It’s easy to create the comfort of your own home or apartment with the help of original decorative elements. The interior looks different with the presence of small figures and homemade decorative pillows. Scattered on chairs, place on shelves, decorate walls. This creates a colorful, stylish room design.
Nowadays things in the handmade category - made with your own hands - are becoming more and more popular. One of the directions is the production of all kinds of pillows.
When starting to do handicrafts, decide on the filler. The choice of material affects the appearance of the product and human health. Having decided for yourself what to stuff the pillow with, start making a beautiful thing.
Children's orthopedic pillow: benefit or harm
The dream of parents is to see their child healthy, active and cheerful.
Caring for the proper development of their baby, they try to keep abreast of all the innovations and purchase any new product they like. The Internet provides an abundance of information and the opportunity to choose and buy almost everything.
But do such purchases always bring the desired benefits? Our goal is to figure out whether a children's orthopedic pillow is really useful for small children.
How to choose a children's orthopedic pillow
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose and leave what you need among this information flow, skipping tons of garbage.
Today, the Internet is increasingly dominated by advertising rather than expert opinions.
Manufacturers of a product, in order to attract buyers, tend to exaggerate its merits, and sometimes even give an assessment completely opposite to the reality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hUWdh002pI
Children's orthopedic pillows as a product have appeared quite recently. Now there are practically no products left that have not been duplicated in a children's version, and now they have reached babies.
As always, opinions on this matter are diametrically opposed.
Opinion of leading children's specialists
Pediatricians say:
This is explained by
- A small child has not yet formed the natural curves of the spine, in particular the cervical spine, and a hard cushion under the neck will be extremely uncomfortable for him, unlike an adult. It is more difficult for a child to lift and turn his head to the side on such a pillow, and since small children often spit up, this can end very badly
- Adventures with a soft pillow, lovingly placed by grandmothers, are no less dangerous: a baby turned over on its side can suffocate in it
This way the baby is more comfortable without any pillow under his head.
Guardians of children's pillows often argue that this product
- Promotes proper development of the cervical spine
- Prevents the development of osteochondrosis, scoliosis, spondyloarthrosis, etc.
- Provides good sleep and good mood for the child
Counterarguments:
Development in young children should occur naturally, without artificial acceleration. There is no need to rush “before daddy goes to hell,” as people say.
Trying to spread straw everywhere or create a “sarcophagus” around the child in order to protect him from germs, cold, heat, we only harm the person.
And then, coming out of the shell, he finds himself defenseless against trivial illnesses.
A child can have a good sleep if his position is comfortable, that is, without a rigid thing placed under his neck. And the baby’s mood is already excellent when nothing hurts.
However, this does not mean that among this sea of orthopedic products there is absolutely nothing to choose for the comfort of our little children.
Suitable types of children's orthopedic products
What you can choose from looks less like pillows and more like orthopedic devices.
The photo shows the first version of such a device: a triangular profile pillow with a lift
- It is placed not only under the head, but also under the child’s torso, giving it a slight tilt
- You can put it under the sheet
- On such an improved crib, it will be pleasant for the child to fall asleep after feeding, without the fear of choking when regurgitating
The next photo shows a “constructor” type option, consisting of rollers, which you can choose from:
- For a secure position of the child on his side, in which he cannot roll over onto his stomach
- To protect the baby from falling if he is not in his crib
Another type of product shown in the photo is in the form of a large “bagel”. This is a kind of children's chair:
- You can choose it for a six-month-old baby, whom you are slowly starting to teach to sit.
- You can put your baby in this chair when he is not sleeping
- It comfortably supports the entire torso
- It is convenient for the child to observe the world around him from it
Materials for children's products
For the manufacture of all children's products, natural cotton upholstery is used, and materials such as
- polyurethane foam
- expanded polystyrene
- holofiber, etc.
Hypoallergenic requirements for children's orthopedic devices should be much higher than for similar adult products.
