How to Choose toddler pillow safety?

There are many precautions and safe sleeping practices for newborns, infants, and toddlers. These precautions are meant to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Taking pillows, blankets, and other toys out of babies' cribs reduced SIDS cases by 80%.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

As your child grows, their sleeping arrangements will change. After the first year, your child’s risk of SIDS is reduced greatly. At this time, you can start introducing new sleeping arrangements. 

In the toddler stage, your child will move around more than before. To keep them safe while they sleep, you’ll need to make multiple changes to their cribs, sleepwear, and bedding. Every child is different. You'll have to consider your child’s development between the ages of 1 and 2 years before you add pillows to their bed. 

When Can a Toddler Use a Pillow?

The age that toddlers can safely use a pillow varies. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend letting a toddler under the age of 2 years use a pillow. 

When your toddler transitions out of their crib to a bed they can then safely use pillows and other bedding. Once they’re old enough to sleep in their bed, they can also have stuffed animals with them. Your toddler’s risk of SIDS or suffocation is greatly reduced after they transition to a bed. 

Best Pillows for Toddlers

Some pillows are better for toddlers than others. Giving them an adult-size pillow is not safe for them. They need a small-sized, thin, firm pillow. 

A firm pillow is better for toddlers. There’s not a big risk of suffocation like there is with soft pillows. Firm pillows also support your toddler’s neck. Toddler’s necks are developing and need good support for proper spinal alignment. 

Pillows with hypoallergenic and untreated material are the preferred options for toddlers. Choosing these pillows can reduce allergic reactions or rashes. 

Dangers of Letting Your Toddler Sleep With a Pillow

If your toddler is still sleeping in a crib, they do not need a pillow. Even if they’re over 12 months old, pillows can be a hazard in a crib. Pillows can get caught in the crib walls and obstruct your toddler’s breathing. They can also use pillows as steps to climb over and fall out of their crib. Pillows are a greater risk for toddlers under the age of 2. 

Guidelines for Safe Sleep

Setting up safe sleeping practices is the best way to protect your child while they sleep. If your toddler is under 2 years old and is still sleeping in a crib, then you should keep it clear of pillows, toys, blankets, and other suffocation dangers. This will change when they get older and transition to a child’s bed.

Do not let your toddler sleep in bed with you. There are too many risks. Infants sleeping in bed with parents can lead to SIDS, unintentional injury, and suffocation. If you want your toddler to sleep in the same room as you, use a bedside sleeper. 

Tips for Keeping Your Toddler Safe With Their Pillow

Follow these tips to keep your toddler safe with their pillow. Learn when and how pillows can be safe for toddlers. 

Wait until they are 24 months old. The recommended age for using a pillow is now 2 years old. Before then, there’s a danger of suffocation due to the extra material in the bed. Your child's own development will be a large factor in determining when they can use a pillow.

Upgrade their bed. This may contradict waiting until your toddler is 24 months old. If your toddler is moving around and they upgrade to a bigger child-size bed, then you can add pillows and bedding. 

Choose the right pillow. A small, firm pillow is ideal for toddlers. Finding pillows that support their neck will help with their development. You can put a breathable pillowcase on the pillow that fits with their bedroom theme and is easily washable. 

Let them decide when they use a pillow. Once you notice your child using blankets or stuffed animals to prop up their head, they might be ready for a pillow. You can put the right-sized pillow on their bed and let them naturally choose to use it. This may take time for them to get used to. 

There has been some confusion in the past on the right time to give your toddler a pillow. Follow the American Association of Pediatrics' recommendation and wait until your child is at least 2 years old. 

You may be finding yourself wondering when it's safe and appropriate to introduce a pillow. Perhaps your little one is asking for one, or you are just trying to make their sleeping place more comfortable. It can be hard to sleep without a pillow, right?

While pillows can play a role in sleep comfort for older children and adults, it's essential to consider the safety aspects and developmental readiness of your toddler before making this addition to their sleep environment. In this article, we'll explore the guidelines for when to introduce a pillow, the safety considerations involved, and tips for choosing the right pillow and making a smooth transition. By understanding these key factors, you can make an informed decision about when and how to introduce a pillow to your toddler's bedtime routine.

Do toddlers actually need pillows?

Toddlers generally don't need pillows for sleeping. In fact, it's often recommended that children under the age of two do not use pillows. Pillows are meant to provide comfort, and small children sleep very well without them. 

