Anatomical pillow for a newborn: why is it needed?

Parents begin to collect a dowry for their baby long before his birth, trying to provide him with everything he needs. Particular attention is paid to the child’s sleeping place. Every mother tries to buy the highest quality and most comfortable things for her baby. Inevitably, future parents will be faced with the question: do they need a pillow in the crib and what kind of pillow should it be?

Not long ago, pediatricians were against pillows for newborns, at least for the first 5-6 months. Now the market is replete with various models of orthopedic products, including those designed for infants from 0 months. Let's try to figure out in what cases a baby needs a product, what it should be like, and how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow correctly.

Which model to choose

to place a regular pillow under the baby's head. It has an extremely negative effect on the baby’s spine and neck. In addition, there are a number of other reasons why this should not be done:

• The baby may roll over in his sleep and bury his nose in the pillow, which can lead to suffocation.
• Incorrect head position can cause scoliosis.
• The filler may cause allergies in the child.

An orthopedic pillow for infants can adapt to the anatomical features of the baby and have a positive effect on health:

• Normalizes muscle tone.
• Holds the cervical region.
• Develops the correct shape of the skull.
• When using a pillow, there is no need to wear caps.
• Maintains optimal temperature for baby.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Long service life.

But even considering all the advantages of these products, you should consult your pediatrician before purchasing. He will help you make the right choice.

Answers to questions about orthopedic pillows

There are so many different opinions about orthopedic pillows. Some people think that they help get rid of insomnia, others say that an orthopedic pillow is a useless thing. To dispel myths and speculation, we turned to an expert and asked important questions that concern our clients.

Elena has been selecting assortment for our home textile store for many years. She communicates with many Russian and foreign brands and knows exactly everything about the features of orthopedic or, as they are also called, “special” pillows.

- Good day, Elena! Recently, people are more often choosing orthopedic ones. What is the reason for this? After all, everyone used to sleep on feather beds and everyone was happy with everything.

As a rule, “special pillows” for sleeping are often chosen because of insomnia caused by constant stress. Statistics show that every fifth person on the planet, including children, suffers from this disease. Therefore, recently, young parents have been ordering orthopedic pillows not only for themselves, but also for their babies.

The second reason is problems with the spine. 80% of the world's inhabitants suffer from osteochondrosis, and most of them find out about it when severe pain begins. Therefore, orthopedic doctors recommend orthopedic pillows not only during treatment, but also for prevention.

Another reason is your sleeping position. Those who sleep on their stomachs have sleep problems much more often, since in this position the spine and neck bear the maximum load. When someone I know complains that he doesn’t feel well in the morning - his neck hurts, his head hurts - I usually ask in what position he woke up today. And usually everyone answers “on their stomachs”!

To get a good night's sleep, it is best to sleep on your back. It is in this position that the spine is in the most neutral position, which helps the body effectively restore strength. Therefore, try to at least fall asleep on your back. Of course, you can’t tie yourself to the bed so as not to toss and turn; anyway, at first you will automatically roll over in your sleep into your favorite position, but over time it’s possible to train yourself!

-Are there any rules when choosing an orthopedic pillow?

When choosing such an important item for sleep, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Size. This parameter is important when choosing pillowcases
• Form. Can be a regular flat rectangular or roller/semi-roller

A therapeutic orthopedic pillow must have a bolster in its design. It is he who fills the cervical curve and maintains an even position of the spine during sleep. Pillows with one bolster are more versatile: for different family members, for different body positions during sleep: on the back, on the side, on the stomach.

• Height and rigidity. If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, choose a higher and softer pillow, and if you prefer to sleep on your back, choose a low and hard pillow. Also, the height of the pillow should be proportional to your shoulder width.

A good orthopedic pillow should “spring”, that is, push your hands out after applying pressure to it. It is very important that after sleeping on the pillow its shape is not lost, otherwise it will not work.