The pillows placed under the baby's back have ventilation holes, which prevents prickly heat.
Conclusions:
Top 5. Light dreams Camille
Rating (2021): 4.55
The “Light Dreams” brand pillow is suitable for teenagers who like to sleep with special comfort. A light, soft, fluffy pillow will give you the feeling of relaxing on a “cloud”. Natural goose and duck down without feathers was used as filler. It undergoes thorough processing and ozonation, so it is safe and does not cake for a long time. Despite the softness, the neck does not get tired on the pillow, and there are no problems with the spine. So, despite the fairly high price, this is a great option.
Characteristics:
4225 rub. / Russia / Filling: 95% goose, 5% duck down
Filling options
Another important characteristic of any pillow is the material. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are suitable for the cover. But the filler can be natural or synthetic. Moreover, it is impossible to say which pillow is better. Sometimes you have to try several options to choose the best one.
Natural materials include the following.
- Feather and down. Pillows have been made from them for a long time. However, the filler option familiar to many cannot be considered ideal. Such products are too soft, which is not good for the spine. In addition, a child with allergies may experience a reaction in the form of a rash, runny nose, or other symptoms.
- Sheep's wool. As with feathers and down, wool can also cause allergies. Another drawback is that this material is prone to clumping. Therefore, it is often combined with synthetic fillers; such a product will retain its shape for a long time. The advantage of sheep wool is that it is comfortable in any weather. In the summer, it is cool to sleep on such a pillow; in winter, on the contrary, it is warm.
- Bamboo. Products made from this product are very comfortable and will last quite a long time. The likelihood of an allergy to this material is minimal.
- Buckwheat husk. Most often used to fill orthopedic pillows. The material provides a soft head massage. It also has a minus - it rustles. For a baby who is unaccustomed to such sounds, rustling sounds can distract them from sleep.
Synthetic materials deserve no less attention than natural ones. Their main advantage is that they do not cause allergies. They are also durable.
What types of synthetic fillers are there?
- Sintepon. Such products are not very durable, but they are quite cheap.
- Holofiber. Despite poor breathability, this material is popular. It is elastic, a product with such a filler will last a long time.
- Comforel. An excellent replacement for bird down that does not cause allergies. This pillow for a 2 year old child is very soft.
- Latex. One of the best options for children's pillows. It is often recommended by doctors. Latex ensures correct sleeping position.
- Polyester. Has good breathability, lightweight and comfortable.
- Viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Suitable for making orthopedic products, it retains the shape of the head well. Tough enough.
Parents decide which pillow is best, taking into account the needs of their baby. The choice of product must be approached responsibly, because it is better to engage in prevention than treatment in the future. Sound sleep is the key to a baby's health, so parents should ensure proper rest.
Material for the napkin
Preference should be given to natural materials.
The fabric for the pillow cover must be dense to securely hold the filling inside the product, as well as safe and comfortable. The most popular material is teak. This fabric is made from cotton and linen.
- Cotton is a fiber of natural plant origin. Hygroscopic, lightweight, environmentally friendly material. Cotton is pleasant to the touch, practical and easy to care for.
- Linen is the plant fiber of the plant of the same name. The material is lightweight, wear-resistant, hygienic and safe for human health.
Popular types of weave threads for making teak:
- plain - perpendicular weaving “thread through thread”, dense and durable, very reliable;
- twill - diagonal weaving, the connecting threads form relief scars, the fabric is dense and “tenacious” to the touch.
Traditionally, teak is produced with a striped variegated pattern. The pattern is formed by interweaving pre-dyed threads. Color printing on top of a finished plain canvas is also allowed.
Teak is also used to create home textiles (curtains, furniture covers) and for sewing mattresses.
Artificial fillers
Such products have many advantages:
- There are no dust mites.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Holofiber has good elasticity.
- A light weight.
- Machine washable.
- Low cost.
