Is a pillow necessary for a newborn, and how to choose it correctly? A pediatric neurologist talks

I welcome the best mommies and everyone interested on my blog! Lena Zhabinskaya is with you and the most important topic.

It’s important because it concerns sleep, and parents of babies usually have problems with this matter. Is it worth increasing them by answering the question incorrectly about whether a pillow is needed for a newborn?

I’m sure no, you don’t need this at all, so read carefully and until the end - you’ve come to the right portal.

We have already chosen a crib and stroller for a newborn. In the variety of proposals, we then discarded harmful and dangerous options and found the optimal price-quality parameters. Now it's the pillow's turn.

Features of the development of the children's spine

1. A child is born with an almost straight spine, consisting mainly of cartilage tissue. Therefore, the spine of a newborn is very soft.
2. A newborn does not have the physiological curves of the spine, like adults and older children. They are formed during the growth and development of the child.
3. The first thing to appear, around the age of three months, is a forward cervical curve (lordosis). This happens when the baby, lying on his stomach, tries to raise his head and learns to hold it on his own.
4. A thoracic backward curve of the spine (kyphosis) develops by six months, when the baby tries to sit up.
5. The last forward lumbar curve (lordosis) appears closer to one year, when the child stands on his feet and tries to walk independently.

In infancy, the most important thing is not to create additional stress on the spine in order to ensure its proper development. Therefore, it is necessary to listen to the recommendations given by the pediatrician and orthopedist. It is necessary to start sitting up and putting the child on his feet in a timely manner, as well as choosing the right crib, mattress and pillow.

What can be replaced

Grandmothers used a regular diaper, which they folded four times and placed under the baby’s head. The height was no more than 1-2 mm. Pediatricians believe that nothing has changed significantly, but this design is safe.

There are recommendations where you can increase the angle of the mattress or crib (raise the head of the bed), then the baby will lie on an inclined plane.

Adjusting the tilt of the head of a crib

You can also place a bolster under the mattress. According to some opinions, such manipulations will reduce the frequency of regurgitation in the baby. However, this is not entirely true - the baby will burp in any case if he has eaten too much, no matter what position he is in. Body position cannot affect stomach capacity.

A healthy newborn baby does not need any pillow; using one can be dangerous. For a child over two years old, you should choose a sleeping accessory with a certain height, synthetic filling and natural cotton cover.

Should I buy a pillow or not?

When choosing a crib for a newborn, a question arises that worries future parents: “Do I need a pillow?” On this issue, the opinions of pediatricians and orthopedists agree, and they argue that a healthy newborn does not need a pillow. He sleeps quite comfortably on a flat mattress.

If you are embarrassed that your baby sleeps without a pillow, you think that he is uncomfortable, you can place a folded thin but soft diaper under the baby’s head. Moms, remember when they give you a baby in the maternity hospital, they bring him in a crib without a pillow. And it's not because there aren't enough pillows. Using a pillow is undesirable for a baby, and there are reasons for this.

Reasons why babies should not be placed on a pillow:

• the correct development of the spine is disrupted;
• This is dangerous; in a dream, the baby can bury itself in the pillow and suffocate.

Remember, children from birth to one year cannot use a pillow in a crib or stroller.

However, in some cases a pillow is still needed. There are diseases for which it is necessary to use a pillow. In such situations, doctors recommend an orthopedic pillow.

Such diseases include:

• birth injury of the cervical spine;
• torticollis;
• weakened or increased tone of the neck muscles;
• deformation (curvature) of the skull bones.

In mild cases of the disease, an orthopedic pillow helps cope with the disease.
In more severe cases, complex treatment is required. An orthopedic pillow fixes the head in the correct position, ensuring the correct development and formation of the musculoskeletal system in children.

Today, pharmaceutical companies offer a large selection of such pillows. Let's consider several options.

