How Old Should a Baby Be to Use a Pillow?

A baby should not use a pillow in the first 12 months of its life.

Under the Age of One

According to the American SIDS Institute and the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants under the age of one should not use a pillow. These institutions believe infants who use pillows are at a higher risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Older than One

Children, Youth and Women's Health Services suggest using pillows for children after they have moved out of the crib, usually around the age of 2 or 3. They indicate pillows can accidentally cause suffocation and are not necessary for a baby's comfort.

Bottom Line

Most experts agree that pillows should not be used during the first 12 months of a baby's life. When the parent makes the decision to purchase the child's first pillow, it should be flat and firm. Unless allergies are a concern, stuffing material isn't an issue.

References

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Soft Bedding May Be Hazardous to Babies
• American SIDS Institute: Reducing the Risk of SIDS
• Children, Youth and Women's Health Service: Safe Sleep for Babies and Toddlers