The disadvantages of the product include:
- The ability to become electrified.
- Fall off quickly.
- Excessive softness.
- In hot weather it heats up and does not absorb moisture well.
Artificial fillers include:
- Holofiber.
- Sintepon.
These fillings are often used to make pillows for children under 4, 5 or 6 years of age. Artificial fillers do not cause allergies, dry quickly and are easily washed.
Their main drawback is poor breathability, which is why a pillow made of synthetic material quickly heats up and the child’s head can sweat.
Synthetic filler loses volume very quickly, this problem especially concerns synthetic padding.
Based on the rigidity criterion of the artificial filler, it is better to choose holofiber. The rigidity of the product depends on the amount of padding; the more there is, the stiffer the pillow.
Latex
The product has the necessary rigidity, naturalness, and durability. Dust mites will not grow in this filler; moreover, the product does not require special care and does not cause allergies. The pillow has excellent rigidity, good firmness and elasticity. But such a thing is expensive.
Natural latex is a popular filler for baby pillows. In addition, the material has orthopedic properties, suitable elasticity and high resilience.
This material rarely causes allergies; thanks to its special porous structure, it allows air to pass through well and is excellent as a filler for baby pillows for a two-year-old child.
Memoryform
Product advantages:
- Durability.
- There are no dust mites.
- No special care required.
- Very rarely causes an allergic reaction.
- Adapts to the contour of the head and neck.
- Excellent elasticity.
- Medium hardness.
Minuses:
- It gets hot in hot weather.
- Does not absorb moisture well.
- At the beginning of use, a specific odor may be observed.
- Sometimes this filler contains harmful components.
- High price.
Memory foam is an innovative material. The filler is quite hard, does not accumulate moisture, does not require special care and is durable. Under the influence of the heat that comes from the baby, the memory form remembers the contours of the body, supporting the baby throughout the night in a comfortable and natural position.
The main disadvantage of the filler is its ability to retain heat. In some cases, sleeping on such a product is simply uncomfortable. Another disadvantage is the inability to find out the composition, because the manufacturers do not disclose it. If you decide to purchase such a product, then you need to check all the quality certificates with the seller; this is necessary to know for sure that the pillow does not contain elements harmful to the child. In addition, a pillow made of this material may smell unpleasant for a long time after purchase.
Products that are not suitable in size, shape and type of filling can cause many diseases associated with the spine. To restore such diseases, long-term treatment will be required in the form of gymnastics, massage or wearing a special orthopedic collar. This is why you need to choose the right pillow so that your child can sleep comfortably and avoid any unpleasant illnesses.
Rules of care
Orthopedic pillows require careful handling. It is not recommended to wash them, since the foam material easily absorbs water, but releases it very poorly. Therefore, it will be possible to wet the pillow, but drying it is a big question. The same is true for products made from buckwheat husks. But gel pillows and models with memory effect completely lose their structure when wet. Once they get wet, all you have to do is throw them away.
Absolutely forbidden:
- knock out a pillow;
- squeeze it out if it gets wet;
- beat;
- shake out;
- deform in any other way.
The best thing you can do at home is to ventilate your pillow in the fresh air once a week. In this case, you should avoid exposing the product to direct sunlight. Gentle cleaning with a steam generator is also possible.
Given the complexity of care, in most cases, orthopedic pillows are equipped with two pillowcases. Their task is to protect the filler from getting wet and dirty. These are the covers that should be washed more often. To make your life easier, it is better to immediately, when purchasing a pillow, take care of a spare set of pillowcases.
Please note: instructions are always included with the orthopedic pillow. It describes in more detail the rules of care, which, depending on the type of filler and upholstery, can vary dramatically.
Tips for choosing
Thus, if the baby is healthy and is not indicated for an orthopedic product, you should worry about choosing a pillow only when the baby turns 2 years old. Evgeny Komarovsky points out that an incorrectly selected product increases the likelihood of pathological tension in the muscular frame of the neck, which can not only cause restless sleep, but also cause headaches and curvature of the spine.