The cost of an orthopedic pillow depends on its size and type of filling. The following materials can be used as filler, each of which has unique properties:

• polyurethane foam - wear resistance, hygroscopicity, hygiene;
• latex - flexibility, softness;
• mini springs - hypoallergenic, ergonomic;
• gel - cooling effect;
• material with shape memory effect.

High-quality orthopedic pillows are odorless. Otherwise, at best, we will wake up with a headache, and at worst, we will suffer from allergies. The packaging or instructions must indicate that the pillow has a RU: registration certificate.

I do not recommend buying pillows made in China. Any kind, but not orthopedic. Many luxury brands now have factories in China and this does not affect the quality in any way, since the equipment is European. However, there are no certified companies producing orthopedic pillows among them. Our store cooperates with suppliers from Russia.

— Why can an orthopedic pillow be uncomfortable during use?

Yes, it is true that some people experience discomfort while sleeping on an orthopedic pillow. There are 5 reasons why a pillow can cause discomfort.

1. You need to sleep with your neck completely resting on the pillow. The roller should completely fill the curve of the neck. Sometimes people sleep on the edge of the pillow, just touching it, or place it at an angle. It turns out that the cervical spine does not have support and this causes discomfort.
2. The neck muscles get used to the new position. And this is absolutely normal, because before this a person slept on a regular pillow all his life. Adaptation may take up to two weeks. If at the end of this period you still find it uncomfortable to sleep, then the matter is different.
3. Wrong size. The roller can be large or, on the contrary, small for your neck. In order to correctly determine its height, you need to measure the length of the shoulder girdle with a centimeter: from the base of the neck to the edge of the shoulder. This is the height of the pillow you need. Ideally it should match. In addition, you need to focus on the position in which you like to sleep and, depending on this, select a pillow.
4. Perhaps the pillow is too hard, but you need it softer
5. You bought an uncertified fake

— Is there a difference between a memory foam pillow and a regular orthopedic pillow? And what?

Many people have questions about memory foam pillows. There was a case when a buyer even asked: “Do they improve memory?” Honestly, this made me laugh, but then I thought: “But, indeed, orthopedic pillows improve memory, as they normalize blood circulation, and the brain works better because of this!”

Classic orthopedic pillows have a distinct shape with bolsters. They are more rigid and therapeutic because they provide more pronounced support. Therefore, if there are problems with the cervical spine, these pillows are indicated.

Memory foam pillows are made of softer polyurethane foam, and after pressing on it for a while, it leaves a hand mark that disappears within a few seconds. The pillow follows the shape of the head and neck, one might say, “remembers” it, and sleeping on it is very comfortable from the first days of use. At the same time, sometimes you need to get used to the “therapeutic” pillow. I can say about myself: I didn’t need to get used to the memory foam pillow. I've been using it for three years now and I'm happy with everything!

— And the last question: what price should an orthopedic pillow have?

There is no clear answer to this question. But, in any case, it should cost more than a regular pillow. Many people wonder why the price of a “piece of PUF” is more expensive than a pillow made of natural sheep wool, for example. Yes, because this “piece” passed all sorts of tests, was manufactured using special equipment, received medical certification, and, if produced abroad, additional costs were spent on its transportation and customs.

The price is also affected by all sorts of additional gadgets: cooling effect, fragrances, pillowcase material, gel inserts... The more of them, the higher the price, naturally. But you don’t have to choose a pillow “pumped up” with all these properties.

I don’t recommend buying cheap pillows, but for a reasonable price you can find quite high-quality products. Just pay attention to the points I mentioned and relate them to reality. Many stores overprice, relying on well-known brands. In my opinion, we have the best price-quality ratio on the Belarusian market!

How to choose the right one

For the manufacture of products, there are certain standards that correspond to the quality of the product. The main factors when choosing should be:

• hypoallergenic;
• safety;
• thermal insulation;
• quality;
• wear resistance.

Do not neglect any of the listed characteristics.

It should be remembered that a nursing pillow and an orthopedic pillow are completely different things that have different purposes.

When choosing the right model, pay attention to how many centimeters the height of the roller reaches. It should be equal to your baby's shoulder.

