Practical Gifts: Baby Pillows
12/31/08
If you are in the market for a practical gift for a baby you know, a baby pillow is an excellent choice. Because there are so many types of pillows in the stores, it can be tough to pick out the right one. However, choosing the right baby pillow will be easy with the help of this guide.
The first consideration is the baby's age. Doctors advise that children under the age of two should not sleep with pillows because pillows, even specially designed baby pillows, are a suffocation risk. Decorative pillows or nursing pillows are better gifts for babies under the age of two. However, if the child is past their second birthday, then a sleeping pillow is a safe gift for them.
Decorative pillows are available in almost every size, shape, and color to match any decor. You can also have a baby pillow customized. For instance, have a pillow embroidered with a poem that is meaningful to the parents, or that expresses your hopes for the child. Or have the pillow printed with a photo of a beloved pet. If you are crafty, you can even buy a baby pillow blank and sew your own cover to create a truly special pillow.
Nursing pillows are large, U shaped pillows that the mother arranges in her lap to provide extra support for the baby while she nurses. (Fathers can use them when bottle feeding, too!) The main brand is Boppy, so nursing pillows are often called boppies, but there are a number of competing brands on the market as well.
A baby pillow that is designed for nighttime is smaller and flatter than an adult's pillow. Children do not need as much support as adults do, so an adult sized pillow can give them neck cramps and disturb their sleep. Pillow fillings that adults find comfortable, like feathers and down, can trigger allergies in children, so you should avoid them. Choose a baby pillow that is half the size and thickness of an adult's pillow or less, with hypoallergenic stuffing and a smooth, soft cover. A good finishing touch is all natural pillowcases in the child's favorite color, or in a color that matches the child's bedroom.
When you are done picking out a baby pillow, you will have a superb gift that the child and their parents are sure to treasure. You can be certain that you have not only given the child a practical gift, you have made it easier for them to sleep.
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