Slight tilt

However, for greater comfort, it is advisable to place a flannel diaper under your head. And if you often lose your breathing while sleeping, then you should put a small cushion under the edge of the mattress, or you can take any towel.

Moreover, the slope should be approximately 15 degrees. In addition, this perfectly helps to ease breathing even with a runny nose , due to the fact that when the head is slightly raised, the mucus present in the nasopharynx quickly drains into the larynx.

In the first months of a newborn's life, it is especially important to ensure that he gets adequate sleep. Caring parents have many doubts, for example, whether a newborn needs a pillow. In most cases, it is quite possible to do without this part of the bedding, unless otherwise indicated by the pediatrician.

Models of orthopedic pillows

1. Butterfly pillow. In appearance it really resembles a butterfly, in the center of which there is a recess for the head. It fixes the head, accurately repeating the curves of the neck and the configuration of the back of the baby's head, promoting proper development.
2. Oblique . Resembles a simple pillow for adults. It is rectangular in shape with slightly raised edges and a special recess in the center so that the baby does not roll down. When choosing this model, consider the width of the crib.
3. Positional . It is intended for premature babies. With its help, you can fix your baby in the correct position. This allows you to relieve excess stress on the spine, which is not yet strong enough.
4. A pillow that is used for walking in a stroller. It secures the head and upper body, softening shocks when the stroller moves.

The filling is important when choosing a pillow.
You should not buy a pillow filled with feathers, down and wool. They are a common cause of allergies in children. It is best to choose a pillow with synthetic filling. It's safe and accessible. High-quality, but expensive fillers are comforter in the form of small balls and latex. Good recommendations are given to natural filler based on buckwheat. It is also very important that the material that covers the pillow is soft, natural and pleasant to the touch.

Types and how to choose the right one

Orthopedic bedding accessory is divided into several types, depending on its shape. This is how a pillow is distinguished:

1. "Butterfly". It got its name due to its shape, which resembles a winged insect. The product is a roller with a recess in. Due to this structure, the accessory repeats the anatomical structure of the skull, contributing to its correct formation. The accessory is perfect for children with uneven heads, rickets or torticollis.

2. Positioner or retainer. It is recommended to purchase the accessory for children born prematurely or young patients with muscular dystonia. By fixing the baby’s body in a physiologically correct position, it prevents the development of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. This effect of the product was made possible thanks to its shape, which is a “cocoon” with a flat base and 2 rollers along the edges.

3. For swimming. It is a circle with a small hole for the head. With the help of such an accessory, the child floats perfectly on the water without outside help, while his physical development is stimulated and hypertonicity goes away. However, it is worth considering that the product is suitable for children who have already learned to fully hold their head.

4. Inclined, or trapezoid. A thick, angled pillow helps babies reduce the amount of air they swallow during feeding, thereby reducing the risk of colic. In addition, an accessory of this shape is recommended for use for children who frequently spit up to prevent choking on vomit.

Products for children, with the exception of bathing pillows, have approximately the same composition. The right accessory should be filled with synanthetic hypoallergenic materials, such as synthetic padding polyester, silicone, foam polystyrene, holofiber or latex. At the same time, the top of the product should be natural - linen or cotton. Waterproof materials are used to make bathing pillows.

Before purchasing, you should carefully inspect the product for the presence of foreign parts, both inside and outside.

At what age can a child sleep on a regular pillow?

A child can use a regular pillow from the age of two, when his spine is already strong enough.
He can sleep on the pillow all night without rolling off. In addition, regularly sleeping on a flat surface without a pillow at this age is dangerous for your baby’s health. Blood flow in the cervical spine may be impaired and the brain will suffer from a lack of blood supply, resulting in frequent headaches and other health problems.

The need for a pillow for a baby

The famous Russian pediatrician, Evgeny Komarovsky, pays special attention to the pillow in his rules on proper baby care. When can a child sleep on a pillow, and is it worth starting to put something under the head of a one-month-old baby - these are pressing questions that require a competent answer.

