Selecting the Right Baby Pillow
Choosing a baby pillow is an important task for any parent. 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 do you know when you have chosen the right pillow for your baby?
First, is a baby pillow a good idea for a baby your childs age? Children under two years old should never have pillows in the crib with them. A babys neck muscles are weak, and cannot always prevent the baby from suffocating if she rolls over onto her stomach. Some parents find that elevating their babys head when their baby has a stuffed nose or an ear infection helps the baby to sleep, but this is dangerous. 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? Small children often do fine without pillows because their bodies are proportioned differently from adults bodies. 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 should a baby pillow be? Small, flat pillows, like the pillows you get on an airplane, are the best ones to choose for your baby. 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? Even though down and feather pillows are delightfully soft and comfortable, dont give them to your child. They are too soft for small children, and their filling can give children allergies to down or feathers. The stuffing should be firm, and hypoallergenic fillings are best.
If you have followed these simple guidelines, you are sure to choose the right baby pillow for your child. Make sure your child is old enough to use a baby pillow safely and ready to sleep with a pillow, then pick a small pillow filled with 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! With these guidelines, you are sure to find a pillow they love.
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