The Best Baby Pillows

Understanding Baby Pillow Types

• Head Shaping Pillows: Designed to prevent or correct flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). They often feature a concave center to distribute pressure evenly.
• Positioning Pillows: Used to help keep newborns on their backs for sleep, though their use should be carefully monitored and discussed with a pediatrician.
• Travel Pillows: Smaller, often U-shaped, designed for support during car rides or stroller naps.
• General Comfort Pillows: Softer, flatter pillows intended more for supervised lounging rather than sleep.

Key Features to Consider

• Material: Look for breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo for the cover. The filling should be soft yet supportive, often memory foam or a similar material that retains its shape.
• Safety: Ensure the pillow meets safety standards and does not pose a suffocation risk. Avoid any pillow with loose parts or excessive stuffing. Always supervise your baby when using a pillow.
• Size and Shape: The pillow should be appropriately sized for your baby's head and neck. Head shaping pillows have specific ergonomic designs.
• Washability: Opt for a pillow with a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning, as accidents are common.

When to Introduce a Pillow

For newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an empty crib free of any soft bedding, including pillows, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Pillows are generally not recommended for infants under 12 months old unless specifically advised by a pediatrician for a medical reason. After 12 months, when a child is transitioning to a toddler bed, a small, flat pillow may be introduced under supervision.