How to Select the Right Baby Pillow for Your Child
Posted 07/26/09
Choosing a baby pillow is an important task for any parent. A pillow can make your child's sleep much more comfortable. 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 your child old enough to use a baby pillow? 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. Some parents find that elevating their baby's 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 firm surface of the mattress will reduce the risk of suffocation and keep your child safe.
Second, does your child need a baby pillow? Small children often do fine without pillows because their bodies are proportioned differently from adults' bodies. You will know your child is ready for a pillow when they sleep restlessly or when they start balling blankets or stuffed toys under their head.
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. 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! If you follow these guidelines, you'll definitely find your child a safe and comfortable pillow that they love.
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