened for me.

Whether you’re a first-time parent navigating the confusing world of baby products or a seasoned pro looking for practical advice, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow. I’ll share my personal experience, the pros and cons, and answer all those questions you’ve been Googling at 3 AM.

What Exactly Is the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow?

Let’s start with the basics. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow is exactly what it sounds like – a specially designed pillow that helps support your baby during feeding sessions. But it’s so much more than “just a pillow.” It’s a U-shaped cushion that wraps around your waist, creating a stable and elevated platform for your baby to rest on while nursing or bottle feeding.

When I brought my first baby home, I quickly discovered that holding a 7-8 pound newborn for 30+ minutes multiple times a day was no joke. My arms would ache, my back would hurt, and finding a comfortable position seemed impossible. Enter the nursing pillow – a simple solution that makes feeding sessions more comfortable for both baby and parent.

The Parent’s Choice version is Walmart’s affordable alternative to higher-priced brands like Boppy or My Brest Friend. It offers many of the same benefits at a significantly lower price point, which was a major selling point for me as a budget-conscious new mom.

Is It Suitable for Both Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding?

Absolutely! This was one of my biggest concerns because I knew I wanted flexibility in my feeding journey. With my first baby, I exclusively breastfed. With my second, we did a combination of breast and bottle. And with my third, we primarily bottle-fed. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow worked wonderfully for all three scenarios.

For breastfeeding moms, the pillow elevates your baby to breast height, which helps achieve a proper latch and reduces strain on your back, neck, and arms. I found this especially helpful during those early weeks when I was still figuring out the whole breastfeeding thing.

For bottle-feeding, the pillow provides the same ergonomic benefits – it positions your baby at a comfortable height and angle, freeing up one of your hands and reducing arm fatigue. I could actually drink water or check my phone during feedings, which felt like a small miracle in those early days.

The versatility of this pillow is what makes it such a practical purchase. You’re not investing in a product that only serves one purpose or feeding method, which is especially important if you’re not sure exactly how your feeding journey will unfold.

Where Can I Buy It and How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s where the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow really shines. As Walmart’s in-house brand, you’ll find this pillow exclusively at Walmart stores and on their website. The convenience factor here is huge – most towns have a Walmart, making it easily accessible for last-minute purchases (because let’s be honest, sometimes baby prep doesn’t go as planned).

When it comes to price, this is where I was truly impressed. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow typically retails for around $19.99, though I’ve occasionally seen it on sale for even less. Compare that to other popular brands that can cost $40-60, and you’re looking at significant savings.

I remember standing in the baby aisle, comparing the Parent’s Choice pillow to the Boppy (which was priced at $49.99), and wondering if I was making a mistake by choosing the less expensive option. Three babies later, I can confidently say that the extra $30 in my pocket was well worth it – the Parent’s Choice performed beautifully without breaking the bank.

Materials and Build Quality

When it comes to baby products, material quality matters – not just for durability, but also for your baby’s sensitive skin. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow features a polyester fiber-filled interior that provides firm yet comfortable support. The cover is made from a soft, 100% cotton material that feels gentle against baby’s skin.

I was initially concerned that the lower price point might mean lower quality materials, but that wasn’t the case at all. The stitching was solid, the filling maintained its shape well over time, and the cover felt suitably soft and breathable.

One thing to note: while the pillow itself contains polyester fill, the cotton cover makes it comfortable for direct contact with your baby. If you have concerns about synthetic materials, you might want to consider purchasing an additional organic cotton slipcover, though the standard one worked perfectly fine for my family.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Let’s talk about a critical factor that doesn’t always get enough attention: washability. Because let’s face it – babies are messy! Between spit-up, diaper blowouts, and milk dribbles, your nursing pillow is going to need regular cleaning.

The ability to easily clean your nursing pillow can make or break your experience with it, especially during those chaotic newborn days. Thankfully, the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow features a removable, machine-washable cover. This was absolutely essential for me, especially with my first baby who seemed to have the uncanny ability to projectile spit-up at the most inopportune moments.

The removal process is straightforward – the cover has a hidden zipper that allows you to slip it off easily. I would typically toss it in with my regular laundry using gentle baby detergent. It held up well to frequent washing without significant fading or shrinking, which was impressive given the price point.

The inner pillow itself is not machine washable, but I found that spot cleaning with a damp cloth was sufficient for minor spills. For bigger messes that soaked through to the pillow, I would hand-wash the affected area and allow it to air dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on.

