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When I was pregnant with my first baby, I didn’t know that pregnancy pillows were a thing you could get. By my seventh month of pregnancy, I was gettingĀ real uncomfortable at night. I constructed essentially a pillow barricade around my body of many different pillows supporting my head, knees, spine, and my ever-growing baby bump.
Then I was gifted a five foot long body pillow by a friend. Game changer. It was far more comfy to snuggle up with, and it helped my back by more firmly supporting my belly than my old regular pillow had done. My husband gently complained that my body pillow had replaced him- and he wasn’t entirely wrong! I snuggled the heck out of that thing for the next three months. It didn’t exactly make sleeping blissful again, but it sure helped me get some more zzz’s during my last trimester.
Expectant mamas know how hard it can be to sleep comfortably later on in pregnancy, and body pillows can certainly help with spinal alignment and belly support to relieve some of the weight and pressure of your growing baby bump. Some of them can also do double duty as a nursing pillow once your baby is born.
Why Go With an Organic Pregnancy Pillow?
- Organic pillows lack harmful chemicals: Organic pregnancy pillows are made with materials that have not been treated with harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, flame retardants, and forever chemicals (PFAs). This means that pregnant women can rest easy (literally) knowing they are not being exposed to potentially harmful substances that could affect their health and the health of their baby.
- Reduce allergies: Some pregnant women may experience allergies or sensitivities during pregnancy, and using an organic pregnancy pillow can help minimize these symptoms. Organic materials are less likely to trigger allergic reactions (unless your allergy is to wool!), making them a better choice for pregnant women who want to stay comfortable and healthy.
- Support sustainability: Organic pregnancy pillows are made from sustainable materials that are better for the environment.
What Ingredients to Look for in an Organic Pregnancy Pillow
- Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it a safer and more eco-friendly option for expectant moms. It’s also a soft and breathable material that can provide comfort and support during sleep.
- Natural latex: Natural latex is a material that comes from the sap of rubber trees and is sometimes used in pregnancy pillows for its firmness and support. Look for pillows that use natural latex, as synthetic latex can contain harmful chemicals. You also want to avoid polyurethane (PU), which is environmentally unsustainable and can off-gas toxins- that last thing you want to worry about while you’re sleeping!
- Organic wool: Wool is a natural and sustainable material that can provide warmth and comfort in a pregnancy pillow. Look for pillows that use organic wool, as conventionally produced wool can be treated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Wool can have a bit of a, shall we say, eau de sheep for a few days- something to keep in mind if that’s not really your thing!
- Buckwheat hulls: Buckwheat hulls are a natural filling material that can provide firm support for pregnant women. They are also hypoallergenic and can be a good option for those with allergies to other materials.
- Kapok fiber: Kapok fiber comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree and is a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. It’s also hypoallergenic and can provide soft support for pregnant women. *Kapok is a vegan alternative to wool for our vegan friends out there.
Which Kind of Organic Pregnancy Pillow Is Best?
The answer to this question will depend on your body and your support needs as you sleep. Pregnancy pillows come in different shapes:
- C-shaped: A C-shaped pregnancy pillow is designed to wrap around the body and provide support for the head, neck, back, hips, and legs. This pillow is great for expectant moms who prefer to sleep on their side, as it helps keep your spine aligned.
- U-shaped: A U-shaped pregnancy pillow is similar to a C-shaped pillow, but provides support for the entire body. It takes up quite a lot of space in the bed.
- V-shaped: A V-shaped pregnancy pillow is designed to provide support for the back and belly. It can be easily used as a nursing pillow after you give birth.
- Moon-shaped: A moon-shaped pregnancy pillow is designed to provide support for the belly and hips. This pillow is good for expectant moms who are feeling lower back pain or sciatica during pregnancy, as it helps to alleviate pressure on the lower back.
- Wedge-shaped: A wedge-shaped pregnancy pillow is a small, triangular pillow that is designed to provide support for the belly, back, or hips. This is a good shape for traveling, as it tends to be smaller than the other pillows.
10 Best Organic Pregnancy Pillows in 2023
Here are our top picks for the best non-toxic pregnancy pillows made out of organic and natural materials. These pillows are either certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), OEKO-TEX (which certifies that the finished product is free from toxic chemicals) or GREENGUARD Gold certified (which verifies that a product emits only a very small amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
1. Pure Joy Organic Pregnancy Wedge ($69)
The Pure Joy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is a comfortable option for expectant mothers that supports the weight of the belly to help improve comfort as you side sleep. The pillow is made of all-natural materials, either natural shredded latex or kapok (you choose which you want when ordering), and enclosed in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with a nylon zipper.
This pillow is lightweight and easy to move around, making it a convenient travel companion. After birth, the wedge shape provides excellent support for nursing, so you get a two-for-one deal with this one.
2. Organic Textiles Natural Latex Body Pillow($115)
This 100% natural latex body pillow provides ample support to your head, neck, belly, back, and spine. Its allergen-free natural latex design makes it ideal for sensitive sleepers. The 100% plant-based body pillow is free of harmful chemicals, synthetic latex, and memory foam, and is 100% GOTS certified.
