Like adults, kids also require the support of a pillow as they sleep.
The age when pillows become necessary varies between children but many people introduce them between the ages of two and three. Regardless of how old your kid is, the pillow they use will affect the quality of their sleep.
The following are things you should consider to choose the perfect pillow for your young one.
1. The Fill Material
The material inside the pillowcase determines how much support the pillow will offer and how comfortable it will be.
The most common fill materials include memory foam, down, feathers and polyester. Memory foam conforms to body movements and provides unrivalled support. It also distributes weight evenly, thereby avoiding issues such as neck pain. It is a great choice for kids, but it comes at a higher price tag.
Down and feathers are natural materials that come from geese or ducks. Feathers are warm and soft, but a feather pillow will not last as long as one filled with down. Again feathers have quills which could poke you through the pillowcase. As such, down is the better option. But be sure to take note of the fill power. The higher the fill power, the better the quality of the pillow.
Polyester filling is more affordable and can provide good support. However, it is not long-lasting.
2. Softness
The softness of a pillow is majorly affected by the type of filling and how the filling is packed. Materials such as buckwheat are firm while down will result in soft pillows. In the same breath, a tightly stuffed pillow will likely not be as soft as one with less filling.
But is a soft pillow better than a firm one?
Your choice should be determined by how your child sleeps. For example, if they sleep on their back, a soft pillow is necessary to support their neck and backbone.
Conversely, a medium or firm pillow will be necessary for side sleepers to keep their neck aligned with the rest of their body.
Be extra careful when buying a pillow for a toddler. One that is too hard will be uncomfortable for them while a very soft one may pose the risk of suffocation.
3. The Pillow Cover
Ultimately, it is the fabric that will come into contact with the skin when your kid finally lays their head on the pillow. If the material isn’t gentle enough, they will have an uncomfortable night.
Pillow covers come in a variety of materials ranging from good old cotton and silk to synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. As a rule, go for something that is soft and breathable.
For many people, the battle is usually between silk vs. satin. The main difference between these two fabrics is that silk is a natural product, while satin can be produced from polyester. While put head to head, silk is softer and has better temperature regulation qualities than satin.
4. Thread Count
Folks who are not regular buyers of pillows or bed sheets may not be conversant with this term. Thread count refers to the number of vertical or horizontal threads in an inch of fabric.
Why does this matter?
Pillows with a higher thread count have a softer feel. To determine the thread count, lookout for a “T” or a “TC” preceding or being preceded by a number.
Expect to pay more for a higher thread count.
5. Allergies
About 10% of all children in Australia have Asthma. Unfortunately, certain filler materials such as feather and down can aggravate allergies. If your child is asthmatic, steer clear of these materials or look for a hypoallergenic pillowcase. These covers can also keep away mites and dust.
Children Deserve a Good Night’s Sleep
Children require more hours of sleep than adults. Unfortunately, if they are not comfortable, they will have trouble sleeping or will wake up tired. Choosing the right pillow for them can go a long way in helping them get the level of rest that they deserve.
