Use of an orthopedic pillow for newborns. How to make the right choice. How to sleep on an orthopedic pillow Who should sleep on an orthopedic pillow

A person cannot do without sleep, during this period he gains strength, recovery processes in the body turn on and even healing from diseases occurs. It depends on the position in which the sleeping person is located whether his muscles will relax, whether there will be a load on the spine. Therefore, it is worth reflecting on the question: “how to sleep?”

There are a lot of sleeping devices, the most necessary of which is a pillow. All bedding serves to improve the quality of sleep, but it turns out not always! Why?

Why do you need a pillow

For the entire period of human existence, sleep occupied a significant period of his life. Over such a long period of time, a number of stereotypes have been established, many of them are true, but there are also erroneous ones. For example, how to sleep and whether a pillow is needed at all. Disputes on this issue are led by dentists, orthopedists, psychologists, and manufacturers of bedding are not inferior to them. It is still impossible to evaluate the results of their disputes, but there are indisputable facts about how to sleep properly.

In order for the rest to be complete, the body must be in the correct position: the spine should not bend in any of the departments.
In the neck area there are vital arteries, one of which is called the carotid. If it is pinched, there will be a violation of the blood supply to the brain. As a result, the brain will be deprived of oxygen and the transmission of nerve impulses will be disrupted.
The neck should be parallel to the mattress during the entire period of sleep, otherwise the spine will not be straight, which means that the intervertebral discs and the holes between the joints will compress and stretch. This process requires energy and a person will not rest overnight. In addition, he can feel the next morning and heaviness in the cervical spine.

Compliance with these conditions is impossible without the use of a pillow. Many people have the opinion that by eliminating the pillow, you can avoid the formation of wrinkles on the face, swelling and stress on the internal organs. All these facts are not proven and follow them as a delusion. However, it is absolutely indisputable that when using the right pillow, proper breathing and metabolism are ensured. And this is much more important than the above facts.

An experiment will help to verify this: a night without a pillow. What will it feel like in the morning? Quite right, you won’t feel a good rest.

In order to avoid a state of weakness in the morning, you should ensure the correct posture during sleep. First of all, it is necessary to ensure the correct position of the spine: without kinks. For this:

You should not sleep on your stomach: in this position, the neck necessarily arches unnaturally, and the spine suffers from tension. If a lover of sleeping on his stomach puts a blanket or blanket twisted into a tourniquet under his head instead of a pillow, it will significantly ease the tension in the spine and neck. The neck in this position will only be bent, but not raised.
For the correct posture on the side, the height of the pillow is of great importance - it should depend on the width of the shoulders of the person sleeping on it. That is, women are better off choosing thinner pillows than broad-shouldered men. Therefore, choosing pillows of the same thickness for a double bed, many make a big mistake.
The position on the side should be like this: head on the pillow, and shoulder on the mattress. Rectangular euro pattern pillows or round cushions are more suitable for this pose. As for the square pillows of the Soviet period, they occupy most of the bed and are not practical.
For sleeping on the back, a thinner pillow is more convenient - it ensures the correct position of the cervical spine, with which development can be avoided. An important condition for choosing a pillow for sleeping on your back is to ensure a posture in which the head will not be thrown back.
The reclining position is unacceptable, so if the pillow was raised before going to bed to read a book or watch TV, it must be lowered to a horizontal position before going to bed.

If natural down and feather pillows and mattresses were previously valued, today orthopedists do not recommend them. Both the head and most of the body are buried in these soft products, while the spine is in a completely disadvantageous position.

The modern industry offers a variety of pillows for proper and full sleep with high-quality fillers and the effect of remembering the imprint of the sleeper's head. Should such pillows be used and are they really capable of providing good rest during sleep? How to choose from a variety of options?

The following tips will help you make the right choice:

Orthopedic products are designed in such a way that they adapt to all the curves of the human body. They help to take a comfortable and correct sleeping position, providing the spine with a stable position. The fact is that pillows are needed to support the neck, not the head, so many orthopedic products have a special recess.
A light and plastic pillow can completely replace an orthopedic product if it has an oblong shape and a width of the smaller side of 40 cm. You should lie down on such a pillow correctly: only with your head. In the position on the side, you need to put part of the pillow under the neck, and the rest under the head, the shoulder should not be on the pillow.
There are also pillows filled with various natural ingredients, such as buckwheat husks. The fact that they benefit the body as a whole has not been proven, nor is it justified that they can harm. However, such a filler allows you to adjust the height up to a millimeter in different parts of the pillow, and this is not so bad.

