Baby Pillows: Support for You and Your Child

Used correctly, baby pillows can enhance your child’s play time and help her sleep better. However, used incorrectly, pillows can be detrimental and even dangerous. There are many different types of baby pillows:

Crescent-shaped baby pillows
    
Popular crescent-shaped pillows such as the Boppy have become standard baby equipment and are great for nursing or tummy time. They can be a welcome addition to your nursery for both baby and parent provide that they’re not overused.


Nursing Time

Is that hunch-back you get when feeding your baby giving you lower back pain? These pillows can help! Place the pillow across your lap to ease back strain and provide arm support. Used when breastfeeding, the pillow can help position baby’s head and neck.

Some pillows advertise that they’re great for self-feeding. For an older baby, self-feeding can be OK occasionally, but try to avoid propping baby up by herself all the time. The bonding your baby gets during feeding is important, and soon enough she’ll be sitting up in her highchair, feeding herself. Enjoy the snuggling while you can! Also, a young baby should never be left with a bottle propped up – this can lead to choking.


Tummy Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supervised tummy time for infants in order to strengthen muscles and prepare the baby for crawling and sitting. Placed on the floor, the large crescent shaped pillow props baby up so she can kick and wave her arms about. The pillow will help support her and keep her in place so she can work those little chest and neck muscles. She’ll also be developing balance and coordination.

Though these pillows can provide great exercise and fun for baby, they aren’t necessary to use all the time. Placing baby on her tummy on the floor can also be great fun and as she gets older and is able to support herself, they probably aren’t necessary at all.
    
Recently, the Boppy has been linked to several infant deaths, due to misuse. These pillows are meant for supervised play only. Make sure to thoroughly read all instructions and warnings. Never, ever leave baby alone with her pillow, and never put the pillow in baby’s crib.


Positioning Pillows    

Experts agree that baby should always sleep on her back to lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Some babies, however, are just determined to roll right back over onto their tummies! Positioning pillows come in a large array of shapes and sizes – one pillow, the Zaky, is even shaped like a parent’s hand! These pillows are made of high-density foam and provide a support on both sides to keep baby from rolling over. They are typically used only for very young babies and should always be placed away from the baby’s face. As with all pillows, adult supervision is critical.


Sleeping pillows

Toddlers can use pillows for sleeping, but they aren’t necessary. Some children benefit from having their heads elevated, especially if they’re congested. However, pillows can also misalign the spine, causing neck or back pain. Some children grow attached to small napping pillows and like to take them along in the car or to daycare or Grandma’s house. Don’t forget to wash them regularly! Infants should never, ever sleep with a pillow in the crib.


Decorative Pillows

Many crib sets come with matching decorative pillows. These are great for adding a little personality to the nursery, but they should never be placed inside the crib. If you absolutely must have the coordinating pillows, place them in the rocking chair or on the floor.

Baby pillows, when used properly, can provide support and exercise baby’s muscles. However, pillows can never be a substitute for the love and attention your baby needs from you!