One pro tip from my experience: consider purchasing an extra cover if you plan to use the pillow frequently. This way, you’ll always have a clean one ready to go while the other is in the wash. Unfortunately, Parent’s Choice doesn’t sell separate covers, but there are universal nursing pillow covers available online that fit reasonably well.

Firmness and Support: Finding the Right Balance

A nursing pillow needs to strike a delicate balance between being soft enough for your baby’s comfort but firm enough to provide adequate support. Too soft, and your baby sinks in, potentially compromising their latch or positioning. Too firm, and it might be uncomfortable for both of you.

The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow leans slightly toward the firmer side, which I actually preferred. The polyester filling maintains its shape well, preventing that frustrating “sinking” feeling that can happen with softer pillows. This firmness helps keep your baby at breast or bottle height without constantly needing to readjust.

I particularly appreciated this firmness during the newborn stage when proper positioning was so crucial for successful latching. As my babies grew older and gained more head and neck control, the supportive surface continued to serve us well for various feeding positions.

If you prefer an ultra-plush feel, this might not be the pillow for you. But from my experience with three very different babies, the moderate firmness of the Parent’s Choice pillow provided the ideal balance of comfort and functionality.

Comparing to Premium Brands: Is It Worth the Savings?

The elephant in the room when discussing any budget-friendly baby product is how it compares to the premium alternatives. Having used both the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow and borrowed a friend’s Boppy for a few weeks, I feel qualified to make a fair comparison.

The most obvious difference is the price point – the Parent’s Choice costs roughly 60% less than the Boppy. But what about functionality and quality?

In terms of basic design, they’re quite similar: both feature the classic U-shape that wraps around your waist. The Boppy is slightly wider and offers a bit more surface area, which becomes more noticeable as your baby grows. However, the Parent’s Choice pillow was perfectly adequate even when my babies reached the 4-5 month mark.

The Boppy does offer more stylish cover options and prints, if aesthetic is important to you. The Parent’s Choice pillow comes in a limited selection of simple patterns and solid colors. Personally, function trumped fashion during those sleep-deprived newborn days, so this wasn’t a major concern for me.

Where Boppy pulls ahead is in the availability of accessories and replacement covers. Boppy sells separate covers in countless designs, while Parent’s Choice doesn’t offer this option. However, as mentioned earlier, you can find universal covers that fit reasonably well.

In terms of durability, I was impressed that my Parent’s Choice pillow lasted through three babies over five years with minimal signs of wear. The cover remained intact despite countless washes, and the pillow maintained its shape without significant flattening.

My verdict? For most families, the Parent’s Choice offers approximately 90% of the functionality at 40% of the cost. Unless you specifically want the brand name or need the slightly larger surface area, the savings are absolutely worth it.

Beyond Feeding: Multi-Functionality

While the primary purpose of a nursing pillow is to support feeding sessions, I quickly discovered that the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow had several other valuable uses throughout my babies’ first year.

Tummy time was one unexpected application that proved incredibly useful. Around the 2-3 month mark, when my babies were still getting used to being on their tummies, placing them over the curved part of the pillow gave them a slight elevation that made the position more tolerable. They could lift their heads more easily, which led to more positive tummy time experiences.

The pillow also served as a supportive prop for my babies when they were learning to sit. Placed behind them in a U-shape, it caught them when they inevitably toppled over, giving them confidence to practice their sitting skills.

I even found myself using it as back support for myself during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. During those final uncomfortable weeks of pregnancy, tucking it behind my lower back while sitting on the couch provided welcome relief.

However, I do want to emphasize an important safety point: while the nursing pillow is versatile, it should never be used for sleep. Always supervise your baby when they’re using the pillow, and never leave them unattended or allow them to sleep on it.

Is It Safe for Newborns?

Safety is understandably a top concern for any parent. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow is designed with newborn safety in mind, but proper usage is key.

The firm surface provides adequate support for a newborn’s delicate body while feeding. The slight elevation can also help with digestion and reduce reflux issues, which many newborns struggle with.

However, it’s important to remember that nursing pillows are not designed for sleep. Always remove your baby from the pillow once feeding is complete, even if they’ve fallen asleep. The U-shaped design could potentially create a suffocation hazard if a baby were to roll or reposition themselves while sleeping unsupervised.

During feeding sessions, always maintain supervision and ensure your baby’s airway remains clear. The Parent’s Choice pillow, when used as intended for awake, supervised feeding sessions, is perfectly safe for newborns.

