Most of the time in the first months of his life the newborn spends in a dream. Newly-made parents with special care equip a place for children's sleep - they buy a crib, a mattress, a blanket and other supplies. Young mom and dad are trying to create a cozy nest for their child, where the baby will sleep peacefully.
It is known that a healthy sleep has a huge impact on the development of the baby. In this regard, many parents ask the question "Is the pillow necessary for the newborn?". The pillow is a necessary attribute of almost every adult bed, but it is rare in a baby cradle. To make the right decision, parents should get acquainted with the opinions of orthopedists and pediatricians.
To date, the opinion of specialists as to whether a pillow for sleeping for newborns is necessary is ambiguous. Many orthopedists argue that the pillow for the newborn prevents the correct development of the spine. It is generally accepted to use a folded diaper instead of a pillow. However, when you go to a children's store, you can see a huge number of different blankets and pillows for newborns. These children's products, as a rule, are made of environmentally friendly materials and their producers say about the huge benefit of a pillow for the newborn. On each package you can find an instruction that says that the pillow promotes the correct formation of the spine and corrects the shape of the child's head. Indeed, there are a number of pillows that are useful for babies, since they are performed taking into account the child's anatomy. And you can buy an anatomical pillow for a newborn in many stores. Below are the main types of pillows for newborns that are approved by orthopedists:
- Pillow-butterfly for newborns. This pillow is a wide roller with rounded corners with a dent in the middle. The dent is designed to fix the child's head. Pillow-butterfly for newborns is orthopedic and promotes the proper formation of the cervical and skull of the baby. This baby pillow is recommended to use from 4 weeks from birth and up to 2 years.
- Thin cushion and 2 cushions for newborns. A similar kit can be found in any children's store. It is called "Positioner". On the thin pillow is the baby's head, and with the help of two rollers it is possible to fix the position of the child in the crib. As a rule, rollers are used for position on the side or on the back. You can use such pillows for babies from birth.
- Pillow in the form of an open ring. This option is a pillow for feeding newborns. Use it for baby sleep is not recommended.
- Pillow in the form of a headrest. This pillow for the newborn is broad and has a small height. As a rule, the headrest occupies the entire width of the crib, so the baby does not slip from it.
- Pillow for bathing newborns. The pillow is a circle with a hole in the middle, which fixes the child's head in a baby bath.
Such a cushion can be either inflatable or made of waterproof material. This supporting pillow for newborns is very convenient for bathing. It is recommended to use it as soon as the child begins to confidently hold his head.
Knowing the features of children's pillows, each parent will be able to answer for himself on the question "Do you need a pillow for a newborn?". Those who decided to buy a pillow for their baby, you should pay attention to the material from which it is made. The best filler for children's pillows are environmentally friendly materials. Down and feathers are undesirable for babies, since they often get a tick. In addition, if a newborn is sleeping on a pillow with fluff, he may have an allergy.