3. Carolina Morning Body Pillow ($134)
We love that the Carolina body pillow is made in the USA out of organic cotton, with eco-friendly kapok fiber filling inside. It’s both GOTS and Green America certified, so you can sleep easy on this one!
4. Lifekind Organic Cotton Body Pillow ($135)
The Lifekind Body Pillow is a large, GOTS certified (and un-dyed) pillow made entirely out of organic cotton. The pillow provides firm yet comfortable support, while the organic cotton cover ensures a non-toxic sleeping surface. You can also get this body pillow in wool, which is a natural alternative to chemical flame retardants found in other products.
This pillow is designed to be used during pregnancy to support your growing belly and provide a comfortable sleeping position. It can also be used for nursing and supporting your baby after birth. The organic cover can be zipped off for washing.
Lifekind also makes a certified organic nursing pillow ($189) in a C shape to fit around your body, if you’re interested in a matching set.
5. MoonWomb Pregnancy and Feeding Pillow ($165)
Another “two for one” pillow, the MoonWomb pregnancy/feeding pillow is an organic pillow that provides comfort during pregnancy and later supports proper feeding techniques once your baby arrives on the scene. It’s designed to keep your baby close to you and assist in obtaining a proper latch.
MoonWomb’s pillow is filled with USDA certified organic buckwheat hulls that is adjustable (aka you can remove some of the hulls) for optimal support. The pillow’s generous size means that you won’t have to hunch or lean over to reach your baby’s mouth, and it supports a variety of breastfeeding positions for those who will be nursing.
6. Bearaby Cuddler ($199)
The Bearaby Cuddler is made from GOLS-certified “Melofoam,” which is an all-natural, squishy rubber foam Bearaby makes by tapping sap directly from organic hevea trees in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the sap is collected in coconuts and then gently steamed to produce a spongey, supportive foam. This doesn’t hurt the trees, and the process is supposed to be eco-friendly from start to finish.
The Cuddler pillow contours your body and helps support your belly, back, and spine alignment while you’re snoozing. It comes covered in a washable GOTS certified organic cotton cover.
7. SavvyRest Organic Kapok Body Pillow ($229+)
This GOTS certified organic body pillow is a helpful sleeping aid for pregnant mothers who need some extra support. Their organic body pillows come intentionally overstuffed, and you can remove as much kapok fill as you want to adjust the height and feel of the pillow.
Kapok is a cotton-like substance that grows from the ceiba tree, which is found in tropical climates from Mexico to West Africa.
These body pillows come with an unbleached, naturally-colored organic cotton casing with a soft flannel finish. A fitted organic sateen pillowcase is also included. You should hand wash both covers in cold water and then line dry rather than throw them in the washing machine.
8. Coyuchi Organic Latex Body Pillow ($248)
The Coyuchi organic pregnancy pillow is especially beneficial for pregnant women who experience strain on their shoulder and hip joints. The pillow’s certified organic, molded latex insert offers breathable support for a better rest, while the organic cotton cover is removable for easy washing.
Made of pure, GOLS-certified organic latex, this pillow is renewable and biodegradable. Its ingredients also make it resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, making it an ideal material for those with sensitivities to those allergens (raises hand and sneezes).
9. Holy Lamb Organics Body Pillow ($305)
The GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen cover of this organic body pillow is filled with GOTS-certified wool filling, making it a safe and comfortable option for expectant mothers.
This body pillow measures 17″ x 53″, and is filled with 3.5 pounds of wool. You can order it with or without an envelope-style pillowcase.
*Note that this and other wool pillows do warn customers that your new wool pillow may smell a bit, shall we say, sheep-y, for the first few nights. This should dissipate- and unlike non-organic body pillows, at least you know the sheep smell isn’t toxic!
Holy Lamb also makes some of our favorite organic mattresses.
10. Woolroom Washable Wool Body Pillow ($320)
If you’re looking to splurge (or someone who wants to splurge asks you for a gift recommendation), the Woolroom organic pregnancy pillow is an impressive option. Made with 100% British wool and encased in an organic cotton cover, this body pillow is perfect for sleeping in any position. It offers excellent support to your back, hips, neck, and growing baby bump, allowing your spine to remain in a natural, neutral position.
You can even scan the QR code and trace the wool back to its origin farm, if that kind of thing floats your boat. Wool is naturally flame retardant and mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant.
Before You Buy an Organic Pregnancy Pillow…
Before you make a purchase, make sure you think about what ingredients you are looking for. Try to stick with non-toxic, natural and organic materials like certified organic cotton and wool for the outer layer and natural latex, buckwheat hulls, wool, cotton, or kapok fiber for the inner filling. Think about where you need support while you’re sleeping, and what shape pillow would work best to help alleviate that discomfort.
Good luck, and we hope this list of organic pregnancy pillows helps you get a more comfortable night’s rest! If you’re also in the market for a non-toxic crib or nursery rug, feel free to check out our guides.
Sleep well, Mamas!
