The Many Benefits of Baby Pillows
06/19/09
When a new baby is on the way, there is a lot of excitement and sometimes more than a little bit of confusion. This is especially so for new parents. You may be wondering what kind of items to buy in order to make the new baby comfortable and happy. Besides the obvious like diapers, a crib and bottle, there are other more elusive items that could ease your way into parenthood. One such helper is the baby pillow.
There is more than one type of baby pillow, and not all are created equal. The nursing pillow is one type that can be helpful from the first day you bring your baby home. The nursing baby pillow will keep the head of your child supported while nursing, so that mommy can relax. These sort of baby pillows can also be beneficial to help the child relax. Often, you can coax the baby into a new position with maximum comfort obtained, which can frequently lead to a much needed nap for everyone involved! Even when nursing is not involved, the design of these baby pillows makes it easier for other family members to hold the infant as they support the head so well. A more conventional pillow is also available. Most of the time, doctors agree that a regular pillow is best suited for children ages two and up. In the case of an upper respiratory infection or cold, however, a child could benefit from using a pillow to prop up the head. It is always best to consult your doctor about using a baby pillow before age two. Other benefits of using a baby pillow can be the offset of acid reflux and ear infections. A pillow could ease the symptoms your child has if suffering from any of these ailments.
There are a few characteristics all baby pillows should have. One guideline to follow is that the pillow should be both small and lightweight. This is best so that the child does not get too hot, or suffocate from the bulk of a normal sized pillow. Another guideline is that the pillow should be free of decoration such as fringe or beads. This way, the baby cannot choke on anything attached to the pillow. Cotton and silk pillows are two perfect examples of baby friendly fabrics. Feather pillows are best to stay away from, as they can cause an allergic reaction in the child. Machine washable or baby pillows with removable covers are the best options. The possibilities for your baby pillow are endless if you follow these guidelines.
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