Best Portable Nursing Pillow for Travel

Table of Contents

• What Are the Benefits of a Nursing Pillow?
• Can I Travel With a Nursing Pillow?
• What to Look For in a Portable Nursing Pillow
• Using a Nursing Pillow on Planes
• Does a portable nursing pillow count as carry on?
• Should I bring a nursing pillow on the airplane?
• Can I nurse in my seat on an airplane?
• Using a nursing pillow in a car
• Using Tushbaby as a Nursing Pillow

If you’re gearing up for a trip with your little one, your travel checklist just got longer. Bringing a portable nursing pillow might seem like overkill, but trust us, you’ll be glad you brought it. If you’re already thinking about how to pack a nursing pillow, then you’re a seasoned Mom—always planning ahead.

Here’s the scoop: some of the best travel nursing pillows are actually baby carriers. A hip seat carrier like Tushbaby can be a genius multitasker, providing support as an infant travel pillow and a portable breastfeeding pillow. Plus, it’s one less thing to pack—wear it or tuck it into your carry-on or suitcase without worrying about an extra item. Buckle up, Mom: it’s vacation time.

What Are the Benefits of a Nursing Pillow?

When it comes to breastfeeding, comfort is key—for both you and your baby. Supporting your baby’s weight with your arms alone often means awkward positions and strained muscles…cue the back pain and shoulder tension. A portable nursing pillow can change the game by elevating your baby to the perfect height, making latching easier and reducing the need for you to hunch over. The result? Less strain, more comfort, and a chance to truly enjoy those feeding moments.

For those wondering how to travel with a breastfeeding baby, a travel nursing pillow can be invaluable. Some nursing pillows are designed to be compact and portable, making them perfect for on-the-go parents. They can also be used as a bottle feeding pillow.

Can I Travel With a Nursing Pillow?

You can travel with a nursing pillow, but how you do so will depend on how you’re traveling and the type of pillow you’re bringing. If you're going by car, you’ve got more storage flexibility, but if you’re flying, space is tight. 

With that in mind, can you bring a pillow on a plane? The answer is generally yes, but make sure your nursing pillow doesn’t spill over into your neighbor’s seat. It's always smart to check the airline’s policy before you bring a pillow on the plane, especially a larger one. You can also research the kind of plane you’ll be flying on to get accurate seat dimensions. 

The right nursing pillow can make travel a breeze, especially a multi-purpose one. For example, the Tushbaby hip carrier doubles as a travel nursing pillow. This way, you can strap it on, wear your baby facing in or out, and seamlessly switch to feeding mode as needed by laying them across the plush padded seat. The open design also makes getting your baby up and down easier—perfect for travel. Whether you need a portable nursing pillow or a baby travel pillow for the plane, having a versatile option can significantly improve your travel experience.

What to Look For in a Portable Nursing Pillow

Not all portable nursing pillows are created equal, so what should you look for? Let’s dive into the key features to keep in mind and see what boxes Tushbaby’s hip carrier checks off.

• Comfort: If your nursing pillow isn’t comfortable, it’s time for an upgrade, especially when you’re getting ready to travel. Long days in new places around new people mean comfort is non-negotiable. With the Tushbaby hip carrier, you and your baby can find comfort with a memory foam-lined seat for baby and built-in lumbar support for you. It’s a win-win for your travel plans.
• Portability: Your travel nursing pillow should be small, light, and easy to store when not in use. Most nursing pillows are a struggle to fit into a standard-size bag, but not Tushbaby. Our hip carrier folds up easily and tucks away into your carry-on, suitcase, or Totebaby diaper tote. For those wondering how to travel with a breastfeeding baby, this is a game-changer.
• Safety: Safety is always a top priority, especially with all the chaos of traveling. Our hip carrier’s secure shelf-like seat has an anti-slip fabric patch to ensure your baby stays safe and comfy while nursing—peace of mind, packed and ready to go.
• Lightweight: Traveling with a baby means you’ve got plenty to carry. A lightweight travel nursing pillow ensures you don’t feel bogged down by the very thing meant to help you.
• Multifunctional: Traveling with kids often feels like you’re bringing the whole house with you, but a multifunctional nursing pillow keeps your packing list manageable and saves you from carrying extra baby baggage. The Tushbaby hip carrier doubles as a baby carrier, nursing pillow, diaper bag, fanny pack, and more—fewer items to pack, more sanity for you.
• Storage pockets: When you’re on the move, you need your nursing essentials within reach to avoid digging through your suitcase or, worse, mid-flight scrambling. Our hip carrier’s five functional storage pockets keep burping rags, nursing covers, nipple pads, cream, and more right where you need them. No more awkwardly asking your neighbor to get out of their seat so you can grab your nipple pads or nursing gear from the overhead bin.
• Back support: Between lugging your luggage and your kid (and their luggage, too), your back probably will have had enough. Our hip carrier’s comfortable design distributes your baby’s weight evenly across your body, protecting your muscles and joints while supporting your back during nursing. Strap it high and tight above your waist for the best lumbar support.

