Choosing the Right Baby Pillow for your Child
New mothers are generally aware that giving a baby pillow to a newborn is not something you should do. Pillows and blankets can be dangerous for very young infants, are better kept aside for times when Mom can keep an eye out. But in reality, many mothers end up sacrificing their baby’s comfort for safety longer than they actually need to.
When a baby is old enough, he or she will be safe using a baby pillow… and also quite a bit more comfy. Most pediatricians say that an infant can start using a baby pillow starting at one year old, when he or she is more mobile. While you can wait several years to give your child a pillow if you choose, giving him or her one earlier on is a great way to have your one year old (or older) baby sleep through the night. Why? Because an appropriately sized and shaped baby pillow can really help a baby to be more comfortable, and also help them to breathe more easily during the night.
A Baby Pillow for an Older Infant
Toddlers and older infants are more comfortable with a baby pillow than they are without. But even if the pediatrician has given you a green light to give your child a baby pillow, that does not mean that any type of pillow is a good choice. It is always important to think about your child’s safety, of course, and grown up sized pillows can pose a danger to your toddler. Though a toddler is more mobile than a newborn, he or she can still be smothered by a large pillow.
So it is important to do your shopping wisely, and buy the right sized baby pillow for your toddler. In addition to being somewhat dangerous, adult sized pillows are just not comfortable for a toddler. A baby pillow, though, is perfectly proportioned to a young child’s head and neck. Generally measuring in at 12 by 16 inches, a baby pillow supports him or her just as your pillow supports you, but is much more in proportion to his or her body.
There are also a few additional considerations to make when you are looking into buying a baby pillow for your child. For one, it is a good idea to choose a baby pillow that is hypoallergenic. This type of pillow helps to keep allergies at bay, and is generally of a higher quality. You will also want to shop for a baby pillow that is easy to clean. While a baby pillow with a plastic layer will be the simplest type to clean, the plastic layering may make your child feel overheated. Your best choice is a pillow with a high quality, long lasting fabric that is breathable, but easily wipes clean .