Choosing the right orthopedic pillow - what to remember?

If you have placed the pillow correctly and waited a dozen or so days, and the pain in your neck and spine still does not go away, the problem may be somewhere else. In this situation, its sources should be considered in the incorrect selection of orthopedic pillows. How to choose the right medical headrest?

Buying orthopedic pillows is not so simple. Unlike standard analogues, they are not universal. This means that not every type will work for everyone. On the contrary, an orthopedic pillow must be closely adapted to the user’s anatomy. The most important selection criterion is its height.

It is suggested that people with a small build should choose a low pillow, about 10-12 cm high. For people with greater height and weight, in turn, a model of 12-14 cm is better suited.

Types of pillows

Today there are a large number of different models of anatomical pillows on the market. They differ in color, size, thickness. Each has its own effect on the child’s body. Let's look at some of them.

1. "Butterfly". It is recommended for torticollis . It supports the muscles of the cervical spine well and regulates the temperature that is comfortable for the baby. It is distinguished by a small recess in the headrest, which ensures the desired position of the head and correctly forms the cervical spine and skull. They can be used from the 28th day of birth for two years. When choosing, give preference to a latex product - it is a hypoallergenic material.
2. "Positioner". The model is made in the form of two rollers, which are connected to each other by tape. Suitable for children of any age. Velcro allows you to adjust the distance between the rollers . The model was developed for premature and weakened infants who are at risk of developing pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Maintains correct body position, reducing the load on the spine and preventing its deformation. If you choose the right size, you will not limit the movement of your child’s arms and legs.
3. Inclined. It looks like a regular pillow, but has a fixed tilt of 30 degrees. Suitable for healthy children. Well fixes the baby's body in an elevated position. Make sure the material is non-slip . Use is permitted from the first days of the baby's life.
4. Antichoking. Even the name itself can evoke unpleasant thoughts in any person. This pillow is made to ensure a constant flow of air to the child. It is covered with a cotton cover and is comfortable for sleeping.
5. For swimming. Made of waterproof material. It has the shape of a donut with a hole in the middle of the product. It is used to secure the child's head when bathing.
6. In the stroller. Protects the baby's head from shocks while the stroller is moving. Fixes the position of the head and upper body in a slightly elevated position. Elastic, hard and low.

How to properly place a child on an orthopedic butterfly pillow?

In the first three months of a child’s life, the bones of the head are still very soft and flexible, so during this period they are especially susceptible to deformation. According to doctors, deformed bones of the skull usually contribute to a shift in the level of the eyes, cheekbones and ears, and sometimes to an uneven position of the jaws. For this reason, it is extremely important to be able to correctly place the child on the orthopedic pillow in the correct position.

An orthopedic butterfly pillow usually has a soft structure that is pleasant to the touch. This is due to the characteristics of the internal fillers of specialized orthopedic products, which reduce the pressure of the head on the surface of the crib. Often the reason for the deformation of a child’s skull lies in the fact that parents initially incorrectly place the baby on the pillow. First of all, we are talking about the position when the child sleeps mainly on his back. The problem is that in this position the pressure on the back of the skull increases, which provokes the plastic, not yet strong bones of the skull to change.

Also, the “tummy” position is very dangerous for sleeping. Putting a child to sleep in this position is strictly prohibited, as the baby’s airways may become blocked, which can lead to asphyxia. To prevent the child’s head from becoming deformed, every hour and a half the baby must be turned from one barrel to another, periodically placing him on his back. Then the pressure will be distributed evenly, and the bones will not have time to deform. If you suddenly notice that your child’s head is uneven, see your doctor so that the specialist can give you individual recommendations. Usually, orthopedic pillows promote the correct formation of the skull, so after a few weeks the problem goes away on its own. However, you should not neglect the baby’s health. If you suspect a deformity, visit your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Types of head flattening in newborns

Is an orthopedic pillow always effective?

