Orthopedic pillow for newborns

For a new parent, topics related to the health of their child are of primary importance. Of particular concern is the sleep of the infant. Many mothers ask themselves whether a pillow is necessary for newborns?

Experts are sure that there is no need to put the baby on the product, or rather, it is not necessary for a baby. Pediatricians assure that using a regular pillow can threaten the baby:

• suffocation - the baby is unable to help himself in case of blocked nasal passages;
• damage to the cervical spine - the baby's bones are elastic and if the cervical spine is in the wrong position, there is a risk of curvature, since the baby spends most of its time sleeping;
• displacement of the cervical vertebrae - if the pillow is too high, the baby may fall off it when turning over.

Not all pillows are so dangerous for babies, there are special orthopedic pillows that are designed taking into account the anatomical features of babies. They are used from the very first days of life until reaching one year of age.

The Importance of Baby Sleeping on the Right Pillow

The most important development of a child occurs in the first months of his life, so it is important to pay due attention to this process. Monitor muscle tone, head position, cervical spine. From birth to one year, the baby mainly spends time sleeping, and therefore develops when he has a full rest. The task of parents is to provide the most comfortable and correct sleep, and this also depends on external factors, including the organization of the sleeping place.

If the pillow is too high, the blood flow is disrupted, the cervical vertebrae are in a tense state. This can cause headaches and restless sleep. But it is worth noting that when the baby sleeps on its side, its head will be in a tilted position, this will also harm the baby. It is necessary to monitor the position of the newborn's head, or more precisely, the angle of the head in relation to the body. An orthopedic pillow can help with this.

In what cases is an orthopedic pillow an indication?

The use of a pillow is relevant:

• with increased muscle tone in the cervical region;
• in case of intrauterine trauma to the head or cervical spine;
• due to birth trauma; diagnosed with torticollis;
• The baby's head is abnormally shaped.

However, there are also contraindications: if a child is prone to a phenomenon called “regurgitation”, then using a special pillow for him is unacceptable.

Types of orthopedic pillows

There are certain types that are approved by orthopedists:

• orthopedic pillow, known as a “butterfly pillow”;
• positioning cushion;
• bumper cushion;
• tilted pillow.

Orthopedic butterfly pillow

It is small in size, there is a recess in the center, into which the baby's head is placed. There are small rollers on the sides. When the baby's head is on such a product, the cervical region is supported by the roller touching the back of the head. The rollers placed on the sides ensure the correct (even) position of the head, they support the head, but at the same time give the baby the opportunity to move his neck, observing the outside world.

The butterfly is an excellent preventative measure against torticollis, as it provides support for the baby's head at several points at once. The cranial bones of a newborn are quite soft, this product will help to avoid asymmetry in shape. The load will be distributed evenly. It can be used from birth until the baby reaches one year of age, but orthopedists insist on postponing its use until the baby's neck gets stronger.

The pillow is made of hypoallergenic materials, you can not worry about the risk of an allergic reaction. Usually, holofiber, buckwheat husk, synthetic filler, latex are used as a filler. The latter differs significantly in price, but is one of the best fillers, according to orthopedists.

How to use

Using the "butterfly" is quite simple, the most important thing is to ensure that the baby's head is located strictly in the center, in a special recess. The position of the lower roller is exactly under the cervical region. When the baby learns to roll over, the pillow will not interfere with this. Its shape is universal and mobile.

Positioning cushion

This type of pillow is necessary for the care of premature babies, who have a high risk of developing pathologies with the musculoskeletal system. Such children are usually very weak, they have muscle hypotonia or muscle dystonia.

The task of such a positional pillow is to ensure fixation of the newborn's body to take the correct symmetrical position. It relieves tension from the spine, prevents deformation of other muscles.

Pillow - side

This product ensures the safety of the child during sleep, protects against hitting the head on the partition of the crib. It also prevents the legs and the handle from getting between the bars of the bed, thereby protecting against them getting stuck.

Inclined pillow

This product has a slight slope and height. This allows the baby to sit comfortably on it and ensure normal blood flow from the head.

It is not suitable for newborns; its use is relevant after 4 months.

Bathing pillow

Everyone knows how much babies love to bathe. A bathing pillow provides support in the water while bathing and fixes the baby's neck.

Swimming and movements in water perfectly strengthen the muscles, the cervical region, fixed with such a device, allows the spine to move in the desired position. They are made of moisture-resistant material, so after swimming they should only be slightly dried.

At what age can a child sleep on a regular pillow?

Experts argue about this. Some insist on using an orthopedic pillow up to one year, some deny the benefits of both a regular and a special pillow up to 3-4 years, and there are those who believe that using a regular pillow is only allowed from 2 years.

But what the opinions agree on is that using a regular pillow before the age of one year will only harm the child. Orthopedists recommend starting to sleep on a regular pillow from the age of 2. By this time, the child's body is getting stronger, the bones are no longer soft.

Before purchasing a product, you should check the product for hardness, it should be elastic and have a medium degree of hardness. You should choose a pillow no more than 15-20 cm high, the shape should be straight. When the baby sleeps on it, you need to make sure that not only the head is on it, but also the shoulder area of ​​the child.

One of the most inexpensive fillers is synthetic fibers. They are hypoallergenic, retain their original shape, have good moisture resistance, and air passes well through the fibers.

But you shouldn't buy ones with down filling, sheep wool or feathers, such materials can cause an allergic reaction in a child. They quickly lose their shape, and do not have the rigidity that a baby needs. There are known cases of linen mites developing in down pillows, since feathers are a positive environment for the development and life of these organisms.

What can replace a pillow?

An alternative to the pillow can be a regular diaper folded in several layers. The height of the diaper should be more than 2 mm, so that the folded diaper only slightly changes the angle of the baby's inclination. The diaper is placed from a month to 6-7 months, then an orthopedic pillow is purchased.

When choosing a product for a child, you should approach the event responsibly, the future health and development of the baby depends on the choice. A correctly chosen pillow will give the baby a calm and healthy sleep, necessary in the first months of life.

VIDEO:

50 photos of orthopedic pillows for newborns: