Infant pillow

The Internet is full of horrific stories of how babies have suffocated to death because of using baby pillows. I think most of such stories are overstated. My personal experience in using baby pillows for my daughter from the age of one and half is a good example that it is not such a devilish product as it is made out to be. Indeed, some common sense precautions are a must. Do not buy cheap merchandise, the so called ‘best bargains’, they are likely to be of poor quality and hence unsafe. A little bit of market survey through the WalMart, Woolworth and Baby care shops is necessary to get a sense of what best is available. A little bit of research on the Internet also helps. You can use a narrow but firm pillow or a memory foam pillow for the purpose. In my opinion, a memory foam pillow though a bit costly is a better buy. As the name suggests, the memory foam pillow molds to the contours of the baby’s head and thus provides a very good support. I say this out of experience of seeing my baby sleep soundly without once bringing out the late night feed ever since she started sleeping on a memory foam pillow.

The benefits of a baby pillow don’t end there. Doctors say that a slightly elevated head position is helpful in breathing especially if the baby has a cold. They also say that a firm support prevents cranial deformity which may occur if the baby sleeps with head to one side for too long. Make sure you check the pillow cover. Just make sure you buy the softest, linen cotton material for a pillow cover. That will prevent rashes or allergic reaction which is possible if you use synthetic material. Don’t buy soft or feather pillows, they are the ones responsible for the negative publicity. So go ahead and use baby pillows and see your angel sleep soundly.

Children under the age of two should not use a baby sleep pillow. There is a real danger of suffocation if a pillow is put in a crib.Suffocation and death can result from placing a baby sleep pillow in a crib. If a baby rolls over on a pillow in the crib and cannot push itself off of the pillow, the baby can suffocate. For children over the age of two, a baby sleep pillow make a great gift. Cuddling with a baby sleep pillow is something a child over two likes to do. A baby sleep pillow can offer a child comfort when they are trying to go to sleep.

Doctors do not recommend using a baby sleep pillow under the age of two. When a baby is sleeping in a crib and rolls over onto the pillow, the baby may not be able to push itself up off the pillow or roll off the pillow. If a baby rolls over onto the pillow face down, the baby could possibly die from suffocation. It is recommended that a baby sleep pillow not be used until a child is ready to sleep in a bed.

For children over the age of two, a baby sleep pillow is a wonderful item. Children are sometimes scared of the dark and hugging a baby pillow to their body can help calm their fears. The soft, springy material of the baby pillow offers comfort to a child who is trying to go to sleep. Children often cuddle up with a baby sleep pillow when they are alone because it helps them to feel less alone.

When a caregiver has to be away from a child, a baby sleep pillow can provide comfort. The springiness of the pillow mocks the softness of the body of the caregiver so when a child hugs a baby sleep pillow, it is very similar to hugging a caregiver. The comfort of hugging a baby sleep pillow can often help a child feel more secure.

Like all parents you are likely worried that your child gets the necessary respite from all that play, a night of cozy sleep. Are you are one of those parents wondering whether your child is ready for a pillow? Most parents assume that a pillow offers the much needed comfort, when in fact your child may be just fine as it is. Well, if you think your toddler may be more comfortable with a baby sleep pillow, read on. This will depend on the age of your child, and also the place where you most likely put him to sleep. The general perception about baby sleep pillows is that it is not required for a child under 2 years of age. The use of pillows before this carries the risk of smothering. If, from your experience, you feel it is the right time to introduce a baby sleep pillow, it is a good idea to do so once your toddler moves from a crib to a bed. It is around this time that your child begins to support himself on his feet, a pillow may aid in climbing or crawling out of the crib! But you may want to try one even in a crib; just ensure it is compact and not too soft.

When choosing a pillow for your child always ensure that what you offer your child is an actual baby sleep pillow and not one you may have lying around. You may want to try a baby pillow that is the size of a travel pillow. Remember that babies have tender heads that needs good protection. Do not bother with feather pillows, as they are too soft to serve the purpose, and may trigger unnecessary reactions and even allergies. Feather pillows are also known to cause smothering as the head of the child sinks into the pillow while he is sleeping. Since most babies mostly sleep on their backs, they carry the risk of developing flat head syndrome. This is where memory foam baby sleep pillows are a god send. The cushioning supports in these pillows reduce the risk of a flat head. The Visco elastic fabric in these baby sleep pillows reduce the pressure created when sleeping on the back. And for all those trying times when pillows get soiled, these are easily machine washable. Many models come with adjustable side supports and sleep positioners to keep your baby in place.

Finally, if you still feel ambiguous about the appropriate time to begin using a baby sleep pillow consult your pediatrician. You may even wait for signs from your baby that he might do better with a baby sleep pillow, such as discomfort sleeping in a flat bed.