Quick answer
Use your nursing pillow for tummy time by placing it on the floor and positioning your baby chest-down over the pillow with their arms forward and face turned to the side. For sitting support, wrap the pillow behind your baby's back and around their sides while you sit on the floor with them. Always stay within arm's reach and never leave a baby unattended on or near a nursing pillow.
Why your nursing pillow works for tummy time
A nursing pillow lifts your baby's chest and shifts some weight off their arms, which can make supervised tummy time feel less frustrating for newborns and younger babies who are still building neck and shoulder strength. The slight incline also gives them a better view of the room, which often buys you a few extra minutes of practice.
This is a supervised, awake activity only. A nursing pillow is not a sleep surface, and it should never be used in a crib, bassinet, or anywhere a baby might fall asleep unattended.
How to set up tummy time on the pillow
Start on a firm, flat floor surface with a play mat or blanket underneath. Place the pillow so the curved side faces you and the opening points away. Lay your baby chest-down over the pillow with their arms draped over the front edge and their face turned to one side so their nose and mouth are clear.
play mat
Keep the session short at first, one to two minutes, and build up as your baby tolerates it. If they fuss or arch, take a break and try again later. Switch the direction your baby faces each session so they practice turning both ways.
How to use the pillow for sitting support
Once your baby has good head control, sit on the floor with your legs in a V and place the pillow behind and around their hips and lower back. The pillow gives them a boundary to lean against while they practice balancing, but it does not replace your hands or your attention.
Sit facing your baby so you can steady their torso with light hands if they tip. This is a supported practice position, not a substitute for a seat, and it should only be used while you are actively watching. Stop if your baby slumps forward or seems uncomfortable.
Matching the pillow to the stage
The New Boppy Nursing Pillow is firmer and taller than the Original, with a wider opening. That extra height can give a small baby more lift during tummy time, while the wider opening fits more caregiver body types during feeding and sitting practice. The Boppy Nursing Pillow with Organic Cover uses a softer, hypoallergenic fiber fill and an extra wide opening, which some parents prefer for longer sitting sessions.
Boppy Nursing Pillow
If you already own an Original Nursing Support, a Boutique cover lets you refresh the look without buying a second pillow. Just note that the Boutique cover is cut for the Original shape and will not fit the Redesigned Boppy Nursing Pillow.
Step-by-step: tummy time and sitting support
- 1. Pick a firm, flat floor surface: Lay a play mat or blanket on the floor and place the pillow on top. Avoid beds, sofas, or any soft surface where the pillow can shift or your baby can roll off. Checkpoint: the pillow should not rock or slide when you press on it.
- 2. Position your baby chest-down for tummy time: Place your baby over the pillow with their arms forward over the front edge and their face turned to one side. Their chin should be clear of the pillow and their nose and mouth unobstructed. Common mistake: letting the face press into the pillow instead of turning it to the side.
- 3. Stay within arm's reach and keep sessions short: Start with one to two minutes and watch for signs of fatigue, arching, or fussing. End the session before your baby gets upset so the next one is easier. Checkpoint: if your baby cannot lift or turn their head, stop and try again another day.
- 4. Switch to sitting support once head control is steady: Sit on the floor with your baby and wrap the pillow behind their lower back and around their hips. Keep your hands ready to steady their torso. Common mistake: using the pillow as a seat and walking away. It is a support tool, not a container.
- 5. Check the pillow fit before each session: Confirm your cover is snug and the pillow has not lost its shape. If you own an Original Nursing Support, use a cover cut for that shape rather than forcing a cover made for the Redesigned pillow. Next step: rotate tummy time and sitting practice into your daily routine after feedings, when your baby is awake and alert.
Pillow options that support tummy time and sitting
- Boppy Nursing Pillow with Organic Cover: Boppy Nursing Pillow with Organic Cover has an extra thick cushion, hypoallergenic fiber fill, and an extra wide opening. The extra thickness lifts a small baby higher during tummy time, and the wide opening makes sitting support easier to adjust for different caregivers.
- New Boppy® Bare Naked® Nursing Pillow: New Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow is firmer and taller than the Original Boppy, with a wider opening for multiple holds and more caregiver body types. A firmer, taller pillow gives more stable lift for tummy time and sitting practice, and the wider opening helps it fit more bodies during feeding.
- Boutique Solid Original Support Nursing Pillow Cover: Boutique Solid Original Support Nursing Pillow Cover fits only the Original Boppy Nursing Pillow and will not fit the Redesigned Boppy Nursing Pillow. If you already own an Original pillow, this is a low-cost way to refresh it for tummy time and sitting sessions, but check your pillow shape first.
