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As adults it is perfectly normal and expected that we use a pillow when we sleep. In fact, sleeping without a pillow can be quite painful and leave us waking up with a stiff neck or perhaps even stopping us getting to sleep in the first place.
It is therefore no surprise that many parents wonder whether their child would also be more comfortable if given a baby pillow.
The answer to the question though, is dependent on the age of your child, and also where they are sleeping.......
If your child is younger than two years old, a pillow is definitely not recommended. A child under this age will normally not need a support for his or her head and more importantly there is always some risk of them suffocating on the pillow. Also, if your child is still of this young age but has started climbing, crawling or walking then the pillow could be used as an aid to climbing out of their crib.
Therefore, most research suggests that normally a pillow should not be considered until the baby is at least two years old and is also no longer sleeping in a crib but has progressed to a toddler bed.
Even when your child is slightly older though, it is not always necessary for them to use a pillow. If they are sleeping well without a pillow then there is probably no need to introduce one.
If and when you do decide to give your child a pillow, make sure it is an actual 'baby sleep pillow' rather than just one you already have in your house. The pillow should be relatively firm so that the child cannot sink into it whilst sleeping and be smothered or suffocated. It should also be smaller than a regular adult pillow, possibly around the size of a travel pillow and be easily washable for when your child has those little accidents. If your child suffers from any allergies you will also be able to buy a baby pillow that is non-allergenic
If you are still uncertain as to whether the time is right to introduce a baby pillow to your child's bed you may wish to consider speaking to your doctor to get his or her input or just waiting until your child actually asks for a pillow or shows some signs of struggling to sleep on a flat bed.
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Chris Towland is the author of The Baby Sleep Solution. The 35 minute audio program that gives the simple techniques that will ensure your baby sleeps through the night, every night.
See more information at: www.babysleepsolution.com
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