For a new parent, topics related to the health of their child are paramount. The baby's sleep is especially worrying. Many mothers wonder whether a pillow is needed for newborns?
The use of a regular pillow for a newborn baby is strictly prohibited by pediatricians.
Experts are confident that there is no need to place the baby on the product, or rather, it is not needed for a baby. Pediatricians claim that using a regular pillow can pose a risk to your baby:
- suffocation - the baby is not able to help himself in cases of closure of the nasal passages;
- damage to the cervical spine - the baby’s bones are elastic and if the cervical spine is not positioned correctly, there is a risk of its curvature, because the baby spends more time sleeping at first;
- displacement of the cervical vertebrae - if the pillow is quite high, then when turning over, the baby may fall from it.
An orthopedic pillow adapts to the physiological characteristics of the child and has a positive effect on his health.
Not all pillows are so dangerous for babies; there are special orthopedic pillows that are designed taking into account the anatomical characteristics of babies. It is used from the very first days of life until the age of one year.
The importance of baby sleeping on the right pillow
The most important development of a child occurs in the first months of his life, so it is important to pay due attention to this process. Monitor muscle tone, head position, and cervical spine. From birth to one year, the baby spends most of his time sleeping, which means he develops when he gets full rest. The task of parents is to ensure the most comfortable and proper sleep, and this also depends on external factors, including the organization of the sleeping place.
When the baby is in a dream, you should monitor the position of his body and the angle of his head.
If the pillow is too high, the outflow of blood is disrupted and the cervical vertebrae are in a tense state. This can cause headaches and restless sleep. But it is worth noting that when the baby sleeps on his side, his head will be in a tilted position, this will also harm the baby. It is necessary to monitor the position of the newborn’s head, or rather the angle of the head in relation to the body. An orthopedic pillow can help with this.
Manufacturers are now producing options for pillows that can be used to place a child from the first days of life.
Why do you need an orthopedic pillow for newborns?
The right pillow will normalize:
- Height and weight gain;
- Formation of bones from cartilage tissue;
- Strengthening the spine;
- Improving posture;
- Neck support and development;
- Help with the first movements.
First of all, what an orthopedic pillow is needed for is the development and formation of the spine. It is known that when lying flat on the back, the spine receives a constant load, which can cause spasms and even cramps to form near it.
A comfortable pillow will teach the child to choose the right sleeping position, which will later help him sit up and start walking faster, thanks to increased activity from birth.
An orthopedic pillow may be required, including for newborns, immediately after arriving from the maternity hospital. The reason for this may be a difficult birth or situations in which neck injuries could occur, which can lead to curvature of the spine. In addition, they can be used if anomalies in the development of the skeleton have been noticed.
In addition, a pillow for a newborn may be required if there is a risk of improper development of posture and abnormalities of the muscular system. Often these problems are noticed in the first months of life.
In such cases, an orthopedic pillow for children will help correct the defects. This is an excellent way to prepare a child for physical therapy.
Even in difficult cases, when intensive physical therapy is necessary, the orthopedist will still prescribe a pillow to correct the disease.
The main feature of a butterfly pillow for newborns is its height and composition. It supports the head at a comfortable level and does not lead to numbness or damage to the cervical vertebrae. Unlike conventional cervical bolsters, the orthopedic one holds the head correctly in any position.
In what cases is an orthopedic pillow an indication?
The use of a pillow is relevant:
- with increased muscle tone in the cervical region;
- with intrauterine head or cervical trauma;
- with trauma during childbirth; a diagnosis of torticollis was made;
- The baby has an irregularly shaped head.
Sometimes an orthopedic pillow for children is needed due to the presence of congenital pathologies.
Important! For serious diagnoses, an orthopedic product will not provide adequate medical treatment; it is an auxiliary element.
However, there are also contraindications: if a child is prone to the phenomenon of “spitting up,” then using a special pillow for him is unacceptable.
The pediatrician must first examine the child and understand at what age this particular child should be put to sleep on an anatomical pillow.
The need for an anatomical pillow for pathologies
Sometimes an orthopedic pillow for children is needed due to the presence of congenital pathologies. The pediatrician must first examine the child and understand at what age this particular child should be put to sleep on an anatomical pillow.
