Many people are not sure about the use of the pillow in babies or young children. You could even say that most people consider or believe that newborns should use it, but it is recommended that they do not.
Although for many of us as adults, using a pillow may be necessary for a better sleep, in the case of babies it does not happen. I explain why they should not use a pillow and from what age it is safe for them.
Why should babies not use a pillow?
Unlike an adult, the proportions of a baby's body are different at birth. The neck is still small and the head is much larger with respect to the size of its body, so it is not safe to use them.
The baby should rest his head on a firm surface at the same level as the rest of his body, since otherwise the natural curvature of his neck would be forced.
Another reason why the use of a pillow is not advised is because of the risk of sudden death that it can cause. If the baby turns around it could suffocate with the pillow by not receiving the necessary oxygen.
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics also advise against the use of pillows as part of their recommendations for the baby to sleep safely during the first years of life.
Specifically on this subject, the recommendations of both are as follows:
- Lay the baby on his back on a firm surface like a bassinet or a crib with an adjustable sheet.
- Avoid using protectors for crib bars, blankets, pillows and soft toys, such as stuffed animals.
- The area where the baby sleeps must be completely free.
From what age is it safe to use them?
Both institutions agree that The most advisable and safe for the baby is not to use a pillow during the first two years of life. From the age of two, children can use a thin, small and firm pillow if they wish or need it, although the ideal is to continue without a pillow as long as possible.
Until after 2 years, it is when they physically need it because their shoulders are wider than their head and then it begins to hang when they sleep on their side.
It's important to put attention on The pillow should be made of a material that allows them to breathe properly, such as cotton. Using other materials such as polyester can be risky as in addition to hindering oxygenation, it could cause excessive heating in the area of the child's head and neck.
The pillow should carry a washable soft fabric cover and of a material similar or equal to that of the alhomada, which also facilitates breathing and oxygenation.
In our case, we practiced colecho and when my daughter was one year old, her grandmother gave her a small, thin pillow that she used when we laid her down from time to time in her crib, but most of the nights she alone took her away or walked away and at Waking up the pillow was quite far from her. Currently we continue practicing the colecho, my daughter is two years and eight months old and has not yet asked for or need to use a pillow, although perhaps it is because most of the time she sleeps on her back because she got used to it from the moment she was born.
