Recommendations for Using a Baby Pillow
04/30/09
As a parent, you may be wondering if it is the right time to give your child a baby pillow. It seems to make sense that your toddler would want one, since nearly all adults choose to use pillows. Of course, you want your child to be comfortable while sleeping. However, there are many good reasons to hold off on giving your little one a baby pillow.
It is only realistic to be concerned about nighttime safety. The chances of suffocation increase greatly when an infant sleeps with unnecessary objects in the crib, such as a baby pillow or soft toys. Risk factors for SIDS should not be taken lightly by caregivers. Older babies who can move around well and even walk are still at risk of suffocation while sleeping, because they are not as aware of their surroundings.
A baby pillow can also be a safety hazard in another way. Infants who sleep in cribs generally start trying to climb out sometime between one and two years of age. Those who have a baby pillow quickly learn that it makes an excellent climbing device. This has the potential to cause a painful accident. Therefore, you should at least wait until your child is sleeping in a toddler bed before using a baby pillow.
Pediatricians often tell their patients that an infant should not have a baby pillow until at least one and a half years of age. Some experts say that it is better to wait until the second birthday, due to recent research. Of course, there is no harm in waiting longer if you want to do so. A toddler does not really need to use a baby pillow at all. It may even be counterproductive for children who lie on their backs while sleeping. Using a baby pillow too early can lead to stiff and sore muscles, because it causes the spine to curve.
As long as your toddler is above the minimum age and sleeping in a bed, simply waiting until he or she asks to have a baby pillow makes the most sense. At this point, be sure to get a baby pillow that is created for little bodies. The difference is that a baby pillow is not as large or soft as one made for adults. Purchasing the correct type will reduce the chances of suffocation. For sick babies who need to have their heads elevated to breathe, stuffing blankets under the mattress is an easy alternative to giving them a baby pillow.
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