From what age can a child sleep on a pillow?

For many parents, the decision of when to start their child using a pillow is a common one. When making this choice, it’s critical to take the child’s age and developmental stage into account. Although pillows can be comfortable, there are safety concerns and the need to support a child’s developing body properly when using them.

In general, experts advise against giving a child a pillow until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. Children typically have greater head and neck control at this age, lowering the possibility of discomfort or suffocation. But since each child is unique, it’s important to pay attention to their needs and growth.

The considerations to take into account when determining if your child is ready for a pillow will be discussed in this article, along with developmental milestones and safety advice to guarantee a seamless transition. You can make an informed choice that promotes your child’s comfort and wellbeing by being aware of these factors.

The rationality of using a pillow

In his guidelines for caring for young children, renowned Ukrainian pediatrician Evgeny Komarovsky gives particular weight to the practicality of using a pillow. For the first two years of life, the doctor says, a child can get by without a pillow; they can just lie on a diaper or sheet.

Any claims that the baby in this situation won’t be able to sleep enough, will get headaches, or will encounter other difficulties are unfounded and lack supporting data.

In a crib

It is completely illogical to use a pillow in a crib given that it is preferable to forgo using one for the first two years of a child’s life.

• The likelihood of sudden death of an infant increases. To date, there are no facts proving this, but the assumptions are quite reasonable.
• Already at the age of 4 months, the child begins to roll over on his own. The presence of a pillow can cause blockages of the nasal passages, which will lead to asphyxia.
• The first two years of life, the human spine is very fragile and weak, so sleeping on a pillow can lead to deformations of the vertebrae.
• Many fillers that are used in the process of making an accessory can cause allergic reactions. This, in turn, will lead to damage to the respiratory tract with a fatal outcome.

In a stroller

The majority of grandmothers think that the stroller is the only item in which a pillow is absolutely necessary. This is understandable because in the past, these accessories lacked orthopedic inserts or rising backs, necessitating the placement of something supple beneath the head. These days, strollers come equipped with these features already thought through by manufacturers, so there’s no need for them.

Only in the chilly winter months, when the infant is bundled up in warm clothing and has legs that are higher than their heads, can you use a pillow.

Purchasing hard or anatomical models is recommended. These pillows are sold in sets with strollers by some manufacturers.

Are there any risks?

The Union of Pediatricians of Russia recommends that a baby, especially a newborn, should not have anything under their heads. Orthopedic mattresses of today can offer dependable support for the head and shoulders in the ideal alignment for healthy growth. There are some risks associated with the head being elevated above the body.

• At first, the child will not be able to independently change the position of the body, so he can simply bury his face in the pillow and die from lack of air.
• On a hard base, it will be much easier for him to turn his head to the side than if it lies on a soft pillow.
• If the baby is not located in a solid place, then the vertebrae will shift, which will cause scoliosis or other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Around the age of two, experts usually advise introducing a pillow to a child. Babies’ necks and spines are still growing before this age, so sleeping on a pillow can cause pain or even health problems. Selecting a firm, flat pillow made for toddlers is essential to guaranteeing both safety and appropriate support. Always take into account your child’s specific needs, and if in doubt, speak with a pediatrician.

At what age should a baby sleep on a pillow?

A child’s body differs greatly from an adult’s in terms of proportion, so it has unique needs. Lifting the baby’s head will seriously injure him, so avoid doing so. At age three, you can purchase pillows with soft fillers, but you can only raise your head after you turn two.

According to Dr. Komarovsky, a child’s chances of developing spine issues decrease the longer he sleeps without a pillow. The best course of action is to decline this accessory completely.

Tips for choosing

You should pay special attention to the selection process and heed some advice, as the child’s health is dependent on the pillow.

• The pillow should fit the size of the crib.
• You should not buy too soft models, as the child"s head will sink into them.
• The ideal option is considered to be a product with moderate density and a straight shape.
• It is best to buy products that were made using natural materials. They are less likely to cause allergic reactions and do not contain any toxic components.

The Union of Pediatricians of Russia states that a baby’s ideal pillow needs to fulfill a few requirements.

• Elasticity. Such a product completely follows the contours of the head and neck, and does not lose its shape after washing. If the filler does not return to its shape when pressure is applied, then you should refuse to buy such a pillow.
• Ability to pass air. This is one of the most important requirements on which the life and health of the child depends. Otherwise, it will not be possible to guarantee optimal heat exchange, which is important for the child.
• Hygroscopicity. The baby may sweat, burp or cry during sleep, which will lead to dampness of the pillow. The ideal product should be able to absorb moisture and evaporate it.
• Care. The child is not known for his neatness, so the pillow gets dirty quickly. It should be made of materials that can easily withstand a huge number of washes. When choosing, you should make sure that the product can be machine washed, otherwise it will make care too difficult.

For a child, holofiber, latex, ecofiber, and comfortel are the best materials. They can offer a great degree of comfort and are renowned for their safety.

In order to prevent irritating the baby’s skin, you should also pay special attention to the cover, which should feel soft to the touch. Cotton textiles are the best option because they are allergy-free and long-lasting. Selecting a cover that is sewn from the inside is the best option.

Recommendations

You should use caution when using a pillow even after the child turns two years old, as misuse can also result in injury. Prioritize checking that your infant is sleeping in the proper position.

• On the side. The most optimal position in the first six months of a baby"s life. Most pediatricians advise putting your baby on the side. The fact is that a baby has a special structure of the sphincter, which is why he can burp after eating, and the side position will not allow him to choke;
• Semi-sideways. This position will be an excellent solution if the baby suffers from colic. Sleeping in this position will allow the gases to pass faster, thus relieving the baby of discomfort;
• On the back. This position is dangerous because the baby can choke during burping. But if he likes to lie on his back, then you should not worry about this, but you just need to make sure that his head is turned to the side. If you put a bolster next to him and support his head, then you can not worry that he will change its position on his own.

The best time to introduce a pillow to your child will depend on their stage of development and specific needs. Although every child is unique, most experts advise waiting until your child is at least 18 months old.

When making this choice, it’s critical to put your child’s safety and comfort first. Choosing the correct pillow is essential because an excessively soft or large one can be dangerous.

Ultimately, if you’re not sure when to introduce a pillow to your child, pay attention to their cues and speak with your pediatrician. Prioritizing their health and sleep quality should never be compromised.

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