Envision feeling utterly exhausted, reclining on your bed, shutting your eyes, and anticipating the descent into a profound slumber. Now, if the bed lacked a pillow, how long would it take for you to fall asleep? To be truthful, many of us, myself included, cannot fathom slumber without the presence of a pillow—it’s essential for a peaceful rest. However, your approach must change when it concerns an infant’s sleep needs and pillows.
We will explore infant sleep and pillow use today. The question – Can I place a pillow under my baby’s sheet? – is frequently asked, and in this case, our recommendation is that a pillow is not necessary beneath the baby’s sheet. Are you astounded by this response? Concentrate on the forthcoming explanation to grasp fully the rationale behind this guidance. Remember, comprehending this is crucial as it pertains to the well-being of your child.
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Uninterrupted sleep is essential for sustaining optimal health. It rejuvenates your physique, revitalizes your mind, restores your energy, and prepares your body systems to handle the challenges of the next day. Sleep is indispensable for living. Infants require considerably more sleep than adults to remain healthy. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “While an adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep daily, an infant requires over 10 hours.”
Why should I not place a pillow under my baby’s sheet?
While reclining on a plush, cozy pillow, you may desire to extend the same level of comfort to your baby with a soft pillow. The truth is, pillows support better sleep positions, provide substantial comfort, and facilitate enhanced slumber. Nonetheless, employing a pillow for your little one might not be prudent. Pillows pose potential risks for young children.
As a guardian, you might be puzzled about why pillows are discouraged for babies. Within the initial months following birth, infants commonly lack adequate control over their neck and head. During such a developmental phase, should a pillow or another soft bedding item obstruct the baby’s nose or mouth, they might not manage to move their head freely. This restriction can disrupt their normal breathing and introduce suffocation risks. Moreover, pillows can also lead to severe digestive obstructions due to choking hazards and might even contribute to the improper shaping of the infant’s head.
What should I do then?
The NICHD advises against the use of pillows for babies younger than one year. Their stance is clear—avoid placing your infant on a pillow or including a pillow in their bedding to reduce the risks associated with SIDS. Thus, it’s evident that a pillow is unnecessary for your baby’s sleep.
You might wonder when it becomes appropriate to introduce a pillow into your baby’s sleep routine. I recommend that you may begin considering a pillow for your child after they reach the age of two. If your child seems comfortable sleeping without a pillow even after this age, continuing without one is advisable.
See also: Can I Put A Blanket Under Crib Sheet?
Her passion for creating the ultimate sleeping environment has earned her a respected reputation as a sleep expert. Through her in-depth knowledge and dedication, she helps people achieve the best possible sleep experience.
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