Pillows are used at rest time to provide support and comfort to the head and automatically to the whole body.
However, just like other accessories, baby pillows are also much different from adult pillows. So, what is a baby pillow?
Actually, baby pillows are designed and shaped using high fabric quality, providing excellent and even support to the baby’s head.
The baby pillow does not compromise the breath ability factor; instead allows air to pass through so when a baby rolls over their face into the pillow, they can still breathe. It also maintains the temperature around the baby’s head.
To know everything about baby pillows, let’s jump into this article. In this article, I will explain everything related to baby pillows and how to keep your baby safe and comfortable using these pillows. So let’s start!
Table of Contents
What’s a baby pillow?
Here the very first question you may have in your mind, I guess what is a baby pillow? Most of the baby pillows are specifically designed for the little creature.
These pillows prevent plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome”, which is becoming common in babies.
However, soft materials are not considered safe to use for babies under 12 months. Well! baby pillows are deemed safe to use in cots and cribs for 12 months old baby.
Being a parent, you might always search for a beautiful and cozy nursery for your baby. If you are here, then this is the proof of your real struggle for little one.
Baby pillows help you in this struggle to make sleeping hours the coziest and comfortable for her. You can also furnish and decorate the baby’s room with these cute baby pillows.
When can my baby sleep with a pillow?
So, the following crucial thing which comes to mind is “when can my baby sleep with a pillow” As I earlier said, it is highly recommended for babies to sleep on firm and flat surfaces free of any soft materials like pillows or blankets.
When she is one year, you can easily put soft materials in her crib. According to safe sleep guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should not sleep on soft bedding until 18 months ideally.
So, during the first year, the only thing your baby needs in her crib is a simple fitted sheet. You can’t put a pillow in your baby’s crib until she is a toddler.
You better wait for your baby to make a transition from a newborn crib to a toddler bed which happens mostly between 18 months to 3 years. The more you can wait, the better it is for your baby’s safety.
Why can’t I use a pillow with my newborn?
The biggest reason for the most asked question, “why can’t I use a pillow with my newborn” is the high risk of suffocation associated with using a pillow.
Loose sheets, layers, pillows, and blankets increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Incorporating a pillow into the life of a newborn may seem cozy, but it can press your baby’s face, which leads to a higher risk of suffocation.
A newborn does not have enough mental development and motor skills to push away anything which suffocates her. You must avoid using a pillow for a newborn because snuggling against a pillow can also overheat your baby, which is also a severe stage of the occurrence of SIDS.
It’s better to wait for 18 months until she switches to a toddler bed. Your curious baby in the toddler bed will use a pillow as a step to climb up.
What should I do if I am worried about flat head syndrome?
While searching “what should I do if I am worried about flat head syndrome”, then you must keep few things in mind.
Here are those: Flathead syndrome, which is also known as plagiocephaly, is caused by sleeping on flattened surfaces in which baby’s back, and gradually her head becomes flat on one side.
Moreover, flat heads are also caused by the tight neck muscles of an infant. When babies do not have enough control of neck muscles, they may tilt their head to one side or become habitual of seeing in one direction.
- You can help your baby at home by tilting her face to the opposite side while sleeping.
- Encouraging her to look in both directions might also help.
- Pick your baby up as often as possible. This will help to decrease the pressure on their head.
- Position your baby in the opposite side, which is not flattened. You can vary her crib position.
- Give tummy time to your baby by letting her spend some time on their stomach.
However, severe cases of flat head syndrome require treatment from a certified physical therapist.
What kind of pillow can I give my child when she is a toddler?
Now comes what kind of pillow can I give to my child when she is a toddler. Keep in mind that pillows for babies and adults are different, so don’t take a pillow from your bed that is adult-sized soft and squishy.
Try to get a pint-sized baby pillow that’s firm and flat. One of the essential things while putting a pillow in your baby’s crib is to check for her interest in it, either she finds it comfortable or not.
Because pillows are not must to have for a toddler. It may seem like your baby is not having a restful sleep without a pillow; however, in reality, she is much comfortable and safe in a bed free of pillows.
When the time comes, and she’s a toddler, she’ll get her own little pillow to sleep with. And at that point, you can rest easily knowing that her new bedtime accessory won’t pose any risk to her.
Conclusion
At the end I would say that most of the parents wonder what is a baby pillow and how to use it safely for a little one? I think at this point of article now you have answered to every question of yours.
No doubt, pillows are considered as one of the essentials for a comfortable sleep. But don’t forget when it comes to babies, it is a different case regarding its safety for little ones.
Mostly it is common practice that you must avoid soft bedding for your little one. But with few considerations, baby pillows are recommended for babies.