Several types of head flattening occur in infants, and the most common is plagiocephaly. These deformities are called "skeletal head" because the skull flattens on only one side, causing asymmetry to be seen. In this case, an orthopedic pillow helps restore the correct shape of the child's head. However, even the best quality product may not be effective if a child is diagnosed with craniosynostosis. This is a congenital defect that involves the fusion of one or more cranial sutures. This situation requires surgical intervention.

How can you prevent your baby's head from flattening?

If you notice any type of deformation of the cranial bones in your child, be sure to consult a doctor. When your baby is awake, try to place him on his stomach as often as possible. This way you can free the back of your head from stress. Moreover, the “tummy” position has a beneficial effect on the child’s entire musculoskeletal system as a whole. In this position, the muscles of the back, arms, neck, and hip joint are strengthened.

If you want to prevent the formation of flattening of the skull bones, be sure to ensure that the baby sleeps on an orthopedic pillow, which has a special recess for the occipital region. Also, do not forget to turn the baby over from different sides as often as possible during sleep, so that the plastic bones are not crushed and have time to recover.

Reviews from parents and doctors

I decided to share my review about using the anatomical pad. I don’t understand parents who believe that they are useless and unnecessary. We started using the pillow when we were 5 months old. When I laid the baby on it, the head fit exactly into the intended recess . My daughter is comfortable and comfortable. She really enjoys sleeping on it. We use it both day and night. We have been using it for a month now, there are no complaints about the product.

Flora B

The child had an uneven head and was in the hospital after giving birth. The pillow really helped us. We slept on it for a month, and the head became straight again.

Sokolenok

I have two children and both grew up without pillows. Indications are required for use. I am an orthopedist myself, so I don’t see any indications for use.

Mom 91103

Surveys of parents and doctors indicate that for infants without pathologies, the use of pillows is not necessary. But some kids simply cannot do without it.

Where to find the best orthopedic sleeping pillow?

The online pharmacy 24farmacia offers different options for orthopedic pillows. Our range includes models for the neck, head and back, and you can also find an orthopedic pillow for your baby. To order, add the product you like to your cart and place your order online or call 8 (391) 2911 555.

Delivery is carried out to the Provincial Pharmacies network or to the door of your home. Courier delivery is carried out on weekdays from 10:00 to 23:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 24:00 only in the city of Krasnoyarsk. The order can be paid online or at the place of receipt of the order using a bank card.

Good to know

• When buying an orthopedic pillow, choose trusted manufacturers and ask the seller for a quality certificate.
• You should purchase products for children in specialized stores to avoid counterfeiting.
• When choosing, consider the age and size of the baby's head. First of all, the pillow should be comfortable.

Only a correctly selected model will provide comfort and convenience to your child and take care of the proper development of the infant’s spine, cervical region and skull.

Originally posted 2018-01-28 09:26:58.

Why do you need a special pillow?

An orthopedic pillow helps maintain the body in an anatomically correct position during rest or sleep.
In this position, there is no tension in the muscles, there are no unnatural twists and clamps, the spine remains straight. When the body is in a natural position, it completely relaxes, which allows a person to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, and after waking up feel alert and rested. A sure sign of problems with a pillow or mattress are:

• restless sleep,
• feeling of numbness in hands,
• pain in the back, neck,
• headache,
• weakness and weakness,
• snore.

What is the memory effect?

Memory foam bedding is pillows and mattresses that contain artificial “memory” filling (“memory foam”, “memoryform” - this material may be called differently by different manufacturers). The “memory” structure is foamed, which allows the filler to be elastic and resilient. Under the weight of a person, the surface bends, but only where there is weight. This ensures reliable support for the neck muscles, which does not sag during sleep.

Why is the effect called “memory”? Let's do an experiment: lightly press the pillow for 1-2 minutes. Remove your hand. You see, the bulge does not begin to straighten out immediately, but gradually. Now move your hand to another place. There are no bumps on the pillow, even taking into account the previous bulge that has not yet straightened out. Likewise, when you change the position of your head during sleep, the pillow softly and comfortably envelops your neck, while providing reliable support for the muscles in any position.