TODDLER
At What Age Do Kids Need a Pillow?
Most of us grown-ups would have a hard time dozing off without a comfy pillow under our heads. But what about kids?
Écrit par
Dr. Harvey Karp
PARTAGER CET ARTICLE
CHOIX DES PARENTS
Meilleures ventes
TODDLER
Écrit par
Dr. Harvey Karp
PARTAGER CET ARTICLE
Meilleures ventes
Most of us grown-ups would have a hard time dozing off without a comfy pillow under our heads. But what about kids?
Kids do not need a pillow until well after their first birthday! In fact, babies should NOT sleep with a pillow. Having a pillow in bed can be extremely dangerous for infants.
Pillows—as well as loose blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, and cot bumpers—create a suffocation risk for infants. That is why we experts advise that babies sleep without anything in the cot (other than a fitted sheet) until they are at least a year old. Pillows can cover a baby’s face or cause a baby to overheat—another sudden infant death risk factor.
The SIDS period is totally over after the first birthday, so once your baby turns 1, it is technically safe to use pillows and blankets. However, there is no need to rush to buy your toddler a pillow as soon as they blow out that one-shaped birthday candle. The truth is that most little kids sleep fine without pillows.
Pillows could pose new risks as your baby becomes a toddler. Some enterprising toddlers may use pillows to boost themselves up and climb or fall out of the cot! So, I recommend only using a blanket in the cot after the first birthday and waiting to use a pillow until your child transitions from the cot to a bed...which may not be until they reach their third birthday…or even later.
When you do decide your toddler is ready for a pillow, keep in mind that the big fluffy pillows adorning your own bed are probably not be the right fit! A thick pillow may be uncomfortable for your child’s little neck and spine, which are still developing. Instead, look for a small, flat, firm pillow that cradles and supports the head without causing your toddler to strain.
Just as different types of pillows work better for some adults than others, there might be a little trial and error to find the perfect pillow for your child (so it is not a bad idea to buy one with a generous return policy!). But no matter what kind of pillow you decide to introduce the first time, the most important thing is that you wait to introduce it until your child’s cot death risk totally subsides. And then you can rest easier, too, knowing that your lovebug is sleeping safely.
Avertissement : Les informations présentes sur notre site ne constituent PAS des conseils médicaux pour une personne ou une condition spécifique. Elles sont uniquement destinées à titre d'information générale. Si vous avez des questions médicales et des préoccupations concernant votre enfant ou vous-même, veuillez contacter votre fournisseur de soins de santé. Le lait maternel est la meilleure source de nutrition pour les bébés. Il est important que, en préparation et pendant l'allaitement, les mères adoptent une alimentation saine et équilibrée. La combinaison de l'allaitement au sein et au biberon dans les premières semaines de vie peut réduire la production de lait maternel de la mère et il est difficile de revenir sur la décision de ne pas allaiter. Si vous décidez d'utiliser une préparation pour nourrissons, vous devez suivre les instructions avec soin.
