Miya Pearson
It's recommended that children don't sleep with a pillow until they are at least one year old, and if they are happily sleeping through the night without one, there is no need to introduce one. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers under the age of two should not use a pillow, and the Danish National Board of Health recommends not using a pillow before a child is at least one year old due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When children start sleeping on their side, probably around the age of two or three, they might enjoy sleeping with a pillow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended age | At least one year old |
| Pillow type | Small, thin, and supportive |
| Safety | Babies should not sleep with pillows due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of pillows for babies
It is recommended that children under the age of one should not sleep with a pillow. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that toddlers under the age of two should not use a pillow, and if they are still in a crib, they should not have a pillow at all. The Danish National Board of Health recommends that pillows are not used before a child is at least one year old due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Babies are at risk of suffocation or strangulation from pillows, and their airway can become blocked, risking their survival. Pillows can also limit the amount of heat a baby is able to release, which can lead to overheating, another risk factor associated with SIDS.
Babies can also use pillows as a step to climb up their crib, which can lead to a fall and serious injury. Nursing pillows are also dangerous, as a baby can roll over onto their stomach and turn their head onto the soft fabric, blocking their airway.
Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) can be caused by a baby sleeping on their back, but this is more often caused by infant torticollis, or tight neck muscles.
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When to introduce a pillow to a toddler
It is recommended that children do not sleep with a pillow until they are at least one year old, due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that toddlers under the age of two should not use a pillow, and the Danish National Board of Health recommends waiting until a child is at least one year old before introducing a pillow. If your child is delayed in the development of gross motor skills, it is advised to wait until they are somewhat older.
Babies should sleep without anything in the crib except for a fitted crib sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation. Pillows, loose blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, and recently-banned crib bumpers can all create a suffocation risk for infants.
When you do decide to introduce a pillow, it is best to start with a small, thin, but supportive pillow. Avoid feather pillows, which are too soft and can set off allergies. If your toddler is happily sleeping through the night without a pillow, there is no need to introduce one.
Some children may start sleeping on their side around the age of two or three and might enjoy sleeping with a pillow at this point. However, the exact timing will depend on your child's individual development and preferences, as some children may prefer sleeping without a pillow.
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The right type of pillow for a toddler
It is recommended that children under the age of one or two should not sleep with a pillow. This is because pillows can create a suffocation risk for infants and contribute to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When it comes to choosing the right type of pillow for a toddler, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the pillow should be the right size and thickness for the child. A small, thin pillow is recommended for younger toddlers, while the average toddler pillow size is 13 by 18 inches. Secondly, the pillow should have the right amount of firmness. A pillow that is too soft can make it hard for the child to breathe, while a pillow that is too firm can hurt their neck. The right firmness will support their growing body and help them sleep better. Thirdly, the filling material and breathability of the pillow are important. Hypoallergenic materials such as bamboo or down alternatives are good choices to reduce allergy risks. Finally, it is important to choose a pillow that is easy to clean and durable, as toddlers can be messy.
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Whether toddlers need pillows
It is recommended that children under the age of one should not sleep with a pillow. The Danish National Board of Health recommends that pillows are not used before a child is at least one year old due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers under the age of two should not use a pillow.
If your child is delayed in the development of gross motor skills, it is recommended that you wait until they are somewhat older before introducing a pillow. Their little bodies don't need the same neck support that adults do. However, when children start sleeping on their side, probably around the age of two or three, they might enjoy sleeping with a pillow.
If you want to introduce a pillow, it's best to wait until your toddler moves from a crib to a bed. If you want to give them a pillow while they're still sleeping in a crib, it should be small (the size of an airline pillow) and firm. Feather pillows are not recommended as they are too soft, can set off allergies, and can smother a child.
Some children might prefer sleeping without a pillow. If your toddler is happily sleeping through the night without a pillow, there is no need to introduce one.
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The risks of pillows for toddlers
It is recommended that children do not sleep with a pillow until they are at least one year old, and even then, it should be a small, thin and supportive pillow. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers under the age of two should not use a pillow, and if they are still in a crib, they should not have a pillow at all.
The main risk of pillows for toddlers is the risk of suffocation. Pillows can also get caught in crib rails, posing a significant risk of falling and hurting themselves. Feather pillows, in particular, can set off allergies and can smother a child if their head sinks into it while they are sleeping.
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Frequently asked questions
Your child shouldn't sleep with a pillow until at least one year of age, and if your toddler is happily sleeping through the night without one, there is no need to introduce one yet. The Danish National Board of Health recommends not using a pillow before your child is at least one year old due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Having a pillow in bed can be extremely dangerous for infants. The Food and Drug Administration has declared that the use of head-shaping pillows can create an unsafe sleep environment for infants and may contribute to the risk of suffocation and death.
If your child is still sleeping in a crib, it's best to give them a small, thin, and firm pillow. Stay away from feather pillows, which are too soft, can set off allergies, and can smother a child.
There isn't one specific age recommended for toddlers to start sleeping with a pillow. However, when children start sleeping on their side, probably around the age of 2 or 3, they might enjoy sleeping with a pillow.
Older children don't need pillows either. If your child is happily sleeping without a pillow, there is no need to introduce one.
