Baby Pillow for Toddlers

04/05/09

Using a pillow for a baby is not recommended by doctors. Typically, a child can begin using a pillow around the age of two. Pillows can provide security and comfort for toddlers. Because pillows are soft and springy,they are very huggable and super cuddly for toddlers.

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 be viewed by toddlers as a source of security rather than comfort. Toddlers may prefer to hug a pillow because it is soft and springy. The cuddly feeling when hugging a pillow may help a toddler feel more secure when a caregiver is not around. Toddlers do not use pillows only for resting their heads but may sleep with their entire body on it or curl up with a pillow. Toddlers may grab any pillow they see and curl up with it to sleep.

Doctors do not recommend using a pillow for a baby. To prevent possible suffocation,do not use a pillow with a child under the age of two. You can safely introduce the use of a pillow to your toddler after the age of two. 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.