C-Section Recovery: A Helpful Tool

My second baby was born via C-section, and I discovered an entirely new appreciation for my nursing pillow during recovery. The pillow created a protective barrier between my baby and my sensitive incision site, making feeding sessions much more comfortable.

The Parent’s Choice pillow was firm enough to maintain this protective space without compressing too much under my baby’s weight. This meant I could feed without the fear of my baby accidentally kicking or pressing against my healing incision.

If you’re planning or have had a C-section, I strongly recommend having a nursing pillow ready before you come home from the hospital. It made a world of difference in my recovery process, allowing me to feed my baby comfortably even while healing from major surgery.

Available Designs and Patterns

While functionality should be the primary consideration, it’s also nice to have a product that fits your personal style, especially since it will likely be visible in your living room and appear in countless photos during those early days.

The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow offers a limited but pleasant selection of designs. When I purchased mine, they had about 4-5 options ranging from solid neutral colors to simple patterns like polka dots and chevron. The designs tend toward gender-neutral patterns, which I appreciated since I was able to use the same pillow for both my son and daughters.

The covers feature soft, breathable cotton in muted, nursery-friendly colors. While they don’t have the designer prints or trendy patterns you might find with premium brands, the simple aesthetics blend well with most home decors without becoming an eyesore in your living space.

If you’re particular about matching your nursery theme or prefer more stylish options, you might want to consider purchasing a universal cover separately, as they come in countless designs and patterns.

What Do Other Parents Say? Reviews and Feedback

I’m not the only parent who has found the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow to be a valuable addition to their baby gear collection. On Walmart’s website, the pillow consistently maintains a rating above 4 stars, with thousands of reviews.

Many parents echo my sentiments about the excellent value proposition – getting solid functionality at a budget-friendly price. The washability of the cover is frequently mentioned as a major plus, especially by first-time parents who didn’t realize just how messy babies can be!

Some critical reviews mention that the pillow could be slightly wider or that the cover is somewhat difficult to remove. A few parents with larger body types noted that the pillow didn’t wrap around their waist as effectively, which is a valid consideration if you wear above a size 16/18.

Overall, the consensus seems to be that the Parent’s Choice pillow delivers on its promises without breaking the bank. It may not have all the bells and whistles of premium brands, but it handles the essential functions admirably.

Back Support for Mom: The Ergonomic Benefits

Beyond just supporting your baby, a good nursing pillow should help protect your body during the many hours you’ll spend feeding. Poor positioning during nursing or bottle feeding can lead to significant back, neck, and shoulder pain – something I learned the hard way before I started using a nursing pillow consistently.

The Parent’s Choice pillow helped me maintain better posture during feeding sessions by bringing my baby to breast height rather than forcing me to hunch over. This simple elevation made a tremendous difference in reducing back strain, especially during those marathon cluster feeding sessions that can last for hours.

The pillow also allowed me to relax my shoulders rather than tensing them to hold my baby at the right height. This seemingly small adjustment prevented the upper back and neck pain that many new mothers experience.

One thing to note is that while the nursing pillow helps significantly, it works best when used in conjunction with proper seating. I found that a chair with good back support or a glider with armrests complemented the nursing pillow perfectly for optimal comfort during extended feeding sessions.

Portability: Taking It On the Go

New parenthood involves a surprising amount of logistics, and the ability to easily transport your baby gear becomes incredibly valuable. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow strikes a good balance between supportive firmness and reasonable portability.

Weighing approximately 2.5 pounds, the pillow is lightweight enough to carry from room to room or pack in the car for day trips. Its U-shape makes it a bit bulky for everyday outings, but I often brought it along for longer visits to grandparents’ houses or weekend trips.

The pillow doesn’t come with a carrying case, but I found that a large reusable shopping bag worked perfectly for transport. Some parents use large zippered storage bags to compress the pillow slightly for travel, though I wouldn’t recommend doing this frequently as it may affect the pillow’s shape over time.

If you’re primarily looking for something to use at home with occasional outings, the Parent’s Choice pillow’s portability is adequate. If you need something specifically designed for frequent travel, you might want to consider specialized travel nursing pillows, though they typically come at a higher price point.

Proper Baby Positioning: A Key to Successful Feeding

One of the most significant benefits of any nursing pillow, including the Parent’s Choice version, is how it helps achieve proper positioning for feeding. This is crucial not just for your comfort, but for your baby’s effective feeding and development.

