It is undeniable that giving children a deep and comfortable sleep is really important and the pillow plays extremely important role in this task. Although it is just a small item, it has a tremendous impact on the health and the development of the baby.
At the time the baby’s bones are stronger, the mother can prepare a pillow for the baby. Keep reading and I will show you some notes when choosing your best baby pillow.
1. Children Under 3 Months Old Should Not Use Pillows
Pediatricians all believe that babies do not need to lie on pillows because the baby’s head size is equivalent to the width of the chest. Thus, using pillows too soon can damage their immature bones.
Moreover, the uncomfortable pillow does not bring a sense of comfort to the child at all. Instead, misaligned posture and poor-quality pillows can cause flat head and head bone distortion.
In addition, for newborns, their spine is in a straight line so the head must be aligned with the body. If the head and neck are twisted, the spine will change its shape, affecting the skeletal development of children.
Because of the risks, doctors said, parents should let their babies lie on pillows when he or she is about 3 months old because at that stage, their neck bone are quite strong and they will knows how to control their neck vertebra. Before that, moms can put their baby’s head on a soft towel about 1mm high or place him or her on a mattress
2. Choosing The Right Pillow Size
When choosing to buy a pillow, mothers should pay attention to the width, length, thickness as well as the material of the pillows. The width of the pillow should not be too enormous, just choose the one whose size is in keeping with that of the child’s head to avoid suffocation.
In addition, mothers should not choose a pillow which is too high or too low because it will affect the respiratory system and blood circulation, making it difficult for their children to sleep.
In terms of length, a pillow that is as big as or slightly larger than the length of the baby’s shoulders will be a nice option. The thickness is about 1-2 cm for children under 4 months old, 3-4 cm for babies 6 months old and 3-9 cm for children from 3 years and older.
3. Choosing Pillow Material
Soft pillows are the first to take into consideration when choosing a pillow for your child. Today, pillow’s materials are various but parents should choose reputable brands to ensure the safety of their children.
Moreover, parents should choose lightweight, ventilated and easy-to-dry pillows for frequent washing and cleaning. Furthermore, baby pillows can have some ingredients such as buckwheat husks, wickweed, millet and so on. Not only do these plants help stabilize a child’s head but they also give off a really nice smell.
The pillow should has moderate hardness and softness. Why? Because hard pillows are not good for a baby’s skull, while soft pillows are easy to subside which may cause suffocation.
4. How To Align The Pillow
According to experts, the pillow should be placed on the back of the neck, close to the shoulder to give children the most comfortable and safest position.
In addition, do not let children lie on the pillow of an adult because it can suffocate them during their sleep . Also, you should not use too many blankets, because if your baby accidentally toss them on their face, they will be unable to breath.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when buying pillows for children, parents should put aside the cute element of the pillow and focus on the width, length, thickness as well as pillow material to choose the best pillow for your baby.
With these notes to choose the right pillows for your baby, I think that your concern will surely be put aside.