Sleep plays an incredibly important role in the physical and mental development of infants. Understanding this, many parents have adopted methods of folding towels into pillows to help their babies sleep better and more soundly. But what is the correct way to fold a towel into a pillow for an infant? Let Ru9 help you find the answer in the article below!
1. Should infants use pillows?
Infants have a straight spine, so when lying on their back, their back and nape lie on the same plane. When lying on their side, because an infant's shoulders and head are roughly the same size, they also lie on a straight line. Therefore, infants do not need pillows; adding a pillow will make them uncomfortable.
As children grow and start to stand and walk, their spine will begin to curve like an adult's, and they will need a pillow for sleep.
Although they don't use pillows, parents can fold a towel into a pillow to support their child's head to help them sleep better.
2. Why should you fold a towel into a pillow for infants?
According to medical experts, after birth, infants are still accustomed to the fetal position, as this position gives them a sense of security, warmth, and comfort. Because of this, many children cannot immediately get used to lying on a bed and using a pillow like adults. In such cases, mothers can help their children sleep better by folding a towel into a pillow for them.
Below are some benefits of using a blanket as a pillow for infants:
- Reduces the risk of suffocation: Many people often think that using a head pillow will provide comfort for infants, similar to adults. However, this is completely wrong. A pillow that is too hard or too soft can put the baby at a high risk of suffocation during sleep. Folding a towel into a pillow for the baby is much safer than using a pillow.
- Reduces allergies: An infant's skin is very sensitive and easily irritated or allergic when exposed to dust on the surface of a pillow. To minimize this risk, parents should replace it with a towel as a head support for the baby!
- Improves sleeping posture: Infants spend most of their day sleeping. At this age, their skeletal system is still weak and unstable. Using a towel as a pillow for the baby will help shape the correct sleeping posture, which is good for the baby's overall development later on.
Folding a towel into a pillow for infants helps them sleep better.
3. The correct way to fold a towel into a pillow for infants
Folding a towel into a pillow for infants is not as difficult or complicated as parents might think. Let's explore some towel folding methods below!
3.1. How to fold a towel into a pillow for an infant sleeping on their side
The side-sleeping position is a good posture recommended by many experts for infants. This position supports the digestive system and helps the baby sleep better and more deeply.
Ways to fold a towel into a pillow for a baby in the side-sleeping position include:
Method 1: Fold a towel into a pillow to create a nest for the baby.
- Use a large towel and roll it up from one end until it's completely rolled.
- Place the baby on their side, then place the rolled towel between the baby's legs. The excess towel can be pulled up close to the baby's body.
- Pull the top part of the towel upwards and place it between the baby's hands and under their head.
Method 2: How to make a pillow from a towel and place it under the mattress.
- Use a folded towel and place it under the baby's mattress, so that the baby's head is elevated by about 8 - 15cm.
- The recommended incline angle by experts is 15 - 30 degrees Celsius.
The advantage of this folding method is that it helps keep the baby's airway clear and comfortable, while also helping the baby easily sleep soundly and deeply.
3.2. How to fold a towel into a pillow for an infant sleeping on their back
Lying on the back is the position recommended by many medical experts for infants and young children.
Method 1: Fold a towel into a pillow to create a nest for the baby.
- The mother needs to prepare a large towel and roll it up from one end until it's completely rolled.
- Place the baby on their back, with both arms extended out to the sides, palms facing upwards towards the head.
- Then, the mother uses an additional thin folded towel and places it under the baby's shoulders to help the baby lie in the correct position.
- Place the towel around the baby to form a nest. At this point, the baby will easily feel safe, peaceful, and sleep better.
Method 2: Fold a towel as a head pillow.
- The mother just needs to use a thin towel, fold it in half, and place it under the baby's head.
- The mother should note that the top of the towel should start from the position of the child's head, to help keep the child's airway straight.
The advantage of this method is that it helps keep the baby's airway clear, prevents the risk of suffocation, and supports the comprehensive development of the child's skeletal system.
The way to fold a towel into a pillow for an infant needs to match the child's sleeping position.
3.3. How to fold a towel into a pillow for an infant in the prone (tummy) position
The prone position is a position many young children love and find comfortable. This position gives children a feeling of safety, similar to when they were in their mother's womb.
The specific steps for folding a towel into a pillow for a child are as follows:
- Place the infant in a prone position on a thick cotton towel, about 4cm thick.
- Wrap an additional long towel around the baby, helping to create a warm, comfortable feeling.
4. Notes when folding a towel into a pillow for infants
When folding a towel into a pillow for infants, parents need to keep some important issues in mind:
- Regularly change the baby's sleeping position; do not let the baby lie in one position for too long. This can easily lead to a flattened head for the baby.
- Parents should choose soft, absorbent muslin or milk towels that do not shed lint and are made from safe materials to ensure the infant's health.
- Consult with doctors and medical professionals for safe infant care.
In addition to folding towels into pillows correctly, parents should also choose suitable mattresses for their children. Currently, Ru9 is developing two lines: Foam mattresses and Topper mattresses. With high-quality memory foam material, these two mattress lines help support the body, reduce pressure on the spine, neck, and shoulders, and effectively improve sleep quality.
Infants need special and optimal care to ensure their comprehensive development later on. Hopefully, through this article from Ru9, parents now know how to fold a towel into a pillow for infants to help them get a good and complete night's sleep.
