Is it safe to let a baby sleep with a pillow?

While babies can feel completely safe and comfortable in their crib without any extra items, many companies offer pillows for babies and newborns. They are often said to help prevent flat head syndrome in babies and are used in cribs and cradles. However, experts recommend delaying pillow use for up to two years.

Pillows are not safe for babies. You should avoid using a pillow when laying your baby to rest, as this may increase the risk of sudden death in infancy. Experts recommend that parents wait until they are two years old before introducing their child to a pillow. At this age, the baby no longer sleeps in the crib and can move and turn without assistance.

Particularly for infants between the ages of four and 12 months, extra items such as a pillow on their bed can increase the risk of death. To sleep, put your baby on a firm mattress without pillows.

It can also be dangerous to let your baby fall asleep on a nursing pillow. If you let your baby fall asleep on the nursing pillow, he may roll over onto his stomach and turn his head on the soft fabric. Also, if your baby leans against the pillow, his head will fall forward. Their airways may be blocked, putting their survival at risk.

Older children may be at risk of crib accidents. Your older child can use the pillow as a step to get into the crib. They may suddenly fall and be seriously injured.

What to do if you're worried about flat head syndrome

Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) can be caused when the baby sleeps on their back, and over time their head can flatten to one side.

However, flat head in babies is more often caused by baby torticollis or tight neck muscles. When a child has poor control of the neck muscles, he may tilt his head to one side or look in one direction when lying down. This may cause some asymmetry in your baby's head. Most babies with this condition are born with it, as it may be the result of how they were positioned in the womb.

You can help relieve this at home by tilting your baby's head to the opposite side while he sleeps and encouraging him to look both ways throughout the day. More severe cases of torticollis may require treatment by a physical therapist, where they will check your child's range of motion and work out exercises to get him to expand his range of motion.

Here are some other safer ways to treat flat head syndrome in your child:

Change the position of the child's head during sleep. When your baby sleeps on his back, you can shift him from left to right and then back to left. If your child moves at night, place him on the rounded side of his head that is in contact with the mattress. Don't use wedge pillows to keep your body in one position.
Hold the baby as often as possible. Minimize the time your child spends on their back. Holding your baby in your arms frequently will minimize the pressure on the baby's head.
Vary your baby's crib position. Pay attention to how you put your baby in the crib. Always position your baby in the right direction to encourage him to turn his head to the side that is not flattened.
Have some tummy time. Let your baby spend some time on his tummy when he is awake. Sing or talk to your baby, or hold fun toys in your hands to get his attention and encourage him to move his head.

Safe pillows for older babies

Many parents consider using baby pillows to prevent flat feet in their children. However, some babies often develop slightly flat spots on their heads when they sleep on their backs. This usually goes away after a few months when they start to sit and crawl on their own.

You should not use a pillow for your child until they are two years old. When your child is old enough, you can introduce safety pillows to sleep on. Choose small, firm pillows to give your child support and comfort.

The best pillows for different sleeping positions

Different sleeping positions require different pillows. Each sleeping position requires special support, which is only possible with the best pillow. Consider your child's special sleep needs to find the best support:

Back sleepers: Use a thin pillow to keep your head level and avoid leaning forward.
Stomach sleepers: a thin flat pillow is suitable for such sleepers.
Side sleepers: Buy a firm pillow that can close the space between the sleeper's ears and the outside of the shoulder.

When your child gets out of the crib, you can offer a firm pillow and light bedding. Enjoy shopping with your child by choosing new sets.