If there's one thing we all love, it's a good night's sleep. But as much as adults crave bedtime, babies are even more obsessed with it. That being said, every new parent knows the struggle of figuring out when is the right time for pillows and duvets in their little one's life.
The truth is, there isn't a straightforward answer to this question. The timeline for introducing these bedding essentials varies depending on many factors such as age, developmental stage and sleeping habits. So let me guide you through when (brace yourself!) your baby can finally snuggle up with some fluff.
Why You Should Wait Before Introducing Pillows
First things first: why should parents wait before introducing pillows? Aren't they just an added comfort?
While most people might believe that soft surfaces provide more comfort than hard ones while sleeping - especially after a long day of tiring activities - putting pillow under infants' heads place them at risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Not cool!
Generally speaking, if an infant has too much material around its face and head during sleep or monitoring devices malfunctioned- which statistically happens rarely-, they could stop breathing causing major health issues like death (ouch!!) This menace necessitates keeping newly born clean from any risks by following safety guidelines about selectivity in deciding crib materials.
When Can babies use A Pillow
1- Most infants won’t need a pillow until start crawling because although the spine and neck muscles develop quickly,'till then definitely not worth risking trapping-themselves-underneathsituation! 2-Pillows may be used beginning at 18 months old but remember "firm flat surface"guidelines! Never areasqushy avoid memory foam type pillows! 3-Avoid homemade /cotton filled versionin favour factory made with hypoallergenic fibre filling for washable,WATERPROOF version.(they drool a lot!) 4-Always purchase size proportionate to your crib dimension, and never ever let baby sleep on an adult sized pillowtrust me they could get lost in there). 5-Avoid overstuffing pillows with too much fillings which creates the perfect mold that babies head sink into as this is extremely dangerous!
When should you decide it is time for your precious bundle of joy to cuddle up with a new friend?
Signs Your Baby Is Ready For A Pillow
The first step before introducing any bedding item such as pillows or duvets would be if the little one has passed rolling milestoneon stomach and back at ease(babies love their milestones!). If babies are starting to roll from tummy-to-back consistently between 3-6 months, then they have enough strength in core ,neck muscles granted its good to move forward. Note: It’s important TO make sure their mobility doesn’t involve you finding them face-down under comforters(most parents do this naturally)
Guidelines To Choosing The Right Duvet/Comforter
1-Firmness Level: If infants need blankets at all,(especially during winter)make sure it is firm but not heavy so that covers stay put without sliding down 2-Material Types: steer clear tough fabric or run risks allergies. Hypoallergenic microfiber fabric will do just fine! 3-Sizing Matters: For bigger cribs,best choice Twin-size blankets,allowing room-growing active tots! Kids also like snuggling under big-n-fuzzy cover-ups whether watching cartoons,chilaxin’or reading Frog&TOAD together.
So, when can we stop worrying about suffocation risk towards our sweethearts?
When Can Babies Use A Duvet/Comforter?
Keeping warmth and safety present within every priority setting tips, here are a few safe timeline-following examples. 1- Use a lightweight blanket or even swaddled infants until 12 months old, this would make them feel tucked and secure. 2-Begin introducing small soft blankets after reaching the one-year-old milestone 3-From 18months to three years,toddlers will love snuggling under the colorful designs of character-use branded coverlets oftentimes during movie nights & camping trips where home routine gets broken up! 4-by four years old Give your little tyke all pillows, fluffy bedding they can handle as much as you did at that age! (lack of judgment due to exhaustion may ensue)
Now You May Rest Easy!
At the end of the day, parenting is trial-and-error but guarantee you by following these guidelines in time with children’s developmental growth and research /recommended safety practices , we can all sleep soundly.
So relax momma,daddy,everyone else! Just let your bundle enjoy deep quality snooze without worrying about unnecessary risks.Parenting might not always be restful,but life sure needs to start fresh every morning just like our little ones.