As a baby develops in its first year, there are a lot of exciting new things for them to experience. One of these is going outside and traveling in the car. Some parents may even want to take their baby or infant on an extended trip that requires air travel. While keeping things closer to home, there’s still enough to keep parents concerned and up all night with worry. Using pillows during travel can bring up some questions about the overall pillow safety, both inside and outside of the home.
How safe are pillows for babies in their first year?
There can be a lot of questions about pillows for babies under 12 months. New parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by all of the rules and restrictions that they hear about. One of these hot topics is pillows for babies under 12 months. Using a pillow in a baby’s crib is an absolute no, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be useful in other areas. Doctors recommend that parents keep pillows out of their baby’s cribs until the child is at least two years old.
In a child’s first year, there are a couple of ways that pillows can be helpful. The first is a U-shaped pillow that is primarily used when a child is in their car seat. This not only helps with supporting their head and neck, but it can also provide a sense of comfort and security. Many children do not like the feeling of confinement that comes with being restrained in a car or infant seat. Using a neck pillow can help to give them a feeling of safety and relaxation.
The other instance when a pillow is not only safe but helpful for an infant is when they are learning to sit on their own. Sitting is one of the major developmental milestones that babies achieve in their first year of life. As they are developing the muscles that are necessary for them to sit without assistance, a specialized sitting pillow can help to support them.
As a child develops, their needs will change, but having supervision is always important in the first few years of life. Staying aware of their movements can help to keep them safe. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are also helpful for the child and the parents. Pillow safety is just one of the important aspects of a child’s first year. Keeping a child safe requires constant attention.
