Your little one's first pillow
Expert opinions on when your child can sleep with a pillow vary widely. While many agree that toddlers should be between 2 and 3 years old before using a pillow for sleeping, others say it's okay to use it from 18 months of age.
Is it safe for my baby to sleep with a pillow?
From our experience as infant sleep experts, we believe that your little one can start sleeping with a pillow when transitioning from crib to bed . This usually happens around 2-3 1/2 years old. The main reason for this is that pillows, like other items, are not safe for babies and very young children. A crib for safe sleep should only include a fitted sheet .
It may often seem like your baby is more comfortable sleeping with a pillow, but in practice this is not the case. A firm, flat surface is safer and more comfortable for your baby's body.
Pillows, blankets, and other bedding items are unsafe items . This is because when your baby is sleeping, these items can suffocate him or her and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Some babies tend to move around a lot during their sleep at night, so a pillow can be placed in the wrong position and not do its job.
The correct use of the pillow for your baby
When it's time for your child to start using a pillow for sleeping, opt for one that's small and flat . This way, their neck and back will stay in proper alignment while they sleep. If your baby is already over 1 year old and sleeps perfectly well and comfortably with a pillow, you don't need to make any changes.It is often recommended to use a pillow to raise a baby's head when he or she suffers from reflux or breathing problems, even if he or she is not old enough to sleep with one. If this is your case, try to raise the mattress from underneath before introducing a pad into your little one's crib.
