How to Choose a Baby Pillow

07/21/09

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 can you know you have selected the right kind of pillow for your child?

First, is a baby pillow a good idea for a baby your child's age? 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 mattress is firmer than a pillow, which reduces the chance of suffocation and is safer for small babies.

Second, does your baby require a baby pillow? Small children often do fine without pillows because their bodies are proportioned differently from adults' bodies. The best sign that your child is ready for a baby pillow is when he or she starts sleeping with his or her head on a stuffed toy or balled up bedding.

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 should a baby pillow be stuffed with? Even though down and feather pillows are delightfully soft and comfortable, don't give them to your child. Small children find them to be too soft, and exposing babies to down or feathers too young can cause them to become allergic. The stuffing should be firm, and hypoallergenic fillings are best.

These guidelines will ensure that you choose just the right baby pillow for your toddler. Make sure your child is old enough to use a baby pillow safely and ready to sleep with a pillow, then pick a small pillow filled with firm, hypoallergenic stuffing. Then do the most important step: See what your child thinks of their new pillow. Your child is the very best judge you have! With these guidelines, you are sure to find a pillow they love.