04/05/2020 Category: Pillows
- 1 What is a butterfly pillow
- 2 The benefits of an orthopedic butterfly pillow: when and for what purposes should it be used
- 3 General description: shape, dimensions, material
- 4 What are the benefits
- 5 What age is it suitable for?
- 6 Contraindications
- 7 Caring for an orthopedic pillow
- 8 How to use a butterfly pillow
The birth of a child is a long-awaited and trembling moment that every parent looks forward to. Of course, all mothers and fathers want to give their baby only the best and healthiest things. For this reason, various products for babies are used. One of the important issues that absolutely all new parents face is the need for an orthopedic butterfly pillow for newborns. Sometimes it is very difficult to find the answer to this question, since there are many different opinions. We suggest you understand the benefits and contraindications of such children's products.
What is a butterfly pillow
A butterfly pillow for newborns is a special pillow that has a well-thought-out orthopedic design. It is ideal for babies and newborns. Unlike other similar products, the butterfly pillow has an oval-shaped depression in the center.
The thoughtful dimensions of the product allow it to be used in strollers and cribs. The best orthopedists took part in its development, which made it possible to create a unique product that does not contribute to improper development of the infant’s spine. This bedding accessory has two functional positions for placing a newborn.
When to use a butterfly pillow for infants
A butterfly-shaped pillow for newborn babies is used according to the decision of the parents and pediatrician in the following cases:
For the correct development of the baby during his sleep
Due to the elasticity and shape of the pillow, pathologies of the cervical spine and occipital part of the head in infants are prevented.
It has been proven that the use of such a pillow helps protect the baby from acquired torticollis.
To normalize the tone of the muscles that support the baby’s head
Raised edges with rollers provide soft support for the baby's neck along the entire length. Thanks to its special shape, blood supply to the brain and the whole body improves.
To reduce pain caused by birth trauma in which the cervical vertebrae were damaged
The first days after birth with a birth injury, the baby feels discomfort.
A butterfly pillow will help ensure that your child's head and neck are in the correct position, so that they will experience less pain.
To create a symmetrical head shape
The special design of the product influences the formation of a symmetrical head shape, since during the period of active growth the soft bones of the skull may lose their oval due to the child’s incorrect position.
This problem is especially relevant in the early stages of rickets, when it is necessary to prevent deformation of the back of the head.
If changes have already occurred, the butterfly pillow will help to gently correct the shape of the child’s skull.
Solving the problems of congenital torticollis and other diseases
Before using a butterfly pillow, you should consult your child's doctor.
Some problems require a more serious solution, so the pillow can be used in combination with other treatment methods.
The benefits of an orthopedic butterfly pillow: when and for what purposes should it be used?
Pediatricians believe that there is no need for an orthopedic pillow until a child reaches the age of two. This statement applies exclusively to healthy newborns who do not suffer from various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
There are certain cases when this type of bedding accessories is simply necessary, for example, in case of a birth injury. You can also use orthopedic pillows to correct:
- torticollis;
- damage to the cervical vertebrae;
- improper formation of the skull bones;
- hypo- or hypertonicity of the neck muscles.
In such situations, the use of orthopedic products is prescribed by the attending physician. The specialist prescribes complex therapy aimed at restoring the baby’s health.
At what age and in what cases should it be used?
Proper use of the butterfly pillow
The main rule is simple - the use of an orthopedic butterfly pillow for newborns must be approved by a pediatrician. And these are not empty words. Parents may not notice small deviations in the development of their toddler, in which any pillow under a certain age is contraindicated. Or, on the contrary, there are deviations when use is simply necessary. Let us remind you that in addition to convenience, a butterfly pillow can help in the treatment of certain diseases.
So:
- You should put your baby to sleep on a butterfly pillow no earlier than one month of age.
- It is due to the shape and elasticity that the baby’s neck and spinal pathologies are prevented.
- protects the newborn from acquired torticollis.
- improves blood circulation to the brain.
- reduces pain in case of birth trauma and damage to the cervical vertebrae.
- forms a symmetrical head shape.
The last two points need to be explained in more detail.