In order to ensure proper and healthy sleep, you should seriously consider choosing a pillow. It will not only allow you to choose the right sleeping position to avoid problems with the spine, but will also serve to improve the psycho-emotional state of a person - after all, stable sleep is also necessary for mental health.

Video: how to choose the right pillow

Everyone knows that an orthopedic pillow is several times more useful than a regular down, feather, sintepon or silicone pillow. However, many do not dare to purchase it, and some, after the purchase, do not know how to use it correctly. Today we will tell you how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow. Following our advice, your sleep will bring maximum benefit and pleasure to your own health.

How to sleep on an orthopedic pillow? Photo of the correct and convenient location.

Surely, everyone knows that an uncomfortable sleeping position at night usually causes muscle pain (mainly in the neck) and general poor health. As a result, health deteriorates, and even the quality of life. If you try to create the most correct and comfortable conditions for sleeping, an orthopedic pillow by itself will not teach you how to sleep properly. Initially, you need to deal with some points.

First, understand for yourself the fact that the purpose of the pillow is to support the neck, not the head. This rule is the main one, so always follow it.

It is necessary to pay attention to what shape the orthopedic pillow has, since high-quality and good products often have two sides: high and low. To determine the position of the pillow, understand that its main purpose is to ensure the correct position of the neck and head. Only if this condition is met, we can talk about the anatomical, correct position of the human spine, that is, about healthy sleep.

The orthopedic pillow consists of two rollers having different heights. The position of the pillow will depend on the night position of the person. If he sleeps on his back, then a smaller roller should be placed under his head, but if on his side, then a large one. The pillow will fill the free space between the head and shoulder, while the neck will not sag, and the head will not fall or rise.

A few practical tips on which pillow is better to sleep on with cervical osteochondrosis.

For many adults, cervical osteochondrosis is a real "scourge". Often, such a disease manifests itself as a result of improper functioning of the spine, an inactive lifestyle, prolonged sedentary work and certain muscle changes that occur with age. Today's modern medicine offers to effectively and reliably treat cervical osteochondrosis using manual therapy, electrophoresis or hirudotherapy. But, an important role in the treatment of this disease is played by the correct choice of pillow.

Many are interested in the question: "Is it possible to sleep without a pillow with cervical osteochondrosis?". In principle, there are experts who advise sleeping without a pillow, however, they are fundamentally wrong, because it is due to the pillow that the general relaxation of the human body is ensured, since it supports the cervical spine. With this disease, it is best to sleep on a small and soft pillow. Its size should correspond to the size of the sleeper's shoulders, for example, if the shoulders are wide, then the pillow should be selected high. And its width should not exceed the width of the mattress.

An ordinary pillow is not suitable for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, because during sleep, the person’s neck will actually be located on the same level with the head, that is, the vertebrae will be displaced, as a result, cerebral blood supply will be disturbed. Because of this, people suffering from osteochondrosis often wake up in the morning with severe pain in the back and neck, in addition, their tongue and larynx become numb. The shape of the orthopedic pillow in this disease should be rectangular, while the design of the product should include a dense roller. The dimensions of this roller should correspond to the size of the patient's shoulders, they should not be on the edge of the pillow.

The neck on the orthopedic pillow will take the correct position, the spinal muscles will unload, and the blood vessels that go to the brain will not be squeezed. With osteochondrosis, you can use pillows with one roller, with two half-rollers, or with special recesses designed for the neck.

Video. Sleep, but not sleep - an orthopedic pillow will help solve the problem

The need for application

Not a single orthopedic design is able to cure a person from osteochondrosis, but such products can prevent the development of the disease and improve the general physical condition.

Experts recommend using orthopedic pillows for those people who suffer from headaches, dizziness, sleep problems, pain in the neck and back, as well as those who have cervical osteochondrosis, neurological diseases and spinal injuries.

The list of indications for the use of orthopedic products is very diverse, but this does not mean that absolutely healthy people should not use them. Due to the complete relaxation of the muscles during the use of orthopedic pillows, a sedative effect is exerted on the body, which leads to high-quality rest in a short time.

