At what age do babies sleep on a pillow? Types and sizes of pillows for children

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Most adults can't imagine their sleep without a pillow. Therefore, when the question arises related to the age at which children sleep on a pillow, then many doubts arise, as parents worry that the child is uncomfortable sleeping. To understand this topic, we will consider the physiological characteristics of the crumbs, the filler materials for baby pillows and the basic requirements that this product must meet.

Physiology of the newborn

When a baby is brought to his mother in the maternity hospital, he lies without a pillow. It is important! In the future, the young mother will be reminded of this again by the pediatrician, who will observe the newborn. The topic of the pillow worries most parents, as everyone has different opinions on this matter.

Before moving on to the question of at what age children sleep on a pillow, you should study the physiological characteristics of the baby.

1. The newborn hasstraight spine. It is still weak, as it almost entirely consists of cartilaginous tissue. Only by 3 months the first bends begin to appear. At the age of six months, the formation of the thoracic spine begins, and the child begins to make the first attempts to sit.
2. After birth, the respiratory system is very poorly developed in babies. Therefore, a surface that is too soft or high can make breathing difficult and lead to oxygen starvation of brain cells.
3. A newborn has not yet formed a sphincter in the esophagus, which means that the baby must lie in the correct position, otherwise there is a risk of choking as a result of spitting up.
4. In young children, the thermoregulation system is not fully established. The baby's head gives off a lot of heat, and holofiber and other fillers are designed to keep it as much as possible. This is not the best way to affect the child, as such conditions can provoke colds.

It is best if the newborn sleeps on their side or sideways. This position helps to normalize breathing, and also prevents the child from choking when he burps. It is recommended to turn babies from time to time on the opposite side.

At what age should a pillow be used?

Most child development experts say that a pillow is not needed for children under 2 years of age. But it is believed that you can use this product after a year. In addition to accidental choking, pediatricians and podiatrists are warning about the risks of spinal malformation.

Important! Having a baby cot with linen and no extra items is essential for the safety and comfort of your newborn.

It should be noted that there are exceptions. The fact is that children with reflux problems, skull deformities or torticollis need a special pillow. It provides the most comfortable body position in which it is useful for the baby to sleep. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the age at which to put a child on a pillow, then it would be useful to consult a pediatrician.

Life hack for moms! If you are one of those parents who are worried that the baby sleeps in a straight position, then at first you can equip the baby's crib as follows:

1. Take a diaper and roll it up.
2. Lift up the mattress and put her under it.

It is very important to observe the angle of inclination - it should be no more than 30 degrees. This design is absolutely comfortable and safe for the baby, since the child will not bury his nose in such a “pillow” during sleep.

Pillow for a child over 2 years old

The question of at what age children sleep on a pillow, we considered earlier. It is not forbidden to use the product after a year, but 2 years is considered to be the optimal age. The right pillow for this age group is usually flat, low, wide, and medium-weight.

Remember that the main function of this product is to support the cervical spine, as well as a cushionserves to relax the muscles of the back. It is important to understand that incorrect head position can cause headaches. Since babies spend most of their time in a state of sleep, a pillow should be chosen from quality materials. In no case should she harm the child.

How to choose?

Pillow for children from one year old must meet the following criteria:

1. At first, you should buy flat products of a small size. This is an important condition, since the child should not yet raise his head high in the prone position.
2. As for the filler, preference should be given to products with synthetic winterizer, comfort or holofiber. True, synthetic fillers have a significant drawback: they pass air rather poorly and contribute to the fact that the head of the crumbs sweats a lot. Natural fillers are considered an excellent option. Buckwheat husk has proven itself well. Products with such a filler take the shape of the head of the crumbs and pass air well. For the manufacture of orthopedic pillows, lyocell is usually used - fibers that are made from eucalyptus. If you prefer natural materials, then it is worth buying an exceptionally high-quality product, where the manufacturer guarantees that the product has been carefully processed. Feather pillows are very common in our country. They are soft and comfortable. But do not forget that the filler in down or feather pillows can become a source of an allergic reaction, and the child's body does not need such a burden.
3. Somemanufacturers make pillows with straps for fixing to the bed. This is great because parents don't have to worry about their little one pushing out the pillow while sleeping.

When buying a pillow for a child, you need to study the information on the label in detail. Give special preference to materials that dry quickly and can withstand repeated washes.

Basic Requirements

How to choose a pillow for a newborn's crib? Such products must meet quality standards:

1. They should be free of zippers, buttons and traumatic details.
2. Pillows for children are made from hypoallergenic materials. Down and feathers are not the best choice, unlike silicone and latex fillers, which are easy to wash and do not cause allergic reactions in children.
3. Breathable materials.
4. The pillow should retain its shape, that is, it should easily compress under the weight of the head, and then expand again.
5. As mentioned above, the correct pillow sizes for children are 40 x 60 cm.

