How Old Should a Baby Be to Sleep with a Pillow?

Infants sleep more safely without without a pillow.

Wait Until Age Two

There is no need for a baby under the age of two to have a pillow for comfort or for any other reason. Infants who sleep with a pillow are at a much higher risk of suffocation. The safest time for a child to have a pillow is when he is in a toddler or regular bed and over the age of two.

May Help with Congestion

When a baby sleeps on a pillow it elevates her slightly, helping with congestion from a cold and ear infections. When she is able to roll over and move around, the chances of being able to correctly lay on a pillow improves. The baby may also be able to move a pillow that covers her face.

Bottom Line

The safest time to introduce a pillow is when the risk of SIDS has disappeared, the child is in a toddler or regular bed, and is over the age of two. When introducing a pillow, use a small pillow that is flat and firm.

References

• Kids Health: Sudden Infant Death (SIDS)
• Baby Center: When Can My Child Sleep with a Pillow?