When Can a Baby Start Using a Pillow?
The parent’s guide on how to use pillows safely
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled every question under the sun about your baby, right down to whether they need a pillow yet or not; and as with most things googled, there is no simple answer. Pillows are a bigger deal than we often realize, and we can’t say with 100% certainty that there’s a perfect “pillow day” for every child. Still, experts worldwide generally agree that it’s risky for babies under a year old to have anything soft in their sleep space. But let’s be real, parenting involves a lot of grey areas and second-guessing ourselves. Below, I’ll share the best evidence we have about when it’s safer to introduce a pillow, what types to choose, and why. So, grab a snack (because we both know your little one might wake up at any moment), and let’s dive in!
When Is It Safe for a Baby to Use a Pillow?
Most major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, say no pillows for infants under 1 year old. This recommendation is in keeping with the “no soft items or loose bedding” rule as it helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some paediatricians suggest waiting until closer to 2 years old. It’s not that your one-year-old can’t handle a pillow, but the older they get, the safer it usually becomes.
Why the delay? Babies younger than a year can’t easily move their heads if they sink into something soft, which can block their airways. And, as you’ve likely heard a hundred times, the first year is when SIDS risk is highest. Once they become toddlers, they have better head and neck control and can usually push an object away from their faces if needed.