How Can I Support My Baby’s Neck During Feedings?

As a neonatal nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial proper neck support is for newborns during feeding. Supporting your baby’s neck isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and ensuring a positive feeding experience for you and your baby. For many new mums, finding the right balance of support can feel challenging, but with some helpful tips and tools, it becomes a natural part of feeding time.

To support your baby’s neck during feedings, position your baby so their head is slightly elevated and aligned with their body, use a nursing pillow to maintain consistent support, and avoid positions that may strain your baby’s neck. Proper neck support ensures safe swallowing, reduces strain, and enhances comfort for both you and your baby.

Why Is Neck Support Important During Feeding?

Newborns have little neck control in the early months, and without proper support, their heads can flop in different directions, causing discomfort and difficulty in swallowing. With tummy time, this can be improved over time but not until around the third month. During feeding, neck support is essential to ensure a clear airway and promote easy swallowing. When a baby’s neck is properly supported, they can focus on feeding without unnecessary strain or discomfort, creating a relaxed and efficient feeding environment.

Best Techniques for Supporting Your Baby’s Neck

Ensuring good neck support doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple, effective ways to support your baby’s neck during feeding:

• Cradle Hold: One of the most popular holds, the cradle hold, allows you to use your arm to support both the head and neck. This position also brings your baby close to your body, adding an extra layer of support.
• Football Hold: Also called the "Clutch Hold," his technique keeps your baby tucked to your side, with their neck and head resting on your hand. The football hold can be especially helpful if you’re recovering from a C-section, as it keeps pressure off the abdomen. 
• Side-Lying Position: The side-lying position is great for nighttime or in-bed feedings. Lie on your side with your baby facing you, using your arm to gently cradle their head. This approach allows both you and your baby to relax, while keeping their neck aligned and supported.

Each of these holds offers stability, supporting your baby’s neck while also helping you find a comfortable feeding rhythm.

Tools and Tips for Proper Neck Support During Breastfeeding

For better neck support during breastfeeding, consider these helpful tools:

• Nursing Pillow: As a neonatal nurse, I’d go as far as saying that a nursing pillow is a must-have for new mothers. It provides a firm, raised base to keep your baby at the right height, making it easier to support their neck and maintain alignment as well as help your baby latch easier. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® can be adjusted with our nursing cover to offer optimal comfort and support during feeding.
• Supportive Back Cushion: Helps you maintain an upright posture, ensuring you have the strength and balance needed to support your baby's neck.
• Rolled-Up Towel: Can be used as an extra support under your baby's head for better neck alignment if they need more cushioning.
• Footrest: Elevates your knees, bringing your baby closer to your chest, reducing the strain on your arms and providing steady neck support.

These tools can make feeding more comfortable and ensure that your baby’s neck is properly supported throughout the session.

Benefits of Using a Nursing Pillow

• Provides Consistent Support: A nursing pillow offers firm support that helps position your baby comfortably, reducing the need for constant arm adjustments, especially early on when you're still learning. 
• Improves Baby’s Positioning: Ensures your baby stays in an aligned position, which is essential for easy swallowing and reducing the risk of reflux.
• Reduces Strain on Mum’s Body: By lifting your baby to a more natural feeding height, nursing pillows can alleviate neck, shoulder, and back strain during long feeding sessions.
• Encourages Better Latching: A well-supported position can lead to a deeper, more effective latch, especially during breastfeeding.
• Versatility for Different Holds: Nursing pillows can be used for a variety of feeding positions, from the cradle hold to the football hold, providing comfort no matter how you prefer to feed.

How The Butterfly Maternity Pillow Works

If you’re still pregnant and already have a maternity pillow, there’s no need to buy a separate nursing pillow. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® transitions easily into a nursing pillow with just a few simple steps:

1. Add the Cover: Slip on the specially designed nursing cover. 

2. Twist the Pillow: Once the cover is on, twist the pillow into a wedge shape. 

3. Tie It Up: Tie the pillow securely to create a stable surface for breastfeeding.

This pillow that can be used as both a pregnancy pillow and nursing pillow is a practical solution, offering the comfort and support you need before, during, and after birth for your newborn. It’s perfect for saving space and making your breastfeeding station more efficient.

Check out the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® and nursing cover here. 

Dos and Don’ts When Supporting Your Baby’s Neck During Feeding

Dos:

• Do Keep Your Baby’s Chin Off the Chest: Ensure your baby's chin is not pressed against their chest, as this can restrict airflow.
• Do Use a Supportive Pillow: Incorporate a nursing pillow to maintain alignment and comfort for both you and your baby.
• Do Keep Feeding Essentials Nearby: Having a designated feeding station with essentials within reach lets you stay comfortably in position, avoiding the need to move or disrupt feeding.
• Do Maintain Eye Contact: Keeping eye contact helps monitor your baby's comfort and bonding while ensuring their head remains supported.
• Do Make Small Adjustments: Regularly adjust your position to maintain comfort and proper support throughout the feeding.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Use Too Many Cushions: Avoid overloading with cushions that may create an unstable feeding position.
• Don’t Ignore Baby’s Movements: Be mindful of your baby’s cues and adjust your hold to accommodate natural shifts in their position.
• Don’t Recline Too Much: Avoid excessive reclining that can lead to a loss of neck support and restrict airflow.
• Don’t Overlook Proper Elevation: Ensure your baby’s head is slightly elevated to support digestion and reduce reflux risk. 

FAQs

What is the best feeding position to support a newborn’s neck?

The cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position are all excellent options for supporting your newborn’s neck during feeding.

Can I use a regular pillow instead of a nursing pillow?

A regular pillow can work in a pinch, but a nursing pillow offers firmer, more ergonomic support tailored to keep your baby in the correct position.

How do I know if my baby is uncomfortable during feeding?

Watch for signs like fussiness, pulling away, or difficulty latching, which can indicate discomfort. Adjusting your position or using a pillow for added support may help.

When can I stop supporting my baby’s neck during feeding?

Most babies gain sufficient neck control by around 3-4 months. However, always monitor your baby’s comfort and support them as needed.

Closing Thoughts

Feeding time is about more than just nutrition—it’s a bonding experience that can be made comfortable with the right support. By focusing on neck support, using tools like a nursing pillow, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for you and your baby.

Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is designed with both mums and babies in mind, making it easy to transition from maternity to nursing support. You can find this versatile pillow and nursing cover in our store, along with other essentials to make feeding time as comfortable as possible.

*The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd.