When to Begin Using a Baby Pillow

09/24/08

Doctors do not recommend using a pillow for a baby. Typically, a child can begin using a pillow around the age of two. Pillows can provide security and comfort for toddlers. Toddlers may find pillows give them a sense of security when they hug the soft,springy material to their body.

Using a pillow before the age of two can be dangerous. Suffocation can result from using a pillow with a baby. If a baby should end up with his face in a pillow he is not able to turn away from or push away the pillow. Babies under the age of two often roll over face down into a pillow and can not roll back on their own. A tragedy can result if a baby rolls over face down into a pillow when a caregiver is not around to roll them back over.

Introducing a toddler to a pillow can begin around the age of two. Not all toddlers view a pillow for just sleeping. Pillows can provide a sense of security more than comfort for a toddler. Toddlers may prefer to hug a pillow because it is soft and springy. The softness of a pillow may be helpful to a toddler when a caregiver is not around. Toddlers may lay down on a pillow or hug a pillow to them when they are sleeping. Toddlers may often view any pillow as a time to curl up and go to sleep.

Doctors do not recommend using a pillow for a baby. To keep your child safe from the risk of suffocation,do not use a pillow before the age of two. Two year olds can safely use a pillow. You may find your toddler hugging the pillow rather than sleeping on it. Your child may feel more secure hugging his pillow when you are not around to comfort him. Toddlers may see a pillow,curl up with it,and go to sleep.