Every parent knows that getting their little ones the required amount of sleep is a challenge at best, and an absolute nightmare at worst! One large part of ensuring that your child is getting enough, good-quality sleep is their pillow.
But how do you choose the right pillow for your child? At Spinaleze, we want everyone (and their children!) to be able to enjoy the benefits of a restful night's sleep, so we have put together our top tips to help you make the perfect choice for you and your child.
When will your child require a pillow?
According to Red Nose National Scientific Advisory Group (NSAG), pillows are not necessary for babies and can increase their risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy including SIDS and fatal sleep accidents. They suggest to wait until the child starts to sleep in a bed before introducing a pillow and that it is safer not to use a pillow at all for children under two.
When your child starts sleeping on their side is a good indicator that they require a pillow, as sleeping on their side without a pillow can be harmful for your child's neck in the long run,
What type of pillow is best for children?
As we have mentioned in previous blogs, the type of pillow that suits you best will depend on your sleeping positions, and the same theory applies to your child.
For children who sleep on their back over the age of 2, a thin pillow 4-5 cm thick, will ensure spinal and neck support as they sleep. Reassess pillow height once a year to ensure they are still receiving adequate support from their pillow.
Side sleepers over the age of 2 will need a pillow that is slightly thicker, say 5-6 cm, depending on the size of the child. Reassess every year, and if you find your side-sleeping child placing their arm under the pillow at night (an unconscious attempt to raise the height of the pillow), the pillow is too low.
If your child is over the age of 5, you may look into upgrading your child’s pillow to ensure they are still receiving optimal support as they sleep. The Spinaleze™ Children’s Profile Pillow was specifically designed for children aged 5 to 15 years regardless of side or back sleeping position, as the uniquely innovative design helps to properly maintain the correct curvature of the spine and prevent any strain on the head or neck while your child sleeps.
Consider what the pillow is made of
As a parent, you will know that children are often picking up germs so making sure that your child’s pillow doesn’harbour any of these unwanted nasties is very important.
Ensure that your pillow is made of anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic materials, as these materials will also assist those who are prone to allergies and asthma.
Our Children’s Pillow contains Ultrafresh, which is anti-microbial, anti-dustmite and anti-bacterial, so there is no need to regularly wash the pillow, an added benefit for busy parents!
Armed with these helpful tips, you should be able to select the perfect pillow for your child, to help them get a great night’s sleep, which will also help you to sleep better!
Learn more about our Australian-made and patented range of pillows, including the especially designed Children’s Pillow and get in touch with us today or visit us in-store to choose your perfect pillow.
This article should be used for informative purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a health specialist.
