Hey Mothers, I know as a mother you are really cautious regarding your baby, if you are here that means you must be wondering when your baby can use a pillow. If the baby sleeps well, then so do you, and for that, you need a pillow that’s softer than a Babies Bum!
However, we should also know when it’s right to use the pillow and prevent the baby from the risk of any sleep-related issues.
A good pillow is important for a baby to sleep better for their healthy growth and development, but there are risks involved if you aren’t careful about choosing the right pillow. Well, don’t worry because we’ll take you from A-Z from known risks, and benefits of a baby pillow to choosing the pillow for your baby.
Risks of using Pillows too Early
We love pillows, and so do our babies. The pillows are harmless but, in rare cases using them too early increases the risk of SIDS, which can also be caused by using certain bedding and blankets that can affect their breathing.
It is recommended that babies in the first year should sleep on a flat surface that is free from any soft objects or loose bedding to keep that comfortable and avoid you from hearing them cry during your sleep. In addition to SIDS, baby pillows can also increase the risk of respiratory problems then if they aren’t clean.
When choosing a pillow consider its size, firmness, and shape, there should not be any loose fabric that can cause suffocation, and it should be firm enough to keep the head of the baby in a safe position and prevent it from sinking into the pillow.
Do’s and Don’ts:
To prevent the little ones from any sort of discomfort, there are certain dos and Don’ts that should be kept in mind. Here are some tips to ensure that the baby is having a happy nappy:
Dos
- A baby pillow should be introduced when the baby is at least one year old. This is because soft bedding including pillows and blankets can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
- Only the pillows that are specifically designed for the baby should be used. The other pillows should not be used as they are not designed for pillows, they are not made up of breathable material. The baby pillows are thinner, and firmer as compared to adult pillows and they are also made up of safe materials for the baby.
- Soft materials such as blankets, stuffed animals, and other adult pillows should not be placed in the cribs as they are not made up of breathable material which can cause overheating and suffocation to the baby.
Don’t
- Pillows should only be used as a positioning device. It should not be used to prop up or keep the baby in a certain position as it can increase the risk of suffocation.
- A pillow that is too soft or fluffy should not be used because pillows that are made up of soft materials are not breathable, these pillows increase the risk of suffocation. Firm and thin pillows should be preferred.
- Pillows can help to overcome babies’ sleeping problems by providing them additional comfort however they are not a permanent solution to sleep problems. It is important to contact a doctor if there are recurring sleep issues in the baby.
Transitioning to a Baby Pillow:
Once the baby is of the right age it should not be introduced to the baby out of a sudden rather it is important to transition gradually to using one. Remember mothers, it’s not easy but patience is the key to raising our delicate babies. As this will help the baby to adjust to the new sleeping surface and prevent any sort of disruption or discomfort during their sleep routine.
Introducing a new pillow to your baby can be a tricky process, but there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother:
- A pillow that is small and flat should be used at the beginning
- It is safe to introduce a pillow to your baby’s sleeping area once they are able to move and turn over on their own, which is usually around the age of one.
- Use a pillow that is of the appropriate size and firmness should be used
- A pillow should be introduced during the baby’s naps before it is introduced at night. This will give the baby time to get used to the pillow without disrupting their sleep at night.
- A baby will not get used to the pillow quickly so give it some time and do not rush things.
- Lastly, as I have mentioned before, Pillows should be used when the baby is at least one year old.
- A supporting pillow should be chosen, two high-rated options are the Mimos baby pillow and Clevafoam baby pillow both are recognized for their supportive design and comfort. Their details are given in the recommendations section below, and are practically the safest options for our cuties.
Follow these tips and using a safe and supportive pillow, you can help ensure that your baby’s sleep routine is comfortable and safe.
Features of Safe Baby Pillows
Breathable Fabric
When choosing a baby pillow it must be ensured that it is made up of breathable fabric to reduce the risk of suffocation. There are many pillows that look adorable, but you might want to drop that hello kitty mesh pillow for your baby’s safety.
Hypoallergenic
To reduce the risk of any sort of allergies or irritation, a pillow that is hypoallergenic should be chosen as we know that babies are sensitive to allergies. Hypoallergenic pillows are made up of those materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Machine Washable
Babies are messy and washing the pillows on a regular basis is important, it is preferred that a pillow that is machine washable should be chosen for easy cleaning. It must also be noted that some pillows lose their shape and support after washing, so only those pillows should be chosen that do not lose their shape and support. After all, changing pillows too often can be time consuming, and blow your Baby Budget!
Size and shape
Use a pillow that provides support to the baby’s head and neck.
No loose pieces
Pillows that have any sort of loose pieces such as buttons or ribbons that can pose a threat of choking hazard should be avoided.
Safety certifications
The pillows are also certified by the safety organizations such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure that they meet the safety standards. These baby pillows should be preferred over other pillows.
Overall, the consideration when purchasing a baby pillow is the materials used. It’s important to choose a pillow made from breathable materials, such as cotton or bamboo, to help prevent overheating and promote air circulation. Some pillows may also be treated with antimicrobial agents to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms. In addition to these considerations.