Children of all ages also benefit from the use of orthopedic blocks, since at their age the process of formation of the musculoskeletal system takes place, the body more than ever needs additional posture support.

Benefits of using

An orthopedic pillow supports the spine in a position that promotes proper blood circulation during sleep, which leads to saturation of brain cells with oxygen.

Fillers that are used in the production of pillows do not cause allergic reactions, have antiseptic properties and a good level of ventilation. The upholstery of the pillow is usually made of cotton fabrics and is pleasant to the touch.

The most obvious benefits of using orthopedic pillows include:

Reducing pain in the spine;
Improving blood circulation, and hence the saturation of the body with oxygen;
Getting rid of apnea and snoring;
Distribution of load between different parts of the spine;
Relaxing effect on the body;
Providing a comfortable and high-quality sleeping place;
Prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Product Requirements

The orthopedic design must correspond to the individual characteristics of its owner:

Have dimensions corresponding to the proportions of the body;
The shape of the orthopedic block should correspond to the characteristics of the body and your favorite sleeping position;
Orthopedic rigidity of the structure is also selected taking into account individual concepts of convenience;
Filler and upholstery fabric should not cause allergic reactions;

The seams on the product must be of high quality;
Orthopedic pillows with high-quality filler should quickly restore shape after physical impact on the block;
In the process of sleep, there should not be a desire to change the position, this indicates that the orthopedic block is of poor quality or was chosen incorrectly;
The product should provide maximum muscle relaxation.

When choosing pillows for children, the basic requirements for the product change:

It is important to purchase products from environmentally friendly materials. Synthetics can cause allergic reactions.
The rigidity of the product should be below average.
Products should be easy to maintain and have removable covers.

Varieties

Orthopedic pillows differ not only in a variety of shapes, sizes and types of fillers, but also in their purpose. There are models designed for the neck, back, head and even baby pillows for babies:

Classic pillows have the shape of a rectangle, they are recommended for people who like to sleep lying on their side or suffer from pain in the spine.
Neck pillow has the shape of a crescent, it is necessary to use such products for people with neck diseases or simply for those who are worried about pain in it. The shape of the product is designed for people who like to sleep on their backs.
Lumbar pillows designed for daily use during work or study, when the body is in a sitting position. Such pillows are struggling with the development of scoliosis and osteochondrosis.
Baby models have a shape somewhat reminiscent of butterfly wings, they are recommended for use by infants during sleep in order to prevent or treat torticollis.

Variety of forms

The shape of orthopedic blocks can be divided into several groups:

cervical form. These pillows look like a crescent moon.
Horseshoe shape. These products are somewhat similar in form to the previous group, but their difference is that they are not suitable for use in the prone position, they are used in cars or during air travel.

Wedge shape. Cushions are designed to support the spine while sitting.
Rectangular shape. Classic orthopedic sleeping blocks.
Roller shape. Straight roller, also designed for resting in a lying position.

How to choose the size?

If the size of the product does not correspond to the parameters of the body, then such products will do more harm than good. According to the recommendations of orthopedic doctors, you should choose products whose width does not exceed the size of the bed. The standard length of orthopedic blocks is from 40 to 80 cm with a width of 30 to 50, but there are products with larger and smaller dimensions.

The most crucial moment when buying a pillow is determining the need for a cushion. It has a major impact on the comfort of the product. The height varies from 5 to 15 cm. For a large number of people, the required height is 10-15 cm, while it is recommended to have a hard and wide bed.

In order to determine the most suitable pillow height, you can take measurements, counting the distance from the shoulder to the neck - this will be the optimal height of the product.

You will learn more about how to choose an orthopedic pillow from the following video.

