How to Choose a Baby Pillow

10/02/08

Choosing a baby pillow is an important task for any parent. A pillow can make your child's sleep much more comfortable. But just as babies are not like adults, baby pillows are not like adult pillows. How do you know when you have chosen the right pillow for your baby?

First, is your child old enough to use a baby pillow? Children under two years old should never have pillows in the crib with them. A baby's neck muscles are weak, and cannot always prevent the baby from suffocating if she rolls over onto her stomach. Even when a baby has an ear infection or a congested nose and sleeps better with a pillow under his or her head, giving the child a pillow is risky. If a baby under the age of two needs his or her head elevated, put the pillow under the mattress, not in the crib, so that the mattress is elevated. The firm surface of the mattress will reduce the risk of suffocation and keep your child safe.

Second, does your child need a baby pillow? Small children often do fine without pillows because their bodies are proportioned differently from adults' bodies. You will know your child is ready for a pillow when they sleep restlessly or when they start balling blankets or stuffed toys under their head.

Third, what size should a baby pillow be? Small, flat pillows, like the pillows you get on an airplane, are the best ones to choose for your baby. Using a smaller pillow will prevent your child from elevating his or her head too high and waking up with a crick in the neck.

Fourth, what is the best filling for a baby pillow? Even though down and feather pillows are delightfully soft and comfortable, don't give them to your child. They are too soft for small children, and their filling can give children allergies to down or feathers. A firm, hypoallergenic filling is the best stuffing for your baby's pillow.

These guidelines will ensure that you choose just the right baby pillow for your toddler. Remember to make sure your child is old enough and needs a baby pillow, then choose a pillow that is smaller than an adult pillow and filled with a firm, hypoallergenic stuffing. After that, do the most important step of all, and ask your baby what he or she thinks of the new pillow. Your child is the best judge of whether you have picked the right pillow. If you follow these guidelines, you'll definitely find your child a safe and comfortable pillow that they love.