Herbie Murray
There are many schools of thought on whether newborns need support pillows to sleep. While some parents swear by them, medical professionals advise against their use. The spines of newborn babies and young infants are straight, especially near the neck region. When a baby lies down, the back and head are on a horizontal plane. If a baby sleeps on a pillow, the head will be higher than the body and the neck region will form a curve or bend, which can restrict breathing and disturb the airways. This can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do newborns need support pillows to sleep? | No |
| Why don't newborns need support pillows to sleep? | Newborns have straight spines, especially near the neck region. If a newborn sleeps on a pillow, the head will be higher than the body and the neck will form a curve or bend, which can limit breathing and disturb the airways. |
| What is the safest setup for a newborn's crib? | The crib should be free of toys, blankets, bumpers, or pillows. It should only contain a tight-fitted sheet over a firm mattress and be set to a safe, age-appropriate height. |
| How can parents prevent flat head syndrome in newborns? | By tilting the newborn's head to the opposite side while they sleep and encouraging them to look in both directions during the day. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns don't need pillows
Why newborns don't need pillows
Newborns do not need pillows. Their spines are straight, and their necks lack the curve of an adult's. If a newborn sleeps on a pillow, its head will be higher than its body, causing the neck to bend and the chin to move closer to the chest, which can limit breathing and disturb the airways. This can affect the normal growth of a baby's spine and bones. Pillows can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%. This is because propping a newborn's head up on a pillow can reduce airflow entry while sleeping.
Safe sleep practices for newborns
To ensure safe sleep for your newborn, always place them on their back to sleep on a firm mattress with only a tight-fitted sheet. The crib should be clear of obstructions, such as fluffy toys, pillows, cot bumpers, or quilts, as very young babies may not know how to turn their faces to avoid accidental suffocation. The area surrounding the crib should also be free of hazards, including electrical cords, baby monitors, shelves, mirrors, or anything within reach.
Preventing flat head syndrome
Flat head syndrome can occur when a baby sleeps on their back, and their head flattens on one side over time. This can be prevented by changing your baby's head position while they sleep, from left to right and back again. If your baby moves around at night, place them on their rounded side. You can also hold your baby as often as possible and vary their crib position to encourage turning their head to the side that has not flattened.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a baby is one year old before introducing a pillow, and some sources suggest waiting until they are 18 months old. Others recommend waiting until a child is two years old, as by this age, they are no longer sleeping in a crib, and they can fully move and flip over without help.
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Pillows can cause neck misalignment and suffocation
Pillows are not recommended for newborns. They can cause neck misalignment and increase the risk of suffocation. Research shows that introducing a pillow under a newborn's head can increase their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%. When a baby lies on a pillow, the height difference between the head and the body causes the neck to bend, bringing the chin closer to the chest and restricting airflow.
This improper neck alignment can also affect the normal growth of a baby's spine and bones. Additionally, if a baby is propped up on a pillow, they could slide down, causing the neck to bend and block the airway. This can lead to fatal consequences, as reported by a coroner in central Pennsylvania, where three infants under six months of age died due to the misuse of a popular nursing pillow.
Pillows can also cause overheating, which further increases the risk of SIDS. Soft toys, pillows, and comforters are all risk factors for SIDS as they can suffocate the baby. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the crib clear of any obstructions, including pillows, toys, and blankets, to ensure a safe sleep environment for newborns.
To prevent neck misalignment, it is advised to change the baby's head position from right to left and vice versa each night. Additionally, providing tummy time for the baby to strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles is crucial. This can be done by placing them on their stomach while awake and engaging them with songs, toys, or conversations.
In summary, pillows pose a significant risk to newborns due to the potential for neck misalignment and suffocation. It is essential to follow safe sleep practices and keep the crib clear of any obstructions to ensure the baby's safety and well-being.
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Cribs should be free of toys, blankets, bumpers and pillows
Cribs should be free of toys, blankets, bumpers, and pillows
It is important to remember that newborns do not need pillows to sleep. In fact, sleeping with a pillow in their crib can be dangerous for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep with nothing in their crib. That means no pillows, no crib bumpers, no top sheet, no blankets, no toys, and so on. All your baby needs to get a good night's sleep is a firm crib mattress and a fitted sheet. A waterproof mattress pad can also be useful to protect the mattress from leaks, moisture, and mold, but it is not necessary.