Despite the abundance of types of products and the wild imagination of those who produce them (ball pillows, toy-shaped products), the best choice would be an ordinary rectangular pillow. It will fit perfectly into the crib if the baby sleeps in it; it is comfortable, even if the child fidgets a lot in his sleep.
The optimal length is considered to be in the range from 30 to 45 centimeters, width - from 40 to 65 centimeters. These parameters do not play a big role. What is more important is the height of the pillow. Ideally, it should be equal to the distance from the child’s ear to the shoulder or from the base of the neck to the shoulder with an addition of 1 centimeter.
Pay attention to pillows with a slope - their height gradually decreases at an angle of about 25 degrees. This product is not only located under the baby’s head, but also goes under his back, which ensures more harmonious development of the neck muscles and vertebrae
There are also porous pads on sale - they can allow air to pass through, even if the child buries his nose into it in his sleep.
It is better to choose orthopedic pillows according to a specific doctor’s recommendation. They are always somewhat shorter than usual. There are small bolsters on the sides that fix the position of the head, as well as indentations that support the neck.
Pillows filled with camel or sheep wool are better from the point of view of hygiene and hypoallergenicity, but they are short-lived and quickly lose their shape and height. Therefore, they also cannot be considered the optimal choice for a child. Holofiber almost does not allow air to pass through and is definitely not suitable for sleeping in the summer. While sleeping on such a pillow, the child is at risk of diaper rash in the neck, head, and ears. Synthetic winterizer has the same characteristics.
When choosing a children's pillow, you should give preference to such fillers as artificial down and special memory foam (“memoriform”), cotton. Pillows filled with buckwheat husks also receive fairly positive reviews from experts and parents. These have one drawback - when the head moves during sleep, the pillow rustles.
The pillowcase should be made exclusively from natural fabric. This will help protect your baby from contact allergies.
Rating of the best
When choosing a pillow for your baby, pay attention to well-known manufacturers with a good reputation. Prices are significantly higher, but quality is guaranteed.
The table below shows the TOP best pillows for a child over 1.5 years old.
Name | Description | price, rub. |
TRELAX Sweet under the head for a child up to 1.5 years old | Model with anatomical shape with a recess in the center, breathable. Material: highly elastic polyurethane foam with perforation, saturated with silver ions. Cotton cover and pillowcase | 990 – 1400 |
Italian company Chicco. Anti-suffocation pillow | Porous polyurethane foam. It is breathable and has a cotton cover. Age from 3 months | 1 000 |
Theraline Baby Pillow (Germany) | Good air circulation, has a recess in the center of the pillow in the shape of a head. | 1 650 |
Read the link for some musical toys that sing songs that won’t harm your child’s hearing.
A good way to save space in a children's room or unsafe furniture? – How to choose a 2-tier metal bed.
But even with manufacturers with such a reputation, do not be lazy to check the quality of the seams, the material, and the absence of an unpleasant odor. Then the baby will sleep sweet and healthy, and as you know, healthy sleep means a healthy child.
Pillows for children from 1 year to 2 years
As a rule, after a year, the child begins to put pens, toys, and the edge of a blanket under his head. These are the first signals that there is a need for a headrest. When your child reaches 2 years old, you can put your first real pillow in your bed. If the baby's spine needed a flat surface, then the cervical region of a one-year-old toddler already requires a slight elevation. According to Dr. Komarovsky, when choosing the size of the first pillow, you need to focus on the width of the crib (about 70 cm), and the height should be measured against the length of the child’s shoulder (no more than 10 cm).
Children from 2 years old are great dreamers; they want to turn their place to sleep into a ship, car, train, or zoo. But you shouldn’t get carried away with pillows in the shape of stars, animals, flowers and hearts. Rectangular and flat, baby sleep pillows from 1 year are designed specifically for cribs; their edges are protected and will not cause any discomfort to the baby.
