When to Add a Pillow?

Hi L. If he seem to like snuggling up on a pillow get him a small size pillow. I've seem them in stores.

I'm no expert, but it seems like the experts stop worrying about SIDS after 1 year old, and your toddler may be in the crib until he's 3, so I don't see why it would be a problem. My 2 y.o. likes sleeping on top of his favorite blanket, all bunched up. I'm sure there's some "official" advice on these things somewhere online. :)

OK, here's some: http://www.babycenter.com/404_when-can-my-child-sleep-wit...

They of course say no, don't do it. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.

We gave our son a pillow when he started using the ones from the couch when he was 'resting'. We started with a small/thin little pillow at first.

We gave my daughter a pillow when she was still in her crib. I can't remember how old she was. I don't know that it helped her sleep any better, but she knew that Mom and Dad used pillows when they slept and she wanted to too. She is 3 now and now sleeps on 2 pillows, but most nights she ends up sleeping on the matress below the pillows most of the night. I think it is just comforting to her to have them. I would ask your doctor though, just to be sure.

Good Luck,
D.

I say he is to young for a pillow. If you do decide you want to give him one make sure it is almost flat and very small. We did not give our son a pillow till after he was well established in his toddler bed. In his crib he always had a couple stuffed toys to comfort him. He had this little bull dog that he truly loved having around.

S.

L.
I let both of my daughters use pillows after they turned 1. I found a web site that carried child size pillows that were good for cribs. I think One Step Ahead carries a similar product. I think your son will sleep much better with a pillow. Good luck.

I can't remember when I gave my son a pillow but I think right after he turned one. I gave him one of the really flat pillows and he loves it!! Maybe start off with the little pillows. I know Ikea has pillows especially for little toddlers (with sheets and matching pillow cases!!)

We had a special elephant shape pillow with hole in center and neck line to keep her head straight from 2 months on as she was leaning more to one side and that side was getting flat. At around 9 months we moved her to a small thin pillow..(w/Ariel picture that narrate story) and at around 1.5 she is on the regular pillow.

Another reason that your son took longer nap maybe because he slept with the Daddy.

V.

Get a little tiny toddler pillow. I got mine at a little boutique, it has a satin cover, but pottery barn kids or Land of Nod might have them. I don't think I put it in quite so early but it was probably 16 months. He does love it!

You could have given your child a pillow long ago. My son has had a pillow since 9 months.

My daughter had a pillow in her crib from about age 1. It was a flatter, firm pillow and I made sure not just her head was on it but also her shoulders so her neck wasn't kinked. She did sleep better with it. She is now almost 3 and is just fine.

Good luck.

We gave Connor a small pillow around 11 months or so. He cuddled with it more than actually sleeping with his head on it. Then we gave him an adult pillow around 2 years old, but a very flat one.

We got rid of my son's crib and switched to a twin bed, with a thin pillow, at 2 years old.

My son has had a small pillow in his crib since around 18 months. He always pushes it out of the way overnight, but always wants to snuggle it when he first goes to bed. I would stick with the small toddler pillows while still in the crib.

He seems a bit young for a pillow. We gave our son a toddler pillow when he turned 2 and a big pillow with his big boy bed when he turned 4. The toddler pillows are perfect!

once they can stand up I let them have one. I have found that having a pillow in their bed makes them sleep so much better!

I added pillows @ age 1. My husband "freaked" He thought our son would suffocate...well, he is fine and a 2 1/2 year old now.

You can add it now if you think he'll like it. By this time, the SIDS risk is over, since he can roll over and push himself up. I don't think you need to spend money on a special "toddler" pillow if he likes the ones you have. Also, kids this age, don't get kinks in their necks or anything like we do. Kids are naturally more flexible and their muscles and joints aren't affected by sleeping in weird positions. I think the only concern would be if he was congested, you would want to make sure he had his chest elevated, not just his head. Good luck and sweet dreams!