When is it worth buying an orthopedic pillow for newborns?

As new parents, our goal is to provide our babies with the best possible start in life, including appropriate clothing and rest. One common query is whether an orthopedic pillow is necessary for a newborn. With so many baby products on the market, it’s natural to feel confused about what’s really essential and overwhelmed.

Many parents are curious as to whether their baby’s head and spine can be supported by an orthopedic pillow, which would aid in better sleep and healthy growth. However, should you introduce it straight away, or should you wait? It can be difficult to decide whether or not to purchase an orthopedic pillow for your newborn.

In order to help you choose the best orthopedic pillow for your child, this article will discuss the advantages, possible drawbacks, and best time to introduce one.

Features and types

• materials that do not cause allergies are used as a filler;
• they have good elasticity;
• ventilation inside is much better;
• there are sizes for each age;
• they take into account the features of the infant spine.

The shapes of anatomical pillows vary. The first kind is butterfly-shaped and has a "hole" in the middle. In a dream, the child’s head is stationary and situated in a depression; it is not rotating.

Using: is advised

• with a child"s torticollis;
• rickets;
• spinal damage received during birth trauma;
• for the correct formation of the bones of the skull.

The positioning cushion is made in the shape of a rectangle with varying-sized rollers on the sides. The infant is positioned on its side in between the bolsters, resembling a cocoon. Suggested for the proper development of the spine in children with weaker muscle tone and premature or weak babies. used exactly as directed by medical professionals.

With the child slightly elevated, the inclined pillow has a 15-degree slope and is the same width as the crib. Suggested for kids who spit up while they sleep. is used from birth and causes no harm to the child. The Frejka pillow fixes the child’s legs in place by taking the shape of a roller and placing it between them. Suggested for children with varying leg lengths and hip joint impairment.

The bath pillow is shaped like a doughnut. By placing it around the neck, the head is raised above the water. It is constructed from unique waterproof materials. Lifebuoy-shaped pillows are manufactured by manufacturers to make feeding easier. They enable you to place the infant so that its head is close to your chest, avoiding cervical vertebral curvature.

Pillows are filled with contemporary fillers that have antiseptic, antiallergic, and good ventilation. Natural rubber is a resilient, elastic, soft, and user-friendly material. The ideal filler material for pillows. Excellent contemporary material, memory foam retains the dimensions of the baby’s head even after washing and forgets them after the first nap.

The best materials for anatomical pillows are latex and polyurethane foam, but these materials are pricey.

While the subsequent fillers are less expensive than the earlier ones, they are not inferior.

• Synthetic padding. Artificial material. Easy to use, but short-lived. It quickly becomes thinner and becomes unsuitable for further use.
• Comforel. This is silicone made in the form of balls. Remembers body shapes well and does not lose its properties for a long time.
• Polystyrene. Available in the form of foam. It is used for bedding with medium elasticity.
• Polyester. An artificially created material with good elasticity.

Buckwheat husk, coconut fiber, dried flowers, and medicinal plant leaves are commonly utilized as natural fillers.

Pillow stuffing is the most common application for buckwheat husk. It’s ideal for this because the filler is somewhat elastic and the air flows through it nicely. It works like a massage. The noise made when the baby moves is the only negative aspect. Some kids get agitated by it and find it difficult to fall asleep, while other kids find it soothing.

Parents can select the ideal anatomical pillow for their child from a range of options.

Do all newborns need an orthopedic pillow?

It is best for healthy infants under two years old to sleep without any kind of pillow. Young children spend a lot of time lying in their cribs because they have big heads and weak necks. Elevating the head above the mattress surface will put undue strain on the baby’s spine. It may cause the cervical vertebrae to form incorrectly, including their curvature.

Orthopedic pillows are advised by doctors for newborns who are at risk of developing any number of spinal disorders. They let you restrict the baby’s movement while it sleeps by allowing you to hold its head still. Inappropriate use of the pillow may have detrimental effects on the body.

Indications

For infants under one year old, orthopedic pillows are only recommended by doctors in cases of illness prevention or treatment. Thus, these are the subsequent scenarios:

• torticollis;
• the bones of the head have an irregular shape;
• violation of the vertebral joints in the cervical region, which occurred as a result of injury to the child during childbirth;
• violation of the tone of the neck muscles: decreased or increased;
• initial stage of scoliosis.