With a birth injury, discomfort and pain are inevitable. The butterfly pillow allows you to rest the baby's head in such a way that the neck muscles relax and stop putting pressure on the damaged vertebrae. The pain will subside and this will allow the newborn to sleep peacefully. In addition, muscle relaxation is also a kind of gymnastics that is beneficial.
In the first months of life, active growth occurs. The bones of the baby’s skull are still soft, the fontanel is open, and incorrect position of the head during sleep can lead to loss of the correct oval. On the other hand, if such changes are already taking place, a butterfly pillow can quite successfully correct this problem.
An orthopedic pillow is very useful for rickets, especially in the early stages. It prevents deformation of the occipital bone.
Terms of use
The pediatrician will give quality advice on whether it is possible to use an orthopedic butterfly pillow. But any parent can figure out exactly how to do this on their own. The design itself will serve as an excellent instruction.
The pillow should be placed in such a way that there is a narrow cushion under the newborn’s neck. Then the baby’s head will be in a special recess and there will be no excessive tilting, which will allow the baby’s fragile neck muscles to remain in a calm and relaxed state.
It may seem surprising to some, but that's all. There are no more subtleties or special instructions. There is no need to constantly be next to a sleeping child and correct his position in his sleep. The butterfly pillow will prevent him from being overly active, which promotes sound, healthy sleep.
The only thing that can be added to this is that the pillow should be used not only in the crib while sleeping at night, but also in the stroller while walking and even as a toy. The butterfly shape and bright colors will bring joy to your baby even when he is awake.
When should you avoid a butterfly pillow?
There are not many contraindications. To be more precise, only two, but they are worth considering.
If a newborn often burps, then it is better to avoid using such a pillow. She simply will not allow the baby to turn his head to the side, which can lead to choking.
During the first few days, you should keep an eye on your child. If the newborn begins to sleep worse and becomes restless during sleep, the orthopedic pillow should be removed for a while. Some babies simply cannot sleep when there is something under their head. This is by no means a pathology, and there is no need to sound the alarm about it.
General description: shape, dimensions, material
The orthopedic butterfly pillow is small in size. The main feature of the product is its shape: in the center there is an oval depression, which is intended for the head of a newborn. On the sides of it there are compact rollers. Such components are designed to support the child's cervical spine and head in the correct position.
All manufacturers of such children's bedding accessories use exclusively natural materials. For example, cotton, bamboo filling or buckwheat. This high-quality filler allows air to pass through and does not retain liquid. Thanks to this approach, they are easy to clean and do not cause allergic reactions or unpleasant tactile sensations.
Product Features
The butterfly pillow is not at all like ordinary pillows and looks like a wide cushion with a depression in the center so that the baby's head is fixed. Latex or polyurethane foam is most often used as filler.
A dent in the center of the roller will help even inexperienced parents figure out how to use the device correctly. The main thing is that the lower cushion is located strictly under the child’s neck, but its edge does not go under the shoulders. When used, the pad provides the following:
- correct position of the baby's head;
- maintaining the cervical spine in an anatomical position;
- uniform distribution of load on the bones of the skull.
The manufacturer's instructions indicate that:
- The butterfly pillow is orthopedic. Its use helps prevent pathologies in the formation of the baby’s cervical spine. It prevents deformation of the skull bones and combats hypertonicity of the neck muscles in excitable children, especially after birth trauma.
- A pillow for newborns helps correct some pathologies that have begun to manifest themselves in the formation of the cervical spine, for example, torticollis, when the baby’s head is tilted to one side.
- It is recommended to use such textile products for children from one month after birth.
Since birth
Parents who regularly place a “butterfly” under the child’s head note that in this position the child behaves more calmly and is less capricious.
What is the benefit
A butterfly pillow is prescribed by an orthopedist or pediatrician exclusively in the early stages of the development of rickets, as well as in cases of cervical injury. Its use helps prevent various diseases of the baby’s musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedists believe that the correct shape of the pillow is not simply represented by the child’s head, but is an assistant in its correct formation. The “butterfly” serves as an ideal prevention for the development of many diseases due to the fact that it supports the child’s head in several positions. It provides an opportunity to avoid skull asymmetry and strong stress on fragile bones.
What age is it suitable for?
