How to Pick a Baby Pillow
Picking the right baby pillow for your child is important. Your child may sleep much more comfortably with a pillow. But just as babies are not like adults, baby pillows are not like adult pillows. How can you know you have selected the right kind of pillow for your child?
First, is a baby pillow a good idea for a baby your child’s age? Children under two years old should never have pillows in the crib with them. Because infants’ neck muscles are weak, they run the risk of suffocating on the pillow if they roll onto their belly. Even when a baby has an ear infection or a congested nose and sleeps better with a pillow under his or her head, giving the child a pillow is risky. If your child is under two but needs her head elevated, consider putting a pillow under the mattress instead, so that the mattress itself is elevated. The mattress is firmer than a pillow, which reduces the chance of suffocation and is safer for small babies.
Second, does your child need a baby pillow? Because toddlers and babies are proportioned differently from adults, they often sleep perfectly well without a pillow. The best sign that your child is ready for a baby pillow is when he or she starts sleeping with his or her head on a stuffed toy or balled up bedding.
Third, what size is best for a baby pillow? When you choose a pillow for your child, pick one that is small and flat, about the size and shape of an airline pillow. Using a smaller pillow will prevent your child from elevating his or her head too high and waking up with a crick in the neck.
Fourth, what is the best filling for a baby pillow? You may love the soft, fluffy comfort or down or feather pillows, but children are not ready for them. Small children find them to be too soft, and exposing babies to down or feathers too young can cause them to become allergic. The stuffing should be firm, and hypoallergenic fillings are best.
These guidelines will ensure that you choose just the right baby pillow for your toddler. Remember to make sure your child is old enough and needs a baby pillow, then choose a pillow that is smaller than an adult pillow and filled with a firm, hypoallergenic stuffing. Then do the most important step: See what your child thinks of their new pillow. Your child is the very best judge you have! If you follow these guidelines, you’ll definitely find your child a safe and comfortable pillow that they love.