For breastfeeding, the pillow helps position your baby’s head at nipple height, with their body turned completely toward yours (tummy to tummy). This alignment is essential for achieving a deep, effective latch and preventing nipple pain or feeding difficulties.

For bottle feeding, the slight incline helps maintain a semi-upright position that can reduce the risk of ear infections and aid digestion. It also allows for better eye contact during feedings, supporting that precious bonding time.

I found that the Parent’s Choice pillow maintained its shape well enough to provide consistent support throughout a feeding session. Some less expensive pillows tend to compress too much as the feeding progresses, requiring constant readjustment, but this wasn’t an issue with the Parent’s Choice.

The pillow’s moderately firm surface also prevented my babies from rolling inward during feeding, maintaining that ideal positioning that leads to more efficient feeds and less gas or discomfort afterward.

Dimensions and Size Considerations

The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow measures approximately 18 inches across at its widest point and has a circumference of about 45 inches. The inner opening is roughly 10-11 inches, designed to fit around the waist of most adults.

The pillow stands about 6 inches tall, providing good elevation for your baby without being too high for comfortable positioning. These dimensions are fairly standard for nursing pillows and worked well for my average-sized frame.

However, it’s worth noting that if you have a particularly small or large body type, you might find the fit less than ideal. Some petite parents mention that the pillow feels too large around their waist, while those with larger body types sometimes find it doesn’t wrap around adequately to provide stability.

The surface area of the pillow comfortably accommodates babies from newborn through about 6 months of age, though this varies depending on your baby’s size and growth rate. My larger baby outgrew the surface area a bit sooner than my smaller ones, but we still got a solid 5-6 months of use before transitioning to different feeding positions.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

For environmentally conscious parents, it’s worth addressing the sustainability aspects of the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow. This is one area where the budget-friendly option does make some compromises.

The pillow is made with standard polyester filling and conventional cotton cover, rather than organic or recycled materials. The packaging is typical retail packaging with plastic elements.

That said, the durability of the product contributes to its sustainability in a different way. Because it maintains its shape and functionality well over time, it can easily be used for multiple children or passed along to friends or family members when you’re finished with it. I used the same pillow for three children over five years, which is considerably more eco-friendly than purchasing multiple lower-quality pillows that wear out quickly.

If environmental considerations are a top priority for you, you might want to look into some of the specialized organic nursing pillows on the market, though they typically come at a much higher price point (often $80-100+).

Replacement Covers: Limited But Workable

One limitation of the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow is that the company doesn’t sell replacement covers separately. This can be inconvenient if your cover becomes stained or damaged, or if you simply want to have an extra on hand for washing days.

However, there are several universal nursing pillow covers on the market that fit reasonably well on the Parent’s Choice pillow. These aren’t a perfect fit since they’re typically designed for Boppy pillows, but many parents (myself included) find them to be a workable solution.

I purchased a universal cover from an online retailer that was slightly loose on my Parent’s Choice pillow but still perfectly functional. The slight bagginess wasn’t noticeable during use and didn’t affect the pillow’s performance.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, another option is to use the original cover as a pattern to create your own replacement covers in fabrics of your choice. This allows for complete customization while ensuring a perfect fit.

My Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After using the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow through three babies with different feeding journeys, I can confidently say that it offers exceptional value for the price. For around $20, you get a functional, durable nursing pillow that handles its primary job admirably well.

The combination of affordable price, decent quality, and practical functionality makes the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow one of the best values in baby products I’ve encountered.

Is it perfect? No. The limited design options, lack of separately sold covers, and slightly smaller surface area compared to premium brands are legitimate drawbacks. But when I consider that these limitations saved me approximately $30-40 compared to higher-end options, they seem like reasonable compromises.

For most families, especially those on a budget or those unsure how long they’ll use a nursing pillow, the Parent’s Choice option provides everything you need without unnecessary frills. The money saved can be redirected to other baby essentials or added to your child’s college fund (because it’s never too early to start thinking about that!).

If you’re a parent who values practicality and affordability without sacrificing basic functionality, the Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow deserves a spot on your baby registry or shopping list. It’s a product that delivers exactly what it promises: comfortable, supportive feeding sessions without breaking the bank.

After all, parenting is expensive enough without overpaying for basics. The Parent’s Choice Nursing Pillow is one small way to be financially savvy while still giving yourself and your baby the support you both deserve during those precious feeding moments that form the foundation of your earliest bonds.