Types of fillers

The material from which the orthopedic pillow is made deserves special attention when buying, because it depends on it whether the product will be hard or soft enough, convenient and practical to use:

Latex- hypoallergenic material that has a good ability to keep its shape. Products made of latex are distinguished by their elasticity and good ability to pass air. This material is environmentally friendly and is an excellent material for making orthopedic pillows. The latex product will serve its owner for more than 10 years.
Orthopedic pillows made of polyester are equipped with a large number of balls, they are characterized by a low level of rigidity, but at the same time they perfectly support the body in the right position, providing owners with a comfortable rest. Polyester products differ in budgetary cost, but their service life rarely exceeds 4 years.

polyurethane foam has the ability to repeat the shape of the human body, due to these properties, polyurethane foam pillows most effectively distribute the load on the musculoskeletal system. The service life of such products reaches 8 years.
Products from polystyrene granules are not so common on sale, such orthopedic pillows are not intended for daily sleep, they are best used while relaxing or traveling. The reason for this is that this type of filler is not able to maintain a permanent shape. The average service life is 5 years.
Gel began to be used in the production of orthopedic pillows not so long ago, but at the same time, the gel pillow quickly gained popularity among buyers. Firstly, they distribute the load on the spine well, and are also equipped with a cooling effect, it increases the level of comfort during sleep due to the cool and pleasant to the touch surface, and also has a rejuvenating effect.

Eco-friendly products from buckwheat husks also have features such as the ability to repeat the anatomical shape of the head, in addition, the pillows can be equipped with massage elements. The cost of products is quite low, but the service life does not exceed 3 years.
Viscoelastic foam - is an innovative filler for orthopedic modules. Despite the fact that products made from it are expensive, their characteristics are better compared to blocks made from other fillers. It is these pillows that are recommended for use in the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Some products have a "memory effect", they are able to respond to heat and pressure, acquiring a shape that closely follows the contours of the body. They are made of memory foam - this is a polyurethane that has undergone special processing, thanks to which the material has acquired the ability to remember the anatomical shape of the body.

How to sleep right?

During sleep, the body should take such a position that the muscles of the body remain in a state of relaxation. In order to provide a boost of energy in the morning and feel full of energy, two rules must be followed when organizing a bed:

The mattress and pillow must be orthopedic and have the necessary levels of rigidity;
The advantage should be given to elastic and elastic fillers for both pillows and mattresses. Soft products are not able to repeat the anatomical curves of the body.

It is also important in what position a person sleeps:

With osteochondrosis doctors recommend sleeping either on your side or on your back. The position when a person lies on his back with outstretched legs contributes to complete relaxation. It is also helpful to sleep in the fetal position with a small pillow under your head.
For those who complain of back pain, it is undesirable to sleep on your stomach, since it is in this position that the cervical vertebrae and muscles are in a tense state, the risk of spinal curvature increases.

To ensure a healthy sleep, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the pillow, but also to the bed with the mattress. The surface of the sleeping module must be rigid and even with an optimal width for human dimensions, that is, at least 80 cm.

What to look for when choosing?

When buying an orthopedic pillow, first of all, you should pay attention to such characteristics as:

The form;
Dimensions;
Height;
Filler;
Ease of use.

All of the above characteristics must meet the individual requirements of the person for whom the pillow is purchased.

An incorrectly chosen product can only aggravate the physical condition of its owner, so the choice of orthopedic pillows should be approached with great responsibility.

Before purchasing an orthopedic pillow, it is advisable to try it out in action, if possible, lie down on it. It happens that after the purchase there are complaints that back pain does not go away, there are no changes, and it has become even more uncomfortable to sleep than before. All this is the result of the fact that the pillow is selected without taking into account the individual requirements of the owner.

Pillows designed to support the cervical region are crescent-shaped, while classic models are a rectangular block that has a small opening for comfortable head positioning.

The main difference between the products is the filler, the quality of the orthopedic pillow depends on it. If, when pressed, the block does not restore its shape for a long time, then this indicates a poor-quality filler.

The choice of an orthopedic product depends on the individual parameters of the body, the type of bed and the position of the body that the owner of the product prefers to take during sleep:

For people who are used to sleeping on their backs, it is better to choose products with a low fit.
Products with a low height are also suitable for those who like to put their hand under their head or a pillow in a dream.
For those who like to sleep on their stomachs, the lowest and softest blocks are suitable.
Owners of soft beds should give preference to products with a low fit, otherwise the position of the body with high pillows will become anatomically incorrect.
For owners of hard mattresses, the height of the product should be greater.
In general, it is not recommended to purchase high products, they all provide a position that is absolutely harmful for the muscles of the back and neck, which leads to headaches and muscle spasms.