For two years, according to the doctor, the baby can easily do without a pillow and lie in the crib directly on a sheet or diaper folded in several layers. To think that without this accessory the baby will not get enough sleep and will have a headache is a delusion.

Do you need a crib?

When can you put your baby on a pillow? For a healthy baby, it may be needed only after two years. At an earlier age there is no need for it; on the contrary, its use will cause harm:

• The likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome increases. This fact has not been scientifically proven, but there are assumptions.
• At 4-5 months, when the baby begins to roll over, during sleep, such a rollover with the face resting on the pillow can block the nasal passages, and asphyxia will occur.
• In the first 2 years, while the spine is not yet strong enough, sleeping on a pillow will cause deformation changes in the cervical vertebrae.
• Fillers are the cause of first degree allergic reactions. In such cases, swelling of the respiratory organs is possible, then death occurs instantly.

Important! The body of a child is different in proportions from the body of an adult: the head is larger in area and in percentage terms, so balance must be maintained. The head and body should be on the same plane at the time of rest.

Do I need a stroller?

Most grandmothers will unanimously say that a stroller is the case when a child definitely needs a pillow. It should be understood that in early times, when strollers were not equipped with a backrest raising function, something was placed under the baby’s head. Today there is no need for this.

Additional Information. In winter, when the baby is dressed in warm overalls, and his legs become higher than his head, a small hard pillow or an anatomical one may be useful. When purchasing a stroller, such an accessory is sometimes included as a bonus gift.

Anatomical pillow suitable for strollers

Tips for choosing the right pillow

1. Choose a pillow that is the right size for your crib.
2. Do not buy a pillow that is too soft; the baby’s head should not sink into it.
3. The ideal option is a low, moderate density, straight pillow.
4. Give preference to pillows made from natural materials.

When sleeping, only the child's head should be on the pillow. His arms and shoulders should not rest on her.

No less important for the proper development of the spine is the position of the body in sleep. Now you know that there should not be a pillow in a child’s bed until the age of two. How to put your baby to bed so that he sleeps peacefully at night without harm to his health?

Basic rules for healthy sleep

Most newborns do not require additional items in the bed other than a flat mattress to get a good night's sleep. The following facts confirm this:

• anatomical structure: in a baby, the head is proportionally larger than the size of the body;
• safety: the absence of this bedding helps prevent sudden death syndrome, because in a dream a child can turn around and simply suffocate;

• taking care of the child’s health: if the baby’s head is in the wrong position, the vessels responsible for adequate blood supply to the brain are compressed.

If the baby's parents consider it necessary to raise the baby's head while sleeping, you can place a thin blanket under the mattress. The resulting angle should not exceed 25-30 degrees.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

Carry your baby in different positions, sometimes on one hand, sometimes on the other.
A device very similar to a mother’s arms is a sling. You can carry a child in it from birth. From 6 months you can carry your baby vertically and use a kangaroo carrier for this. By following these simple recommendations, you will ensure your baby's proper development of the spine.

Interview with a neurologist

A neurologist is one of the main specialists for children from birth. For the first time, your baby meets with a pediatric neurologist in the maternity hospital, then routine examinations of this doctor are carried out every month, at three months, at six months, at 9 months (if indicated), and a year. We talked with the pediatric neurologist of the EuroMed Clinic, Natalya Petrovna Isaenko, about why a child is so often shown to a specialist, what are the most common neurological diseases found in children, and what needs to be done to ensure that your child grows up healthy and calm.

— Natalya Petrovna, what does a neurologist pay attention to during routine examinations of children?

— First of all, a neurologist identifies gross congenital anomalies. Next, we look at how the child’s pre-speech, motor, and emotional development progresses.

At each age, a child must have certain skills. Parents, unlike a neurologist, most often cannot objectively assess how their child’s development fits into age norms.

— But all children are different, and their development may not correspond to tables and established frameworks?

