When a new baby is on the way, there is a lot of excitement and sometimes more than a little bit of confusion. This is especially so for new parents. You may be wondering what kind of items to buy in order to make the new baby comfortable and happy. Besides the obvious like diapers, a crib and bottle, there are other more elusive items that could ease your way into parenthood. The baby pillow is one such helper.
As there are a myriad of different baby pillows to choose from and the choices can be overwhelming, but some are better than others. One thing that can be useful to have for mother and child from day one is the nursing pillow. Since a nursing pillow is designed to cradle the head of your child while nursing, mommy can relax more during the process. These sort of baby pillows can also be beneficial to help the child relax. Often, you can coax the baby into a new position with maximum comfort obtained, which can frequently lead to a much needed nap for everyone involved! Even when nursing is not involved, the design of these baby pillows makes it easier for other family members to hold the infant as they support the head so well.
A more conventional pillow is also available. Most doctors agree that a regular pillow is best for ages two and older. However, if your child has a cold or upper respiratory infection, he or she might benefit the tilt a pillow would give to help them breathe. It is always best to consult your doctor about using a baby pillow before age two. Offsetting ear infections and acid reflux are two other benefits of using a baby pillow. A pillow could ease the symptoms your child has if suffering from any of these ailments.
There are a few characteristics all baby pillows should have. One guideline to follow is that the pillow should be both small and lightweight. This is best so that the child does not get too hot, or suffocate from the bulk of a normal sized pillow. Another guideline is that the pillow should be free of decoration such as fringe or beads. This way, the baby cannot choke on anything attached to the pillow. Some great examples of baby friendly fabrics are silk and cotton. It is best to stay away from things like feather pillows, as they could cause an unexpected allergic reaction. Machine washable or baby pillows with removable covers are the best options. The possibilities for your baby pillow are endless if you follow these guidelines.
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