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Original poster

Advice on baby pillows?

29 replies

Elli19 · 06/02/2020 16:30

Hi
I have a 4 month old and he wont sleep without the babymoov cosy dream pillow underneath him. Initially we got it just for when he was newborn and I've been trying to get him to sleep without it since he was 1 month old. When I take it out he wiggles his head round and cries all night until it's back in.
Does anyone know what I can do? I've tried smaller pillows but his head falls off them and I can't sleep knowing its not safe for him!
Thank you

OP posts:
SarahAndQuack · 06/02/2020 17:09

Don't give him a pillow at all? I don't follow why you want smaller ones (ideally, you don't give them a pillow at all), and it sounds as if they're only annoying him.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:11

He doesnt sleep without something under his head. That's why I want a pillow.

OP posts:
Adviceplease1234 · 07/02/2020 20:16

Pillows aren't safe for babies I'm afraid.

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Nix32 · 07/02/2020 20:17

Put the pillow under the cot sheet, then he can't get trapped under it.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:17

Yes I know this. This is why I put I had been trying to get him to sleep without one since he was one month old. When I say he wont sleep without one I mean he will not sleep at all.

OP posts:
Clangus00 · 07/02/2020 20:18

He’s got into a habit that’s potentially dangerous and you’re going to have to break it I’m afraid.
You just have to keep trying to settle him without the pillow.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:18

Thank you Nix32 I will try this.

OP posts:
TrashPanda · 07/02/2020 20:20

It's not just getting trapped under that can be a problem. They should be lying flat too.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:20

Any advice on how? I have been trying every night for 3 months

OP posts:
Adviceplease1234 · 07/02/2020 20:20

Surely putting the pillow underneath is still dangerous for such a young baby? They could suffocate if they are face down.

You'll need to break the habit I'm afraid. My DD used to have to feed to sleep and it was really hard to break the cycle but we got there in the end. Give it a week and I'm sure he will be fine.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:22

Can i just clarify that I was asking for advice on how to get him to sleep without one not reasons not to use a pillow.
I already know this.

OP posts:
Dinoctoblock · 07/02/2020 20:24

You could put the cushion under the mattered to give the raised feeling without the hazard of having a pillow in the cot.

Is he still sleeping on his back? Special sheepskins made for babies that haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals can be used for babies if they’re still back sleeping (there is a danger of overheating if they sleep on their front). You put the sheepskin under the sheet. That could provide more padding and softness.

Dinoctoblock · 07/02/2020 20:25

*mattress not mattered

Narcheska · 07/02/2020 20:25

Lamb skins are safe for babies. We have one under our next2me sheet. Makes it a bit softer

Narcheska · 07/02/2020 20:25

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/baby-lambskin-a7253.html

OnlyLittleMissOrganised · 07/02/2020 20:26

Just persevere. You may have some sleepless nights but you kinda made a rod for your own back using it in the first place when you know they are not safe.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:30

Thanks Dinoctoblock. I will try this. He only sleeps on his back he does not go on his front. I will try this hopefully it works!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:31

Thanks Narcheska I'm going to look into this.

OP posts:
PixieDustt · 07/02/2020 20:32

You'll just have to take it out and leave it out. He'll soon adapt in time.

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:34

OnlyLittleMissOrganised
Not really I got this because it kept him from falling down to the bottom of the cot when I was using a wedgehog as he would constantly wake choking on his vomit several times a night.
Now I have finally stopped using the wedgehog as his reflux has improved now I'm stuck with trying to remove the pillow.

OP posts:
EstebanTheMagnificent · 07/02/2020 20:36

If he has had reflux then the tilted position will have given him some relief. It is possible safely to tilt the whole mattress or cot slightly.

Smurf123 · 07/02/2020 20:37

Put a couple of books under the top two legs of the cot? Might raise his head enough to make him think he has a pillow?

rottiemum88 · 07/02/2020 20:37

I know you say he won't sleep without it, but physiologically there's only so long he can resist sleep before it's no longer in his control to stop it and he'll fall asleep. I think you just have to accept you're going to have a few horrendous nights and go cold turkey 🤷🏼‍♀️

Original poster
Elli19 · 07/02/2020 20:40

rottiemum88
Yep, I think so too... starting tonight Smile

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 07/02/2020 20:45

Is that the one with the bolster under the legs? I would try a rolled up muslin cloth under his knees - a friend told me about this and I have never needed to try it, but I wonder if that might help? I know it's not a pillow, but maybe it's not the pillow part that's settling him? And it's a bit less risky as it isn't near his head.

That said it is one of the flatter pillows on the market, it's safer than the wedgehog which you've used all this time fine and are now no longer using (so effectively have reduced his sleep risk) and at 4 months he has passed the greatest risk period for SIDS. I am not saying you shouldn't keep working on trying to settle him without it (if nothing else, it won't be suitable once he starts to roll) but I do think you might try to give yourself an easier time and try to relax about it. You won't be able to solve it any faster on no sleep. 4 months is often a turbulent sleep time anyway, so he might do his own thing and it will stop settling him naturally without you needing to do anything at all.