Using a Nursing Pillow on Planes

Flying with a baby can be a daunting task in itself, even before you start thinking about how you’ll manage tasks like nursing onboard. Using a travel nursing pillow can make the experience much smoother and more comfortable. This ergonomic positioning helps prevent the aches and pains that often come with holding your baby for long periods, allowing you to relax and focus on bonding with your baby during the flight.

The added comfort and support from a travel breastfeeding pillow can be a huge help, especially on longer flights. Plus, nursing pillows can double as a cozy spot for your baby to rest or nap, providing a familiar and comforting environment amidst the unfamiliar surroundings of an airplane. 

Does a portable nursing pillow count as a carry-on?

Pillows usually aren’t counted as carry-on items when flying, but it’s always smart to check your airline’s policy beforehand. If you’re planning to bring a travel nursing pillow on board, make sure it’s TSA-approved.

The Tushbaby carrier is typically TSA-approved and ideal for traveling with a baby. With five functional storage pockets, you can keep all your baby and travel essentials close at hand, giving you peace of mind as you navigate busy airports. Since the Tushbaby carrier doubles as a nursing pillow and baby carrier, that’s one less thing to pack.

Should I bring a nursing pillow on the airplane?

Bringing a travel nursing pillow on an airplane can be a game-changer. Nursing in public can be tricky enough without added support, but having a portable nursing pillow can keep your arms, neck, and back comfortable during feeds. 

Can I nurse in my seat on an airplane?

Absolutely, you can nurse in your seat on an airplane! Many parents do it, and flight attendants are usually very supportive. Plus, breastfeeding can also help ease your baby’s ear discomfort on planes. Just make sure you have a comfortable setup; a window seat can offer a bit more privacy, but you can nurse comfortably in any seat with the right preparation. Don’t forget a cover if you prefer more discretion.

If you're wondering how to breastfeed on a plane, having the right equipment, like a portable breastfeeding pillow, can make all the difference. This way, you can ensure you and your baby are comfortable throughout the flight.

Using a Nursing Pillow in a Car

Using a travel nursing pillow in the car can simplify feeding on the go. While you should never nurse while the car is in motion, having a nursing pillow on hand during travel breaks can provide the support you need for a quick feeding session.

For those wondering how to travel with a breastfeeding baby, plan regular stops to safely nurse your baby without compromising their safety or yours. When you pull over for a break, simply position the travel nursing pillow on your lap and settle your baby into a comfortable nursing position. This setup supports your body and helps your baby feel secure and at ease. 

It’s crucial to ensure safety by only nursing when the car is stationary and parked in a safe location. While it’s okay to breastfeed your baby in a parked car, always follow proper car seat safety guidelines when the vehicle is in motion.

Using Tushbaby as a Nursing Pillow

Getting ready to pack your bags? The Tushbaby hip carrier is your ultimate on-the-go nursing pillow and baby carrier for travel! Using the Tushbaby carrier as a travel nursing pillow is simple and convenient: when it's time to feed, just strap the carrier around your waist to ensure it sits high and tight for the best support, then position your baby facing you on the memory foam-lined seat. The carrier will elevate your baby to the optimal height for nursing, and the open design allows for easy adjustment and repositioning to ensure you and your baby stay comfortable throughout the feeding session.

If you’re looking for the perfect travel bag, don't forget to check out our vegan leather Totebaby! This sleek tote comes fully stocked with an organizer, a super slim fold-up changing pad, a removable crossbody strap, and a divider pocket—perfectly designed to store a Tushbaby when not in use. With plenty of room for all your essentials, you and your new bag of tricks will be ready for any journey, from taking off from the tarmac to hitting the open road.