Baby pillows

All of us adults take the pillow for granted. We are aware of this thing only when it is necessary for sleep and daily rest after a tiring day. When children appear, new questions arise: is a pillow needed, at what age and what should be guided by when choosing it.

Pediatricians recommend healthy children with no known pathologies to use a pillow from the age of two and older.

The main function of the pillow is to support the spine in the cervical spine to prevent deformation.

The proportions of the body of babies differ from those of adults. The head is large in relation to the body. These anatomical features allow babies not to use any devices and sleep without overexertion.

Doctors focus on the correct positioning of the child's head and body in the same plane. Sometimes a diaper folded several times is placed under the head of babies in the first months of life. This device will help to reduce the number of regurgitations and prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract. Another option is to raise the mattress at the head of the bed, monitoring the absence of deflection.

If a newborn has been diagnosed with physiological abnormalities, then a special pillow can be used as prescribed by an orthopedist.

It will help to relax or strengthen the muscles of the neck, to correct the condition with congenital torticollis. For children two years and older, experts recommend a low, straight pillow with a sufficient level of rigidity.

Ideal if the width is correct for the bed to prevent it from rolling down. It is important that the head is always on the dais, and the shoulders rest on the mattress.

It is very important to consult with experts before choosing a pillow and use their recommendations when buying.

• A high-quality product, after pressing, returns to its original state in a few seconds.
• The cover must be removable and sewn from natural fabrics: cotton, chintz, linen.
• Hypoallergenic dyes.
• Fillers can be both natural and synthetic. The main thing is that they do not contain substances harmful to health.
• The seams are only internal, elastic and durable.
• Lack of unpleasant odors.
• The presence of the manufacturer's certificate of conformity indicates its good faith.
• The indication of the period of use is required.
• Convex embellishments are unacceptable.
• The optimal height is an individual parameter equal to half the shoulder width.

As a rule, the width of the pillow is selected in accordance with the size of the baby's bed, about 40 to 60 centimeters. Convenient length for a young child - 30 to 40 centimeters. It allows you to comfortably place your head and neck.

Height is directly related to the length of the shoulders, so the product must be changed depending on the height. In the first year of life, it is approximately 4 cm, upon reaching three years of age - 6 cm. This criterion also depends on the preferences of the child. If the baby sleeps on his back - the pillow is lower, on the side - higher.

The traditional Russian size of a baby pillow is 40x60 cm, the European size is 50x70 cm.Dimensions 35x45 cm are typical for newborns.

Length and width are different from the standard and may vary. It is important that the width matches the width of the mattress.

Requirements:

1. Wear resistance.
2. Hypoallergenic.
3. High breathability.
4. Hygroscopicity. The material should not only absorb easily, but also quickly evaporate water.
5. Lack of harmful components and hazardous chemical compounds.

Fillers of this group have the highest permeability. However, such models are difficult to maintain. Some of them cause allergies.

• Down is the oldest in the historical sense. Does not fall off, hygroscopic. The main quality is softness, which makes this look impossible to use in products intended for children. In addition, down and feather fillers cause allergies and do not tolerate washing. Models made of goose feathers and down, which have undergone multi-level processing, have sufficient elasticity.

• Wool. The natural fibers that make up the composition perfectly keep their shape, air and moisture permeable, which will prevent the appearance of diaper rash in a child. This type of filler is able to reduce muscle pain and is therefore used for orthopedic options. The main disadvantage is that without proper care, there is a possibility of the appearance of a dust mite, a causative agent of allergic reactions. The service life is short, as lumps appear during use. In order to make the product more durable, it is better to use a combined mixture of wool and synthetic fibers.

• Buckwheat. One of the best varieties for babies. The husk, due to its flowability, easily adapts to the anatomical features. Its natural origin guarantees the absence of harmful odors and allergens. The rigidity of such a pillow can be adjusted by pouring or adding part of the buckwheat husk if necessary. Small particles allow air and moisture to pass through, have a relaxing effect on the neck muscles, and improve blood circulation. When used, the following disadvantages were noted: weight; rustling, to which not everyone is able to get used to. In case of contamination, the filler must be ventilated, the cover must be washed.

• Latex. The best option for a pillow for a child. The material with pronounced anatomical properties is easy to clean. The porous structure perfectly filters air currents. The service life is longer than other types of fillers. There is only one drawback - the high price.

