How to Clean and Care for Your Nursing Pillow and Cover

Quick Answer

To clean your nursing pillow, remove the cover and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry or tumble dry on low. Spot clean the pillow itself and fluff it regularly to maintain its shape. Always check the care tag for specific instructions.

Nursing pillows are a daily workhorse, supporting your baby during feedings, tummy time, and cuddles. But with all that use, they collect spit-up, drool, and crumbs. Keeping your nursing pillow clean isn't just about looks—it's about hygiene and comfort for both you and your little one.

The good news: most nursing pillows and covers are designed for easy cleaning. With a few simple habits, you can keep your pillow fresh, stain-free, and supportive for months. Here's a step-by-step guide to washing and caring for your nursing pillow and cover.

Before You Wash: Check the Care Label

Every nursing pillow is different, and the care instructions can vary by brand and model. Start by reading the care tag on your pillow and cover. It will tell you whether the pillow can be machine washed or if it's spot-clean only. Ignoring these instructions can damage the filling or fabric.

For Boppy nursing pillows, the covers are typically removable and machine washable, while the pillow insert itself may be spot clean or machine washable depending on the model. When in doubt, opt for spot cleaning the insert to preserve its shape and support.

• Always unzip and remove the cover before washing the pillow insert.
• If the care tag is missing, spot cleaning is the safest option for the pillow itself.

Washing the Cover: Machine Wash with Care

Most nursing pillow covers, including Boppy's, are machine washable. Turn the cover inside out to protect the fabric and any prints. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent shrinking and fading. A mild detergent is best—avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can irritate your baby's skin.

For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a small amount of baby-safe stain remover before washing. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash as usual. This works well for spit-up and formula stains on polyester and cotton covers.

• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the cover's zipper and fabric.
• Skip the fabric softener—it can reduce the fabric's absorbency and softness over time.

Drying: Air Dry or Low Heat

After washing, air drying is the gentlest option for both the cover and the pillow insert. Hang the cover to dry or lay it flat. If you're in a hurry, you can tumble dry on low heat, but high heat can shrink the cover and damage the pillow's filling.

For the pillow insert, air drying is strongly recommended. The filling can clump or lose its shape in a hot dryer. If you must machine dry, use the no-heat or air-fluff setting and check frequently.

• Never wring out the cover—gently squeeze out excess water instead.
• Fluff the pillow insert by hand while it dries to redistribute the filling.

Spot Cleaning the Pillow Insert

If your nursing pillow isn't machine washable, or you just need to clean a small area, spot cleaning is your go-to. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, dip a clean cloth in the solution, and gently blot the stained area. Avoid soaking the pillow, as excess moisture can damage the filling.

For odor control, sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it off. This helps freshen the pillow between washes without a full cleaning.

• Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first.
• Allow the pillow to dry completely before using it again to prevent mold and mildew.

Maintaining Shape and Support

A nursing pillow's shape is key to its support. Over time, the filling can compress or shift. To maintain its shape, fluff the pillow regularly by kneading and shaking it. This redistributes the filling and keeps the pillow plump.

When not in use, store the pillow in a dry, cool place. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, which can flatten the filling. Some parents find that giving the pillow a few minutes of 'fluff time' each day helps it last longer.

• Fluff the pillow after each wash to restore its loft.
• If the pillow has a removable cover, consider having a spare to extend time between washes.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

1. Remove and Pre-Treat: Unzip and remove the cover. Pre-treat any stains with a baby-safe stain remover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Checkpoint: Don't skip pre-treating—it makes a big difference on set-in stains.
2. Machine Wash Cold: Wash the cover in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Turn it inside out and use a mesh bag if available. Checkpoint: Avoid bleach and fabric softeners to protect the fabric and your baby's skin.
3. Air Dry or Low Heat: Air dry the cover and pillow insert. If using a dryer, choose low heat or air-fluff for the cover, and air dry the insert to preserve shape. Checkpoint: High heat can shrink the cover and damage the filling—always opt for gentle drying.
4. Spot Clean the Insert: For the pillow insert, blot stains with a mild detergent solution. Avoid soaking. Use baking soda to freshen and vacuum off. Checkpoint: Ensure the insert is completely dry before use to prevent mold.
5. Fluff and Store Properly: Fluff the pillow by hand to redistribute filling. Store in a dry, cool place away from heavy items. Checkpoint: Regular fluffing maintains support and extends the pillow's life.

Products That Make Cleaning Easier

• New Boppy Nursing Pillow Cover: Keep your Boppy Nursing Pillow fresh and clean for every feeding with this soft, zippered machine-washable cover made from 100% polyester micro-fiber and a range of fun prints. A zippered, machine-washable cover makes it easy to remove and wash frequently, so you can keep your pillow clean without much effort.
• New Boppy Nursing Pillow Organic Cotton Cover: Keep your NEW Boppy Nursing Pillow fresh and clean for every feeding with this soft and snuggly 100% organic cotton fabric, zippered machine-washable cover in a stylish print. Organic cotton is gentle on your baby's skin and still machine washable, so you can maintain hygiene without compromising on softness.

With a simple routine of regular cover washes, spot cleaning, and proper drying, your nursing pillow can stay fresh, supportive, and ready for every feeding. A little care goes a long way in keeping both you and your baby comfortable.