Don’t get carried away with a variety of pillows of complex shapes
As for the choice of materials, they must be hypoallergenic. Avoid goose or swan down, sheep's wool, aromatic fillers, or anything exotic. They can cause allergies and also serve as a dangerous breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. The child's body will accept materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, latex, and holofiber much better. Synthetic fillers also have a right to exist, since they do not cause allergies, although they are inferior to natural ones in their properties. Remember that the pillow will need to be aired and washed periodically: try to choose a product that meets this requirement.
Choose a discreet and laconic or plain background for the pillowcase. Let the drawing be unobtrusive or absent altogether. Do not sew buttons, ribbons, bows, or laces to the pillow. Create a nurturing environment outside of your sleeping area. The pillow should not interest the child so much that he stops wanting to sleep. The main task of pillows for children of this age is to become an attribute of a pleasant and healthy fall asleep. In addition, small decorative elements (rhinestones, beads, seed beads, sequins) still remain dangerous for a child: he is unlikely to put them in his mouth, but will certainly try to put them in his nose or ear.
After one and a half years, a child, if necessary, can sleep peacefully on an orthopedic pillow consisting of bolsters. Until this age, it remained inconvenient for the baby, but now, as he grows up, it has become acceptable.
Price
How much does a good baby pillow cost?
A good baby pillow doesn't have to be expensive. For small children, the simplest models filled with bamboo, holofiber or other inexpensive fillers are usually sufficient. The price of such products starts from 300 rubles. Looking towards expensive pillows is not always advisable, especially considering that a child buys a product for just a couple of years, after which he simply grows out of it.
High-quality orthopedic models are more expensive, starting from 2000 rubles. The upper limit is about 6000-7000 rubles. But this is an option for older children. And here, too, there is no point in choosing expensive models; the main thing is to adhere to the ratio of optimal height, size and rigidity.
According to the age
Orthopedic products are used for scoliosis, headaches, poor sleep, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Children's doctors advise purchasing pillows after one and a half years. If the baby has indications for curvature of the neck or spine, or when the baby was born premature, it is recommended to purchase an orthopedic pillow for a one-month-old baby.
It is not recommended to buy soft pillows for small children; the baby may roll over and suffocate in his sleep. Therefore, it is better for the baby to sleep without this bedding. Children should develop naturally, without attempts to speed it up. The child will have a good and sound sleep if he is comfortable and comfortable in his bed. He will wake up cheerful and cheerful. Some doctors recommend using orthopedic pillows for prevention. They can protect the child from throwing back the head, shuffling and brittle hair on the back of the head, evenly distribute the load on the head and spine, and accordingly, blood circulation in the vessels of the neck is normalized.
If parents want to buy a pillow for a child over 1 year old, then they need to make the right choice. You should carefully choose the size, shape, material and filling for your baby. The height of the product should not exceed 5 centimeters.
The product must cover the entire crib and have sides so that the child cannot roll over during sleep and hit the side of the crib.
A child over 2 years old can place a normal pillow 10 centimeters high under his head. The baby will sleep comfortably on it. You should not buy orthopedic pillows with side bolsters, because children can slide off them.
For children two years old - the height of the product can be more than three centimeters. For the age group of 3-4 years, a higher pillow is selected. For a child over 5 years old, you can buy a pillow of normal shape, but not too voluminous. For children aged 6-7 years and older, the product is selected with a large roller up to 8 centimeters.
Manufacturers produce a large number of models that are suitable for all ages, and the choice is up to the parents.
Aromatization
Pleasant aromas have a beneficial effect on the psyche and overall mood. Modern parents widely practice aromatizing children's rooms using aromatic oils and dry natural mixtures, which can be stored in vases and baskets as decoration.
