Did you know that positional plagiocephaly, a common flathead syndrome, affects roughly 50% of babies? Sometimes there's nothing you can do to prevent this type of syndrome. But, other times, environmental factors can help you stop it from developing.
One way is to invest in a toddler pillow that prevents flat heads. But how do you find this type of toddler pillow? If you want to discover the answer to this question, you're in the right location.
This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preventing flat heads. Let's get started!
Why Are Babies Susceptible to Flat Heads?
A baby's skull has soft spots throughout it because it hasn't fully fused. These weak spots are composed of moveable bone plates. Why do they need to be moveable? So it's easier to fit through the birth canal. This is helpful both during the birth process and afterward.
Once the baby has been born, it allows its brain to grow without exceeding the capacity of its skull. According to this resource, there are several things that can cause flatheads in babies.
The way they sleep and their preferred head position are factors. But other causes include things like:
- Birth complications
- Twins or triplets
- Torticollis
- Premature birth
- Not enough tummy time
- Not safely holding the baby
So keep in mind that the way your child sleeps isn't the only determining factor in whether or not they'll have a flat head.
Related: Tucked In: How to Dress Baby for Sleep
1. Bliss n' Baby Head Shaping Organic Cotton Pillow
The Bliss n' Baby Head Shaping Organic Cotton Pillow is at the top of our list because it was designed by doctors to prevent the flat head syndrome. It does this successfully by evenly distributing the weight from your baby's head throughout the pillow.
2. KeaBabies My Little Dreamy Pillow
Just because a pillow is made for flat heads doesn't mean it needs to be plain. The KeaBabies My Little Dreamy Pillow helps prove this.
This type of toddler pillow comes with tons of adorable options to choose from. On top of that, it's lightweight and affordable. Plus, it retains its shape quite nicely over time.
3. Coop Home Goods Original Toddler Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Original Toddler Pillow is perfect for babies with slightly flat heads because you can customize the amount of filling.
You can remove some memory foam so that the pillow perfectly contorts the size of your toddler's head. However, if you have kids who like to play with stuffing, there might be better options.
Related: Co-Sleeping With a Baby: Guide & Safety Tips
4. JOLGOO Baby Head Shaping Pillow
The JOLGOO Baby Head Shaping Pillow certainly comes with one of the unique designs. The pillow is shaped like a heart with a round hole in the center of it. The design of this pillow does wonders for relieving pressure caused by the flat head syndrome.
It can also help correct the shape slightly over time. Plus, it's great for warm weather because the cotton material that comes with it breathes nicely in the hot air.
5. My Little North Star Toddler Pillow & Pillowcase
Having a toddler doesn't mean you must compromise your buying ethics. The My Little North Star Toddler Pillow & Pillowcase. Everything, from the shell to the pillowcase, is made out of organic material.
The only problem is that it doesn't keep its shape as well over time.
Are you feeling overwhelmed as a new parent? Read this guide; it will give you five valuable things to know as a first-time parent.
Other Ways to Prevent Flat Head
Investing in a good toddler pillow isn't the only way to prevent a flat head on your baby. According to Sanford Health, there are several other things you can do. First, ensure you always put the baby to bed flat on their back with no toys or blankets near them.
If you're swaddling the baby, make sure they're secure, so they aren't moving too much. You can read this guide if you need help with your swaddling skills. Next, when you're in the process of feeding or holding your baby, try to change your arms frequently.
That way, your baby isn't resting too much on one side of their head. You should also limit the time your child spends in swings or carriers.
Lastly, make sure that your practice tummy time! This might not seem like a massive deal, but it allows your baby to build up muscles that can prevent a flat head.
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Hopefully, buying guides like this will help make your life a lot easier. Here at 123 Baby Box, parents are already strapped for time without having to research products.
We offer a subscription box service that sends you a monthly supply of great baby products, like toddler pillows. That way, you can benefit from a great selection of merchandise without spending a lot of time sorting through reviews.
Ready to get started with 123 Baby Box? Visit this page now, fill out some details, and receive your customized box.
Related: Reheating Breastmilk: What You Need to Know
