The introduction of a pillow into a toddler’s sleep environment is a developmental consideration focused on safety and postural support. Experts generally advise against providing a pillow before the age of two, primarily due to concerns about suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Premature introduction can pose risks if the child lacks the motor skills to move away from a pillow obstructing their airway.
Delaying pillow use until the child demonstrates sufficient head and neck control, along with the ability to roll over easily, minimizes potential hazards. The proper alignment of the spine during sleep is also a factor; infants and young toddlers often sleep comfortably on a flat surface without neck strain. A pillow may, in fact, disrupt this natural alignment. There is no historical precedent suggesting pillows are essential for early childhood sleep; rather, safety guidelines have evolved based on observed risks.
