The Appropriate Age for a Baby Pillow
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by: frankwarehouse
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Word Count: 440
As a parent, you may be wondering if it is the right time to give your child a baby pillow. It seems to make sense that your toddler would want one, since nearly all adults choose to use pillows. Of course, you want your child to be comfortable while sleeping. Before your little one starts sleeping with a baby pillow, there are some things to take into consideration.
The most important issue is that of safety. Research has shown that having extra items in a crib, including stuffed animals, blankets, or a baby pillow, increases the risk of suffocation. Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is a concern that should be taken seriously by all parents. Older babies who can move around well and even walk are still at risk of suffocation while sleeping, because they are not as aware of their surroundings.
There is an additional reason why a baby pillow is a safety issue. Infants who sleep in cribs generally start trying to climb out sometime between one and two years of age. Those who have a baby pillow quickly learn that it makes an excellent climbing device. This has the potential to cause a painful accident. 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.
Many pediatricians cite eighteen months as the minimum age that an infant should use a baby pillow. Some experts say that it is better to wait until the second birthday, due to recent research. Of course, there is no harm in waiting longer if you want to do so. There really is not an age at which it becomes necessary to give your toddler a baby pillow. This is especially true for little ones who sleep on their backs. Using a baby pillow too early can lead to stiff and sore muscles, because it causes the spine to curve.
As long as your toddler is above the minimum age and sleeping in a bed, simply waiting until he or she asks to have a baby pillow makes the most sense. At this point, be sure to get a baby pillow that is created for little bodies. A baby pillow is smaller and firmer than what an adult or older child would use. Purchasing the correct type will reduce the chances of suffocation. If your baby is sick and congested, you can place something underneath the crib mattress on one end to elevate it instead of using a baby pillow.
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