Infant support pillows are popular items that parents purchase for use during the infant years. With so many makes and models on the market, it's hard to narrow down which ones are the very best. These seven picks get the job done.
What to Look for in an Infant Support Pillow
There are many types of pillows available, but proper products all share a few common features. First, an acceptable infant pillow should be firm. Any soft spots where a baby can "sink" into the pillow can be hazardous to the health of a little one. Always choose a pillow that is firm yet comfortable.
Infant pillow support should also come in a shape that is designed for a newborn through a toddler-aged child. A regular pillow shape is not appropriate for a small baby, and you will find many infant pillows are horseshoe-shaped or designed in a similar curvature. This way baby can either be laid down inside the pillow for daily routines such as a relaxing storytime, or the mom can use it for support during feeding and cuddles.
Boppy
The Boppy is one of today's leading infant support pillows. Its large size and horseshoe shape allow plenty of versatility for both the caretaker and baby. The Boppy can be used for feeding time, as it easily fits around most female waists to place a nursing baby at the right level for nursing. It is also compatible with bottle feeding, as you can again prop your baby up in a variety of positions for easy mealtimes.
The Boppy can also be used for tummy time. Parents can set their baby in the center of the Boppy, with his arms facing outward. The baby then practices supporting and strengthening his head and neck muscles. Finally, the Boppy can be used as support while learning to sit up. This innovative product features the important firmness factor that provides babies with the opportunity to safely practice important developmental skills that lead to the most cherished of milestones.
John N Tree Organic Baby Pillow
There are many baby support pillows on the market that aim to remedy infants' flatheads. Babies' soft, still-forming heads flatten in the back because of the amount of time that they lie in that position. Pillows such as the John N Tree Organic baby Pillow are designed to lessen this phenomenon. The John N Tree pillow comes in 32 different designs from a lamb to an elephant and is reversible and machine washable.
What sets this baby pillow apart from many others is that it is made from safe, quality materials. It's composed of 100% natural organic cotton and hypoallergenic polyester filling, it's dye-free, breathable, and contains no bleaches or prints.
Babymoon Pod 2-in-1 Infant Pillow
The Babymoon Pod 2-in-1 Infant Pillow is a circular-shaped pillow that makes the list because of its versatility. Like many other supports here, its aim is to combat flat head syndrome. What makes this pillow such a great option is it can be used in a variety of places such as the floor, a stroller, a bouncer, or a swing.
This support item is designed for babies six months and older, and has dimensions that should easily accommodate even the tiniest of heads.
OCCObaby Universal Bassinet Wedge
There is a ton of information out there regarding wedge pillows and the safety surrounding them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using them, citing the dangers that can arise when infants are unsupervised, but still many parents swear by products such as the OCCObaby Universal Bassinet Wedge.
The OCCObaby Universal Bassinet Wedge aims to reduce spit-up and alleviate congestion and reflux. It's made of 100% cotton and has a waterproof cover. It's crucial to note that like the other products on this list, this support should never be used without a parent's supervision.
Infant Support Pillows Are Not for Slumber
Infant support pillows should not be confused with typical sleeping pillows, and there is plenty of controversy surrounding exactly how safe these products really are. These supports are to be used outside of cribs and under constant supervision. Anytime that your baby is using one of these items, your eyes should be on them.
