Orthopedic pillow for a newborn: why is it needed and how to choose?

Since childhood, we have all been accustomed to brushing our teeth, eating with a spoon, sleeping on the bed, putting a pillow under our heads and covering ourselves with a blanket. Do you think it's just a habit?

Sleeping on a pillow is essential for proper body position while sleeping. In other words, sleeping without a pillow at all is harmful, because the spine takes an unnatural position.

Have you ever wondered whether your pillow is comfortable for you? Is it right for you? For example, if you often toss and turn in your sleep or even wake up to fluff your pillow, this is a sure sign that it is not suitable for you.

Most of us have been accustomed since childhood to sleeping on a square-shaped down or feather pillow: the main thing is that there is something to put under our heads - this is how we usually think.

However, orthopedists and sleep specialists do not agree that all pillows for adults are equally useful. Most medical specialists and sleep experts recommend choosing an anatomical pillow for proper rest.

Does my child need an orthopedic pillow?

There is no consensus on whether a child needs orthotics. pillow. Some pediatric specialists firmly believe that you can be content without this accessory. If absolutely necessary, use a folded flannel diaper instead. This is explained by the fact that when sleeping without a pillow, overstrain of the cervical spine will not occur and will not lead to curvature. There is also a scary argument: an increased risk of strangulation.

Some pediatricians believe that orthopedic pillows for children are beneficial in creating the right conditions for the development of the newborn’s spinal region. It is for those who adhere to the use of this element that manufacturers produce special children's anatomical pillows.

But despite the divergence of two opinions, doctors are unanimous in one thing: an orthopedic pillow is not needed for children under one year old. Newborns have proportionately larger heads than adults, so it is more convenient for them to sleep without a pillow. They can roll off it onto the flat surface of the mattress or be thrown out of their sleeping place altogether. But as with any rule, there are also exceptions, in which case orthopedists and pediatricians recommend using a pillow for the baby. Sometimes the baby just likes to sleep on it. In such cases, it is necessary to be careful and approach the choice of this accessory with full responsibility.

Who is suitable and who is contraindicated for orthopedic pillows?

Neurologists and osteopaths recommend using an orthopedic pillow for people who complain of headaches or dizziness more than 2 times a week, have problems falling asleep and suffer from chronic fatigue. Direct indication for purchase: back pain, osteochondrosis, previous injuries to the cervical spine.

Of course, purchasing a miracle pillow does not eliminate the need to conduct an examination and identify the cause of headaches and back pain. You should not count on the fact that it will cure existing osteochondrosis. But one thing is certain: an anatomically shaped pillow will slow down the development of the disease and improve your overall physical condition.

Orthopedic pillows are also indicated for absolutely healthy people. Thanks to complete relaxation of the muscles, they will begin to get enough sleep much faster than before. And cervical osteochondrosis will not have a single chance even with sedentary work.

Contraindications to the use of orthopedic pillows are individual intolerance to the filler material and inflammatory skin diseases: acne, acne. However, the last problem is often solved by selecting a thick cotton pillowcase. And if the condition does not worsen, you can continue to use the orthopedic product.

Types of orthopedic pillows for children

An orthopedic pillow for children under the head can have several varieties. It all depends on the purpose for which it will be used. For newborns under one year of age, there are the following product options:

1. With an inclination: helps to facilitate the breathing process, makes regurgitation safe. An important criterion when purchasing this option is the angle of inclination, which should not exceed 30 degrees. When using this pillow, it is necessary to take into account the position of the baby: not only the head, but also the upper body should be on the pillow.
2. The pillow insert is anatomical: suitable for use from the birth of a baby until the age of two. This option is usually used as prescribed by a specialist in pediatrics and orthopedics. It is made in the following form: small sides in the side parts and a small, specialized recess in the middle help the head maintain the desired position. The use of this type is recommended in the following cases: torticollis, preventive methods to prevent cranial deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
3. Choking protection: a modern version of a sleeping accessory. For parents who are too afraid of the risk of asphyxia, this product option will be a real godsend. For its production, porous polyurethane was used, which has a high air permeability. Its surface is a cotton cover. The structure of the product does not pose a danger to the vertebra.
4. With lateral support: a godsend for parents of active children. The design consists of two blocks that are connected to each other. Helps your baby sleep on his side, which is the safest sleeping position.
5. Fixation pillow: holds the baby in the most correct position, suitable for newborn babies.
6. Butterfly-shaped: the design resembles the anatomical version and is suitable for ages: 2 months - 2 years.