- Yes, this happens. Here you need to approach it very individually. Indeed, despite the fact that we are guided by existing norms, we have certain tables, written diagrams of what a child should do at what age, there is the possibility of deviations from them, and this is not scary. Some children may begin to perform certain actions a little earlier, others a little later. Much depends on the conditions in which the child lives, what the parents do in relation to the child, etc.

But this is why it is important to consult a neurologist in order to professionally assess whether the child is developing normally or whether there are frightening moments that may indicate certain health problems.

— Is it normal for a small child to cry often?

— Recently, it has been believed that a healthy child, when he is well-fed and has enough day and night sleep, should not cry. If a child cries frequently and without reason, then there is a problem. These could be headaches, neck problems (subluxations, pinching), neurological problems. In the first months of life, there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract: colic, increased gas production, etc. In connection with this, there may be crying during meals, refusal of the breast, or refusal of the bottle. During eating, intestinal motility increases, causing the child to experience discomfort.

Young children are usually very weather-sensitive and react to the weather - this can also be a reason for crying.

It seems to me that many children cry because they are bored, they so require parental attention. Nowadays, children experience psychological acceleration and, accordingly, they require more attention. This is usually clearly visible. Many parents themselves provoke this reinforcement: the child cried, the mother took him in her arms, rocked him, and put him to her chest. Of course, a baby in his mother’s arms and, even more so, at his breast feels good, and he will cry again and again, demanding repetition. There is no need to put him to the breast every time the baby cries. It’s better to try to switch it up: distract it, rattle it with a rattle, stroke it...

Another reason for crying is overwork. Parents often do not believe that a baby can be overtired; they do not understand why. Babies have an immature nervous system, plus they receive a huge amount of new information and impressions every day - for them, everything in the world is new and unfamiliar! That’s why proper sleep is so important, when a child can take a break from impressions.

If a child screams before going to bed, sleeps little, is nervous, wakes up often, you need to change the schedule, improve sleep, and monitor the quality of sleep.

— When we talk about proper sleep, what do we mean, how should a child sleep?

— For very young children, the norm is to sleep at least an hour and a half during the day, and six hours in a row at night. During the adaptation period, in the first months of life, the baby may wake up more often at night, but still, the intervals should be at least 3 hours. Dreams of 30–40 minutes are not enough; the child does not have enough time to rest. The following point is important here: the child’s sleep phase is just these 30-40 minutes. But the child must be able to move from phase to phase independently. What happens in practice? The child fussed, opened his eyes, the mother immediately took him in her arms and began to feed him. He gets used to it and no longer falls asleep on his own. Therefore, it is important to teach the child to move from phase to phase without waking up: do not touch him if he wakes up, do not disturb him; if he cried or became capricious, pump him up, stroke him, but try to ensure that the child continues to sleep without interruption for food.

For older children who sleep once a day, the duration of daytime sleep should be 2-3 hours. If you sleep more, that's good.

To improve sleep, a routine is important. I recommend directly writing down in a notebook (or in an application on a smartphone) how long the child sleeps, the time he fell asleep and woke up, when he screams before bed, what his mood is after sleep... This way we can track the quantity and quality of sleep. Look at which days the child slept well, fell asleep easily, and focus on the routine of that day.

— One of the common diagnoses that many children are given in the maternity hospital is “neurogenic torticollis.” How serious is this problem?

— Neurogenic torticollis – asymmetry of muscle tone. A child is often born with asymmetry of muscle tone. A small child does not yet have voluntary movements; they are chaotic. And at the moment of relaxation, sleep, the child is drawn to where the tone is increased. That is, the child lies with a certain turn of the head. If this problem is not addressed and corrected, deformation of the neck and skull occurs. The child constantly looks in one direction, lies on one side, as a result the head flattens and its shape changes.

You can work with this, the main thing is to practice. What is done to correct torticollis and its consequences? We change the position, shift the child so that he lies on different sides alternately, and not on one, on his back. Place it on your stomach. Also, therapeutic exercises, massage, and a swimming pool are recommended for the correction of torticollis.

