For most adults, a pillow is a necessity for a comfortable rest, and a dream without it can turn into morning discomfort in the neck, a headache, a sense of weakness. With children, everything is different, especially with very small children, even the best pediatric orthopedic pillow for them may not only be superfluous, but also harmful.
Do I need an orthopedic pillow for my baby?
If someone claims that orthopedic pillows for children are necessary at any age, since birth, then probably this person is engaged in the sale of these products, and the problems of children's health are of the last interest to him. The view that babies need to be laid on a pillow, even if the head was in a raised position, can still be heard from the representatives of the older generation.
In addition, sets of bedding for babies often include a small pillow, which further causes confusion for many mothers trying to figure out whether this attribute of sleep is needed in early childhood. Unequivocally we can say that the decisive word should be for experts in modern medicine. Their opinion will be based on our further arguments.
Do I need an orthopedic pillow for a newborn?
The doctors' point of view about whether an orthopedic pillow is needed for a baby is unequivocal: this item in a crib does not need anything until the age of 2 years. This is insisted on by pediatricians and orthopedists. The surface on which the babies sleep should be smooth, smooth, moderately stiff and elastic. This is explained by the anatomical features of the structure of the spinal column and the proportions of the head and body in young children, very different from those of adults.
From birth to about two years of age, the children are gradually forming physiological curves of the spine, and it is important not to interfere with this process. The use of pillows can disrupt the normal development of the spine in the cervical region and subsequently lead to curvature, stoop. In addition, it is negatively able to reflect this on the bone tissue of the head, while still soft, and cause deformities of the skull. Another danger of using a pillow for babies is the probability of suffocation if the crumb turns and snaps into it with a spout.
With all this, there are situations when a pediatric orthopedic pillow should be used, and they are associated with certain diseases and pathological conditions:
- torticollis (congenital, acquired);
- deformities of the bones of the skull;
- injuries of the cervical department;
- hypo-, hypertonic muscles of the neck;
- frequent regurgitation ;
- shortness of breath through the nose.
In the last two cases, it is not always necessary to provide a pillow to ensure the safety and comfort of the newborn or baby. To do this, it is permissible to place a flannel diaper folded four times under the child's head, or to place a small dense bead under the head edge of the mattress. For more serious problems, parents should take care of buying a special pediatric orthopedic pillow.
How to put a baby on an orthopedic pillow?
It is important to understand that an orthopedic pillow with a curled baby is not the only device for treatment, and medical or surgical treatment may be required to get rid of the pathology. Often, children with this diagnosis have been recommended since the month of age to be laid on a pillow consisting of two rollers - large and small. When sitting on the backrest under the head should be a smaller cushion, and with a sleep on the side on the sore side - the larger. The pillow must be chosen according to the size of the child's body.
Orthopedic pillows - types and purposes
A pediatrician, a neurologist or an orthopedist determines which child needs an orthopedic pillow (different types exist), depending on the medical indications, the physique of the baby, his individual characteristics. These products differ in shape, size, type of filler, density, material of the cover. The main effects that can provide a child's orthopedic pillow are as follows:
- maintaining the cervical region in the most correct position, taking into account the structure of the head and neck of the child;
- assistance in the correct formation of the shape of the head, prevention of bending of the bones;
- removal of muscle tone of the neck;
- normalization of blood circulation in the neck.
Children's anatomical pillow
One option is an anatomical cushion for the newborn and infants, rounded or in the form of a rectangle, which is a monolithic block in the case. The filling material is a polyurethane foam with a memory effect that has sufficient elasticity to ensure the correct position of the baby's neck and head. Such a pillow does not constrain the movements of the child in a dream, but thanks to the honeycomb structure it provides a normal moisture and air exchange, preventing choking and overheating. Such cushions can have a small depression in the center.
Fixation pillow for newborns
Calm and comfortable sleep on the side is able to provide a cushion-clamp to hold the child. This product, also called a positioner, is a pair of rollers that are fastened together by a fabric cloth. This pillow reliably fixes the position of the crumb on the side, if necessary (for example, with frequent and abundant regurgitation, a flattened occiput). Thus the child can freely move handles and legs. In addition, it creates a sense of security, which is important for troubled children.
Inclined Pillow
Children who have problems with regurgitation, a special inclined pillow for newborns is recommended. It has the form of a wide trapezoid with an angle of inclination of about 20-30 degrees, it is made of dense materials. Its main purpose is to keep the upper part of the torso and baby's head in a raised position in order to avoid swallowing the products of regurgitation and choking.
Pillow Butterfly
Now the pillow-butterfly for newborns in the presence of indications is often used, is the most common version of orthopedic pillows. It can be used from a month's age in addition to treating torticollis, skull-shaped defects. Due to the special form with deepening pressure on the occipital and temporal zones is minimized, the normal position of the cervical region is ensured. In addition to using in a crib , such an orthopedic pillow-butterfly for babies is convenient for use in a stroller during walks.
How to choose a pediatric orthopedic pillow?
Correctly choosing the type of pillow in shape depending on the doctor's appointments, it is equally important to choose a quality product from materials safe for the baby. In no case should the pillow be soft, lush, contain harmful and allergenic substances. Children's orthopedic pillow made of latex, polystyrene foam, foamed polystyrene - the most successful materials for the youngest.
Children older than one or two years are allowed to put in bed cushions made of buckwheat husk, bamboo or eucalyptus fiber, sheep's wool, holofayber. Bird fluff, feather, sintepon are not recommended as fillers. Allergy sufferers should avoid woolen pillows and other natural fillings, exercise caution when using products with latex and latex coconut fiber.
Orthopedic pillow for children up to one year
Correctly selected orthopedic pillow for babies up to 1 year of age will provide not only a therapeutic and prophylactic effect, but also give the baby a healthy, strong sleep, the signs of which can be considered:
- duration not less than 2-3 hours;
- even, deep breathing;
- practically stationary position during sleep.
It is important that the cover and filler pad provide a comfortable temperature for the baby's head so that it does not overheat and sweat. If there is an increased risk of suffocation, it is recommended to purchase a pillow with a perforated surface, made of latex or polyurethane foam. As for covers, preference should be given to cotton fabrics with inconspicuous seams.
Children's orthopedic pillows from 1 year
Choosing children's orthopedic pillows from a year, it is necessary to be guided by the same requirements on elasticity, quality of materials, air permeability, heat conductivity. As for the sizes, the pillow should be flat, and its width should coincide with the width of the baby crib, in order to avoid accidental rolling. In some cases, the use of butterfly pads with a recess for the head is recommended. Do not forget about hypoallergenic materials.
Children's orthopedic pillow from 3 years
In children who are three years old, pillows can already be approximated to adult options, because bone tissue is already strengthened, and a physiological flexure is developed in the cervical spine. It is important that the height of the product allows the neck and spine to be on a single line. Children's orthopedic pillow from 3 years should be selected necessarily taking into account not only anatomical features, safety, environmental friendliness, but also children's preferences.