One of the first difficulties of new mothers is the correctness of breastfeeding: what is the correct position (sitting, lying down), what is the most convenient way to attach the baby to the breast? These reasons became the basis for creating the highest point of comfort for mother and baby during breastfeeding, which prompted manufacturers to produce special pillows for feeding. When choosing this product, you should pay attention to the directly proportional relationship between the size of the pillow and the height and weight of the woman. There are the following subspecies:

1. In the form of a bagel: during the feeding process, the baby will take place directly in front of the breast. In case of falling asleep, the baby can be left on the pillow, which will not disturb sleep.
2. In the form of a boomerang: makes pregnant women’s sleep more comfortable by reducing the load on the vertebra. Its functionality does not end there: it can be used for breastfeeding and sharing sleep with the baby, and in the future it will become an insurance against falling when the child is sitting.
3. “Lifebuoy”: comfortable and durable fasteners secure the pillow around the mother’s waist, which makes it possible to shift the baby always with free hands.
4. Horseshoe-shaped: designed for feeding two children at once. For mothers with twins, this is a necessary thing that will help synchronize the biorhythm of the babies’ lives.

There is also a baby memory foam pillow. This sleeping accessory follows the shape of the body and does not put pressure on the vascular system.

Choosing a filler

Perhaps the most important thing in an orthopedic pillow is its filling. The firmness and elasticity of the product, moisture resistance and the ability to perfectly adapt to the shape of the neck and head depend on it.

1. Natural latex.
   It is used to produce soft and medium-hard pillows, which, with proper care, will serve their owner for about 10 years. Latex is an excellent material: hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, elastic. Such pillows allow air to pass through perfectly, but do not accumulate dust, quickly adapt to the curves of the body and just as quickly restore their shape. Their only drawback is the high price and specific smell, which, however, disappears without a trace within 1-2 weeks.
2. Artificial latex (polyurethane foam).
   Due to its affordable price, it is one of the most popular fillers. Artificial latex pillows come in the most bizarre shapes, but they always allow air to pass through perfectly, do not bunch up, and provide good head support.

   The service life of polyurethane foam pillows largely depends on the integrity of the manufacturer: the quality of the raw materials, compliance with the technological process, and processing methods. Therefore, when buying a pillow from a fly-by-night company, you can throw it away after six months. While products from a trusted manufacturer will last 5-8 years.

3. Memory.
   The same polyurethane foam, during the production process of which certain additives were added to the synthetic mass. They slow down the process of restoration of the product after compression, which is why they got their name. Memory foam pillows perfectly adapt to the individual characteristics of the body structure, and therefore allow you to achieve maximum relaxation during sleep.

   Memory pillows are slightly softer than latex pillows. The head falls into them, meeting absolutely no resistance. This is why memory foam pillows are often used as anti-bedsore pillows. The product begins to lose its properties after 4-5 years: the pillow becomes denser, the orthopedic effect disappears.

4. Gel.
   More recently, orthopedic pillows with a cooling layer have appeared on sale. They not only perfectly distribute the load on the cervical spine, but also successfully fight insomnia. The cool gel allows you to fall asleep faster, and sweating during sleep is minimized.

   The new product was liked by the fair sex, among whom there is an opinion about the rejuvenating properties of gel pillows. Manufacturers do not confirm this information, although they say that the gel layer reduces the likelihood of morning swelling.

5. Buckwheat husk.
   The only natural filler with orthopedic properties. Buckwheat pillows are very hard. They are perfectly breathable and, due to their heterogeneous structure, perform micro-massage of the cervical spine every night. A huge advantage of buckwheat husk filling is the ability to adjust the height of the pillow, since manufacturers usually pack them in a two-chamber case equipped with a clasp. The approximate service life of the product is 3 years.

Pillows filled with buckwheat rustle a lot. After 3-4 weeks of use, the sound becomes quieter, but the product will never become silent!

