Pillows are a staple in most if not all homes. Many types of pillows are available in stores, but sleeping pillows, in particular, are used more by adults. Despite many manufacturers developing toddler and newborn pillows, there are still questions of whether they are safe due to the risk of SIDS. Babies can use pillows under the supervision of an adult and if their size is ideal for them. We delve into how to pick the right-sized baby pillow below.
What pillow size is best for your baby?
If you choose to get your baby a pillow, especially a newborn baby, then size is a significant consideration before buying one. But how can you tell this size is okay and this one isn’t? Here are some tips to guide you.
1. The versatility of the pillow
This is true for all kinds of pillows, not just baby pillows. There are pillows for specific needs or medical conditions and those designed to serve several purposes. Knowing how versatile you need the baby pillow to be will guide you towards getting the ideal size. For example, getting a pillow like the silicone foam pillow is necessary if your baby suffers from flat head syndrome.
In this case, the pillow only needs to fit the baby’s head, so you’ll choose a size suitable for their small head. If you want a pillow that doubles up as a sleeping and breastfeeding pillow, getting something bigger than the head-shaping pillow would be ideal. A baby can use a breastfeeding pillow to sleep, prop them up for a good latch, and support them while seated. Therefore, the size will definitely vary from the typical tiny sleeping pillow as this one supports not just the head by the entire body.
2. Size of the bed
The size goes hand in hand with the mattress. Bed sizes vary from newborns, infants all the way to toddlers. This influences the size of pillows to use for adequate comfort and relaxation. Most newborns co-sleep with their parents, but others sleep in bassinets or beds smaller than a standard crib. Here the pillow size will be smaller compared to that of an infant in a crib. You cannot have a pillow bigger than your baby’s head because the risk of suffocation is too high. As your baby graduates from one-bed size to the other, so does the size of the pillow change to accommodate that space.
3. Cost of the pillow
In many instances, the type of product you buy in terms of brand determines the price you’ll pay for it. However, the size can also determine its value. Ideally, if a pillow is not a specialty pillow, the greater the size, the more the money meaning, a newborn pillow is much cheaper than a toddler pillow. So, a lower price tag makes you know the pillow is small and vice versa.
Conclusion
Baby pillows are not a must unless a medical condition is involved. However, you can have them if you believe in baby comfort, but all necessary precautions must be taken. Buying the correct pillow size for the baby is vital. Use the tips above for guidance before making any purchase, make the shopping process easy, and get the best fit for your baby.
