Colin Snow
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding until at least the age of one. This is to prevent suffocation and reduce the risk of SIDS. While some parents have reported that their babies slept better with pillows from the age of seven months, others have said that they waited until their child was older and in a toddler bed. If you are considering introducing a pillow to your 7-month-old's sleep routine, it is important to consult with a doctor first.
Can a 7-month-old sleep with a pillow?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended by official health organizations | No |
| Recommended by pillow manufacturers | No |
| Recommended by some parents | Yes |
| Risk of suffocation | High |
| Risk of SIDS | High |
| Risk of strangulation | High |
| Risk of falling out of bed | High |
| Risk of developing flat head syndrome | High |
| Pillow type | Small, firm, thin, hypoallergenic |
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The risk of suffocation
Pillows, blankets, and other soft items in a baby's crib can increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies do not have the same ability as adults to move things that could block their breathing, and their neck strength is not yet developed enough to lift their faces out of pillows. This means that even if a baby starts off sleeping on their side or back, they may still be at risk of rolling onto a pillow and suffocating.
To reduce the risk of suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding until at least age 1. The AAP also recommends waiting until toddlers are at least two years old before introducing pillows, and even then, the pillows should be firm, thin, and made of hypoallergenic material.
While some parents may choose to introduce a pillow to their 7-month-old's crib, it is essential to do so with caution and after consulting a pediatrician. If you do choose to introduce a pillow, it should be small and firm, and you should ensure that your baby has sufficient neck strength to move their head if necessary.
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Safe co-sleeping
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' safe sleep guidelines, babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding until at least the age of one. The only thing your baby's crib or bassinet needs is a simple fitted sheet. Research has not shown exactly when it is completely safe to introduce a pillow after your baby turns 12 months old. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until your baby transitions to a toddler bed, which usually happens between 18 months and 3 5 years. If you do choose to introduce a pillow before that, it should be small (like an airline pillow) and firm. Feather pillows should be avoided as they can set off allergies and smother your baby.
If you decide to co-sleep with your baby, there are some safety guidelines you should follow to ensure your baby's safety. Firstly, your bed should be safe for your baby. It is best to use a flat, firm mattress on the floor, with no crevices between the mattress and the wall or furniture. Avoid soft surfaces such as a waterbed, sofa, or deep pillow-top mattress. Make sure that the fitted sheets are smooth, secure, and cannot be pulled loose. If your bed is raised off the floor, use mesh guardrails to prevent your baby from rolling off and check that there is no space between the mattress and the headboard or footboard. If your bed is placed against a wall or furniture, check every night to ensure there is no space for your baby to get stuck in.
Additionally, your baby should be positioned flat on their back to sleep, with their face clear of bedding or any other objects. They should sleep with their feet at the end of the bed. It is important to ensure that there is a sober parent or caregiver who is alert to the baby's needs and free from the influence of alcohol or drugs. Smoking should be eliminated, and the baby's environment should be smoke-free, as there is a strong link between Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and smoking.
Some parents may choose to use a Pepi-Pod, wahakura, or similar safe sleep device when co-sleeping. A wahakura is a sleep device woven from harakeke (flax) and fitted with a mattress. It provides a safe sleep space for the baby while bed-sharing, protecting them from accidental suffocation or smothering.
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Crib safety
According to sources, babies should not sleep with a pillow until they are at least one year old. It is recommended that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding for their first year. During this time, the only thing in your baby's crib should be a simple fitted sheet.
- Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress that fits snugly against the sides of the crib. There shouldn't be any big gaps between the mattress and the crib.
- Ensure the crib was made after 2011 to meet current safety requirements.
- Check that the slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart and aren't cracked, loose, splintered, or missing.
- Avoid decorative cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a baby's head.
- Ensure there are no sharp or jagged edges, and that the sides do not drop.
- Check that all screws are accounted for and tightly secured. Corner posts should be tightly attached and no more than 1/16 inch (1.5 millimeters) high to prevent a child's clothing from getting stuck.
- Do not place the crib near a window or drapes. Your baby could fall or become entangled in blind and drape cords.
- Remove mobiles, bibs, and necklaces from the crib. Mobiles should be removed when your baby starts to push up on their hands and knees or by the time they are 5 months old, whichever comes first.
- Do not hang toys by strings.
- Make sure sleepwear and sheets are flame retardant.
- Avoid cribs older than 10 years, as they may not meet recent safety standards and may have large spaces between slats.
- Check that the crib has not been recalled by the manufacturer and that all parts and slats are in good condition.
- Do not place bumper pads, soft bedding, or soft toys in the crib.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your 7-month-old sleeps safely in their crib without the need for a pillow.
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Pillow type
While some parents choose to give their 7-month-old babies pillows, it is generally recommended to wait until a child is older. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding until at least the age of 1. Introducing pillows too early can increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If you do choose to introduce a pillow for your 7-month-old, it is important to ensure that it is small, firm, thin, and made of hypoallergenic material. A pillow that is too soft can pose a suffocation hazard, as toddlers' necks may not have the strength to lift their faces out of the pillow. Adult-sized pillows should also be avoided, as they can be a strangulation hazard for toddlers.
When transitioning to a toddler bed, which typically occurs between 18 months and 3.5 years, you can introduce a toddler-sized pillow. Look for pillows that are specifically designed for toddlers, as they will be the appropriate size and provide the necessary support for your child's neck and spine.
Some parents may also choose to use a baby nursing or feeding pillow, which can provide support for the parent's wrist while holding or nursing the baby. However, it is important to note that these pillows are not made for babies to sleep on. Always consult with your paediatrician or healthcare provider before introducing any new sleep products for your baby.
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Pillow size
It is generally not recommended for babies to sleep with a pillow until they are at least 12 months old, and ideally until they are toddlers. This is because pillows can pose a suffocation risk, especially if they are too large or soft. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until toddlers are at least two years old before introducing a pillow, and the NICHHD recommends waiting until a child is 18 months old.
When choosing a pillow for a toddler, it is important to select one that is small, firm, thin, and made of hypoallergenic material. A pillow that is too soft can still pose a suffocation hazard to toddlers, as their necks are not yet strong enough to lift their faces off the pillow if they are struggling to breathe. Additionally, an adult-sized pillow can pose a strangulation hazard for toddlers.
There are special toddler pillows available that are designed with these safety considerations in mind. For example, the WeeSprout Toddler Pillow is 18x13 inches and designed for 18-month-old toddlers. It has a low profile for comfort and is made with organic cotton. Another option is a memory foam pillow that is 14x19 inches and designed for toddlers. This pillow is also hypoallergenic and made with fabric that naturally thermoregulates to prevent your toddler from getting too hot.
While it is generally recommended to wait until a child is a toddler to introduce a pillow, some parents choose to do so earlier. If you choose to give your 7-month-old a pillow, it is important to select one that is small and firm, such as an airline pillow, and to avoid feather pillows, which can be too soft and can also set off allergies. It is also important to ensure that your baby has enough head control to sleep with a pillow and that the pillow does not move around too much during the night.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended for babies under 1 year old to sleep with a pillow. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a child is at least a toddler before introducing a pillow to their bed.
Babies do not need the same neck support as adults, and pillows can pose a suffocation hazard. Pillows, blankets, and other soft items in a baby's crib can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
When your baby transitions to a toddler bed, usually between 18 months and 3.5 years, it is considered safe to introduce a pillow.
The ideal pillow for a toddler is firm, thin, and made of hypoallergenic material. Adult-sized pillows are not suitable for toddlers as they pose a strangulation hazard.
