How To Make A Nursing Pillow?

April 5, 2024

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Introduction to Crafting a Nursing Pillow

Making a nursing pillow at home can be an engaging and rewarding DIY project. You’ll need basic sewing skills, some specific materials, and a little bit of time to create a comfortable, supportive pillow that can aid in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding sessions with your baby. In essence, you’ll need a fabric of your choice, a pillow pattern, stuffing material like polyester fiberfill, and sewing tools. The process involves cutting out the fabric according to the pattern, sewing it together leaving an opening, stuffing it firmly, and finally closing the pillow.

Gathering Your Materials

Selecting the Right Fabric

For durability and comfort, look for a soft, yet sturdy fabric. Cotton blends are often a good choice due to their softness and ease of maintenance. Regardless of the material you select, ensure that it is machine washable, as nursing pillows can get messy and require frequent cleaning.

Choosing the Filling

Polyester fiberfill is a popular choice for stuffing nursing pillows because of its softness and resilience. Alternatively, you can use a natural fiber like wool or cotton batting for a more organic feel. Keep in mind that the firmness of your pillow will be determined by the amount and type of stuffing used.

Sewing Supplies

You’ll need basic sewing supplies including scissors, a tape measure, pins, a seam ripper, and a sewing machine (though hand-sewing is also an option if a machine is not available). Additionally, thread matching your fabric color will help make your stitches look seamless.

The Pillow Pattern

Search online for a nursing pillow pattern or create one by tracing a half-moon shape onto a large paper. Consider the size of the pillow, keeping in mind it should fit comfortably around your waist and provide ample support for your baby.

Making the Nursing Pillow

Preparing the Pattern and Fabric

Cut out your paper pattern, then lay your chosen fabric flat on a large surface. Place the pattern on the fabric and secure it using pins. Cut around the pattern carefully, ensuring to leave a seam allowance – typically about a half-inch around the edge.

Sewing the Pieces Together

With the right sides of the fabric together, pin along the edges to hold the pieces in place for sewing. Using your sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques, stitch around the perimeter of the pillow but remember to leave an opening for the stuffing.

Adding the Stuffing

Turn the pillow right side out through the opening you left. Begin to fill the pillow, making sure to distribute the stuffing evenly. The pillow should be firm enough to support the baby but not so stiff that it’s uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is to fill the pillow enough so that it doesn’t sag under the baby’s weight but is still pliable.

Closing the Pillow

Once the pillow is stuffed, pin the opening closed, ensuring that the edges are folded inward to maintain a consistent seam allowance. Sew the opening shut either by hand with an invisible stitch or with your sewing machine as neatly as possible.

Customizing Your Nursing Pillow

Adding a Personal Touch

For a unique twist, consider adding a personal touch to your nursing pillow. You can sew on a custom label, attach a pocket for storing nursing accessories, or decorate it with appliques to suit your style.

Covering Your Pillow

To make your nursing pillow last longer and facilitate easy cleaning, create a removable cover using the same or a different fabric. This follows much the same process as making the pillow: cut the fabric using the pattern, allowing for a little extra space to accomodate the pillow comfortably. Add a zipper or Velcro closure to the cover for ease of removal.

Maintaining Your Nursing Pillow

Cleaning and Care

Wash your homemade nursing pillow periodically. If you’ve made a removable cover, it’s simply a case of taking it off and washing according to the fabric specifications. Otherwise, spot-clean any spills or stains as quickly as possible, and occasionally hand-wash or machine-wash the entire pillow if the material allows.

Storing Your Pillow

When not in use, store your pillow in a clean, dry place to prevent any buildup of moisture which could lead to mold or mildew. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading if it features a colored fabric.

Finishing Thoughts

Not only does making your own nursing pillow offer cost-saving benefits, but it also allows for customization to suit your comfort and style needs. With a few materials, a bit of creativity, and the steps outlined above, you can create a functional and stylish accessory that will support you and your little one during those precious early months. Remember, the key is in the details – choose quality materials, secure your stitches, and fill your pillow to the desired firmness. Enjoy the process of crafting something that is uniquely yours, and the added comfort it brings to your nursing routine.