As a first time parent, I research and over analyze everything. During my early first trimester, I agonized over what I may have eaten before I knew I was pregnant or whether I worked out too hard and raised my temperature too much for the baby. The best thing I ever did during my first trimester was to finally put away that “What to Expect When You are Expecting” book and stop driving myself crazy. After I put the books away, I found that I enjoyed my pregnancy a lot more. I still get quoted from one zinger I told my husband during those first couple months. “Once this baby is born, I will not worry about anything again.” He found it quite humorous and told me I would most definitely find some causes for worry in parenthood. He was right. And here my latest worry is the topic of the baby pillow.
When you purchase a crib set (blanket, crib bumper, sheets, crib skirt), a baby pillow is frequently included. This is quite confusing. Unless a child is older than the age of 2, he or she should not use a pillow. When a child is under two, the presence of a pillow can increase the risk of suffocation. Duvets and big blankets are not recommended for the same reason. A baby should be placed on his back to sleep, should not have soft things in his crib, and should not have anything covering his face. Sleep sacks are suggested, rather than blankets, when babies are young. There is debate over whether a child older than 2 years of age even needs a pillow to make him more comfortable. All experts agree, however, that you should wait to give your child a pillow until he is out of the crib.
A baby pillow, like what you get on an airline flight, is the right size to introduce to a first time pillow user. Choose a pillow that is not feather or down, as such a pillow can often allow the head of a child to sink down too much. We followed these guidelines when introducing a baby pillow to our almost 3 year old daughter recently when we moved her to a big bed. We would always find her hugging the baby pillow, instead of actually having her head on it. It was not much of pillow, so it would frequently get lodged between the wall and the bed or disappear in the blankets. After a couple weeks, we ditched the baby pillow and got her a normal sized pillow. Unlike when she was sleeping with the baby pillow, she actually uses the new pillow like an adult would. She even props it up to lean on when she reads, which she thoroughly enjoys.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I wish I had found this site sooner. Post more soon please.
August 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Unless a child is older than the age of 2, he or she should not use a pillow. There is a danger that a child that young may not be able to breathe when surrounded by a pillow. Duvets and big blankets are not recommended for the same reason. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, in addition to not having any soft bedding or stuffed toys that may cover their faces while sleeping. Sleep sacks are suggested, rather than blankets, when babies are young.
August 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
A nursing mom will also appreciate this item, as an infant can be propped up with it during feeding. Whether you are looking for a unique shower gift or a special decoration for the bedroom of your own child, a custom baby pillow is a great choice. Personalization makes it a sentimental keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
A personalized baby pillow can be handmade or bought in a store. This is a simple project to make if you already have some basic craft abilities.
August 19th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Better research than most blogs.
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Really awesome.
September 16th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Groovy blog.
September 26th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
As there are a myriad of different baby pillows to choose from and the choices can be overwhelming, but some are better than others. The nursing pillow is one type that can be helpful from the first day you bring your baby home. Since a nursing pillow is designed to cradle the head of your child while nursing, mommy can relax more during the process. Helping the child relax is also a benefit of the sort of pillows. Many times these pillows assist the baby to fall asleep, since it helps make different positions comfortable.
October 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Baby pillows are way different from those that adults use, and are specially designed keeping the needs of toddlers in mind. From the size and thickness of the pillow to the texture of the material, baby pillows need to be selected with due care. Look for a sturdy fabric, and ensure that the foam is not soft but firm. Chuck the soft feather pillows and opt for hype allergenic materials instead. Also selecting machine washable pillows is a good idea.
October 28th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Those who have a baby pillow quickly learn that it makes an excellent climbing device. This can lead to a dangerous fall. To help avoid bumps and bruises or even a trip to the emergency room, do not give your child a baby pillow before the transition to a toddler bed.
Pediatricians often tell their patients that an infant should not have a baby pillow until at least one and a half years of age. Some experts say that it is better to wait until the second birthday, due to recent research.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:57 am
I liked reading this blog.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:16 am
This was a great post. You should write more.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:19 am
I will come back to this site. Groovy post.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:20 am
In any case, you may want to hold off on using a baby pillow until the time when your child moves from the crib into a real bed. If your child is below two years old, the use of a baby pillow can actually be quite risky. If you absolutely must use a baby pillow, make sure that it is small and firm. A baby pillow that is soft and contains feathers can trigger an allergic reaction and even smother a baby if his or her head sinks into it while sleeping.
A baby pillow that is made out of memory foam could be well worth looking into as well.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:21 am
Toddlers may find pillows give them a sense of security when they hug the soft,springy material to their body.
It can be dangerous to use a pillow with a child under the age of two. Using a pillow with a baby increases the risk of suffocation. Babies are unable to move away from a pillow or push a pillow away from them. Babies under the age of two often roll over face down into a pillow and can not roll back on their own.
January 16th, 2010 at 5:19 am
You can buy any pillow which is perfect for your baby; however for the selection of size you should be very careful. It is better to select a pillow size which is large enough so that a baby can roll over it. If you are buying a pillow with wedge supports then go for adjustable wedge supports because you can adjust them according to your requirement. Place your baby in the center of the pillow for more effective results and safety.
A baby pillow can be expensive but not more than the care and protection of your baby.
January 19th, 2010 at 5:28 am
You might worry that he or she is uncomfortable at night. However, there are many good reasons to hold off on giving your little one a baby pillow.
It is only realistic to be concerned about nighttime safety. The chances of suffocation increase greatly when an infant sleeps with unnecessary objects in the crib, such as a baby pillow or soft toys. Risk factors for SIDS should not be taken lightly by caregivers.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:03 am
Great info at this blog. Glad i found this.