A baby pillow is an excellent practical gift for a small child. Because there are so many types of pillows in the stores, it can be tough to pick out the right one. This guide will help you to choose the perfect baby pillow for the child in your life.



The most important question is, how old is the baby? Doctors recommend that children not be allowed to sleep with pillows until they turn two, since children under two can suffocate on pillows. If you are buying a present for a baby under the age of two, buy a decorative pillow or a nursing pillow instead. If the child is a toddler of two or older, then they are ready for a sleeping pillow.

Decorative pillows are available in almost every size, shape, and color to match any decor. If buying a pillow off the shelf does not appeal to you, you can also personalize a baby pillow. For instance, find a pretty pillow that matches the childs bedroom, and have it embroidered with the childs name and birthdate to create a keepsake. Or have the pillow printed with a photo of a beloved pet. If you have artistic skills, you can even buy a plain baby pillow and a blank pillowcase, and paint or cross stitch a unique design.

A nursing pillow is large and shaped like a horseshoe, and the mother rests it in her lap to hold the baby up so that she does not have to support the baby in her arms when she nurses. (Fathers can use them when bottle feeding, too!) Nursing pillows are nicknamed "boppies," after the top brand, Boppy, but there are several good brands on the market.

A baby pillow that is designed for nighttime is smaller and flatter than an adults pillow. Full sized adult pillows can give children neck cramps and make them sleep poorly because they are proportioned differently from adults. Luxurious adult pillow stuffing like down and feathers can give them allergies, so it is best to avoid these, too. The best baby pillow is at least half as large and thick as an adults pillow, and is stuffed with a hypoallergenic filling and covered with soft, smooth fabric. As a final touch, add pillowcases printed with the childs favorite animal or cartoon character.

If you follow this guide and your sense of the childs and the parents tastes, you will choose a baby pillow that will make a wonderful gift. When you give your present to the parents and the child, you can be sure that your gift is not only practical, it is also going to help an often fussy small child to sleep.