Does Your Toddler Need a Baby Pillow?
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by: frankwarehouse
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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. 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. 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.
A baby pillow can also be a safety hazard in another way. At some point, generally between their first and second birthdays, nearly all infants try to escape from their cribs. Those who have a baby pillow quickly learn that it makes an excellent climbing device. This has the potential to cause a painful accident. Therefore, you should at least wait until your child is sleeping in a toddler bed before using a baby pillow.
Pediatricians often tell their patients that an infant should not have a baby pillow until at least one and a half years of age. In light of research, some doctors are now switching to a newer recommended age of at least two years. It is perfectly fine to wait longer if that makes you worry less. A toddler does not really need to use a baby pillow at all. This is especially true for little ones who sleep on their backs. Introducing a baby pillow when it is not needed can actually cause pain by curving the spine unnaturally.
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. The difference is that a baby pillow is not as large or soft as one made for adults. Using the right kind decreases safety hazards. 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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