I know about the SIDS rules, but I don’t follow ALL of them. For instance, I let my 8.5-month-old have a stuffed bear and a lovey in her pack and play. She likes to use the bear as a pillow. So, I’m curious why they say no pillows. It seems like she would enjoy having one. Does anyone else give their baby a small pillow?
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While it’s understandable that you want your baby to be comfortable, the guidelines for safe sleep practices, including those related to SIDS prevention, are designed to reduce the risk of harm to infants. Pillows, along with other soft bedding items like stuffed animals and blankets, can pose a suffocation hazard for babies, especially those under one year old.
Babies are not able to move their heads away from objects that obstruct their breathing, and their airways can easily become blocked by soft items like pillows. This increases the risk of suffocation or strangulation, which is why it’s recommended to keep the sleep environment free of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and other soft objects.
While your baby may seem to enjoy using the stuffed bear as a pillow, it’s important to prioritize safety during sleep. Providing a firm mattress and keeping the sleep area free of loose bedding and soft objects can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related accidents.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s comfort during sleep, you can consider using sleep sacks or wearable blankets, which are designed to keep babies warm without the need for loose bedding. These are considered safer alternatives to traditional blankets and pillows for infants.
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While some parents may feel that their baby would not enjoy having a pillow for comfort, mine enjoys that, it’s essential to prioritize safety in the sleep environment. Babies can find comfort in other ways, such as swaddling, gentle rocking, or using pacifiers or loveys that meet safety guidelines. But I’ll go with that.
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on my own opinion i feel
Pillows are not safe for babies. You should avoid using a pillow when laying your baby down to rest, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death. Experts recommend that parents wait until their baby is over two years old before introducing a pillow.
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There are a lot of recommendations out there that seem a bit excessive in terms of age restrictions. You’ve observed how well she naps with pillows and are aware of her head control. If the circumstances were suitable, I’d feel comfortable letting my child sleep with a pillow at 7 months too.
I’ve been using a blanket with my baby since birth, even though technically it goes against the rules. But I’ve taken every precaution to ensure it’s done safely, you know?
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I understand the desire to provide comfort for our little ones, but when it comes to pillows for babies, safety is the top priority.
Babies Under 1 Year Old: It’s not safe to give a pillow to a baby under the age of 1.
Extra items in the crib can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, and entrapment.
Not my own. I’m too nervous to go against the SIDS guidelines, but that’s just me.
Yes, some parents give their babies pillows, but it’s generally recommended to wait until the baby is at least one year old to reduce the risk of suffocation.