Baby pillow: tips for choosing the right one
Many new mothers wonder whether or not to put a pillow in their baby's bed. Although pediatricians do not recommend inserting objects inside the crib until the child is two years old, the right pillow can be useful in case of plagiocephaly (ie flat head). This is an anomaly that in most cases is resolved. over time: if you are curious about the development of the newborn, watch this video.
Is a pillow for babies essential?
The answer is very short: no. The pillow for babies is not an essential accessory. Many pediatricians, in fact, suggest not to put any objects inside the baby's bed to minimize the risk of Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS). This syndrome can occur in children up to two years of age, however after six months the chance of reducing. Although the causes of its occurrence are not yet clear, doctors have noted that the presence in the crib of toys, soft toys and other baby accessories can increase the occurrence of SIDS.
However, there are some types of babies, such as those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux or plagiocephaly that can benefit from the use of a pillow. The important thing is that this is made of anti-suffocation and hypoallergenic material, preferably in cotton.
Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of the classic pillow to be used over the mattress only from the age of two, however, if you decide to insert it first, American pediatricians suggest taking a flat-shaped pillow, thin, small in size and of excellent quality. As already mentioned, the preferred material is cotton because it is more breathable.
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The pillow for babies with flat head syndrome
Many babies suffer from flat head syndrome when they are young, which is a "skull anomaly due to the long time spent upside down but which usually resolves spontaneously over the months.
What should the pillow be like for babies with a flat head? Children suffering from plagiocephaly can use specially shaped pillows designed specifically so that the occipital area of the head is not completely crushed.
These pillows can be used for sleeping, however it is advisable to insert the pillow only under close supervision of the parent (perhaps during the stroll in the wheelchair) and never at night. It is possible to buy them in shops that sell items for children or for pregnancy, or on Amazon. The bestseller among these pillows according to user reviews on Amazon is the memory foam one equipped with two removable and breathable pillowcases.
The pillow to prevent the baby from turning in the bed, the anti-suffocation pillow and the anti-reflux pillow
Thanks to the choice of the right pillow you can sleep more peaceful nights: although the pillow is not an accessory that lasts forever (it must be changed according to the age of the child) it can definitely help to solve some situation. Here are some types of baby pillow to consider.
Pillow to keep your baby from spinning
This type of pillow can be used to prevent the baby from turning sideways in the crib and ends up upside down. It has the shape of the baby's head modeled so that it is comfortable for him to keep the body in a supine position, that is with the head facing up. Generally they should be used until the baby learns to roll on his side by himself. because they later become too uncomfortable.
Anti-suffocation pillow
The anti-suffocation pillow, on the other hand, is a particular type of accessory usually made of memory foam; having an open cell structure that allows air to pass through, makes the risk of suffocation more difficult. It also has the advantage of keeping the baby's head slightly raised with respect to the feet: a trick to make the baby breathe better especially when he has a cold .
Anti-reflux pillow
The anti-reflux pillow is much appreciated by mothers of children suffering from colic because it manages to keep the position of the head raised so that the liquids inside the stomach do not rise, causing the baby the annoying burning sensation typical of reflux.
Some tips for buying a baby pillow
If you are going to buy a pillow to help your baby sleep peacefully in his cot, we recommend that you take these features into consideration:
- Buy a pillow made of pure cotton of excellent quality because this material is breathable and will not make children's heads sweat.
- If the baby tends to change position often during the night and has a particularly disturbed sleep, you may want to try to get a pillow to keep it from turning.
- The anti-reflux pillow is excellent in case of colic because it is one of the pillows that most favors the raised position of the head.
- Do not use your nursing pillow for the baby's sleep as it is not soft enough.
- As for the pillowcases, choose only anti-breathable cotton with a simple design: a minimal accessory without applications is better.
- You can always use the pillow inside the wheelchair but during the night it is best to avoid.
- Prefer a soft pillow with a breathable fabric: thanks to this precaution, the baby will always have an optimal temperature.
+ Show Sources - Hide Sources The American Association of Pediatricians gives these tips for choosing the crib of the newborn. <
