The worst of the pandemic is over, and we know you’ve been itching to take your little one on a trip to see your loved ones. But how can you keep your baby sleeping soundly during long flights or road trips? By getting an infant head-shaping pillow, of course!
Baby pillows have been questionable baby gear for neck and head support. But we’re here to answer all your concerns about this product so your baby can nap happily. Let’s get started!
1. When Can My Little One Use a Baby Pillow During Trips?
Experts highly recommend putting off using baby pillows until your child is at least two years old. This is because any baby gear around your sleeping kid can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
However, some babies need head-shaping pillows due to several reasons:
- Positional plagiocephaly or flat spots on your little one’s head
- Torticollis or twisted neck
- Craniosynostosis or premature fusion of the skull
But even if your baby doesn’t have special conditions, you can safely use head-shaping pillows during your family trips, given that you are constantly monitoring your baby’s sleep. To make sure of your baby’s safety, check in with your pediatrician first.
2. Which Is the Best Travel Head Sleeping Support for Babies?
Parents choose pillows based on size, material, and shape. These three factors will give the ultimate comfort that your baby needs during travels.
Size
The best pillow for your young one is a comfortable pillow that’s snug on your child’s neck and head but not too tight that it will pose a risk of suffocation. Plus, when using the pillow, your baby’s head shouldn’t lean from side to side.
Parents should also avoid large pillows as this can obstruct breathing. Likewise, your child doesn’t need an adult-sized pillow to feel comfortable.
Material
Cotton is the go-to fabric for baby clothes, plushies, and even pillows. But a piece of ordinary cotton fabric isn’t what we’re looking for. Instead, you should choose organic cotton for your baby. Why is that?
This type of cotton creates less carbon dioxide than your usual cotton, making it more breathable. Plus, it’s grown without any harmful chemicals, so it’s both environmentally-friendly and safe for your baby.
Shape
Some companies sell regular pillows in smaller sizes, but you should look for pillows that follow the shape of your baby’s head; look for a pillow with a hole in the middle of a concave center.
You can also opt for a U-shaped pillow that supports your child’s head and neck when leaning forward. This design follows the shape of your baby’s neck without compromising its stability.
3. How Do You Care For Your Baby’s Sleeping Pillow?
You’re bringing a baby’s mess on your travels, so it’s only important that you know how to clean the pillow. Here are quick cleanup tips when on the go.
- To keep the pillow’s shape, hand wash it only.
- For stains, immediately dab with a tissue and follow up with a wash in lukewarm water and mild detergent.
- To avoid the foam from deforming, squeeze the pillow to remove water instead of twisting it.
- Air-dry your baby’s pillow or dry it using the cool setting of your blow dryer. If there’s direct sunlight, it’s better to hang it outdoors.
4. What Can You Get With Using a Pillow for Your Infant?
Pillows aren’t necessary for most babies, but if you find your baby feeling fussy during trips, it’s better to invest in their comfort. It not only encourages more restful sleep but also prevents head and neck strain from resting in an awkward position.
Bumpy roads and turbulence can cause your baby to bounce, resulting in unwanted head and neck injuries. Travel pillows secure your baby’s upper body and prevents them from moving left and right, upwards and downwards.
5. Where Can You Use Your Baby Pillow?
You can use this pillow anywhere you go. It’s lightweight and easy to store. Thus, you won’t have a problem packing it in your carry-on or portable baby bag. Check out the places where you can place your pillows.
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Bassinet seat on the plane
- Regular plane seat
- Swing
- Bouncer
- Cradle or crib
6. Is Using a Helmet Better Than Pillows?
Is your baby diagnosed with flat head syndrome or head deformities within their first year? If the answer is yes, helmet therapy can be a better solution to curing your baby’s condition.
Helmet therapy is a prescribed cranial remolding that puts gentle pressure on your baby’s skill over time. These helmets have a hard outer shell with a foam lining, designed according to your baby’s head.
It promotes growth in their flat spots while inhibiting growth in protruding areas. As your baby grows, pediatricians make frequent adjustments to prevent the head from mishappening or flattening.
But is it good for traveling? Perhaps not. Cranial remolding helmets are often bulky and fragile, causing the helmet to break if not properly packed. So while it’s boxed and packed in your check-in luggage, you can use infant head-shaping pillows during long flights.
Travel Comfortably With Ashtonbee Baby Pillow
Traveling is much more fun when your family is complete, but it’s risky to put your baby on bouncy rides without any support. That’s why it’s worth trying the quality baby pillow from Ashtonbee.
Whether your baby has certain conditions or not, as long as you keep an eye on them during your trip and follow our expert advice, there’s no need to worry about the risk of SIDS. That’s because Ashtonbee’s pillow has 3D breathable mesh that will prevent suffocation. Plus, it won’t irritate your baby’s skin and face as it’s made from toxic-free materials.
Create a cozy ride with our infant head-shaping pillow. Order one for your baby today!