In the event that you possess any indication of these illnesses, you should purchase a customized pillow and adhere to your physician’s recommendations to the letter.

Recommendations from friends, vendors, or online advice sources cannot be trusted. Mistakes in bedding selection can cause the baby to sustain serious injuries.

From what age should it be used?

A healthy 2- to 3-year-old baby should have a pillow that is no thicker than 3 cm. You can allow a thickness of roughly 5 cm at ages 4-5 and up to 10 cm at ages 7 and 7. Doctors advise using an orthopedic butterfly pillow for torticollis in children starting at age 14. You can use an inclined pillow to help with breathing difficulties starting at three months of age.

Important: anatomical pillows may only be used with a doctor’s approval until the child turns three.

Parents can purchase both basic and orthopedic pillows for children over this age. The latter are even better because they assist in selecting a cozy sleeping position that guarantees the child’s body has proper blood circulation and unrestricted breathing. The items support the proper development of the spine as a whole. It’s important to consider the filler and cover materials when making a purchase. The cushion shouldn’t be overly firm. The bolsters should fit the baby’s age and size, and they shouldn’t be higher than their shoulders.

Manufacturers and models

Under the same name, the Russian company "Trelax" produces premium orthopedic pillows for kids. It created its products according to the recommendations of highly skilled orthopedic physicians. The covers are sewn using natural materials, and the products are made with premium filler. The products listed below represent the range.

• Sweet made of polyurethane, covers are sewn from cotton fabric. It has a flat shape with a depression in the middle. Designed for children from 5 months of age. It should be used for torticollis, nursing premature babies.

• Baby Comfort. A set of different sized bolsters allows you to hold the child in a position on the back or side. Recommended for low neck muscle tone.

• Mimi made of high-quality polyurethane with memory effect. Necessary for children with irregular head shape and suspected rickets.

• Clin. 12 degree inclined shape helps improve the child"s breathing during sleep.

• Babybini. Used for low muscle tone in the neck area in children 1.5-3 years old. There are 2 rollers of different sizes. The height can be changed as the child grows.

A large variety of orthopaedic products for kids are made by the domestic company "Trives." The product can be used to relieve pain in various types of diseases affecting the spine and skull bones because it contains polyurethane with memory function. Static electricity is not accumulated by latex fillers. Bamboo is sewn into covers. The business also makes fiber pillows. It does not absorb odors and is simple to maintain elasticity.

Other domestic and international businesses also manufacture orthopedic bedding. However, these two have performed particularly well in the home market.

If your pediatrician suggests an orthopedic pillow for your baby due to a particular condition—such as flat head syndrome or problems with neck alignment—it’sworthwhileto take into consideration. For safety reasons, numerous experts contend that babies don’t require pillows when they sleep. It’s important to consider the possible advantages against the risks before making a purchase and to speak with a healthcare provider to make sure it’s the best option for your child.

How to properly place a newborn?

The appropriate placement of the child on the pillow determines whether it will be beneficial or harmful, so this is not a pointless question. A "butterfly" with a head recess is typically used with a curved neck. Place the infant on the side that hurts.

Using bolsters makes it harder. The bottom and top of the product must first be determined. The child should be put on a little bolster if he sleeps better on his back. And the infant is placed on a big one if he is on his side. In every situation, you must keep a close eye on the infant’s sleep in order to assist with regurgitation.

Every pillow comes with comprehensive usage instructions from the manufacturer. The baby will sleep soundly and sweetly if you heed these tips.

Age	Reason to Consider Buying an Orthopedic Pillow
0-3 months	Generally not recommended, as newborns naturally adapt to their sleeping position.
3-6 months	If recommended by a pediatrician, to address any specific head or neck issues.
6-12 months	Can be considered if there are noticeable flat spots or sleeping discomfort.
1 year and older	For improving sleep posture or when transitioning to more structured sleep support.

While they are not always required, orthopedic pillows can provide head and neck support for a newborn. Initially, parents ought to speak with a pediatrician to find out if their child has any particular requirements that would make using one beneficial.

For the most part, babies grow normally and don’t require special pillows. Instead, safe sleeping techniques, such as putting the baby to sleep on their back, are far more crucial to their general well-being.

If your doctor suggests an orthopedic pillow, make sure it’s made especially for babies, with the right materials and form, to minimize any potential hazards. Prioritizing comfort and safety is always important.

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