Common pathologies:
- With torticollis, the muscles of the cervical spine are poorly developed, which leads to the fact that it is constantly tilted to one side. If treatment is not started in time, the baby will develop scoliosis in the future. For torticollis, the pediatrician recommends that the baby sleep on a special pillow with an indentation (turned to the sore side).
- Hypotonicity and hypertonicity. In this case, massage and physiotherapy are often prescribed. An orthopedic pillow also helps to correct the condition of the muscles. Any orthopedic doctor will advise you to buy it.
- In case of birth injuries in a baby, the pain can be eased in this way. Surprisingly, the anatomically correct shape has been proven to calm nerve endings.
- When rickets has been diagnosed at an early stage, a special anatomical pillow can be used to avoid deformation of the cervical spine.
In any case, before using an orthopedic product, you must consult with your doctor and find out at what age your child can sleep on an anatomical pillow.
Orthopedic butterfly pillow
It is small in size and has a recess in the center into which the baby's head fits. There are small rollers on the sides. When the baby's head is on such a product, his cervical region is supported by a roller touching the back of his head. Rollers placed on the sides ensure the correct (flat) position of the head; they support the head, but at the same time give the baby the opportunity to move his neck while observing the outside world.
Headrest with a slight recess.
The butterfly is an excellent prevention of torticollis, as it provides support for the baby’s head at several points at once. The skull bones of a newborn are quite soft, this product will help to avoid asymmetry in shape. The load will be distributed evenly. It can be used from birth until the age of one, but orthopedists insist on postponing use until the baby’s neck is stronger.
There are models on sale that vary in size; for your child you need to choose the one that will suit his head size.
The pillow is made from hypoallergenic materials, so you don’t have to worry about the risk of an allergic reaction. Typically, holofiber, buckwheat husk, synthetic filler, and latex are used as filler. The latter differs significantly in price, but is one of the best fillers, according to orthopedists.
The “butterfly” supports muscles and maintains a comfortable temperature for the baby.
How to use
Using the “butterfly” is quite simple; the most important thing is to ensure that the baby’s head is located strictly in the center, in a special recess. The position of the lower roller is exactly under the cervical region. When the baby learns to roll over, the pillow will not interfere with this. Its shape is universal and mobile.
It can be located not only in the crib, but in any other place where the child is.
Advice! To ensure that the pillow lasts the required time, ventilate it in the fresh air every week; it should not be washed in water above 40 degrees.
After cleaning, it retains all its properties and does not lose its elasticity and shape.
Types of orthopedic pillows
The wide range of modern pillows makes it difficult for parents to choose. To systematize the information, we will describe the existing models of pillows for newborns.
- The most common is the orthopedic butterfly pillow . This is a small roller with a recessed part in the center. It fixes the baby's head, helping the correct formation of the skull and cervical curve. You can use a butterfly pillow from the 2nd month on the recommendation of a specialist.
- A positioner pillow – although it is called a “pillow”, it is not one. This is a flat product with 2 bolsters on the sides, which allow you to fix the baby’s body in a “sideways” position. The model is recommended for children with a tendency to regurgitate. It will be useful in the first 3-4 months of a child’s life.
- The third type is an inclined pillow . It is made wide, of small height and with a slope of 15 degrees. The product is used to support the baby’s torso in an elevated position; compliance with the width of the crib is its main criterion.
- The next model is called a ring pillow , but it is not placed under the head. It is used during breastfeeding and is a good helper for the mother. Having settled the baby in the pillow, she frees her hands and can take a comfortable position.
Positional pad
This type of pillow is necessary for caring for premature babies who have a high risk of developing pathologies with the musculoskeletal system. Such children, as a rule, are very weakened, they have muscle hypotonia or muscle dystonia.
This orthopedic model consists of two rollers connected in the middle.
The purpose of such a positional pillow is to provide fixation of the newborn’s body to take the correct symmetrical position. It relieves tension from the spine and prevents deformation of other muscles.
The model can be used for children of any age.
Inclined pillow
This product has a slight slope and height. This allows the baby to sit comfortably on it and ensure normal blood flow from the head.