All other fillers: feather and wool, padding polyester and holofiber, artificial swan down are not able to provide the necessary support during sleep. Therefore, pillows made from them are not considered orthopedic, even if the seller actively convinces you otherwise!

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Features of the filler: polyurethane foam

It is worth paying attention to what the anatomical pillow insert is filled with. Both natural and artificial materials are used:

• down (can cause an allergic reaction; too soft for the anatomical pillow of the insert);
• wool padding (may cause an allergic reaction; well-temperature-regulated filler);
• stuffing with holofiber (durable; has good elasticity; does not allow air to pass through);
• padding with synthetic padding (short-lived; does not allow air to pass through);
• comfort stuffing (artificial down; does not cause allergies);
• latex padding (repeats the shape of the baby’s head);
• bamboo filling (hypoallergenic; antibacterial; durable);
• polystyrene foam padding (has medium hardness; does not cause allergic reactions);
• polyurethane foam padding (does not cause allergies; long service life).

Polyurethane foam padding should be given preference, because the material is not only hypoallergenic, but also clearly conforms to the contours of the baby’s head, which improves sleep and does not create reciprocal pressure on the baby’s blood vessels.

Types of anatomical pillows and fillers for them

• Inclined pillow. It is made in the shape of a trapezoid from materials such as latex or polyurethane foam. It is placed directly under the sheet or mattress at an angle of up to 30 degrees. Thus, the top of the crib takes on an inclined position, and the baby can breathe freely and burp easily without the danger of choking. Some models have a special fixation that prevents the baby from slipping and turning over.
• Anti-choking pillow. It is a highly porous product made of spongy, breathable material. Therefore, if your baby likes to sleep with his nose buried in a pillow, this model will be the ideal solution.
• Headrest pillow. Made in the shape of a circle, heart or butterfly with a recess for a baby's head in the middle. Thanks to this shape, the pressure on the occipital and temporal areas is minimal, and the risk of deformation of the soft infant skull is significantly reduced.

The filling for anatomical pillows is exclusively breathable materials that remember the shape of the baby's head: elastic viscose, synthetic down and fiber, as well as polyurethane foam. Pillowcases are usually made from 100% organic cotton.

How to choose a pillow by age

It's not easy to choose the right pillow. When choosing, you need to take into account many criteria, and also based on the age of the child. There are a number of standard recommendations, following which you will make the right choice.

It is necessary to calculate the ideal thickness of the linen. The formula for calculation is as follows: the width of the baby’s shoulders divided by two. The elasticity should be medium. Not too hard, but regains its shape after the baby is removed from it. Clear, even, strong seams without loose threads. Availability of the necessary documentation confirming the quality of the product and describing the filler used and its care. It would be better to purchase an accessory with a zipper for ease of washing and whipping the stuffing if necessary. These are the general criteria for choosing a pillow for a child of any age.

Pillow for children up to one year

When purchasing a product for the age category 0 - 1.5 years, you must choose the size 18x25x2.5. For a newborn of this age, it is necessary to consult with a specialist in pediatrics and orthopedics when choosing a pillow.

Pillow from 3 years

At this age, the following parameters are recommended when purchasing a product: 35x39x5. It is worth paying due attention to the filler, as well as following general recommendations when choosing bedding. Experts allow standard pillows for children aged two years and older. But you should stick to the sizes indicated for a certain age category.

Pillow from 7 years

At this age, you can buy a standard pillow. A standard list of criteria must be followed. The choice of filler should be based on the characteristics of the child’s body. Suggested parameters of an orthopedic pillow for children over 7 years old: 35x58x8.

Content:

1. Form
2. Kinds
3. Dimensions
4. Filler
5. Functions of an orthopedic pillow
6. Areas of use

Thanks to the cervical spine, blood flows to the brain and other organs. For the normal functioning of the body, it is necessary that this action be maintained during sleep. Therefore, consult a neurologist, orthopedist and specialists from the store to know how to choose an orthopedic pillow.