Manufacturer rating

A wide range of products presented by manufacturers allows you to purchase an orthopedic pillow, taking into account the individual characteristics of the buyer, who can choose the optimal shape, size and cost of the product. But if most customers are free to navigate in their choice, clearly knowing what they need, then others come to a standstill when they see a large number of manufacturers, and yet each of them has its own characteristics and advantages.

The cost of high-quality orthopedic pillows varies from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles. Products from domestic manufacturers, respectively, differ in budget prices, but they are not inferior in quality to imported goods. Experts recommend purchasing products from companies that use manufacturing methods according to the method of V. Dikul, Doctor of Biological Sciences.

These manufacturers include Askona, Mediflex, Ormatek and Sisse.”

In addition, there are top manufacturers whose products are distinguished by quality and reliability. Short overview:

Company products Ikea are familiar to every consumer, under the brand of this company not only household goods, furniture and appliances are sold, but also orthopedic pillows. A wide range of products allows you to choose a pillow both for sleep and for the prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. But still, it is better to give preference to orthopedic blocks from companies that are highly specialized in the production of these products.

Firm Fosta specializes in the production of memory foam pillows and massage elements. The material used by the manufacturer, although artificial, but completely hypoallergenic, provides support for the spine in the correct position, which contributes to a comfortable rest.

Manufacturer Luomma manufactures pillows for adults and children under the close attention of orthopedists. That is why the pillows of this company effectively fulfill their tasks - the prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the provision of healthy sleep.

The correct use of an orthopedic pillow contributes not only to a good sleep, but also to the prevention of a number of diseases. A comfortable sleeping position helps relieve muscle tension in the spine, reduces headaches, improves blood circulation and prevents the development of osteochondrosis. Such products are indispensable for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They help relieve pain and, in combination with therapy, restore the spine. Using a pillow maintains and improves posture. Thanks to the product, a person gets enough sleep in a shorter period of time and feels cheerful.

Product varieties

Orthopedic pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They must be chosen based on personal parameters. For people with broad shoulders, products with parameters of 70 x 75 cm are suitable, with narrow ones, you can choose 50 x 60 cm. For children, sizes of 20 x 30 or 40 x 50 cm are suitable.

The height must be selected based on the posture in a dream and the width of the shoulder. If the preferred position is on the back, then the height of the pillow should not exceed 6 cm. This size contributes to the free circulation of blood in the cervical region. Those who like to sleep on their side need to build on the width of their shoulders. To do this, make a measurement from the tubercle on the humerus to the neck. When choosing a pillow, an error of 1-2 cm is acceptable. It should be soft and low if a person often sleeps on his stomach.

When purchasing a product, it must be taken into account that the neck does not bend and the head is on the same level with the body.

There are 3 main types of pillows:

rectangular;
roller shape;
oval.

Each type is characterized by its own characteristics. The modern model of the classic rectangular shape has a slightly thickened roller located along one of the sides. Its size should depend on the width of the shoulder. Some products are equipped with two rollers or a notch for the head. Such models contribute to a comfortable sleep and hold the neck muscles and head.

Rollers are suitable for those people who are used to sleeping on their backs. It is necessary to choose soft models that are well restored. They are prescribed to patients with orthopedic diseases and help relieve tension and pain. The shape of the crescent-shaped roller perfectly supports the head.

Oval products are not used so often. They will suit those who like to sleep on their side. Such models are sometimes equipped with a relief overlay, which helps to relax and stretch the vertebrae. Some pillows take on locking forms under the weight of the head.

When choosing a pillow, you need to focus on your preferences, the main thing is that the cervical spine is in a comfortable position.

Variety of fillers

When choosing a pillow for sleeping, you need to pay attention to its filler, which should be highly elastic, resistant to moisture and support the head well.

Manufacturers of orthopedic pillows use the following fillers:

polyurethane foam;
latex;
cooling gel;
buckwheat husk;
memory foam.

Polyurethane foam models come in different stiffness and density. Such a pillow well distributes the load on the spinal region, promoting good blood circulation, and has a long service life.

Latex products have excellent characteristics. The natural material consists of the processed juice of the rubber-bearing Brazilian hyvea and has a medium hardness. Such pillows do not cause allergies, have high air permeability and hygroscopicity, as well as a long service life. For a massage effect, they are cast with tubercles. The downside of such a product is the smell (it disappears after a couple of weeks).

