When Can Your Toddler Sleep with A Pillow?

For adults, having a comfortable pillow can make them sleep well, but for toddlers, a soft and fluffy pillow may directly threaten their health and safety when sleeping, of course it depends on their age. So for your toddler's safety, you need to know when it's appropriate to use a pillow for them.

1. When is it safe for your toddler to use a pillow?

In general, you should wait until your toddler is 1.5 years old (18 months) before introducing pillows into their sleep routine, as soft pillows are more likely to cause sudden death from suffocation in newborn babies. So while the pillow is safe and comfortable for you, it's not the same for babies and toddlers. The recommended age for introducing a pillow is around the same time a toddler can transition from sleeping in a crib to a toddler bed with safety rails, but should be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your pediatrician. Testing and observation are crucial to figuring out the best time to give your toddler a pillow while they are sleeping.

2. Choose the right pillow

When your baby reaches the age where he can use a pillow, you need to choose a suitable pillow for him. You need to find a pillow that adds comfort and is safe for your toddler. When shopping for a pillow, avoid pillows that are too large, as this can help reduce the risk of suffocation. A firm pillow is also better for a still developing neck and spine. If your toddler has allergies, make sure the pillow material doesn't cause any reactions, hypoallergenic pillows can reduce this risk.

3. Crib Placement

Although you should not share your baby's bed, it is best to keep your baby's crib in your room for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. When you later need to put your baby to sleep independently, make sure your baby's crib is kept away from any objects with ties or strings, such as curtains or wires. And other items your toddler may pull out of the crib or bed, such as frames, thick books or cell phones, should also be kept away from the crib.