Fragrant materials can be added to the pillow in small quantities. It’s good if you can open it to control the level of aroma yourself. Usually, a small bunch of natural herbs in a textile bag or a handful of salt with one drop of essential oil is enough.
Some of the fragrances that are safe for children include:
- bergamot – protects against insects (mosquitoes, for example), soothes;
- lavender – calms, helps reduce stress, is a good preventive measure against the flu;
- rose – pacifies anxiety, protects against colds;
- chamomile – calms, helps fight anxiety, prevents bad dreams, relieves anxiety;
- sandalwood – strengthens the immune system, relieves tension;
- fennel – relieves cold symptoms, helps to achieve a peaceful state;
- hops – gives a restful sleep.
If parents decide to use an aromatic pillow, it is necessary to carefully monitor the child’s condition. The slightest negative signs (anxiety, aversion to aroma) serve as a signal to immediately neutralize the odor. Under no circumstances should the aroma of a pillow be constantly felt by the child and be intrusive.
How can you replace a pillow for a child?
Secondly, you can use a large towel. They roll it up, lift the mattress, and place this roll of a towel in the place where the baby’s head is located on the crib. Many mothers appreciate this method, noting its convenience. The cushion under the mattress does not roll down, and the angle of the mattress can be adjusted to any angle. But pediatricians recommend not to exceed it by more than 30 degrees. Today, some manufacturers produce cribs on which you can set this angle of inclination without resorting to additional bolsters.
But, if for some reason a pillow should still be present in the crib, then one should proceed from the age of the baby, and not because of the mother’s liking for this or that product. So, a flat pillow for newborns will be an excellent way out of this situation. When purchasing it, you just need to remember its height. As a rule, the height of the pillow is equal to the baby’s shoulders, which is 1-2 cm. Don’t forget about its hypoallergenicity.
Regardless of whether a special flat pillow for newborns is purchased, or parents can do without it, the mattress should still have an inclination angle. There are the following explanations for this:
- To improve blood circulation in the head.
- This is especially true for babies who often burp a lot not only after feeding.
- Stuffy nose. A small angle of inclination of the mattress will promote freer breathing.
When the baby's age approaches one year, parents can already think about buying a special pillow for him. But this situation is purely individual. And pediatricians advise that if the baby is comfortable sleeping without a pillow, then there is no need to purchase one yet. And if the baby tries to put toys, a blanket, or his hands under his head, then it’s time to choose this sleeping accessory.
But unfortunately, there are cases when a baby is born with pathologies or acquires certain diseases in which sleeping without a pillow is simply unthinkable. Then parents should ignore the advice of doctors that there is no need for a pillow until children are 1-3 years old.
- The baby suffers from congenital torticollis. This pathology should not be underestimated, but it is worth taking on its elimination from the very first days. In this case, placing the child on the pillow is simply necessary. After all, its head should be located only in the correct position, the outcome of the treatment depends on this. To remove torticollis, doctors recommend buying an orthopedic pillow for a child.
- The infant has an abnormal structure of the skull bones. This applies to those babies who choose the same position to sleep. And the baby’s bones in this period are very soft and easily deformed. In this case, you need a pillow with a depression to fix the baby's head in the desired position.
But some mothers who have encountered this problem report that they can do without a special pillow. If the baby likes to sleep with his head only on the right side, thereby causing deformation of the skull bones on the right side, then you should roll up a roll from the diaper, place it along the baby, as if tucking him in, and forcefully turn the head to the left. No matter how the baby tries to turn his head back, the roller will not allow him to do this. But you should know when to stop and still allow your baby to sleep on the side he likes from time to time, otherwise deformations of the skull bones may affect the other side.
- The baby was diagnosed with hypotonicity or hypertonicity. Then an orthopedic pillow for a baby will be an additional way to combat illnesses.
- If a child often burps, then his head must be on his side when lying down. In this case, it is practically impossible to do without a pillow.