In the hot summer, a cooling gel will allow you to comfortably spend the night. Gel pillows provide a massage effect. Thanks to the wavy shape, you can sleep both on your back and on your side.

Buckwheat husk, buckwheat shell is a 100% natural product. Even distribution inside the pillow becomes a good support for the head. Buckwheat shell promotes acupressure, which calms the nervous system and creates a rush of blood to the brain. However, constant rustling can irritate some people. Pillows are quite heavy and with a short service life. Buckwheat husk can cause allergies.

As part of the space program, a new material has been developed - foam with a "memory effect". Its main feature is the ability to take the shape and shape of the head. When used, it smoothly adjusts to its owner. After sleep, the original appearance is restored. Such material, like latex, has a specific smell, the product lasts no more than 5 years.

Sleep is an integral part of life for every person, and even more so for newborns, who sleep about 20 hours a day, and spend the rest of the time lying in their crib. That is why the baby needs to equip the most comfortable sleeping place.

But how to competently approach the choice of an orthopedic pillow? Regarding the parameters of the blanket, mattress and bed linen, experts are of the same opinion and everything is more or less clear here, but there are fierce discussions regarding pillows.

So does a baby need such a bedding? The answers to these and other questions are in our article.

Why does a baby need to sleep on the right pillow?

Many chronic diseases begin to develop at an early age, so in a dream, the child should fully rest.

An important factor is the understanding of parents that immediately after the birth of the baby, it is necessary to provide him with the right bedding. The correct posture, good mood and general condition of the baby's body will depend on the arrangement of the sleeping place.

In order for the baby's sleep to be healthy, the highest requirements must be made to the crib, blanket, mattress and other similar accessories. First, parents should pay attention to the body position of the sleeping baby. A baby sleeping face down in a pillow can suffocate, which is why many experts believe that babies should not sleep on a pillow.

However, if the baby is placed without a pillow, the head will be at an angle to the spine, which will require the head of the crib to be raised. During sleep, when the baby sleeps on its side or on a very high pillow, the angle of the head changes, and this can cause changes in blood flow in the arteries of the spine. Thus, it is important to put the baby in the right place.

When do children need orthopedic pillows?

In some cases, doctors do not deny the need to use an orthopedic pillow.

One of them is a pathology called "torticollis" - then the choice of a sleeping accessory should depend on the degree of curvature and on the general condition of the baby.

The exception is children who are prone to frequent regurgitation - for them, the use of a pillow is contraindicated.

An orthopedic pillow is needed if:

there is a birth injury or damage to the cervical vertebrae;
torticollis was diagnosed;
the baby has an uneven head;
in a newborn, the tone of the cervical muscles is reduced or increased.

There are cases when surgical treatment of torticollis is indicated or drug therapy is prescribed - then the pillow will not bring the desired results.

But most often this disease is treated with massage, therapeutic physical procedures and parental control. Therefore, you should listen to the recommendations of a doctor specializing in the treatment of such abnormalities. He will prescribe a set of necessary measures, and only the pediatrician, and not the manufacturer, can determine the need to use an orthopedic pillow.

Features of sleeping orthopedic accessories for newborns

Pillows for babies take into account the anatomical and physiological features structures and are able to provide babies with proper head support, unload the muscles and vertebrae of the cervical region.

If you do not use a pillow, the child will lie with his head turned to one side. This position is due to the peculiarities of the shape of the head - otherwise they are simply uncomfortable. Thanks to the use of an orthopedic pillow, the situation can be corrected, at the same time improving the quality of communication between the baby and the mother, which will enable the child to feel much more comfortable.

Such pillows normalize blood circulation and guarantee a good rest in the process of sleep.

In the course of their manufacture, only hypoallergenic materials are used, which are easy to wash and perfectly retain their shape and original qualities.

Correctly chosen orthopedic pillow will serve to prevent the development of torticollis, headaches, and will provide:

normalization of muscle tone in the cervical region, back and shoulder girdle;
the formation of the correct bend in the cervical region;
reduction of pain syndrome in newborns with birth injuries.

How to choose?

A pillow for a child must be made in accordance with the standards for its quality, that is, it must be:

hypoallergenic;
safe;
thermal insulation;
quality;
wear-resistant.

All of the above characteristics should be taken into account by parents in the process of choosing a pillow for the baby.