Recommendations that you can Trust:
Just like all babies are not the same, all the pillows are also not the same. Finally, it’s time *drums roll* to choose the pillow for your babies. There are various types of pillows, but don’t get confused because these pillows are pretty and safe for usage. Its our hand-picked Baby Edition pillows for you
Flat Head Syndrome Pillow
When babies spend too much time lying on their backs, a condition can occur which is called flat head syndrome pillow. This risk can be prevented by my all-time favourite, the ClevaFoam Baby Pillow. It is designed to support the baby’s head and neck, and it is washable and hypoallergenic. It reduces the pressure on the head of the baby and distributes its weight evenly.
Another option is the Baby U- Shaped Pillow made of cotton material and has a beautiful design on it.
Breathable Pillow
The breathable pillow is another example, it helps in allowing the air to flow freely through the pillow which reduces the risk of suffocation. One example of this is Koshine Baby Pillow, which is made up of breathable material and has adorable rabbit ears on the side for your baby to play with until he/she falls asleep.
Shaped Pillow
A shaped baby pillow supports the head and neck of the baby. One example of a shaped pillow is the Babymoov Lovenest Baby Pillow, which is an adorable heart-shaped pillow that supports and provides comfort to the baby’s head and neck, it is made up of breathable fabric and can be used in the crib. You can’t just say no to a heart-shaped pillow, can you? Especially for a baby girl!
Travel Pillow
Pillows can also be used while traveling which means no more cranky cries on those long road tries. Trunki Yondi Travel Pillow is is designed to keep the baby’s head from falling forward while sleeping in a car. It is made with soft, plush fabric and it is machine washable.
Microfibre Pillow
The John Roma Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow is another option to consider. This pillow is the star on this list as it’s made from soft, hypoallergenic microfibre and is treated with an anti-allergy agent to help prevent the growth of dust mites and other allergens.
As a mother, my sympathies go to all those new mothers who have to stay up late tending to their babies and have difficulty choosing the right products from them. Thanks to all those nights I’ve spent up late, I’ve found these recommended pillows to be a best friend for the babies.
They are made of breathable materials, provide excellent support, and are easy to clean. Say goodbye to your baby’s discomfort in sleep, with the right pillow, our babies can sleep soundly, and we can have peace of mind knowing that they are comfortable and safe.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, you care the most about your baby’s sleep because the better they sleep, the most they grow, and if they don’t sleep well then those eye bags of ours will only get deeper.
The baby pillows provide great support and comfort to the baby but they should be used with precaution which includes the baby should be at least one-year-old and soft blankets, and soft bedding should not be used as they can cause overheating and increases the risk of suffocation.
There is a wide range of baby pillows in the market, but the pillows that are of the appropriate, size, shape, and firmness should be chosen. There are also many alternatives that can be used instead. These include Swaddles that provide a warm and snug environment to infants which gives the feeling of being in the womb. Sleepsacks which are wearable zip blankets keep the baby warm and comfortable throughout the night. Bassinet Wedges are for babies that have trouble sleeping or other respiratory issues, and you should consult with your midwife before utilising these. These products can also provide comfort to the baby during their sleep. So, if you do not want to go for baby pillows you can go for these ones.
Have a nice fun day and I hope you and your baby, both sleep well!
Do you have an alternative Baby Pillow you feel should have made the list? Let us know in the comments!
Baby Pillow FAQs:
Here I have prepared a list of questions and answers that might help you
- When a baby pillow should not be used?
Babies under the age of one should not use pillows.
- What are baby pillows used for?
The baby pillows are used to provide comfort to the head and neck of the baby.
- What are the important features that should be kept in mind before purchasing a baby pillow?
When purchasing a baby pillow it is important to consider its size, material, and softness, the pillow that is firm and supportive should be used rather than soft and plush. Pillows that are made of breathable materials such as cotton should be purchased to prevent overheating.
- Does a baby pillow increase the risk of suffocation?
A baby pillow can increase the risk of suffocation if it’s not of the right size and quality, and used too early.
- What are the benefits of using a baby pillow?
The baby pillow provides comfort and support for babies during their sleep, it also helps in shaping their heads.
- Can a regular pillow be used for a baby?
A regular pillow should not be used for a baby as it will not provide appropriate support and can increase the risk of suffocation.
- How can I know if the pillow size is right for my baby?
The pillow that is chosen should neither be too large nor too small, it should be the appropriate size for the baby’s head and neck.
- Can we wash baby pillows?
Baby pillows should be washed and cleaned regularly to prevent any bacteria or germs that can affect the baby.
- What are baby pillows categories?
There are a lot of categories in the market which are memory foam, hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial pillows. It is important to choose a pillow that meets your specific
- What are some popular baby pillows on the market?
Some popular baby pillows include the Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Pillow, the ClevaFoam Baby Pillow, and the John Lewis & Partners Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow.