Recommendations for Using a Baby Pillow
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by: frankwarehouse
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Parents often question when their child should begin using a baby pillow. It seems to make sense that your toddler would want one, since nearly all adults choose to use pillows. Of course, you want your child to be comfortable while sleeping. Before your little one starts sleeping with a baby pillow, there are some things to take into consideration.
It is only realistic to be concerned about nighttime safety. The chances of suffocation increase greatly when an infant sleeps with unnecessary objects in the crib, such as a baby pillow or soft toys. Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is a concern that should be taken seriously by all parents. Older babies who can move around well and even walk are still at risk of suffocation while sleeping, because they are not as aware of their surroundings.
A baby pillow can also be a safety hazard in another way. At some point, generally between their first and second birthdays, nearly all infants try to escape from their cribs. If available, they will often use a baby pillow as a step to get over the crib rails. This has the potential to cause a painful accident. To help avoid bumps and bruises or even a trip to the emergency room, do not give your child a baby pillow before the transition to a toddler bed.
Pediatricians often tell their patients that an infant should not have a baby pillow until at least one and a half years of age. In light of research, some doctors are now switching to a newer recommended age of at least two years. Of course, there is no harm in waiting longer if you want to do so. There really is not an age at which it becomes necessary to give your toddler a baby pillow. It may even be counterproductive for children who lie on their backs while sleeping. Introducing a baby pillow when it is not needed can actually cause pain by curving the spine unnaturally.
As long as your toddler is above the minimum age and sleeping in a bed, simply waiting until he or she asks to have a baby pillow makes the most sense. When you do decide to give your child a pillow at night, you should make sure that it is, in fact, a baby pillow. A baby pillow is smaller and firmer than what an adult or older child would use. Using the right kind decreases safety hazards. If your baby is sick and congested, you can place something underneath the crib mattress on one end to elevate it instead of using a baby pillow. See more Baby pillow -- Body pillow -- Baby head pillow --
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