• Cotton. It is in great demand due to its high thermoregulatory properties. An effective solution for children with increased perspiration. Cotton wool is economical in terms of cost, but quickly loses shape and accumulates odors.

• Eucalyptus. It is useful for allergy sufferers and asthmatics due to its deodorant properties. Essential substances in the composition of fibers heal the skin, have antibacterial and healing properties. In the manufacture of the filler by the process of processing the plant stem of eucalyptus with wood cellulose, environmental friendliness is preserved. These pillows create a feeling of coolness in the heat and warm in the cold. The high-quality material is characterized by the highest degree of wear resistance. Washing is possible in a washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. It is recommended to dry the products in their natural form, in addition, ventilation is necessary for preventive purposes.

• Bamboo. It appeared on the market quite recently, due to technical progress. Bamboo fibers are inherently very tough, so processing technology was needed to soften them. The quality of the pillows is similar to cashmere.The product is characterized by antimicrobial action; moisture resistance associated with the porous structure of the fibers; antistatic properties to prevent dust accumulation. The material provides the necessary rigidity and elasticity, and also has an orthopedic effect. Among other things, it is highly durable and thermoregulatory. Pillows with a similar filler can be used by babies suffering from dermatitis and allergies. Pediatricians prescribe them for the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The material is not afraid of machine washing at high temperatures. Wrinkling is corrected by occasional shaking. If used in a damp room, the pillows must be ventilated.

• Herbal preparations. Sleeping accessories of this type have a therapeutic effect on the nervous system, help to restore strength, have a hypnotic and aromatherapy effect. Competently selected fees eliminate chronic fatigue, perfectly relax. Extracts of medicinal herbs are used for inhalation, facilitate breathing, increase immunity. For a child, use herbal pillows with caution and only in consultation with a doctor, since individual intolerance to certain types of herbs is possible.

Artificially obtained modifications are hypoallergenic. They are easy to care for and can be cleaned with a washing machine. The main negative property is low air permeability, which can cause increased sweating and diaper rash in children.

1. Holofiber. It has maximum rigidity due to its springy structure. The most suitable option for children. It is easy to care for, not afraid of machine wash. It is necessary to shake the pillow periodically to remove the matted areas.
2. Comforl. The material is synthetic balls made of heat-treated siliconized fiber. Differs in increased resistance to deformation. In order to return to its original appearance, it is enough to beat the pillow. An analogue of holofiber can be used in children's products with the correct selection of the level of rigidity.
3. Sintepon. It is characterized by low cost and breathability. This type of filler collapses quickly, making the pillow uncomfortable and short-lived. The first two types of synthetic fillers are more suitable for a child than a synthetic winterizer.
4. Thinsulate or swan's down. The softest of all types presented. Not suitable for children.

1. Memoriform. Long-term and expensive material that can take and remember the shape of the body. One of the popular types of fillers for children's orthopedic pillows. The disadvantage is low thermoregulation, the secrecy of the components that make up the composition, so you have to trust the manufacturer.
2. Polyurethane foam (PPU). Low budget option with short service life. Possesses good elasticity, medium level of rigidity. The negative point is the possibility of releasing harmful substances and overheating.

Baby pillows can be classified according to their intended use.

Such accessories are intended for the prevention and treatment of anatomical defects in children, such as poor posture, scoliosis, back pain, torticollis, abnormalities in the formation of the skull, decreased tone of the cervical muscles or damage to the vertebrae.

• One of the options for orthopedic pillows is the memory foam pillow. The most popular innovative material is Memoriform. For babies a little over two years old, use is possible only on the recommendation of a doctor.
• A butterfly pillow with a notch in the middle for the head is convenient to use if a child has a stuffy nose during a cold.
• The version in the form of an inclined trapezium is used with frequent regurgitation or profuse salivation.The tilt angle should not exceed 20 - 30 degrees. It is usually placed under the mattress.
• The positioners are made in the form of rollers that fix the body in a certain position, which prevents it from rolling over during sleep.

The product consists of a roller, which is placed between the baby's knees, and straps that fix the legs in the desired physiological position.

It is prescribed for newborn babies with the development of hip dislocation, hip dysplasia. Such products are recommended for mild complications.

