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.
