No, a baby does not need a pillow.
According to experts, babies under one year old should sleep on a flat, firm surface with only a fitted sheet. This means no pillows, blankets, or other bedding should be in the crib (Reference: 28-Jun-2019). Furthermore, even after a baby turns one, there is still no compelling reason to introduce a pillow (Reference: 28-Jun-2019).
| Age Group | Pillow Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year old | Not Recommended | Increased risk of suffocation and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). |
| Over 1 year old | Not Generally Needed | No clear benefit; children don't usually need pillows for comfort until they are much older. |
Here's a breakdown of why pillows are generally not recommended for babies:
- Suffocation Risk: Pillows can pose a suffocation hazard if a baby rolls onto their stomach and their face becomes pressed against the pillow.
- SIDS Risk: Soft bedding, including pillows, has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS.
- Unnecessary: Babies don't require the head and neck support that pillows provide to adults. Their spines are naturally aligned when lying flat on a firm surface.