An orthopedic butterfly pillow is a very useful bedding accessory that must be used wisely. During the consultation, the pediatrician will tell you about the need for such a product for the baby, as well as the age at which the child can be placed on it.
Some doctors recommend using orthopedic products from two weeks of age. But there are doctors who do not recommend using such accessories for babies until they are two months or a year old.
The butterfly pillow is ideal for children under two years of age. The “starting” age can only be determined by a pediatrician after assessing the baby’s health.
Orthopedic pillow for infants: what it looks like and what features it has
Orthopedic pillows come in different types. They all pursue approximately the same goal, but may differ from each other in form.
Butterfly pillow (the most common type)
Most often, orthopedic pillows look like butterflies. In them, the baby's head is well fixed, it practically does not move from one place. This is possible thanks to the sides along the edges. There is a small indentation in the center of the pillow for the head. The protrusion below will support the neck.
Some pillows of this shape have two surfaces with different functions. If the child is lying on his back, the pillow is placed on one side, if on his side, then on the other.
It is worth noting that this pillow not only follows the contours of the baby’s head and neck, but also shapes them over time.
These pillows usually begin to be used at four months. They are suitable for use up to two years of age.
Photo from the site: olvi.ua
Headrest pillow
This model of orthopedic pillow is quite popular among young mothers. Its peculiarity is that its width coincides with the width of a crib. This is very convenient, since the baby will not fall off from such a pillow.
The height of the pillow is minimal; the child will lie comfortably on it, and his cervical region and head will be raised quite a bit.
The angle of inclination of such a product should be no more than 15 degrees. Otherwise, the orthopedic pillow will cause harm by curving the spine. Pay attention to this.
Photo from the site: omladence.ru
There are also rectangular and semicircular orthopedic pillows (similar to a horseshoe). Some of them have an additional roller.
The pillow with two bolsters is very popular. She looks like a wave. One of its rollers is smaller, and the second is larger. The first is used when sleeping on the back, the second - on the side. Depending on the position of the body, the pillow is turned over to the desired side.
When choosing an option, look at how the product fits the baby himself. If a child is tossing around, unable to sleep, and keeps sliding off the pillow, it means that it is somehow not suitable for him. There is no need to create additional inconvenience for the baby. It is better to replace the pillow or remove it altogether.
Photo from the site: ortopedicheskie-podushki.ru
Caring for an orthopedic pillow
The butterfly pillow is very comfortable to use and care for. Therefore, young parents can easily clean or wash the pillowcase when the need arises. It is important to remember that washing should be done at a water temperature no higher than 40 degrees Celsius using hypoallergenic and non-aggressive components.
Manufacturers of orthopedic products recommend giving preference to hand washing. Machine cleaning can also be used, but it is important to choose a gentle program. It is forbidden to twist or wring out the butterfly pillow. Drying is carried out exclusively in a horizontal position without access to direct sunlight.
Attention! You can extend the life of a butterfly pillow with regular ventilation. Such care must be performed once every seven days.
How to use a butterfly pillow
Many young mothers wonder which side should be used. Some “butterflies” are characterized by two functional positions: for placing the baby on the side and on the back. The shape of this bedding accessory is universal and mobile, so the application process should not be difficult. The baby must be placed with his head strictly in the central recess. If everything is done correctly, the lower cushion will be located under the child’s cervical region.
This massage accessory does not become an obstacle when the baby turns over. Following the pediatrician's recommendations and a high-quality butterfly pillow will lead to the correct development of the baby.
Orthopedic pillow for newborn babies butterfly: how to use?
Using this pillow is quite simple. It is necessary to carefully take the baby under the head and place him in the recess. It is necessary that the head is in the hole and the cushion is under the child’s cervical vertebrae. In this case, the head should not fall to one side, but be strictly in the middle.
Pillow requirements:
- Natural fabric that is highly breathable
- Hypoallergenic filler
- Wash resistance
In such a pillow there will be no mites and dust will not accumulate. It is convenient to wash this pillow in the washing machine. It dries quickly and does not deform after washing. Be sure to check the composition of the filler and fabric before purchasing.
Orthopedic pillow for newborn babies butterfly: how to use?
