The question of whether a baby should sleep on a pillow or not has always sparked debate among parents. Some parents believe that their baby should be given a higher cushion to sleep after several months to avoid affecting the normal development of the cervical spine. Some parents also believe that there is no need to raise it, fearing that it may affect their baby's normal breathing. Can babies sleep on a raised bed? Next, the editor will provide a detailed explanation for everyone.
Can babies sleep on high beds
Generally speaking, using a pillow that matches the curvature of the baby's neck and shoulder width can help relax the neck muscles, allowing the baby to sleep comfortably.
Babies under 3 months old, due to the curvature of the back of their neck (known as neck curvature) not yet formed, feel uncomfortable when lying down with a pillow as their head and body are already on the same horizontal line.
After 3 months, the baby's neck curve gradually forms and the shoulders gradually widen, so you can consider putting something behind the baby's neck as a pillow.
A few layers of small towels are enough at the beginning, and as the baby's neck curve develops, gradually raise it up.
What pillow is good for babies to sleep on
1. Pillow size: It is best for the length of the baby's pillow to be equal to the width of both shoulders, with a width slightly wider than the baby's head. The height of the pillow should gradually increase according to the baby's age.
2. Pillow core: The pillow core determines the softness and hardness of the pillow. The best pillow core materials for baby pillows include buckwheat husk, rapeseed, chrysanthemum, dried tea leaves, etc. These materials are moderately soft and hard, with good moisture absorption and breathability. If the pillow core you choose cannot be cleaned, it needs to be dried regularly, and it is best to replace the pillow core every six months.
Traditionally in China, hard grains are used as pillows to give babies the habit of sleeping on their heads. The skull of a baby is relatively soft, and the fontanelle and cranial sutures are not completely closed. A hard pillow can easily cause deformation of the skull.
However, pillows made of down, vacuum cotton, and other materials are too soft to support the cervical spine well, and may even block the baby's mouth and nose, causing suffocation.
Moreover, these pillow cores provide a hiding place for mites and dust, which can easily cause allergies in babies.
3. Pillowcase: It is best to choose a soft pure cotton fabric pillowcase for your baby. Babies are prone to milk overflow, so pillowcases need to be washed frequently, so parents need to prepare more.
For newborns, it is recommended that parents do not raise their babies to sleep, as the cervical spine of newborns is different from that of adults. If deliberately raised, it will affect their breathing. As the baby gradually grows, parents can consider whether to elevate the baby, and remember not to raise it too high. If you want to use a pillow for your baby, it is recommended to choose the appropriate size.
