newborn baby head pillow

Straight after birth, your baby's head may have gotten a bit out of shape. Elders may advise you to let your baby sleep on a horseshoe shaped pillow to make his head rounder. However, there are important reasons why this is not a good idea. Traditional horseshoe shaped pillows are filled with mustard seeds or ray. Modern versions are usually filled with sponge chips and thermocol balls. If the pillow tears, the seeds, sponge or thermocol can spill out. If your baby puts even a small piece in his mouth or nose, it can pose a choking hazard. This is why experts recommend not keeping any pillows in your baby's cot. 

Also, if your baby's head is firmly placed in the middle of a horseshoe shaped pillow, it will be difficult for him to turn his head to the side in case he spits up milk or vomits. This can make your baby choke on his own vomit. 

Large and heavy pillows used by adults and older children are especially unsuitable for babies and young children. Your baby may get stuck under such a pillow and suffocate. 

If you are still keen on giving your baby a pillow before he turns two, you need to keep an eye on him. Consider these precautions: 

• Only use the pillow during the day while you are watching your baby. At night, place your baby on his back on a firm mattress.
• Remove all pillows from his crib or cot at night or when you are napping.
• If your baby falls asleep on the pillow, keep a close eye on him. Better still, carefully remove the pillow and lay your baby in his crib or cot.
• Opt for a pillow with hypoallergenic filling.
• Pick a pillow that is small and firm with a smooth cover.
• Do not use any pillow decorated with beads, buttons, tassels or appliqués
• It is best not to use pillows made of polyester. The polyester fabric may cause irritation from the heat and accumulation of sweat. Choose cotton or terry based fabrics instead.
• Check for tears or open seams regularly. If the fabric is wearing out or if there is a tear, remove the pillow right away.
• Never feed your baby while he is lying on the pillow. Always choose a safe feeding position.
• Clean the pillow often. Pillows can be breeding grounds for germs. Dust, sweat, milk, oil or dampness can trap germs. Wash the pillow according to the care instructions and make sure it is completely dry before use.
• Do not use a pillow if you are putting your baby to sleep in a cloth cradle.
• If your baby has developed rashes or has cradle cap, ask your doctor for advice.
• If your baby is sleeping with you, remove all pillows, cushions and bolsters.
• There are safer ways of making sure your baby's head is round. 
• Try alternating the side his head lies on by giving him something to look at every time he lies on his back. Babies will turn their head towards an interesting or colourful picture. Move this picture to the other side each time you tuck him into bed, to get him to turn his head to the other side.
• You could also alternate the end of the cot you put your baby's head to. That way he breaks the habit of turning his head only to one side.
• Try not to let your baby lie too long on his back if he's not sleeping.

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