It should also be noted that nursing pillows and orthopedic pillows are different products that have different purposes.

The main selection criterion is the height of the roller, which should be equal to the baby's shoulder.

Form features

The main difference between orthopedic pillows for babies, which plays an important role in the formation of the correct proportions of the head, is the presence of a notch, located in the center and designed to maintain the baby's head in the required position.

The edges of the pillow are equipped with special rollers 3-4 cm high.

Due to the shape of the pillow, it prevents the development of curvature in the occipital region and helps to relieve the tone of the neck muscles, which improves blood circulation in the cervical region.

Also, the configuration of the product guarantees the correct breathing of the newborn.

Used fillers

The fabric for the pillow cover, as well as the filler, are one of the key elements that you need to pay attention to when choosing this bedding.

Natural wool or down will not be the best option, as they can provoke an allergic reaction. In addition, mites can start in such products, and washing pillows with natural filler is quite problematic.

The best way out would be to buy a sleeping accessory with a filler that has spongy or perforated structure- they provide good ventilation. Then you don’t have to worry about the fact that the baby can suffocate, burying his face in the pillow.

The material for the manufacture of the cover, on the contrary, must be natural- it can be linen, chintz or cotton.

Contraindications

It must be said that the children up to 1 year it is better to do without a pillow. Although, as noted above, there are cases when, on the recommendation of a doctor, its use is a necessity.

An important role here is played by the fact that such a pillow helps to limit the mobility of the baby's head during sleep. In certain cases, this is good - but, for example, if the baby burps and he fails to turn his head, the consequences can be disastrous.

Application rules. Brief instruction

For a healthy child, doctors advise use a pillow only from the age of two, since the curves of the spine in children are formed gradually and are associated with motor activity.

In the process of choosing an orthopedic pillow, the priority factors should not be color or shape, but the size which is of decisive importance in this case.

So, the pillow is bought, and the question arises before the parents - how to put it correctly under the baby's head? What should be done so that it becomes a useful addition and does not harm the child?

On closer examination, you can see that the pillow has a somewhat asymmetrical shape - on the one hand it is equipped with a large, and on the other - a small roller. A smaller cushion should be placed under the head when the baby sleeps on the back, and a large cushion is optimal for comfortable sleeping on the side.

Thanks to the configuration features of the product, a comfortable position of the neck in relation to the spine is maintained, contributing to muscle relaxation and load distribution.

The pillow has a recess in the center, designed for the correct positioning of the head. On such a pillow, children aged from four weeks to two years can sleep.

Kinds

A healthy child does not need an orthopedic pillow - its purchase becomes a necessity only on the recommendation of a specialist.

Conventionally, all orthopedic pillows can be divided into two groups- under the head and positional:

Such a pillow is an annular having in the middle deepening designed to properly fix the head.

This orthopedic accessory repeats the physiological and anatomical features of the cervical-occipital region, contributing to the correct formation of the cervical calving of the spine and skull.

A butterfly pillow is prescribed for the diagnosis of torticollis, during the rehabilitation period for birth injuries of the cervical region and for rickets to prevent deformation of the skull bones.

The choice is better to stop on the classic latex butterfly pillow, which has hypoallergenic properties and meets the standards of sleeping devices.

Pillows made of synthetic winterizer, cotton wool, buckwheat husks and feathers are also sold today, but these materials can cause allergies, and buckwheat will rustle and disturb the baby’s sleep.

Positioning cushion (positioner cushion)

Specially designed for debilitated and premature babies with a high risk of developing defects in the musculoskeletal system.

The pillow helps to maintain the optimal position of the body, facilitates the load on the spine, preventing its deformation.

There are other types of orthopedic pillows:

oblique

It has a low height and a slight slope, which is about 15?.

She fits perfectly for a healthy baby, providing comfort and fixation in an elevated position.

When choosing, keep in mind that the width of the product should correspond to the shoulder of the baby. The filler material must be elastic, dense, not wrinkled and not slip.

You can use this pillow from the first days after the birth of the baby.

Bathing pillow

It is made of waterproof material and looks like a circle with a hole in the middle, designed to fix the head.

In a stroller

The pillow in the stroller will protect the newborn from jolts when moving.

It supports the head as well as the upper body in an elevated position.

The pillow differs in high rigidity, elasticity and small height.

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