Is It Safe For Your Baby To Use A Pillow? Everything you need to know to keep your little ones safe

baby pillows: You may feel inclined to give your baby a pillow to rest his head on because, as an adult, you use a pillow to sleep (and probably want to decorate your bed with pillows as well).

A soft, plush headrest can be soothing for your baby to sit on. The truth is that your baby is unaware of what he is missing.

But when it comes to baby pillows, there are some safety considerations that you need to keep in mind.

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When can my baby sleep with a pillow?

Your baby cannot sleep with a pillow until he is a toddler.

However, in reality, newborns do not need pillows to sleep. Additionally, putting a pillow in your baby’s crib can put them at risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not placing anything in your baby’s crib while he sleeps. Does not include toys, top sheets, cushions, cot bumpers or blankets.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations, infants should sleep on a solid, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft materials until they are at least one year old.

Also Read: 5 Natural Remedies To Comfort Your Teething Baby

Dangers of Baby Pillows

Putting a pillow in the crib increases the chance that your baby will overheat or inadvertently put his face in it, making it difficult for him to breathe and increasing the chance that he will suffocate.

Even though the pillow may seem comfortable, it may increase the risk of suffocation, as the baby’s face may rub against it while sleeping. Another factor that can increase the risk of SIDS is if your baby gets overheated when lying on a pillow.

flat head syndrome

Worried about flat head syndrome? Baby pillows are commonly marketed in the name of preventing flat head syndrome which is actually a false advertisement.

When a newborn baby sleeps with its head turned to one side during the first few months of life, it develops flat head syndrome. This results in a flat area on either one side or the back of the head. Flathead syndrome is also known as positional plagiocephaly.

Also read: Happy And Child-Free: 10 Reasons Why Many Couples Are Not Having Children

Tips to Prevent Flat Head Syndrome

Tilt your baby’s head in the opposite direction while sleeping.

Use a firm mattress without pillows for the baby’s bed/crib.

Avoid using a bouncer or rocker throughout the day, as this can lead to flattening of the head.

Ask them to lie on their stomach more and more so that they can learn to balance their neck and body weight over time.

(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified professionals.)