When to introduce a pillow for your child

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no pillows under 2 years of age [ ]. This age guideline is based on factors such as the reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and the development of motor skills that allow toddlers to maintain open airways while sleeping. We recommend speaking to your pediatrician if you want to introduce a pillow to your kiddo’s sleep environment. 

Some parents do introduce a pillow earlier and other parents wait until . This decision is completely dependent on the parents and their medical provider.

While research hasn’t pinpointed the exact time to start putting soft items like pillows and stuffed animals in the crib, most experts agree that they’re pretty safe for healthy babies once they’re over 12 months old [ ].

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Liangliang.

Signs that your toddler may be ready for a pillow include being 2 years or older, showing interest in or asking for a pillow, and demonstrating the ability to move pillows or blankets away from their face during sleep. If you are thinking about introducing a pillow, we recommend speaking to your pediatrician. 

Safety considerations for introducing a pillow

There are several things to consider when choosing a pillow to make sure that your child’s sleep environment is a safe one.

Choose a pillow that is specifically designed for toddlers. These pillows are typically smaller, thinner, and firmer than adult pillows, providing just enough support without the risk of overcrowding the sleep space. 

If your baby or toddler is still in a crib, placing a pillow in their crib may entice them to use it as support to climb out of the crib. Toddlers are very creative and many use pillows and stuffed animals and stack them up against the rail to get enough support and height to climb out. If you do decide to introduce a pillow, make sure that there are no other objects in the crib that your child can use to stack and climb out. Check that the crib is at the lowest height setting and remove the pillow if you notice your child is using it in an unsafe manner. 

Filling of the pillow

You want to make sure that the materials the pillows are made of won’t pose a choking risk to your child. Opt for pillows that aren’t filled with small pellets and/or microbeads, hard grain, seeds, or anything else that your child might put in their mouth. A fiber-filled pillow is your best bet. 

If you are concerned about allergies and breathability, consider the materials used in the pillow before purchasing one. There are several organic and non-toxic options in the market, and cotton pillow covers are usually cooler than other fabrics. This is especially important if your little one tends to get hot at night. The height of the pillow is important as well. Your child is used to sleeping on a flat and firm surface, and their small neck and spine are still in development, so make sure that you opt for a pillow that is small and flat. 

Tips for choosing the right pillow and for a smooth transition

Here are some tips for using pillows for your toddler:

• Look for kid-specific pillows

• Consider the pillow material

• Let your toddler have a choice

• Allow your child to get familiar with a pillow

• Look out for sleep disruptions

Find more details below:

Tip #1: Look for kid-specific pillows

When selecting a pillow for your toddler, look for one that is appropriately sized for their body and bed. Toddler pillows are typically smaller than standard pillows, with dimensions around 12x16 inches or 13x18 inches. Choose a pillow with a thickness of about 2 to 3 inches to provide adequate support without being too high. A very thick pillow can be uncomfortable for your child and might put too much strain on their small neck and spine. 

Tip #2: Consider the pillow material

Opt for materials that are safe, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.  Avoid pillows with fillings that may pose a choking hazard. Many toddler pillows are made with polyester fiberfill or memory foam, which are durable and maintain their shape over time. 

Tip #3: Let your toddler have a choice 

To help your toddler transition to using a pillow, let them pick out their own pillowcase or involve them in the selection process. This can create a sense of excitement and ownership over their new sleep accessory. 

Tip #4: Allow your child to get familiar with a pillow

Gradually introduce the pillow during storytime or quiet play before and bedtime, allowing your toddler to become familiar with it outside of the sleep context.

Tip #5: Look out for sleep disruptions

Once you've introduced the pillow, continue to use it each night to help your child adjust to this new addition to their . If your toddler shows dislike or discomfort with the pillow, consider waiting a few weeks before reintroducing it or trying a different size or style. If your child starts using the pillow as support to climb out of the crib, or in another way that disrupts their usual sleep patterns, consider removing the pillow and introducing it at a later time. 

Remember that it is OK if your child ends up sleeping with their head on the mattress instead of the pillow for the rest of the night!

Takeaway

• According to the AAP, introducing a pillow to your toddler's should be done when your child is over 2 years old in order to follow safe sleep recommendations. 

• By following age guidelines, choosing an appropriate pillow, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, you can promote healthy sleep habits for your growing toddler.

• Remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts as a parent and prioritize your toddler's safety and comfort above all else. With patience, consistency, and a little trial and error, you'll find the right approach to pillow introduction that supports your toddler's healthy sleep development.

  Contact us to discuss your requirements of toddler pillow safety. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.