She is very similar to the usual one. The shape is the same, only the model has an inclination of 30 degrees.
Important! Watch how the baby is positioned on the pillow; the upper part of the baby’s body should be placed on it, and not just the head.
It is not suitable for newborns; its use is relevant after 4 months.
This option is very convenient for a child.
Bathing pillow
Everyone knows how much babies love to swim. The bathing pillow provides support in the water during bathing and secures the child's cervical spine.
Pillows for small children are made from anti-allergenic synthetic materials.
Swimming and movements in the water perfectly strengthen the muscles; the cervical region, fixed with such a device, allows the spine to move in the desired position. They are made of moisture-resistant material, so after bathing they should only be dried slightly.
When choosing a pillow, make sure that it is made by a trusted manufacturer and has a quality certificate.
At what age can a child sleep on a regular pillow?
Experts argue on this point. Some people insist on using an orthopedic pillow up to a year, some deny the benefits of both a regular and a special pillow up to 3-4 years, and there are those who believe that the use of a regular pillow is allowed only from 2 years.
Buy orthopedic products for children only in specialized stores so as not to stumble upon a fake.
But what judgments agree on is that up to a year, using a regular pillow will only harm the child. Orthopedists recommend starting to sleep on a regular pillow at the age of 2 years. By this moment, the child’s body is getting stronger, the bones are no longer soft.
When choosing a pillow, you need to take into account the baby's age and the size of his head. The child should be comfortable to sleep.
Before purchasing a product, you should check the product for hardness; it must be elastic and have a medium degree of hardness. You should choose a pillow with a height of no more than 15-20 cm and a straight shape. When the baby sleeps on it, you need to make sure that not only the head, but also the shoulder region of the child is on it.
A correctly selected anatomically shaped pillow for infants is an excellent option that allows you to take care of a child’s spine from early childhood.
One of the most inexpensive fillers is synthetic fibers. They are hypoallergenic, retain their original shape, have good moisture resistance and air passes well through the fibers.
But you shouldn’t buy one with down filling, sheep wool or feathers, as such materials can cause an allergic reaction in a child. They quickly lose their shape and do not have the rigidity that a baby needs. There are known cases of the development of linen mites in down pillows, since feathers are a positive environment for the development and vital activity of these organisms.
The correct posture, good mood and general condition of the baby’s body will depend on the arrangement of the sleeping place.
Advice! It is better to buy a pillow together with a cover; it is easier to care for, it will dry out faster, and this way the pillow will last a longer time.
What can replace the pillow?
An alternative to a pillow can be a regular diaper folded in several layers. The height of the diaper should be more than 2 mm, so a folded diaper only slightly changes the angle of the baby. A diaper is placed from one month to 6-7 months, then an orthopedic pillow is purchased.
In order for a baby to sleep healthy, the highest demands must be placed on the crib, blanket, mattress and other similar accessories.
When choosing a product for a child, you should approach the event responsibly; the future health and development of the baby depends on the choice. The right pillow will give your baby the restful and healthy sleep he needs in the first months of life.
Such pillows normalize blood circulation and guarantee complete rest during sleep.
Advice! Before purchasing, you should visit an orthopedist and consult with him which pillow is right for your child.
How to use a pillow correctly - instructions
Not every baby needs an orthopedic head pad, but when the child reaches one year of age, this item becomes relevant. However, many parents are not aware of how to use an orthopedic pillow, and this is important. To ensure that the item does not harm, but becomes a good addition, even at the time of purchase, take into account the child’s age and state of health. The first question that may arise during the operation of the product is how to properly place an orthopedic pillow?
- A smaller cushion is placed under the baby's neck if he sleeps on his back.
- A large cushion is placed when the child sleeps on his side. Thus, the normal position of the cervical vertebrae relative to the entire spine is maintained, evenly distributing the load and allowing the muscles to rest.
- How to sleep on an orthopedic pillow to maintain normal neck position? Make sure that its height is equal to the baby's shoulder. This is the only way you can maintain the correct position of your baby’s neck.
- When should you put orthopedic bolsters under your child’s head? You can start from 1 month to two years.