Torticollis returns to normal between 3 and 6 months of a child’s life. During this period, the child becomes more active, turns his head and arms, begins to roll over, tries to crawl, and sit down.

It is important not to confuse neurogenic torticollis, which is treated by neurologists, with congenital muscular torticollis, a severe pathology treated by orthopedic doctors.

— Are headaches in children a reason to consult a neurologist?

Yes, definitely. Children under 5-6 years old should not have headaches - they are not yet mature for this. In young children, headaches can be caused by somatic reasons: parasitosis, anemia, allergies, some kind of gastrointestinal problems...

In older children, headaches can be caused by problems in the spine of the neck. During puberty, various autonomic dysfunctions are often encountered. This is a common problem among teenagers.

In any case, it is necessary to be examined. There is a good chance that we will not find anything, and the headaches will go away on their own over time. But this can also be a symptom of some serious diseases that should not be left to chance.

— Is nocturnal enuresis (urinary incontinence) common? When do we talk about this diagnosis?

- Yes, this is also a common disease. Enuresis is diagnosed after 3-4 years.

If we talk about developmental norms, by the age of one and a half years a child should learn not to urinate at night. A modern child spends some time in disposable diapers. Then they are removed. At first the nights will be “wet”. But by the age of two, “dry nights” should already have formed.

After this, some time passes - and the child begins to urinate at night again, say, at 4 years old. This is secondary enuresis.

If the diaper is removed, and the child continues to urinate at night, this is primary enuresis.

There are many reasons for enuresis: infectious diseases, developmental defects, dysfunction of the genitourinary system, immaturity of the nervous system, stress, neuroses, etc. In any case, this problem cannot be ignored, but you need to contact a neurologist as soon as possible for correction of this disease.

— Young children have seizures when their temperature rises. How dangerous is this?

Febrile seizures (that is, seizures with an increase in body temperature) are a paradoxical reaction of the nervous system, the cerebral cortex, to such an irritant as high temperature. Against this background there is a splash. Febrile seizures may occur just once, or may recur with each episode of fever. Most often, they occur in emotional and active children. No special treatment is required, the main thing is to not allow the body temperature to rise above 37.5 ° C, to bring it down immediately with antipyretic drugs so that episodes of seizures do not recur. If necessary, the neurologist will recommend sedatives. Such children are observed by a neurologist; it is recommended to see a doctor once every six months.

— Could febrile seizures be a sign of incipient epilepsy?

As a rule, febrile convulsions do not lead to epilepsy. There are isolated cases when seizures may actually be the onset of epilepsy. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to show the child to a neurologist so that the doctor can see in what direction this is developing.

— Is epilepsy common in general?

— Yes, epilepsy is a common disease. We, in Novosibirsk, even have a special center where epileptologists work - this is a very narrow specialization in neurology. When we confirm epilepsy in a child, I usually refer the patient to a specialized center for observation. This way, they will be able to help the baby as efficiently as possible, choose the right medications and prescribe the correct treatment.

— What symptoms are important for parents to pay attention to so as not to miss the onset of epilepsy in a child?

- As a rule, when an attack occurs, it is clearly visible. The child experiences convulsive twitching, the corner of his mouth twitches, he may pull muscles, saliva flows, he may foam at the mouth, and he may wet himself. But it happens that during an attack, a child simply freezes and, for example, rubs his hands or makes chewing movements for some time. And then everything goes away. After an attack, headache, nausea, and loss of coordination and speech may occur.

Sometimes the first signs of epilepsy appear even before an attack. For example, a child twitches in his sleep. Or he simply changes his usual behavior, becomes obsessive, whiny, asks the same questions in a circle, etc. This is due to the neurological changes that occur with epilepsy.

Thus, if you notice changes in the child’s behavior, he behaves unusually, strangely, be sure to show the child to a neurologist!

