How to Travel Comfortably With a Pregnancy Pillow
When I was pregnant, I quickly realized how much I relied on my pregnancy pillow at home. But the first time I had to travel, I found myself wondering, how do I bring this giant pillow with me? If you’re facing the same challenge, don’t worry.
In this post, I’ll share how to travel comfortably with a pregnancy pillow, from choosing the right pillow to packing it properly for the trip.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Travel With a Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow provides the support your body needs to stay comfortable, especially when you’re away from your usual bed setup. Travel can already be tiring, and skipping your pillow often means restless nights and more aches the next day.
➡️ My go-to for travel: Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow on Amazon – small, portable, and perfect for on-the-go comfort.
1. Choose the Right Pregnancy Pillow for Travel
Not all pregnancy pillows are travel-friendly. If you’re flying or have limited luggage space, consider a wedge pillow or compact C-shaped pillow instead of a full U-shaped pillow.
➡️ I love the Leachco Snoogle Mini C-Shaped Pillow because it fits easily in a carry-on.
2. Use a Vacuum Bag for Larger Pillows
If you can’t live without your full-size pillow, pack it in a vacuum compression bag to reduce its size. This trick works wonders for U-shaped pillows.
➡️ Try Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Bags on Amazon to make packing easier.
3. Carry It as Your Personal Item
Many airlines allow you to bring a pillow onboard without counting it as a carry-on. I’ve carried my U-shaped pillow through the airport and used it as a cushion on long flights.
4. Ask for Extra Bedding at Hotels
When I couldn’t bring my full pillow, I asked hotels for extra pillows and blankets to recreate the support I needed. Placing pillows behind my back and between my knees helped me stay comfortable.
5. Use It in the Car
If you’re traveling by car, a pregnancy pillow can make the ride much easier. A wedge or C-shaped pillow can support your lower back or belly while sitting.
➡️ The AngQi J-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow is slim and perfect for car trips.
Extra Tips for Traveling Comfortably
- Bring a washable cover for your pregnancy pillow so you can keep it clean on the road.
- Pack a small travel blanket to pair with your pillow for maximum comfort.
- If you can’t bring your pillow, use a compact travel pillow and fold hotel pillows strategically for support.
➡️ Shop my favorite travel-friendly pregnancy pillows on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
Traveling while pregnant can be uncomfortable, but bringing the right pregnancy pillow can make a huge difference.
Personally, I preferred using a wedge pillow for flights and short trips because it was compact, but for road trips, I made room for my full U-shaped pillow.
➡️ Click here to shop the best pregnancy pillows for travel on Amazon
Trust me, you’ll sleep so much better on the road when you have the support you’re used to.
When I first tried traveling with my pregnancy pillow, I made the mistake of stuffing it in my suitcase without compressing it. It took up all the space, and I ended up leaving important items behind. That’s when I learned the value of vacuum compression bags for larger pillows.
If you’re flying, keep in mind that some airlines may not count your pillow as a personal item. I’ve been able to carry mine onboard by simply slipping it over the handle of my carry-on bag. Always check the airline’s policy, but in most cases, it’s not an issue.
I also discovered that having a pillow with a removable, washable cover is essential when you’re traveling. Hotel rooms, airports, and cars aren’t always clean, and being able to wash the cover as soon as you get home makes a big difference.
If you’re staying at a friend’s house or Airbnb, don’t be shy about asking for extra pillows. I’ve stacked two hotel pillows behind my back and one between my knees to recreate the support of my U-shaped pillow when I couldn’t bring it with me.
I also started packing a small wedge pillow in addition to my main pillow. This came in handy on planes and in cars because I could tuck it behind my lower back or under my belly for extra support.
Another mistake I made early on was trying to bring a bulky pillow through a crowded airport without a travel bag. I highly recommend using a pillow carrying case or a large tote bag so it’s easier to handle and stays clean.
For road trips, I like to keep my pregnancy pillow in the back seat where I can stretch out and nap. If that’s not an option, I use a C-shaped or J-shaped pillow in the passenger seat to support my hips and back while sitting upright.
I also learned to use my pregnancy pillow for more than just sleeping while traveling. It’s great for propping myself up when reading on the plane or even as a cushion in uncomfortable hotel chairs.
If you’re traveling by train or bus, a wedge or C-shaped pillow is your best bet. These take up less room and are easier to reposition in tight spaces.
Another pro tip is to invest in a travel-sized pregnancy pillow if you travel often. These are designed to be compact but still provide the support you need.
I also bring along a small travel laundry bag to keep my pillow clean and separate from other luggage if I can’t wash it right away.
Finally, remember that your comfort is the priority. Don’t feel embarrassed about bringing your pregnancy pillow with you—staying supported and pain-free is worth the extra effort.