As babies grow day by day, many parents face a common problem in the parenting process:
Do small babies need pillows? How old can a child get a pillow?
Some parents believe that using a pillow for their baby can make them more comfortable and help them sleep in the right position.
Other parents believe that babies are still young, and using pillows for them too early may not be conducive to the development of the neck, and even have certain safety risks.
So, exactly should you use a pillow for your little baby?
Which parents are right?
First, let's see if a small baby needs to sleep on a pillow.
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics,It is best not to use pillows for babies up to one year old.
This is because the neck muscles and bones of young babies are not fully developed, and the use of pillows may affect the normal growth of the neck.
And when the baby is sleeping, the head usually remains in a relatively flat position, and does not need additional support.
Therefore, there are certain risks associated with using a pillow for small babies, and it is better to let them sleep on their back in bed.
Doctor's advice: after one and a half years old, according to the child's development, you can gradually add pillows.
However, every baby's development is different, and age is not the only criterion:
When the child often wakes up at night, does not sleep well, or twists back and forth, it is time to add a pillow appropriately.
What is the difference between a child who sleeps on a pillow and a child who does not sleep on a pillow when they grow up?
Sleeping on a pillow for a long time may have a negative effect on your child's neck
Using a pillow that is too high or too high or in an incorrect posture can lead to excessive neck bending, increasing the burden on the neck, and even causing cervical spine problems.
Children who don't use pillows much can better promote the growth and development of their necks when their necks are naturally stretched during sleep.
Sleeping on a pillow for a long time may affect your child's "head shape" and "sleeping position habits".
Using pillows that are too high or too hard or not suitable may cause your child to develop an incorrect sleeping position, and may sleep with an unsightly "flat head".
Children who often sleep on soft pillows, or who do not use pillows often, can maintain a more comfortable sleeping position more naturally and have a more rounded head shape, which helps to develop correct sleeping habits.
In addition, sleeping on pillows that are too high and too hard for a long time may have a certain impact on your child's neck development, sleeping habits and safety.
However, not all children are the same, some children may need to use pillows for special reasons, and parents should make judgments based on the actual situation of their children when deciding whether to use pillows for their children.
Therefore, choosing a suitable pillow for your child is the most important thing.
Parents should pay attention when choosing a pillow for their child:
The height increases little by little, never too high.
The material is mainly soft and elastic.
The pillow core should be dried and cleaned frequently, and the clean small pillow is conducive to the baby's sleep.
Conclusion:
For small babies, it is better not to use pillows for them.
As children grow up, parents should guide them to develop proper sleeping habits to ensure their safety and health.
In the process of parenting, parents can also consult with a doctor to decide whether to use a pillow for their children according to their actual situation.
Only on the premise of ensuring the safety and health of children can we better promote the growth and development of children.
At what age did your child start pillowing?