Evie Summers
Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, pillows are not considered safe for babies younger than two or three years old, as they can obstruct breathing and increase the risk of sudden death during infancy. However, many companies promote pillows for newborns, claiming they can help prevent flat head syndrome. To prevent this, it is recommended that you move your baby's head position each night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do newborns need pillows to sleep? | No |
| What about pillows to prevent flat head syndrome? | These are not recommended by the AAP and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests waiting until a child is two years old |
| What about adult-sized pillows? | These are not considered safe for children younger than two or three |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns do not need pillows
When people talk about a newborn baby pillow, they might be referring to a baby head pillow, which is a donut-shaped cushion designed to correct flat head syndrome. However, the AAP still recommends skipping these pillows. Instead, you can move your baby's head position each night (right to left, left to right) to prevent them from developing a flat spot on one side of their head.
The best way to teach your baby to sleep well is to develop a bedtime routine. You can start doing this when your baby is about 6-8 weeks old.
Large plush pillows are not considered safe for children younger than two or three because the excess material could obstruct breathing.
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Baby head pillows are designed to correct flat head syndrome
Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, pillows are not considered safe for babies and can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to let your baby use a pillow until they are two years old.
However, many companies promote pillows for young babies and newborns, claiming that they can help prevent and correct flat head syndrome. Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly, is a condition that can develop when a baby sleeps on their back all the time, causing a flat spot on one side of their head.
Baby head pillows designed to correct flat head syndrome are usually donut-shaped cushions that support your baby's head shape, reduce pressure, and encourage healthy head movement. They are made with natural latex particles and are 100% breathable, hypo-allergenic, pH-balanced, and toxin-free.
While these pillows may seem like an easy solution, their use is not medically encouraged and is seen as unsafe by many. Repositioning your baby while they are awake can provide adequate correction for mild flat head syndrome. If this does not work by the time your baby reaches four to six months of age, helmet therapy is a safe and effective treatment option.
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Pillows are not safe for babies
Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, pillows are not safe for babies and can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to let your baby use a pillow until they are two years old.
When people talk about a newborn baby pillow, they might be referring to a baby head pillow or a donut-shaped cushion designed to correct flat head syndrome. However, the AAP recommends skipping these pillows as well. Instead, you can move your baby's head position each night (right to left, left to right) to prevent him from developing a flat spot on one side of his head.
One of the best ways to teach your baby to sleep well is to develop a bedtime routine. You can start doing this when your baby is about 6-8 weeks old.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a baby is two years old
Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until a baby is two years old before introducing a pillow. This is because pillows are not safe for babies and can increase the risk of sudden death during infancy.
The AAP also recommends skipping baby head pillows, which are donut-shaped cushions designed to correct flat head syndrome. Instead, parents can move their baby's head position each night to prevent them from developing a flat spot on one side of their head.
It is also recommended that newborns sleep on their backs on a flat surface, both at night and during naps. When a baby begins to roll over at around the six-month mark, they can be left to fall asleep on their tummy or side.
Large plush pillows are not considered safe for children younger than two or three as the excess material could obstruct breathing.
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How to prevent flat head syndrome without a pillow
Newborns do not need pillows. In fact, pillows can be dangerous for babies as they can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden death during infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to let your baby use a pillow until they are two years old.
Flat head syndrome is a condition that can be prevented by changing your baby's everyday routine. Here are some ways to prevent flat head syndrome without using a pillow:
- Limit time spent in swings, bouncers, car seats, rockers, and strollers.
- Cuddle with your baby by holding them upright over one shoulder.
- Place toys on both sides of the car seat and play mat to encourage head movement.
- Switch arms when holding and feeding your baby.
- Change up the direction your baby lays in the crib and on the changing table.
- Increase tummy time. When your baby spends time on their tummy (while awake and supervised), it takes pressure off their head, which is needed to help prevent—and treat—flat head syndrome.
- Move your baby's head position each night (right to left, left to right) to prevent them from developing a flat spot on one side of their head.
- Position your baby in the crib to encourage active turning of the head to the side that's not flattened.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborns do not need pillows to sleep.
Pillows can obstruct a newborn's breathing and increase the risk of sudden death during infancy.
You can move your baby's head position each night (right to left, left to right).
Newborns should sleep on their backs on a flat surface.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is two years old.
