When Is My Child Ready for a Baby Pillow

   

Al Zan - 11/17/08

As a first time parent, I research and over analyze everything. When my husband and I first found out we were pregnant, I immediately worried if I had a glass of wine before I knew or if the fumes of the bus that drove by while I was walking would harm my 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. Doing so made me a much happier person. My husband still laughs about something I said during my first trimester. "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. As he predicted, I continue to find things to worry about. I am now over analyzing the introduction of the baby pillow.

A little baby pillow is often sold in crib sets. This is quite confusing. Pillows are not recommended for children under the age of 2. There is a danger that a child that young may not be able to breathe when surrounded by a pillow. It is the same rationale for not using heavy blankets and comforters. 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. Some experts say that even giving a child over the age of 2 a pillow may not make them any more comfortable than they would be without one. 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. It is recommended that you avoid down and feathers at first, to minimize allergic irritation and because those type of pillows are often too fluffy and big for a child. 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. She actually sleeps with her head on it and seems to enjoy the fact that her bed is now just like that of Mommy and Daddy.

See these also

Neck pillow -- Travel pillow -- Baby pillow cases -- Baby head pillow --


Article Category: Family
Article Keywords: Personalized baby pillow,Baby head pillow,Personalized baby pillow,Baby pillows,Baby pillow