If possible, I recommend filming the attack - this will make it much easier for the doctor to understand what is happening to the child.

— Are there sedatives that can be given to children?

- Hardly ever. Available medications can only be prescribed and given in hospitals. This is not practiced in outpatient treatment in neurological pediatrics.

In case of increased excitability and emotionality of the child, I usually suggest starting from afar - establishing a daily routine, giving the child the opportunity to actively move and fully rest, walk in the fresh air, etc.

All medications (vascular, nootropics, etc.) are prescribed strictly according to indications and cannot be taken without a doctor’s recommendation. The consequences of uncontrolled medication use can be neurological and behavioral problems in the future: hyperactivity, disinhibition, restlessness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

— How common is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children?

“Nowadays this diagnosis is made very often. Although, it seems to me, we often attribute to ADHD something that is not it: the characteristics of the child’s temperament and character, his activity or even pedagogical neglect...

There are many pathological hyperactivity, but there are still more stories with problems in the family and in the interaction of parents with the child.

— Another common disease is nervous tics. How are they treated?

— Yes, tics are very common. We treat with medication and, most importantly, with normalization of the regimen. For a “ticking” child, proper sleep, rest, and minimizing television, telephone, and computer are very important. It is very useful to send such children to sports sections. As a rule, children suffering from nervous tics are very emotional, temperamental, read a lot and sit at the computer. They are experiencing emotional and information overload. And the nervous system relieves tension, manifesting itself in tics.

— Speaking of information overload, how do you feel about early development, which is so popular now?

- Badly. Any neurologist, I think, will agree with me. If a child is given a load that is inadequate for his age and development, this will result in quite serious problems in the future, including psychiatric disorders. A child doesn’t need all this early reading from the age of two, English from three and mathematics from five. A child should explore the world in a calm manner; it is important to stimulate his cognitive activity, but there is no need to stuff him with a huge amount of knowledge beyond his age.

— What examinations exist to diagnose neurological diseases?

— Electroencephalogram (EEG). Invented and created to record epi-activity - to confirm or exclude epilepsy, this is the main direction of this examination.

I also send children with speech and mental disorders to an EEG to see how well all cortical rhythms are formed - according to age or not. This is adjusted with age, over time. Classes with neuropsychologists, defectologists, and the Tomatis method (a program for neurosensory stimulation) also help.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is one of the most informative surveys.

We definitely send you for an MRI to understand the cause of the headaches, especially if the child complains of a headache when moving, when he starts jumping, running, or actively moving.

MRI is also informative for epilepsy, the attacks of which cannot be treated. Then we look at the MRI to see if there is a vascular malformation (deviation from normal development) or other vascular defect. This may be the cause of the attacks, and the problem can be treated with surgery. As a rule, after the operation, the child’s seizures stop.

MRI allows you to see the structure of the brain and blood vessels, assess the condition of the structure, the presence of cysts, etc.

Computed tomography (CT). As a rule, a CT scan is prescribed after an injury to look for the presence of blood in the injured area.

Ultrasound of neck vessels. Headaches, disinhibition, attention deficit, speech delays can be caused by impaired blood flow through the vessels. Ultrasound makes it possible to diagnose this, as well as to see anatomical defects (C-shaped, S-shaped course of blood vessels), anatomically malformed vessels, improper discharge of vessels into the spinal column, and narrowing of blood vessels.

Neurosonography (NSG) – ultrasound of the brain. It is mandatory recommended as a screening (preventive examination) for all newborns. NSG shows the structures of the brain, how all spheres are formed, the cavity system, ventricles, grooves, and the presence of fluid. In parallel with the NSG, Doppler measurements are performed to look at the blood flow of the vessels.

NSG is performed in the maternity hospital for children after complicated births; absolutely everyone is prescribed NSG per month. NSG can show gross violations that need to be corrected as early as possible in order to minimize their impact on the baby’s development. In the first months of life, many developmental anomalies do not appear; until about 3-4 months they are well compensated, and then the child begins to lag behind in motor and mental development. That is why NSG must be performed without fail, even if outwardly the child looks absolutely normal.

