Since your baby’s head is malleable in the first three months, there are specially designed baby pillows to help prevent your child from getting a flat head. There are several benefits to using baby pillows. Pillows provide more comfort for your baby and allow for air ventilation. There is even pressure distribution to help your baby avoid neck pain and flat head syndrome. The extra cushioning can also help with overall growth and development. The pillows are designed to help the baby's head move without limitation, so there is no issue or risk for a stiff neck. With so many options to choose from, there are certain things you want to look for when choosing the right baby pillows and safe sleep recommendations for your little one.
Comfortability
It can be hard to determine if a pillow is comfortable for your baby. A firm pillow can still be comfortable and safer. Use this test when determining if it’s the right choice. Apply some pressure on the pillow and then release it. If the pillow doesn’t regain its regular shape, then the pillow will be too soft for your baby. If the pillow remains hard, then it likely won’t be that comfortable for your baby. The right pillow should regain its shape but still not be too rigid.
The Pillow Thickness
A pillow that is too thin or thick can cause strain on your baby’s neck. The recommended thickness for baby pillows is around two to three inches.
Pillow Size
Pillows designed for babies are not going to be the same size as adult pillows. It’s important to consider the size. Too large of a pillow or too small of a pillow will take away from comfort and not provide any benefits.
The Fill Material
Baby skin is fragile, so you need to make sure the pillow is made from hypoallergenic materials. You should choose high-quality organic materials so that your child isn’t going to be sleeping on anything that could cause harm. This way, you can avoid any evaporation of the material that will cause issues with the respiratory tract or skin irritation. Organic cotton materials can be best since these fills are soft and breathable and provide a firm surface.
Portability
You should be able to take the baby's pillow with you when the baby is sleeping on the go. Find one that is easy for traveling and comfortable so that your baby can sleep wherever you are. This is especially important if your baby is going to get used to sleeping on a pillow.
Washability
Babies may not sweat much but they drool and can spit-up. You should find a baby pillow that can be washed and, for convenience, can just be thrown in the washing machine. It’s also helpful to find one with covers so that you can change the cover while the other one is being washed. Most pillows themselves can’t just be washed in the washing machine since the molded foam of the pillow can become unusable and deform, but covers can easily be washed.