More about fillers

Purchasing things for children, many parents prefer natural materials, but when choosing products for sleep, this rule is most likely the exception. As mentioned above, feather pillows can cause allergies. Moreover, products made of down and feathers must be dry-cleaned.

Let's consider the main types of natural fillers for baby pillows:

1. Down or feather - these materials cancause allergies. In addition, dust mites infest them.
2. Sheep or camel wool - the material is sometimes used as a filler for a children's pillow. The main disadvantage of such products is that they are short-lived, as the wool gets lost in a lump. Therefore, such raw materials are most often used in the production of blankets.
3. Buckwheat husk - probably, this filler has the most positive feedback from mothers of babies. It is environmentally friendly, well passes air, and also provides a light massage of the head and neck of the child. The disadvantage of this product is its fragility. After a couple of years, the husk tends to turn into dust and debris.

Synthetic fillers:

1. Sintepon is a non-woven material that is made during the heat treatment of polyester fibers. Such a filler often gets lumpy during operation, so the product loses its correct shape over time.
2. Hollofiber is an excellent material for the production of pillows, which has hypoallergenic properties and does not lose shape during operation.
3. Komforel - is a small balls that are made by heat treatment of siliconized fiber. A product with such a filler perfectly retains its shape. The material is breathable, therefore, it passes air very well.
4. Polyurethane foam is a soft and flexible material. Quite porous, thanks to which air circulates well through it. Parents of babies over 2 years old have baby pillows with such a fillerare very popular.

Some young mothers prefer bamboo pillows. Despite natural materials, it is important to remember that they can become a source of an allergic reaction in a child. Therefore, the choice is best made in favor of a good quality synthetic filler. Of course, do not forget to pay attention to the information about the manufacturer.

Recommendations for selection

Crib pillows for newborns should be chosen based on expert recommendations:

1. As mentioned earlier, the purchase of the product should only be considered after a year. An earlier purchase may be due solely to medical reasons.
2. Try to give preference to brand name products. The packaging should contain detailed information about the composition, recommendations for care, the actual and legal address of the manufacturer and a phone number for feedback. If this is the first time you hear the name, then it is better not to rush into buying a pillow from this brand.



3. It is believed that European manufacturers should be preferred, as there are more stringent requirements for products and goods (safety, environmental friendliness and durability).
4. A good pillow usually has, in addition to a removable cover, a non-removable cover made of quality material. Generally cotton is used.
5. The packaging of the product must indicate the age for which the product is intended. This is important because pillows are for children.10 or 3 years have significant differences.
6. Product for children aged 1 to 3 should support the head in line with the spine and in no case bend the neck.
7. The height of the pillow for a child under the age of 6 is about 6 cm, and for children of primary school age - 10 cm.

Product care

The shelf life of most pillows is about 12 months. The product needs proper care, otherwise there is a risk of rapid wear:

1. Do not allow excessive moisture accumulation. It is recommended to dry the pillows in the shade.
2. Constantly use a pillowcase as multiple washes can ruin a product well before its intended lifespan.
3. If washing the product, then carefully read the instructions on the label.

Anatomic pillow

At what age is this product suitable for children? Orthopedic pillows can only be used after consulting a doctor. Such a product is used for the complex prevention and treatment of many diseases. Most often, an anatomic pillow is recommended for children with torticollis, which can be congenital or acquired.

Orthopedic pillow is significantly different from the usual one. Often this product is rectangular in shape with one or two thickened rollers. There is a small indentation in the center of the product. Such a pillow should never be hard.

Regarding the question of howage, you can buy an orthopedic pillow for a baby, then it all depends on the recommendations of the pediatrician who is seeing your child. You should not make such a decision on your own: rely on the experience of a specialist.

Where to find the right pillow?

There is a lot of information and advertising on the Internet, and acquaintances give conflicting advice. As a result, the young mother is confused and still faces the question: “Which is better - feather pillows or padding?”

1. Seek help from a pediatric orthopedist. If the child has indications, then he himself will recommend products for sleep. If not, then ask your doctor what products and brands have proven themselves.
2. Probably this is what most new mothers do. Of course, this option will take you a lot of time, but you will be sure of the correctness of your decision. Collect all the necessary information on the characteristics of pillows, as well as product reviews. There are many forums for new mothers, where women are happy to recommend a product that they themselves use.

Expert Tips

We looked at the age at which children sleep on a pillow. In order for your children to have a he althy sleep, you should carefully approach the choice of product. Pillows in a crib should be without holes, with secure seams, but not rough.

Feel free to sniff the pillow for scent. The fact is that products can be stored in warehouses for a long time, andthis contributes to the formation of dampness or mold. Shake the pillow several times, then observe how the filler behaves. Products of good quality should retain their original shape.

Important advice! Do not buy a pillow for a child on the principle of "finger to the sky." Children's he alth is priceless! Moreover, the correct and comfortable pillow is the key to a good sleep for your baby.