Choosing a crib and mattress

Be responsible when choosing a crib. When choosing, give preference to those made from natural raw materials.

Expert advice for making the right choice:

1. A wooden crib with several height levels and an adjustable side is best.
2. The crib must be stable and must not wobble or warp.
3. Its bottom should be flat and not bend under the child’s body weight.
4. The distance between the crossbars on the sides should be such that the child’s head, arm or leg do not get stuck and the baby cannot accidentally fall out of the crib.

It is equally important to choose the right mattress. It should be made from materials that are approved for use in infants, with environmentally friendly filling. For example, coconut. Choose a medium-hard mattress that matches the child’s body weight and age. The mattress is placed in the crib so that there are no gaps between the walls and the mattress itself.

Filling options for mattresses

A mattress for a newborn baby should be hard, well ventilated, and not absorb moisture and odors. When choosing a product, you must take into account that orthopedic models for small children are completely unnecessary. You can stop at these options. If you plan to use the product for longer than 3 years. Otherwise, it is better to avoid mattresses with spring blocks.

When choosing a filler, you must consider the following features of each material:

• Cotton mattresses are cheap, quite light and environmentally friendly. Due to good moisture absorption and fast caking, such models are rarely used.
• Foam models are also rarely used and are only suitable as a temporary option.
• Mattresses made from natural coconut fiber are considered one of the best options to choose due to their hypoallergenicity, environmental friendliness, ventilation, and good rigidity. The negative point is the fairly high cost.
• Polyurethane foam models can be used starting from the second year of a child’s life. The products are hypoallergenic and resistant to various influences.
• Among artificial fillers, struttofiber is popular; it is highly breathable, warm and well suited for double-sided models.

Many manufacturers make mattresses from a combination of natural and artificial materials, giving them different properties. You can choose the model necessary for a newborn in the Sleep Anatomy online store, whose managers will always help you choose the most suitable solution.

What to look for when choosing a pillow for a newborn?

First of all - filler. The comfort of the baby most depends on it. Natural materials - down, feathers, wool - are not recommended. They can cause allergies. In addition, the wool quickly sheds and the pillow may lose its properties. “Exotics” like buckwheat are, of course, good. But you need to take into account that this material rustles. Not every baby will like this.

Fillers made from modern synthetic materials are practical. They hold their shape well and are easy to wash. The most budget option is comfort. The material is good, but not durable enough. However, such a pillow is enough for one or two children. Of course, you can’t count on long years of service. A more expensive option is latex (used in the manufacture of orthopedic pillows). Good material - polyester fiber: holds its shape and is easy to care for.

The pillow cover also matters. It is better to choose natural materials, most often cotton.

Be sure to follow the instructions for caring for the product. Then the first pillow will serve for the benefit of your baby for as long as necessary.

What needs to be laid?

The heat exchange of a newborn is imperfect, so first of all you should think about how to make sure that the child does not freeze while walking. In cold weather, the baby should be covered. You can highlight the following accessories for the stroller, with the help of which you can keep warm inside the baby’s vehicle.

• Blanket. During the cold season, you should cover your newborn with a blanket while walking to prevent the child from freezing.
  But you also need to remember that babies' thermoregulation is imperfect, so the thickness of the blanket should be appropriate to the weather to avoid overheating. In summer, you can use a flannel or cotton diaper as a blanket. Such a diaper made from natural materials will protect the baby from drafts and protect from overheating by allowing air to pass through.
• Plaid. A blanket is used only in the cold season, more often in winter.
  A blanket can be made from both natural and artificial materials. Wool blankets are warmer, but can allow cold air to pass through. Therefore, preference should be given to artificial blankets. In addition, the colors of such blankets amaze with their abundance; you can choose an option to match the stroller.