Boppy Best Latch Review
Pros: Fits close to the body, lots of support, plush, very easy to clean
Cons: Short sides may be a problem for taller women, smaller buckles
Manufacturer: Boppy
The Skinny
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Boppy Pillow was invented in 1989 by Susan Brown with the company's headquarters residing in Golden, Colorado. The Boppy Original was all the rage in the '90s, even making an appearance on the sitcom "Friends." In 2000, a variety of slipcovers became available, and from there the innovations kept on coming including the addition of the Best Latch.
Performance Comparison
Nursing Comfort
The Boppy Best Latch offers some of the best support for mom and baby. This pillow has a standout firm plush surface with contoured edging for mom's arms to rest while cradling the baby. As the baby grows, the opposite side is similar to other Boppys but is even squishier as it has a little more polyester. Also, thanks to the dual buckle system, this pillow snugs close to mom's body and stays there which prevents the baby from scooting inward toward mom while nursing.
As baby grows, women with shorter torsos may find the 7.5" height of the Best Latch challenging to use. This height shines with mothers post-c-section because it limits the need to lean over while feeding. Also, for taller women, the shorter sides don't provide enough support for elbows to rest.
Ease of Use
This pillow is on the smaller size, compared to some of the competition in our review. The size makes it easier to carry from room to room so you can nurse in a variety of locations. But, it is wider than the Boppy Bare Naked so your baby has more room for nursing or being propped up for burping.
Though we like the idea of a strap, in our tests moms found the pillow works great without it, so you don't need to waste your time if the baby is crabby and ready to feed. This buckle system can be used right or left-handed with the double buckle design and with the Best Latch buckled on, you can cradle your baby while walking to the crib and then remove the pillow from either side.
Materials
The plush pillow side of the Best Latch is soft but stable under the baby's weight. The foam side is sturdy to help nursing moms feel confident as they practice holding their baby and perfecting the latch.
Boppy commits to not using harmful flame retardant chemicals in their pillows. Studies show that unnecessary, continuous exposure to flame retardant chemicals can potentially cause health and cognitive problems in infants and children. This pillow is made with cotton-polyester blends for the outer material and a polyurethane insert without the option of an organic cover. These materials provide a nice balance of form and function. They can withstand continual use, be cleaned very easily, and are considered safe for the baby.
The Best Latch retained its shape and support after continual use over six months during testing. The pillow maintained optimal support to allow a close fit to mom with clear passageways for baby to feed.
Ease of Cleaning
Even with two different surfaces and inserts, it is still one of the easiest to clean because the insert and cover are both washable. Both sides of the Best Latch repel liquid well to keep the pillow cleaner. We like that the foam is removable and can be washed with soap and water, though we didn't need to because the fabric does a good job of protecting the pillow inside.
Manufacturer Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Linsday Selig