From what age does a child need a pillow for sleep and how to choose it?

With the advent of the baby in the family there is a lot of trouble, including the need to purchase a bed and bedding. Parents of a newborn wonder: at what age does a child need a pillow for a safe and comfortable sleep? How to choose it correctly among many children's products?

Does a newborn need a pillow

The anatomical features of the kids allow them to sit comfortably for sleeping on a flat surface of the bed. The head of the babies is relatively large, which allows them to occupy the correct position, convenient for the rest of the body. Thus, the conditions for a good rest during sleep are created.

The formation of physiological bends of the spinal column occurs during periods when the baby begins to independently hold its head, turns over, sits down, crawls and walks. It is extremely undesirable to deliberately accelerate natural processes with the help of various orthopedic pillows.

Many pediatricians and orthopedists agree that children under one year old, and sometimes up to two or three years old, are not recommended to sleep on a pillow.

• By placing the head of a sleeping newborn on an elevation, it is possible to provoke a curvature of the spine and a number of other disorders related to the baby's health.
• A child who has rolled over in a dream on his stomach and buried his nose in a loose and soft surface may experience difficulty breathing and even strangulation.

The author of the site purityis.decorexpro.com/en/ studied the age at which children need to sleep on a pillow, and came to the conclusion that a healthy newborn will not need this attribute soon. Experts recommend refraining from using it for as long as possible. More accurate time when you can offer the baby this bedding, parents will be able to determine independently, based on the individual characteristics of the child.

What model to offer a healthy baby

Parents of a healthy child who are still worried about the lack of this bedding can recommend an inclined pillow. It is made of high-quality elastic material that does not crumple and does not slip. A product with an angle of inclination of 15 to 30 degrees is an excellent option to reduce the likelihood of regurgitation. You can use the pillow in case of nasal congestion in the baby. The advantages of this design are that not only the head of the infant, but the whole body is placed on it. At the same time, the head is located above the torso, which facilitates breathing and simplifies the process of ridding the baby of air that is swallowed in the process of eating.

Tip

Replace the inclined pillow can evenly raised edge of the mattress over the entire width of the bed. Parents of infants, who often regurgitate or have excessive salivation, can put a soft diaper under their head, after folding it several times.

When there is a need for orthopedic models

Some babies have certain health problems. In such cases, experts will recommend when a pillow is needed and what product should be purchased for the child. In some cases, orthopedists are advised to use specially designed models from birth.

A child who, during sleep, behaves quite actively and often turns over on his stomach, will use a product made of polyurethane foam or latex.Such a filler does not interfere with the free breathing of the baby, his nose buried in it.

A support pillow is recommended when there is a need to fix the baby’s body during sleep in a specific position. This product is equipped with several rollers that ensure the position of the baby on its side, which is considered the safest for the child.

Some babies develop small changes in the shape of the skull. To fix minor dents or slopes formed as a result of the habit of sleeping on one side, you can use a pillow with a special recess. The head of the sleeping baby is fixed in a certain position - and the defects are gradually and effectively corrected.

Before deciding whether there is a need for a pillow, you should consult a doctor. Incorrectly selected bedding can cause the baby to develop abnormally physically.

Orthopedic pillow for newborns with crankshaft

If the baby has such a deviation as torticollis, it may be necessary to use an orthopedic pillowb. Its use is due to the degree of curvature and the general condition of the patient. Depending on the stage of the disease, medication is prescribed, and in some cases, surgical treatment. The use of a special pillow is possible only as directed by an experienced specialist who will explain how to use a particular product.

Tip

A baby prone to frequent spitting up and having breathing problems is categorically not recommended for laying on orthopedic pillows.

The main function of an orthopedic product, consisting of rollers and a recess for the head, is the ability to maintain the baby's head and neck in the right position. As a result, blood circulation and muscle tone are normalized. It is important to understand that orthopedic products play a concomitant role in the main treatment methods prescribed by a specialist.

Pillow requirements

Some parents prefer to put a pillow on a sleeping baby without waiting for 2 or 3 years of age. For newborns with some health problems, maybe? special orthopedic products will be required. In any case, you must first obtain expert advice and study the range of products offered in the consumer market.

When choosing such an important thing for an infant, it is necessary to take into account many criteria.

• The width of the product should coincide with the head of the bed, this will prevent rolling from the pillow in a dream.
• There are models that are equipped with special straps that allow you to securely fasten the pillow so that it remains in place during an anxious sleep.
• The height of the pillow is selected in accordance with the width of the shoulder.
• The surface of the product must be flat and even.
• This bedding should be moderately tight.

For the manufacture of baby pillows, various fillers are used. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Natural feather and down fillers are too soft and can cause an allergic reaction in the baby.
• Environmentally friendly wool products are also capable of provoking allergies. In addition, they quickly lose shape due to lumps formed inside.
• Products with synthetic fiber filling do not cause allergies and are easy to wash. For babies, they are too soft and quickly get lumpy.
• Porous polyurethane foam ensures ventilation. At the same time soft and elastic, it maintains a form that is comfortable for the child.
• The comfort used as a filler is very popular. It does not slip, does not have an unpleasant smell. To the best of soft and elastic pillows underwent a special antibacterial treatment and retain their properties after frequent washing.
• Soft and elastic latex pillow promotes muscle relaxation for a good rest during sleep. Durable environmentally friendly filler has a porous structure and has antibacterial properties. Easy to care.

From what age a pillow is needed for a baby, parents will decide for themselves. When choosing a much-needed attribute, you should be guided by your own observations, the knowledge and recommendations of pediatricians and orthopedists. The most significant argument when buying a baby pillow is the comfort and health of the baby. Therefore, it is wiser to give preference to quality products, even if they are in a higher price category.