Most new moms already know that the youngest of infants do not need a baby pillow. Pillows and blankets can be dangerous for very young infants, are better kept aside for times when Mom can keep an eye out. But in the desire to keep their baby safe, many moms avoid giving their child a baby pillow for longer than is really necessary.

After your infant reaches a certain age, it is safe for you to give them a baby pillow... and will make them a lot more comfortable. Generally, doctors say that at the age of 12 months, when a child has gained some mobility, it may be time to give them a baby pillow. While you can wait several years to give your child a pillow if you choose, giving him or her one earlier on is a great way to have your one year old (or older) baby sleep through the night. The right size and shape baby pillow can do a lot for your childs comfort, as well as helping him or her breathe better during cold and flu season.

A Baby Pillow for an Older Infant

The truth is, a toddler or older baby will be more comfortable and sleep better using a baby pillow than without one. But just because it is generally safe to give your older infant or toddler a baby pillow does not mean that any kind of pillow will do. It is always important to think about your childs safety, of course, and grown up sized pillows can pose a danger to your toddler. Though a toddler is more mobile than a newborn, he or she can still be smothered by a large pillow.

So of course shopping for the right type of baby pillow for your baby is very important. In addition to being somewhat dangerous, adult sized pillows are just not comfortable for a toddler. A baby pillow, on the other hand, is designed with the proportions of your babys head, neck, and shoulders in mind. With toddler sized dimensions, only twelve inches by sixteen inches, a baby pillow supports your child in just the same way an adult pillow supports an adult, but geared towards the angles and dimensions which are comfortable for a baby.

There are also a few additional considerations to make when you are looking into buying a baby pillow for your child. For instance, it is generally better to purchase a hypoallergenic baby pillow if possible. A hypoallergenic pillow will reduce the amount of allergens your child is exposed to as he or she sleeps, and will usually be of the highest quality. You will also want to shop for a baby pillow that is easy to clean. While a baby pillow with a plastic layer will be the simplest type to clean, the plastic layering may make your child feel overheated. Your best choice is a pillow with a high quality, long lasting fabric that is breathable, but easily wipes clean .