Let’s face it, being a mom is a messy job. As a parent or caregiver, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for products that are easy to clean… or machine washable. While you might assume that all nursing pillows are easy to clean, that’s not always the case. Before investing, you should know how to clean a nursing pillow and other details, such as how to use a nursing pillow. As with any product, some feeding or nursing pillows have more to offer than others—and some can be used as so much more. 

If you could find a nursing pillow that was easy to clean and could double as an ergonomic baby carrier with storage pockets, would you even hesitate to purchase? We know you wouldn’t, but that won’t stop us from doing all we can to educate parents and caregivers and make life with a baby easier. Sit up and sip that coffee, you won’t want to miss out on this easy read. 

How to Clean Nursing Pillow Properly

Table of Contents

• Are nursing pillows machine washable?
• Considerations before cleaning a nursing pillow
• How to machine wash a nursing pillow
• Spot cleaning tips for nursing pillows
• Can you dry clean a nursing pillow?
• Preventative maintenance for nursing pillows
• How often should you clean a nursing pillow?

Are nursing pillows machine washable?

Not all nursing pillows are machine washable, which is why it's important to check cleaning instructions before deciding on a nursing pillow that’s right for you. For many parents, they’ve got enough on their plate, and finding time to hand wash their baby products is a no-go. 

Some nursing pillows are just not machine washable, and going against the recommendation could compromise the product or minimize its lifespan. As a brand made by moms, for moms (and dads, and grandparents, and nannies, and teachers…) we know that things need to be as easy as possible so you can focus on your baby and all the other juggling acts of day-to-day life. So yes, of course the Tushbaby is machine washable! While it’s first and foremost a baby carrier, it features a feeding position that allows it to seamlessly transform into a feeding pillow for babies from 0 to 36 months.

Washing the Tushbaby is simple. Just remove the plastic insert, throw it in the wash on cold, lay it flat to dry, and the Tushbaby will be good as new. Just be sure to empty those storage pockets first! 

Considerations before  cleaning a nursing pillow

Before cleaning a nursing pillow, there are a few things you’ll need to consider: 

• Check the label: Don’t forget to check if your nursing pillow is machine washable or if it should be hand washed. For some nursing pillows, throwing the whole thing in the wash can cause it to lose its shape. 
• Pick your soap/detergent wisely: Before washing your nursing pillow, be sure to consider what type of soap or detergent you’ll use. Many mothers use gentle or scent-free detergents when washing baby clothes and blankets. Use a detergent or soap that is safe for your baby since their body and face will rest on the pillow after a wash. 
• Empty the pockets: Last but not least, be sure to empty the pockets of your nursing pillow if it has any. Any creams, wipes, diapers, etc. should be emptied so they don’t cause more mess in the wash. Trust us, an exploded diaper rash cream or shredded diaper will not be fun to clean out of the pockets after a wash. 

How to machine wash a nursing pillow

Machine washing a nursing pillow should be relatively simple. Again, be sure to check the care instructions of your nursing pillow to decide what temperature and cycle should be used when throwing your pillow in the wash. For most nursing pillows, you’ll need to do the following:

Step 1: Initial wipe-down and shake-off. With the Tushbaby carrier, be sure to empty the pockets and shake out any crumbs or gunky stuff that may have made its way into your carrier. 

Step 2: Spot-treat any large stains or spills before washing. Use a baby-safe spray or cleaning wipe.

Step 3: Throw it in the washing machine and select the cycle and temperature designated on the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re washing a Tushbaby, the carrier should be washed in a cold cycle. 

Spot cleaning tips for nursing pillows

Spot-cleaning a nursing pillow can be done either before a wash in the machine, or done in place of a wash cycle if your pillow can’t be machine washed. With a pillow that can’t be machine washed, it’s recommended to do a thorough spot-clean with a safe antimicrobial soap or spray. It’s also a good idea to keep some baby wipes on hand for a quick spot-clean on the go. Your Tushbaby pockets can help you keep those wipes (and all the other feeding necessities) close. 

Can you dry clean a nursing pillow?

This depends on the nursing pillow. With many nursing pillows, it’s recommended to lay them flat to dry to avoid the pillow or foam losing any shape. If your nursing pillow has a slipcover, the cover itself may be able to be dried on low heat or a gentle dry. The label or tag on your nursing pillow should identify the best way to get your nursing pillow dry while keeping it in great shape. The Tushbaby should be laid flat to dry after a cold cycle in the washing machine. 

Preventative maintenance for nursing pillows

No matter how hard you try, feeding a baby can get messy. Don’t overstress trying to keep your nursing pillow clean, since it’s bound to see some spills or spit (or blowouts) over time.

What you can do is store it in a safe place when not in use. Throwing it in a dusty garage won’t do you any good when it comes to the lifespan of that nursing pillow. This is why finding a nursing pillow that can be stored neatly and compactly comes in handy. The Tushbaby Carrier can be neatly folded, fastened closed, and tucked away when not in use, meaning your nursing pillow will remain clean for when you need it next. 

You can also use things like burping rags to try to keep your nursing pillow clean and free from spills. Keeping burping rags or baby wipes handy in the Tushbaby Carrier pockets can help you be ready for any feeding mess that comes your way (no matter what end of the baby it comes out). 

How often should you clean a nursing pillow?

This may depend on the frequency that you’re using a nursing pillow. 

In the newborn phase, you may find yourself using a nursing pillow several times a day as your baby eats every couple of hours. This may call for more frequent washing or spot cleaning. Especially in those early months, a good wash should be in order every 2-4 weeks or monthly. If you are using a nursing pillow for tummy time, you’ll also want to be sure you’re washing it more regularly given the germs that may be on the floor. 

As your baby gets older and has more muscle development, you may depend less on your trusty sidekick nursing pillow, meaning washes may subside. Just be sure to store that nursing pillow in a safe place between uses and washes. 

With feedings…come diaper changes. Whether at home or on the go, store a Tushbaby foldable changing pad in your Tushbaby, and you’ll be ready for just about anything. Just like the Tushbaby is easy to clean, cleaning our changing pad is too. When you think of a changing pad, you usually don’t think of sophistication, but the Tushbaby Changing Pad’s easy-to-clean vegan leather is the bougiest changing spot your baby’s butt will touch. Easy to clean and small enough to fit in your back pocket—so mom or dad can be ready for whenever sh** happens. 

Simplify life with a baby. . . shop Tushbaby today!