The decision about whether your baby will sleep on a pillow or not should be made consciously, based on the personality and health of the baby. In addition, it is worth soberly assessing whether you can purchase a quality product. After all, not all manufacturers are equally conscientious. You may stumble upon a terrible pillow filling that will quickly develop an allergy in your baby. There is no need to chase cheapness, because the health of your baby depends on this product. If high-quality pillows are not available in your city or town, then let your baby sleep on a swaddle or raise the mattress at an angle with a towel.
How to properly place a baby on a pillow?
In the first days after birth, it is difficult for parents and the baby. They have to learn to live a new life. Parents think they know how comfortable it is for a baby to sleep in a crib. It is necessary to carefully monitor the child’s reaction, because in this way he is trying to express his opinion and show how comfortable he really is.
Adults find it comfortable to sleep on a pillow, so they think that a child cannot live without it. But this is not at all true; a baby can sleep peacefully without it. At this age, a pillow can only do harm. After purchasing an orthopedic pillow, adults do not know how to use it so as not to harm the baby’s still unformed spine.
The designers developed the product so that the baby's head fits comfortably in it. The asymmetrical design of the pillow helps parents put their child to rest correctly. The pillow has a large bolster on one side, which is designed for side sleepers. On the other side there is a small cushion to place under the child’s head.
In the middle there is a recess for the head. This pillow is ideal for little ones. If you follow the rules and lay your child down normally, he will be comfortable and the neck position will remain level.
Improper use of an orthopedic pillow can harm a child:
- Babies do not know how to roll over on their own, and if they sleep on their stomachs, they can suffocate. You should not cover your child with pillows; there should be plenty of free space.
- Using a pillow at an early age leads to curvature of the spine.
- An orthopedic pillow with an inclination of about 30 degrees is suitable for small children. The baby's head is located slightly higher than the body, which will ensure smooth breathing and help reduce regurgitation after eating. The product is placed not only under the head, but also under the baby’s body.
All orthopedic pillows should be used only as prescribed by a pediatrician. According to the recommendation, pillows should only be used from two years of age. The product must be flat and wide.
How to choose the right pillow for a child - see the following video.
Top 4. Ascona Temp Control
Rating (2021): 4.58
A high-quality Ascona brand pillow is perfect for teenagers and large children with a shoulder length of 11-12 cm. Its most important advantage is that the period of getting used to it is minimal. It is made of a standard rectangular shape, not too rigid, and due to the memory foam filler it perfectly adapts to the shape of the body and ensures the correct position of the spine. The filler contains a special gel. It keeps you cool, so your sleep on the pillow will be comfortable and restful even in hot weather.
Characteristics:
3380 rub. / Russia / Filling: Cool Feel memory foam
Correct position of the baby in your arms
Did you know that a child must be carried correctly in his arms from birth? It seems that it's as easy as shelling pears. It turns out not. The development of the infant's musculoskeletal system depends on the correct position of the baby in the arms.
- Classic. The child's head is placed on the elbow bend, while your forearm supports his back, and your palm supports his buttocks. You can support your baby's legs with your free hand.
- Column position. Hold your baby upright so that he lies on your chest and rests his cheek on your shoulder. At the same time, hold him by the back of his head and back with one hand, and by his buttocks with the other.
By following these simple recommendations, you will ensure your baby's proper development of the spine.
How to choose a pillow for a one-year-old baby and an older child
Thus, for a healthy baby, a pillow is not needed at all. If you still think that the child’s head should be higher than the position of the legs, to reassure you, place a diaper folded several times under the head. It is advisable that it be the width of the crib to prevent it from moving while the baby sleeps.
Pediatricians recommend starting to use a pillow for children aged approximately 1.5 to 2 years. But here you need to approach the choice very seriously. Currently, manufacturers offer a lot of pillow options for children of different ages. There are several criteria by which you should choose this type of bedding.
