The right environment can help give babies a more restful sleep. For some babies, a familiar blanket or pillow can provide comfort during naps or at night. While there is some debate about when to start having babies use pillows, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommends avoiding them until the child is at least 2 years old. Use these tips to buy a comfortable pillow for your baby.
Steps
Step 1. Assess whether or not your child is ready to use the pillows
Do not put pillows in cribs, where they can be a choking threat. The best time to get a pillow for your little one is when he starts sleeping in a cot. Once Once a baby's shoulders are wider than his head, the baby will usually be more comfortable sleeping with a pillow.
Watch for signs that your baby is ready to use a pillow. The baby might rest his head on a stuffed animal or blanket, or he might be leaning on a pillow in an older sibling's room
Step 2. Choose a pillow that provides stable and comfortable support
Press in the center of the pillow to see how quickly it regains shape. If the pillow doesn't move (or moves only a little) when you squeeze it, it's too soft and not safe for a child to use. If it takes several minutes to regain shape, it may be too hard and uncomfortable for your baby.
Step 3. Determine which pillow size is appropriate for your baby
- Consider a baby pillow. Several manufacturers offer cushions made especially for children. Kids' pillows are smaller than standard pillows, measuring around 12 '' x 16 '' and 2 or 3 '' thick. The smaller size eliminates excess fabric that would put the baby at risk of choking. These pillows are also usually firmer than normal adult pillows.
- Choose a regular pillow if you can't find one for children. A standard pillow, of the most common size, is 20 "x 26". Do not let your baby sleep with more than one standard pillow at a time. If your baby sleeps in a double bed, put away the extra pillows so that there is only one during sleeping hours.
- Avoid pillows for double, large and similar beds. Their large size makes them dangerous for children to use.
Step 4. Think about the contents of the pillow
The cushions can be filled with natural or synthetic materials.
- Choose a synthetic filling of 100% hypoallergenic polyester to avoid potential allergic reactions. Polyester, a synthetic fiber made of three-dimensional clusters, is odor-free and allergen-free. Polyester is more durable and shape better than natural fibers.
- Choose a 100% cotton filling for its soft fabric and breathable properties. The cotton filling creates a flatter and firmer pillow, ideal for very young children. However, natural fabrics such as cotton may cause allergy problems and are not as durable as synthetic fabrics.
- Consider a pillow made of hypoallergenic sponge. Sometimes also called orthopedic pillows, sponge pillows help align the spine and neck, to encourage healthy posture while sleeping.
- Avoid feather or down pillows as they are usually too soft and dangerous for children to use. They can also stimulate allergies.
Step 5. Buy your baby pillow
Once you've assessed the best attributes for your baby's pillow, do some comparison shopping. Baby and regular pillows are available in stores and online. Prices range from under € 10 to over € 80, depending on the style and padding you choose.
Advice
- Teach your child to keep the pillow under the head and neck, but never below the shoulders! Holding the pillow under your shoulders will cause them to curve forward, compressing the lungs and spine.
- Cover your baby's pillow with a removable and washable pillowcase. The pillow cases are available in a wide range of styles and colors. To involve your child in the transition to using pillows, have them choose the pillowcase.
- Let your child try out different pillows in a reclined position to determine which one gives the best head and neck support.
Warnings
- Before getting pillows, consult your baby's pediatrician to determine if using them is safe for your baby. Although the recommended age in general is 2 years, pediatricians may recommend waiting to get pillows for the baby if he is particularly petite or has allergies.
- Never put a baby on a pillow. Pillows increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and could suffocate a newborn or very young child.
