Pillows are not safe for babies. You should avoid using a pillow when laying your baby down for a rest, as it can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy. Experts recommend that parents wait to introduce their baby to a pillow until they're over two years old.
Even though a pillow might seem cozy, it's possible for a baby's face to press up against it while she sleeps, which can increase the risk of suffocation. Snuggling against a pillow could also cause your baby to overheat — another thing that can raise the risk of SIDS.
Again, it's important to keep your baby's sleeping space free of pillows until they are at least 12 months old. At that time, be sure to consult with your pediatrician before adding in any soft bedding.
Safer sleep baby charity The Lullaby Trust warn that pillows (along with other sleeping products such as duvets, cot bumpers or nests) for babies under the age of 12 months do not conform to safer sleep guidelines because they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In conclusion, it's best to avoid using pillows in the sleep environment of infants and children under two years of age. They're not necessary and can increase the risk of SUDI. It's important to prioritize infant safety and consider their stage of development when preparing their sleep environment.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend letting a toddler under the age of 2 years use a pillow. When your toddler transitions out of their crib to a bed they can then safely use pillows and other bedding.
Limit time in car seats, rockers and other equipment.
Along with tummy time, this is probably the biggest tip for avoiding a flat head.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommend back sleeping, even for infants with reflux. Elevating the head of baby's crib or having baby sleep in a car seat or swing are not recommended.
The use of head shaping pillows can create an unsafe sleep environment for infants and may contribute to the risk of suffocation and death. Infant head shaping pillows are not FDA-approved.
They're often said to help prevent "flat head" syndrome in babies and are used in cots and cribs. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to let your baby use a pillow until they are two years old.
And trust me, your little one isn't uncomfortable without a pillow…they have never slept with one, so they don't know anything differently! So once your toddler is at least two years old, and ideally around the time you transition them to a big bed, you can introduce a pillow and/or blanket to their naps and bedtime.
“By 18 months, a small, lightweight blanket will be fine for the vast majority of babies but between 12 and 18 months, parents should use their discretion or consult with their child's pediatrician.”
"Pillows can lead to potential suffocation and limit the amount of heat babies can release, which can lead to overheating – a risk factor associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). "Generally, it is considered safe to use pillows after the age of 12 months."
She says all infant pillows are a bad idea. “Infants should sleep in a crib alone, on their back, without any pillows or blankets,” Dr. McKay emphasizes. “If an infant uses a pillow, they could turn their head into the pillow and accidentally suffocate, or it could become an entrapment risk.”
Babies at Risk
Baby's age Increased vulnerability to SIDS when they are 1 to 6 months old with the peak time during 2-3 months of age. SIDS may occur up to one year of age.
The CPSC says that sleep products that incline more than 10 degrees are not safe. Soft and plush sleep surfaces are also dangerous. Inclined sleepers allow babies to sleep at a 30-degree angle. Infants placed in these products may fall asleep in a chin-to-chest position, which can restrict their airway.
Sleeping on an incline benefits the respiratory system by preventing blockages that lead to sleep apnea. IBT un-obstructs the nasal passage, which can therefore help prevent snoring at night. This is great news for both our health and our partners.
Caregivers should continue putting infants to sleep in a supine position, according to updated pediatric guidelines that make the additional recommendation to make sure the sleeping surface is fully firm and flat -- meaning no inclined sleepers, couches, or armchairs.
SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old, and remains unpredictable despite years of research. Even so, the risk of SIDS can be greatly reduced. Most important: Babies younger than 1 year old should be placed on their backs to sleep — never on their stomachs or on their sides.
Research supports that approximately two-thirds of infants with head shape flattening and/or neck issues (plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, torticollis) will improve or resolve by 2 years of age. What this means, however, is that one-third of infants with head shape issues will not improve by 2 years of age.
Flat head syndrome usually happens in the first four to 12 weeks of life when babies are not able to sit up or move on their own.
Don't let your baby sleep with any soft objects, including stuffed animals, until they're at least 12 months old.
The NHS advises and safer sleep guidance says that babies should not use pillows or duvets under the age of one, as there is the risk of suffocation if their face gets smothered and they won't be able to push it away. As they move into their own bed from 18 months or over you may want to introduce a pillow and duvet.
Hypoallergenic baby pillows are designed to prevent germs and bacteria from growing on the pillow over time. Ideally, you should opt for a pillow made from 100% organic cotton as well, since these are usually free of chemicals.