The main purpose is to be used for long journeys. Promotes fixation of the child's head and neck while sleeping in the "sitting" position, reduces the load on the cervical vertebrae. Usually the product is in the shape of a donut, since it should tightly wrap around the neck.

For a child car seat, ergonomic options are produced in the form of a helmet or a model consisting of two parts - the upper one in the form of a "bagel" and the lower one for the back of the head. Any modifications to the pillows should be soft, hypoallergenic, not afraid of washing, and have retainers to prevent impacts and sudden deflection when the vehicle is moving.

A special kind used for room decor and games. Various options and colors are popular with children, but they are not suitable for sleeping. Initially, you need to decide what the pillow will be used for.

For small children, it is advisable not to use jewelry in the form of small parts that pose a danger of getting into the mouth.

For older people, any decoration can serve as the basis for the decor: bows, cords, ribbons, buttons, lace, beads, zippers, appliques. In any case, the design should allow for a removable cover for regular washing.

Decorative pillows for sofas embody the owner's imagination. They can be in the form of toys and then there will be an element of the game. Funny animals, owls, flowers help to comfortably enjoy the rest and, in some cases, make it easier for the child to go to bed.

Products developing fine motor skills are stuffed with silicone balls, pleasant to the touch. Such models are also called "anti-stress". Round or square, oblong or triangular, toy-shaped, or any other shape of such a pillow gives peace and relaxation.

Draft bolsters, which are animals with a long body, can be placed on the windowsill or near the door.

You can please the child with an original personalized pillow, using the date of birth, in the form of a favorite letter. Patchwork products in the patchwork style look great in the interior of a children's room. They add coziness.

When choosing a color scheme, it is important to consider the function that the pillow will perform.

• For sleeping, neutral pastel shades are best, as the pillow should soothe the child, not disturb.
• If the product is an element of decor, then it must be combined with the general tones of the interior. In this case, contrasting combinations can be interesting.
• A toy pillow should be expressive and colorful. For this, fabric with bright prints and fancy colors is used.

Among the huge variety of modern manufacturers, several especially popular ones can be distinguished:

• Bradex. An Israeli firm with a wide network of representatives in many countries of the world. In addition to products for adults, the catalog is represented by a wide range of children's models: from orthopedic to toys.
• Comfort Line. The products of this Moscow factory are developed on the basis of research using modern technologies.The release of products is aimed at a budget buyer. The most popular are memory foam pillows.
• Fancy. Since 1993 he has been working in the Russian market. The company offers a variety of toys - pillows and decorative accessories for children. All products are made from safe certified materials.

• Ormatek, Ivanovo. Since January 2001, it has been producing a wide range of sleep products. Including children's orthopedic pillows of variable profile and travel pillows. The products of this company are highly appreciated by the Russian Society of Somnologists.
• Trelax. The company offers models for children from three years old, following the anatomical shapes of the child's body, which allows you to relax the muscles of the neck and increase their tone. Prices range from medium to high, however, the quality makes the purchase profitable.
• Bebe Confort. The company produces modifications using synthetic filler. The shape helps to facilitate breathing, relieve tension from the spine, as a result of which the model is approved by orthopedists.

The choice of pillow depends on the age, body size and anatomical features of the child. For children aged six months, 1, 2, 3 years, in general, it is not needed. At this age, a doctor can prescribe it for postural disorders and other complications associated with deformation of the musculoskeletal system.

When designing a berth, they prefer to take into account the gender of the child. For girls, delicate colors are used: all shades of pink, light purple, white, beige. Boys prefer blue, green, gray. It is popular to use neutral colors that suit everyone. It is especially important if there are children of different sexes in the family.

The nursery is the whole world for the child. Therefore, it is important that the baby is comfortable and comfortable. When decorating, it is easier to focus on other textiles in the room: curtains, bedding, upholstery. It is easy to add originality and comfort with the help of pillows. Adult kids will appreciate the humorous elements.

Animals and birds are popular among kids for decoration.

The child may give preference to other forms. For example, a nautical-style pillow.

For little princesses, more gentle options are relevant.

To add educational elements to the interior of the crumbs, you can use pillows in the form of numbers and letters.

It is interesting and practical to decorate a nursery with rollers. For example, on the windowsill - from drafts.

Or under the door, as insulation.

Use any textures, ideas, the main thing is that it pleases your child.

The video shows how to sew a baby pillow "cloud with legs" with your own hands.