Form

The choice of anatomical pillow shapes is large. They can be square, rectangular, round, or butterfly-shaped. What are the most common orthopedic pillows:

• rectangular – classic model
  , suitable for almost all patients;

• the wave-like shape with rollers and a thin layer between them
  is universal, since on one side you can sleep on your back, and on the other on your side;

• pillow with additional shoulder recess
  ;

• semi-lunar shape
  is not universal; you can sleep on it only on your back.

The shape is selected depending on which part of the body a person sleeps on.

Kinds

Many patients are interested in how to choose an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis and other diseases. There are several types of products, depending on the area of ​​application:

• improving blood supply and breathing, getting rid of snoring during sleep;
• sleeping on your side or back;
• improving posture in the cervical region, getting rid of osteochondrosis.

When answering the question of how to choose an anatomical pillow for sleeping, doctors advise using the criterion for the area of ​​application of the human body:

• for head and neck;
• for the lower back, for example, when frequently using a computer or car, when you need to sit for a long time;
• to relieve swelling from the legs at the end of the working day or during pregnancy.

Depending on the density, the following types of products exist:

1. soft;
2. medium density;
3. hard.

On a soft pillow, the cervical-shoulder region will be positioned incorrectly. If it is hard, your neck and head may hurt after sleep. Therefore, doctors recommend using medium density when choosing an orthopedic pillow for sleeping.

Dimensions

When it comes to choosing an anatomical pillow, dimensions are important. Basically, the size is selected depending on the bed linen. But you can buy a pillow a little smaller than this parameter, then hem it. How to choose the size of an orthopedic pillow for an adult:

• size 40-80 cm in length;
• parameter 30-50 cm wide.

The question is important

, how to choose an orthopedic pillow for a child without harming him. If products are purchased for a child, the sizes differ. The maximum dimensions used are 50×40 cm.

The indicator was not chosen by chance; it must correspond to the parameters of the cervico-brachial region and head. Therefore, before purchasing a pillow, it is recommended to take measurements. The shoulder width indicators are used - the segment from the tubercle of the humerus to the beginning of the neck.

If a person is used to sleeping on his stomach, it is better to choose products with a lower height and rigidity. Then in the morning your head and neck-shoulder region will not hurt. The load on these areas will be distributed evenly across the pillow.

Filler

It is recommended to use synthetic filler; pathogenic microorganisms do not grow inside it. Infection, fungus, and house bugs cannot form. The following types of fillers are mainly used:

• latex;
• foam;
• artificial down.

The foam that remembers the location of the human body has the highest quality. Such a pillow does not push the head and neck away, but slowly lowers it into the correct position. The disadvantage is rapid heating, which negatively affects the human condition in the summer.

Functions of an orthopedic pillow

Few people want to sleep on an orthopedic pillow. But it has many positive functions, because of which doctors recommend it:

• correct positioning of the upper body on the bed, which reduces the load and the possibility of pain after sleep;
• maintaining normal blood flow, which reduces the risk of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) in the brain;
• lack of impact on the skin surface, and therefore wrinkles on the face form more slowly;
• normalization of sleep;
• stretching of the cervical vertebrae, resulting in an increase in the space between them;
• reducing the possibility of snoring;
• maintaining the natural curves of the spine;
• relaxation of muscle tissue.

The use of a pillow reduces the risk of many orthopedic diseases and their progression.

Areas of use

An orthopedic pillow is indicated for use in the following conditions and diseases;

• osteochondrosis;
• the movement of the vertebrae towards each other leads to pinching of blood vessels and nerves;
• pain in the cervico-brachial region;
• curvature of the spine in the cervicobrachial region;
• stagnation of blood in the cervical spine.

The product cannot cure the disease on its own. Complex therapy is carried out. The pillow is also indicated for the prevention of these diseases. Knowing how to choose the right orthopedic pillow, you can maintain the natural position of the cervical-shoulder region and eliminate the possibility of spinal curvature. Blood supply to the brain will gradually be restored.

Pillow requirements

Parents provide pillows for babies up to two or three years of age. But in this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor, in view of the correct choice of product depending on the particular body of the baby. When making an important choice, you should pay attention to:

1. Width. The width of the product must match the crib.
2. Height. The selection of height is directly proportional to the width of the child’s shoulders.
3. Surface. The product must be perfectly flat and even.
4. Rigidity. Medium firmness is ideal. The sleeping accessory should clearly restore its original shape within a few seconds after pressing.

