Colin Snow
Should a newborn sleep on a pillow? The short answer is no. Newborns do not need pillows, and their crib should be free from toys, blankets, bumpers, or pillows to significantly reduce their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A newborn's crib should contain a tight-fitted sheet over a firm mattress, set to a safe, age-appropriate height. The area surrounding the crib should be free of hazards, including electrical cords, baby monitors, and shelves. While it may seem natural to want to provide a pillow for your newborn, it is not recommended, as it can pose a risk of suffocation and oxygen deprivation, which can lead to serious injury or even death.
Table: Characteristics of newborns sleeping on pillows
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | The use of pillows for newborns is considered unsafe and can be potentially dangerous to the baby's health. |
| Pillow Type | Orthopedic pillows are not suitable for newborns. |
| Sleeping Surface | Newborns should sleep on a flat and firm surface without additional pillows. |
| Suffocation Risk | Pillows increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). |
| Oxygen Deprivation | Pillows can disrupt the free flow of air, leading to oxygen deficiency and potential neurological damage. |
| Age Recommendation | It is generally recommended to avoid using pillows until the baby is at least one year old. |
| Reflux or Sleeping Issues | In some cases, propping up a baby with a pillow can help with reflux or sleeping issues, but it should be discontinued once the baby can roll over. |
| Flat Head Syndrome | Moving the baby's head position each night can help prevent flat head syndrome. |
| Bedtime Routine | Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, such as a bath, massage, and quiet time, can help newborns sleep well. |
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What You'll Learn
The risk of suffocation
Babies lack the reflexes and muscle strength to move their heads and necks if they become stuck in a particular position. When left unattended on a pillow, they can twist into a position where their airway is blocked, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and body. This can result in positional asphyxia and, in the worst-case scenario, death. Additionally, if a baby turns their head, gets too close to the edge of the pillow, or if their mouth and nose become obstructed, it poses a choking hazard as they can aspirate vomit, regurgitated milk, or other foreign objects, leading to breathing difficulties.
The use of pillows and similar items is extremely risky, as oxygen deficiency can leave permanent neurological damage to the child. It is safer to leave the infant in a crib without additional pillows and bedding that may harm them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children sleep only in an environment devoid of soft objects or objects that impede airflow, especially pillows. This recommendation is supported by data collected by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which found that infants should sleep on a firm, fitted mattress without pillows, blankets, or wedges to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
While it is generally not recommended to let a baby sleep in a position that increases the risk of SIDS, there are exceptions. For example, if a baby has reflux or trouble sleeping on their back, sleeping propped up on a pillow can help them breathe better and get more restful sleep. However, it is important to monitor the baby's breathing and discontinue the use of a pillow if they struggle to breathe or have a stuffy nose. The general rule of thumb is to stop using a pillow once the baby can roll over on their own.
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Orthopedic pillows
It is generally not recommended to let newborns sleep on pillows, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In the first few months of life, infants should sleep on a flat, firm surface without any pillows, blankets, or soft toys that could obstruct their breathing and lead to oxygen deprivation. Orthopedic pillows, in particular, are designed for adults with spinal problems and are not suitable for infants whose spines are still developing.
The Luxome LAYR Pillow is a highly rated orthopedic pillow that offers adjustability, allowing users to customize the loft and firmness to their preferences. It combines soft down with denser memory foam and features a cooling bamboo cover. Another option is the Marlow pillow from Brooklinen, which is filled with shredded foam and polyester fiber. It has a zippered design that allows users to adjust the firmness by adding or removing filling.
While orthopedic pillows can be beneficial for adults, they are not recommended for infants. It is essential to follow safe sleep practices for newborns and consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's sleep environment.
As for the question of whether a newborn should sleep on a pillow, the answer is generally no. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a healthcare professional for specific advice regarding an infant's sleep.
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Flat head syndrome
It is generally not recommended to let a newborn sleep on a pillow, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and can obstruct airflow, leading to oxygen deficiency and even death. Instead, it is advised that infants sleep on a flat, firm surface without pillows or soft objects that could pose a suffocation risk.
Repositioning your baby while they are awake can help correct mild flat head syndrome. This can be done by flipping them in the bassinet so that their head is where their feet usually are or by adjusting the mattress pad to ensure it is completely flat. If repositioning does not help by the time your baby is four to six months old, helmet therapy is a safe and effective treatment option.
While some products, such as the SleepEasy™ Flat Head Baby Pillow, claim to prevent and correct flat head syndrome, the use of pillows for this purpose is not medically encouraged and is considered unsafe by many. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using pillows to prevent flat head syndrome, as they can pose a risk to the baby's health and do not provide significant benefits.
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Reflux and breathing issues
If your newborn has reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER), you may notice symptoms such as spitting up or vomiting after feeding, frequent hiccups, or uncomfortable sounds and movements. To ease these symptoms, some parents choose to use a reflux wedge pillow or adjust the bassinet to an angle, creating a slight incline. This elevation can help prevent spit-up and reduce the discomfort associated with reflux.
However, it is important to note that the use of pillows for infants, especially orthopedic pillows, can be potentially dangerous. The respiratory system of newborns is delicate, and their airways are narrow. A pillow under the head can disrupt the free flow of air, leading to oxygen deficiency and, in severe cases, death. Therefore, it is generally recommended that infants sleep on a flat, firm surface without additional pillows or soft objects that could impede airflow.
If you are concerned about your newborn's reflux or breathing issues, it is always best to consult your pediatrician for advice. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your baby's specific needs. Additionally, ensuring your baby sleeps on their back can help prevent them from rolling onto their side or stomach, reducing the risk of SIDS.
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Safe introduction of pillows
Pillows and other soft bedding items can create the potential for suffocation or strangulation and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it is recommended that newborns sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface without pillows. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your baby sleep with nothing in their crib, including no pillows, crib bumpers, top sheets, blankets, or toys. All that’s required for your baby to sleep safely is a firm crib mattress and a fitted sheet.
However, many parents consider using baby pillows to prevent flat head syndrome in their infants. Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) can occur when a baby sleeps on their back, and their head flattens on one side. This usually resolves itself after a few months as they begin to sit up and crawl on their own. To prevent this, you can change your baby's head position while they sleep by alternating between their left and right sides. You can also encourage your baby to spend some time lying on their stomach while awake, also known as "tummy time."
If you do choose to introduce a pillow for your baby, it is recommended to wait until they are over two years old. At this age, they are no longer sleeping in a crib, and they have better control of their neck muscles, allowing them to move and flip over without help. When selecting a pillow for your toddler, choose one that is small and firm to provide them with support and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborns should not sleep on pillows. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children sleep in an environment devoid of soft objects or objects that impede airflow, especially pillows, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Nursing pillows are not designed for long-term sleep or bed-sharing with a baby. They are intended for short-term use during breastfeeding to aid the mother's comfort. Sleeping on a nursing pillow poses several dangers to the baby, including suffocation, choking, and discomfort.
Instead of using a pillow, you could 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. You can also try using a breathable baby blanket or clothes to keep them cool and comfortable.
It is generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least one year old before introducing a pillow to their sleep environment. This is because, before the age of one, anything introduced into the crib could pose a risk for suffocation. After the age of one, both the child's brain and mobility should be developed enough to adequately protect their airways while they sleep.