Pillows can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy. If a baby is propped up to sleep using a pillow, their head could slide down, causing their neck to bend and block their airway. This can cause suffocation and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is especially true for infants between four and twelve months old.
Even nursing pillows, which are a popular baby registry item, are not safe for sleeping infants. They are meant to be used while the baby is feeding or awake, not for sleeping. Loungers are also meant for awake babies, not sleeping ones.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, the Canadian Pediatric Society and Public Health Agency of Canada recommend that babies under the age of one sleep in a crib free from toys, blankets, bumpers, or pillows. The area surrounding the crib should also be free of hazards, including electrical cords, baby monitors, shelves, mirrors, and anything else within reach of the crib.
The best way to keep your baby warm and cozy while they sleep is to skip the blanket and instead swaddle them (until they start rolling over) or put them in a sleep sack. For a cute touch, go with patterned, breathable sheets.
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The best way to prevent flat head syndrome is to increase tummy time
It is important to remember that newborns do not need pillows to sleep. In fact, sleeping with a pillow in their crib can be dangerous for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep with nothing in their crib. That means no pillows, no crib bumpers, no top sheet, no blankets, no toys, etc. All that’s required for your baby to sleep is a firm crib mattress and a fitted sheet.
In addition to increasing tummy time, there are other ways to prevent flat head syndrome. One way is to change your baby's sleep position. Alternate placing their head at the head and foot of the crib. Your baby will naturally look out into the room, so switching ends of the crib will encourage them to turn their head both ways. You can also try putting a mobile on the side of the crib facing the room to encourage your baby to look that way.
Another way to prevent flat head syndrome is to limit the time your baby spends in car seats, rockers, and other equipment. Using carriers and seats for long stretches—whether your baby is sleeping or awake—restricts your baby’s head movement. Move them to different positions and locations throughout the day.
Finally, vary your baby's feeding position. You might have a preferred position for breastfeeding or a favorite arm for bottle-feeding. Mix it up to alternate which way they turn to look at you.
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The safest pillow for a baby is small, firm and introduced after two years of age
When it comes to babies and pillows, the most important consideration is safety. While you may be eager to deck out your baby's nursery with cute pillows, it's crucial to remember that babies do not need pillows to sleep and introducing them can be dangerous. The spines of newborn babies are straight near the neck region, and using a pillow can cause a curve or bend, bringing the chin closer to the chest and restricting their breathing. This can even lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
So, when is it safe to introduce a pillow? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is two years old. At this age, your toddler is likely no longer sleeping in a crib and has the mobility to move and flip over without assistance. The Canadian Pediatric Society also advises against introducing anything into the crib for babies under one year old, as it could pose a risk of suffocation.
If you're concerned about your baby's head shape, it's understandable. Flat head syndrome can occur when a baby lies in the same position day after day. However, it's usually not a major problem and can often be resolved with a bit of care. To prevent this, you can change your baby's head position while they sleep and encourage them to look in both directions during the day. You can also increase tummy time, hold your baby more often, and provide plenty of opportunities for them to look at and interact with new things to promote neck muscle development and prevent them from always being in the same position.
When your baby is ready for a pillow, choose one that is small and firm to provide them with adequate support and comfort. A foam-filled pillow is a good option as it provides airflow, distributes weight evenly, and helps with proper neck alignment. The height of the pillow should also be considered, with pillows for babies between one and two years old having a height of no more than 2.5 cm, and for those between two and three years old, a height of 2.5-3.5 cm is ideal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, pillows are not safe for newborns. They can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy.
It is recommended that newborns are placed on their backs to sleep. This helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or "cot death".
The crib should be clear of obstructions and contain only a tight-fitted sheet over a firm mattress. The area surrounding the crib should be free of hazards, including electrical cords, baby monitors, shelves, mirrors, and anything within the baby's reach.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until babies are two years old to introduce a pillow. At this age, they are no longer sleeping in a crib and can fully move and flip over without help.
