Should You Use A Pillow For Your Newborn?

Many companies promote pillows for young babies and newborns, often claiming that they help prevent flat head syndrome. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts recommend that babies do not use pillows, as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death. So, do newborns need a pillow?

Pillows increase the risk of sudden death for newborns

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents wait until their baby is two years old before introducing them to a pillow. The use of pillows by newborns has been linked to an increased risk of sudden death during infancy, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Dangers of Pillows for Newborns

Pillows can pose a serious risk of suffocation for infants. They can cover a baby's face or cause them to overheat, both of which are risk factors for SIDS. In addition, if a baby inclines against a pillow, their head may fall forward, blocking their airway and risking their survival.

Safe Sleeping Practices for Newborns

To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat mattress without any pillows, loose bedding, or soft objects. It is also important to keep the baby's head uncovered and to avoid letting them get too hot or cold.

The Risk of Nursing Pillows

Nursing pillows, which are used to position infants during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, have also been associated with infant deaths. Since 2007, there have been at least 162 reported cases of babies dying in incidents involving nursing pillows. Many of these deaths occurred when babies were placed to sleep on or with the pillows.

Reducing the Risk of Sudden Death

To reduce the risk of sudden death for newborns, it is crucial to follow safe sleeping practices and avoid using pillows or other soft objects in their sleeping environment. By taking these precautions, parents can help ensure the safety and well-being of their children during their most vulnerable stages of life.

The best way to prevent SIDS is to put newborns on their back

Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, pillows can be dangerous for infants and increase the risk of sudden death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a baby is two years old before introducing a pillow.

Now, here is some more information about the best way to prevent SIDS:

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than one year old. It is the leading cause of death among infants one month to one year old and remains unpredictable despite years of research.

The best way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to always place your baby on their back when they sleep. Sleeping on the stomach or side increases the risk of SIDS. This may be because sleeping on the stomach can block the airway and increase the likelihood of rebreathing—when a baby breathes in their own exhaled air.

Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep from the very beginning for both day and night sleeps. This will reduce the risk of cot death. It is recommended to continue placing your baby to sleep on their back until they are 12 months old.

Once your baby is old enough to roll over, there is no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping. Their brain is mature enough to alert them to breathing dangers, and their improved motor skills will help them to rescue themselves.

Other ways to reduce the risk of SIDS

In addition to placing your baby on their back to sleep, there are several other ways to reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Keep your baby in the same room as you when sleeping for the first 6 months.
• Keep your baby's head uncovered—their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
• Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet touching the end of the cot or Moses basket.
• Do not let your baby get too hot or cold. Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• Do not co-sleep with your baby if you or anyone in the bed smokes, has consumed alcohol, or has taken drugs or medicine that makes you feel drowsy.
• Do not smoke during pregnancy or around your baby after they are born, and do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.

Newborns don't need pillows to prevent flat head syndrome

It is understandable that parents may worry about their newborn's head shape, but it is important to know that pillows are not necessary to prevent flat head syndrome and may even be dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies do not use a pillow until they are two years old. This is because pillows can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy.

Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, is a common condition that affects many newborns. It is caused by a baby sleeping on their back, and over time, their head may flatten on one side. However, this condition usually corrects itself as babies grow and develop, and it does not affect their brain development.

Instead of using a pillow, there are safer ways to treat flat head syndrome. For example, changing your baby's head position while they sleep, holding them as often as possible, varying their crib position, and allowing them to spend some time on their stomach while awake (tummy time) can help relieve this condition.

If you are concerned about flat head syndrome, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice. They may recommend specific exercises or treatments, such as physical therapy, to help correct the condition.

While it is natural to want to provide the best for your newborn, introducing a pillow too early can pose serious risks. It is crucial to prioritise your baby's safety and follow expert recommendations to ensure their well-being.

Newborns should sleep on a flat surface with only a fitted sheet

It is important to remember that newborns have very different needs from adults or even older children. A newborn's head is much larger in proportion to its body than an adult's, so it does not need a pillow to keep its neck comfortable. In fact, a newborn should not sleep with a pillow. Pillows can be extremely dangerous for infants, increasing the risk of sudden death during sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pillow until a child is two years old. At this age, the toddler is no longer sleeping in a crib, and they have the strength to move and flip over without help. For infants between four and twelve months old, pillows and other soft items in the crib can be especially hazardous.

Babies should be placed on their back on a firm mattress without pillows. Pillows can cover a baby's face, causing them to overheat and increasing the risk of suffocation. Even head-shaping pillows are not recommended, as they have been shown to create an unsafe sleep environment that may contribute to the risk of suffocation and death.

Instead, newborns should sleep on a flat surface with only a fitted sheet. This means no pillows, blankets, or other bedding. It is also important to alternate the direction in which the baby's head is turned to prevent flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly. This can be done by turning the baby's head from left to right each night. Spending time on their stomach during the day, known as "tummy time," can also help prevent flat head syndrome, but this should be done for only a few minutes at a time and always under supervision.

Pediatricians recommend waiting until a child is out of a crib before introducing a pillow

Pillows are not necessary for newborns and can even be dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts recommend that babies sleep on a flat surface without pillows until they are at least one year old, and ideally until they are two years old. This is because pillows can increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy, including SIDS and fatal sleep accidents.

Babies are especially susceptible to SIDS in their first six months, and it is the leading cause of infant mortality between the ages of one month and one year. More than 90% of SIDS cases occur during sleep. Pillows can cover a baby's face, causing overheating and suffocation, or blocking their airway and reducing airflow. Even "head-shaping" pillows are not recommended, as they have been shown to create an unsafe sleep environment and may contribute to the risk of suffocation and death.

Instead of using a pillow, parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by placing their baby on their back, with their feet at the end of the crib. To prevent flat head syndrome, parents can alternate the direction in which their baby's head is turned and schedule periods of supervised tummy time during the day.

Once a baby has graduated to a regular bed, usually between the ages of 18 months and three years, a small, firm pillow designed for children can be introduced.

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