Infant pillow

The health and growth of an infant to a large extent depends on adequate sleep. Having the right baby accessories is therefore of great importance. One of the accessories most vital to the sleep routine of your baby is baby pillows. Reflux is avoided by using a baby pillow as well as ensuring a sound sleep. Babies normally drink a warm bottle of milk prior going off to sleep and having the head inclined slightly above the rest of the body helps prevent vomiting. Keeping the head of the infant slightly elevated also helps in respiration with added importance when the baby has constricted air passage due to a cold. Cranial deformity is a real possibility if the head of your baby is left lying in one position for too long because the skull bones of an infant are very soft and pliant. Baby pillows help give the requisite support and prevent such cranial deformity.

Negative publicity of using baby pillows focuses on the possibility of babies being smothered by the pillow. These fears are unfounded provided you choose the correct variety of baby pillows. Never choose a soft pillow or a feather pillow. Feather pillows can cause allergic reactions while soft pillows can lead to smothering. Pillow covers must be made of soft cotton or linen and never of synthetic material which can cause allergic reactions. Thin, narrow pillows are commonly used by hospitals and maternity wards as crib pillows. The latest memory foam pillows specially designed for babies are a good buy. Most supermarkets, malls and specialized baby care shops stock baby pillows. While costs vary, it is always more prudent to buy a recognized brand for the assured safety and quality.

And now the crucial issue: when do you start using baby pillows for your infant? There are no hard and fast rules. Most pediatricians suggest that any age after one year is okay for using a baby pillow. Other ways to know when to use a baby pillow is by looking out for indications from the baby. These signs could include using a bed sheet or a favorite stuffed toy as a head rest, a clear indication that the time to buy a good baby pillow has come.