Many parents have this question: Is it necessary to shape a baby's head? Do shaping pillows really help in correcting a baby's head shape? Let's follow the editor to find out!
First of all, asymmetry in a baby's skull is mostly caused by incorrect sleeping positions, premature birth, congenital torticollis, and other reasons.
If a baby maintains a fixed sleeping position for a long time, it is very detrimental to the shape of the skull. The skull of a newborn baby is in a very fragile and soft stage. If the baby sleeps in the same position for a long time, the side of the head that is pressed will be under constant pressure, which is not conducive to the growth of that part of the skull. This can likely lead to a flat and asymmetrical head shape. In addition, factors such as premature closure of cranial sutures, multiple births, cervical spine deformities, and birth injuries can also cause skull deformities in babies.
Therefore, parents should pay close attention during the newborn stage. Do not let the baby stay on the same side for too long. Frequently changing the sleeping position is beneficial for better head shape development.
Can shaping pillows help correct head shape?
Many mothers hope that shaping pillows can help correct their baby's head shape.
Shaping pillows may not necessarily help in achieving a good head shape and could even cause other issues, so it is not recommended for newborns to use shaping pillows.
Many babies tend to sleep on one side for a long time, which can likely lead to an asymmetrical head shape. If parents do not notice this in time, once the correction and development period is over, the baby's head shape will be set. Therefore, when the baby is sleeping, parents must always pay attention to the baby's sleeping position and change it from time to time.
Can babies sleep on pillows if they don't use shaping pillows?
In fact, babies should not sleep on pillows within the first three months. During this stage, the baby's cervical spine is straight. Only after the baby's spine has developed for some time can a pillow be introduced.
So, when can babies start using pillows? Generally, babies can start using pillows after three months. However, whether a baby should use a pillow also depends on the baby's personal habits. If the baby does not like sleeping on a pillow or has difficulty breathing while using one, then it is not necessary to use a pillow. Therefore, the baby's age is not the determining factor for using a pillow; it should be based on the baby's specific development.
For babies who like sleeping on pillows, the choice of pillow should be made carefully. First, do not choose a pillow that is too soft, as it can be harmful to the baby's spine. Of course, there is no fixed standard for a beautiful head shape. As long as the baby is guided to change sleeping positions and directions during sleep without disturbing the baby's rest, a symmetrical head shape is good enough.
