Deep Sleep Secrets: Baby Sleep Pillows
04/01/09
It is definitely a given that all parents are concerned that their baby gets the required night's rest. In all your efforts you may be thinking your child is ready for a baby sleep pillow. Most parents assume that a pillow offers the much needed comfort, when in fact your child may be just fine as it is. Perhaps you feel your child will do well with a baby sleep pillow; well then this article is just for you. This however will depend on how grown up your kid is and where he is likely to nap. Baby sleep pillows are generally not recommended for kids under two. Children below that age may even suffocate while using an inappropriately designed baby pillow. If, from your experience, you feel it is the right time to introduce a baby sleep pillow, it is a good idea to do so once your toddler moves from a crib to a bed. A pillow in a crib is an easy tool for those quick feet to climb right out of his baby cot. But you may want to try one even in a crib; just ensure it is compact and not too soft.
If you are offering a pillow to your child for the first time, pick baby sleep pillows made for the purpose; do not use a spare adult pillow. Most baby sleep pillows are much smaller than regular pillows. Remember that babies have tender heads that needs good protection. Do not bother with feather pillows, as they are too soft to serve the purpose, and may trigger unnecessary reactions and even allergies. Feather pillows are also known to cause smothering as the head of the child sinks into the pillow while he is sleeping. Since most babies mostly sleep on their backs, they carry the risk of developing flat head syndrome. This is where memory foam baby sleep pillows are a god send. These specially designed baby sleep pillows are manufactured from flexible cushioning material, and provide good head support preventing the occurrence of flat head syndrome. Unlike other foam head supports, the Visco elastic head support material in these pillows does not bounce back and create pressure points. And for all those trying times when pillows get soiled, these are easily machine washable. Many models come with adjustable side supports and sleep positioners to keep your baby in place.
Finally, if you still feel ambiguous about the appropriate time to begin using a baby sleep pillow consult your pediatrician. You may even wait for signs from your baby that he might do better with a baby sleep pillow, such as discomfort sleeping in a flat bed.
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