It is worth paying attention to the presence of specialized belts to clearly secure the product in the crib. This will help keep the pillow in place when the baby sleeps restlessly. When choosing such an important attribute, you need to use your observations and give the lion’s share of attention to the filler.

How can you tell if the pillow is chosen incorrectly?

The main indicator that the pillow has been chosen correctly is that during the night there is no desire to change your usual position.

Sometimes, but it still happens that after the first night on an orthopedic pillow, the new owner completely refuses both the uncomfortable new product and further experiments. And completely in vain! It became uncomfortable to sleep only because the pillow was chosen incorrectly.

It’s especially offensive if lying on the pillow was comfortable in the store, but at home you clearly feel discomfort. The reason may be that the mattress is too soft. If this is the case, then you need to subtract a few centimeters from the calculated height of the orthopedic product. The general rule is: the more the mattress allows you to sink into itself, the lower the resting pillow should be.

The habit of placing your hand under your head or pillow is very harmful. It provokes compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery, which in turn leads to loss of sensitivity in the fingers, numbness and chronic pain in the hand. Exactly the same consequences await couples in love who are used to sleeping in an embrace. Because of them, compression neuropathy of the radial nerve is called “wedding night syndrome” among doctors.

Proper product care

Proper care will ensure long-lasting service and preservation of the original appearance of the sleep attribute. Manufacturers can guarantee a long service life if the following maintenance conditions are met:

1. Regular drying, airing and whipping. The best place will be open air and shade. This will prevent clumps from forming in the stuffing.
2. Keep it clean. A pillowcase chosen according to size will ensure that the baby sleeps on a clean pillow, and will make it easier for the mother to care for it.
3. Study the information provided on the packaging from the manufacturer. Following the cleaning and care recommendations, the pillow will last a long time and will not lose its quality.
4. When washing a product in a washing machine, you must select the temperature setting specified by the manufacturer. It is not recommended to wash the product in a drum with other things.

It is not recommended to use one anatomical pillow for children over one year of age. This is explained by the fact that as the child grows older, the structure of the child’s body changes. It is necessary to select the size of the attribute depending on the age of the child.

The best anatomical models

Of the most popular models, two brands known for their qualities stand out: Babymoov and Trives TOP-110.

• The Babymoov anatomical pillow is very practical and has many advantages. It securely fixes the baby's head in the required position, limiting his movement thanks to a reliable fixing element in the form of panties. The pillow is made from absolutely natural ingredients, so it is suitable for babies with allergies.
• Trives TOP-110 is notable for its high breathability and high resilience and elasticity. It can withstand many washes and will serve many children in the family for many years.

Types of fillers

Three main fillers for orthopedic pillows:

1. Polyurethane foam. Hypoallergenic material. Has a memory effect. When you lie down on such a pillow, you don’t need to bend or adjust anything to suit yourself - the pillow will take on all the curves of your body. When you get up from it, it will return to its original shape.

1. Latex. A natural material made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex pillows contain synthetic fibers that give them elasticity. Orthopedic latex pillows do not absorb moisture and sweat. Elastic, soft, hypoallergenic.
2. Buckwheat husk. Orthopedic pillows made from buckwheat husks are a completely natural material. Buckwheat husk does not have a memory effect, so this pillow needs to be adjusted to suit you. Also, sleeping on it is accompanied by a certain rustling noise, which can create discomfort. But buckwheat husk is an excellent massager and an effective remedy for headaches.

How to switch from a regular pillow to an orthopedic one

Switching from your usual pillow to an orthopedic one may be accompanied by discomfort. Sometimes people notice a peculiar smell from new polyurethane foam or latex pillows, but it disappears within two weeks. To get rid of the smell as soon as possible, wash the pillow cover immediately after purchase.

Also, during the adaptation period, some complain about the hardness of orthopedic pillows. With the correct selection, you can easily avoid this discomfort. First, choose the right size. Consider the position in which you fall asleep: on your side, back or stomach. During the transition period, it is better to buy a classic-shaped pillow made of polyurethane foam.