Shape and size: why it's important for sleep
The most desirable shape for children is a rectangle. Unlike the square one, it allows you to support the neck and head and the baby does not lie down on the pillow with his whole body. For babies who are already 1 year old, you can put a thin, almost flat pillow about three centimeters high in the crib. After the baby reaches the age of two, the thickness of the pillow can be increased to 4 cm, at three years - up to 6 cm. Children from 7 years old need a more voluminous pillow, although each child gets used to a certain type and size and can already choose what is more comfortable for him. . Some children, even at school age, like to sleep without a pillow.
The size of a thin rectangular pad is usually 40x60 cm or 40x50 cm. Some models (anatomical) can also be found in non-standard sizes - 20–40 cm wide, 40–60 cm long. In general, the size is not of fundamental importance, the main thing is that you We were able to easily find pillowcases (although non-standard models come with pillowcases included, or you can sew a suitable set yourself). It is better to choose an option that fits the width of the crib so that the pillow does not roll up or move around.
The shape of a classic pillow for a child is rectangular, measuring 40 by 60 cm.
What kind of filler is needed?
This is no less important factor when choosing than its shape. Manufacturers offer both natural and synthetic materials as fillers. At first glance, natural is always good, but some materials can cause allergies in the baby, so in these cases it is more advisable to choose an artificial filler, it is easier to care for, for example, you can easily wash such a product, unlike a down pillow. However, from the use of synthetic contents, babies sometimes have problems with skin ventilation and may develop heat rash, especially during the hot season. Therefore, you should choose a filler while watching your baby. You may have to change more than one option before you find the optimal one.
Advantages and disadvantages of common fillings for children's pillows - table
This is not the entire list of modern materials used as filling for children's pillows. When choosing, be guided by the purpose of the pillow and the characteristics of your baby. If necessary, consult with specialists.
Hardness degree
How to determine the optimal firmness of a pillow?
When choosing the firmness of a pillow for children, it is important to find a middle ground. It is uncomfortable for a child to sleep on a product that is too thick - instead of resting, he will toss and turn all night. Excessively hard products with a low baby weight can also lead to compression of muscles and blood vessels, which will negatively affect health. Therefore, it is better to immediately abandon hard pillows.
Soft pillows are pleasant to sleep on, but they do not provide adequate support for the spine. As a result, the neck muscles will become tense, which can also lead to incorrect posture. Therefore, unless otherwise recommended by an orthopedist, it is better to choose medium firmness - it will give you a restful sleep and support the cervical spine.
Points that you should definitely pay attention to when choosing pillows
When buying an orthopedic pillow from a year old, you should look at the following nuances:
- The quality of the stitched seams. Machine stitching should preferably be frequent to avoid tearing the fabric, as a result of which the filling may come out. The seams are strong.
- The presence of a zipper on the side of the pillow. Thanks to it, you will be able to care for and monitor the condition of the filler. If necessary, you can wash the cover or pick up excess filler.
- The quality of the fabric used to sew the cover. It should be tight, preventing it from breaking through so that the contents cannot come out.
- Indications for the period of safe use.
So let's summarize. It is not recommended to use any pillow for children under one year of age. But from ONE YEAR OLD you should use orthopedic pillows, adhering to the criteria and features described above. Only the right pillow will promote healthy sleep by supporting the child's spine and neck in the right way. Healthy and restful sleep to your children!
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Top 2. ECOTEX Cotton Royal
Rating (2021): 4.70
A soft but elastic pillow filled with polyester will not cause allergies, will support the cervical spine, and will give you a comfortable sleep. This is an adult model, but due to its small height of about 8 cm, it can also be used by children. Additionally, its price is pleasing – about 1,500 rubles. The pillow is made of high quality, does not lose its shape for a long time, and can withstand machine washing. It will definitely last for several years. It is filled tightly with filler; at first it may seem too high. But it has a small drawback, characteristic of most synthetic materials - it does not breathe well.
Characteristics:
1500 rub. / Russia / Filling: polyester