No, pillows are not recommended to prevent a flat head, in fact, pillows are not necessary for baby for any reason as they increase baby’s risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy, including SIDS and fatal sleep accidents. Red Nose does not recommend placing a pillow in baby’s sleep environment.
A pillow may cover the baby’s face and obstruct breathing or cause overheating. Furthermore, when a baby falls asleep propped up on a pillow, his/her head can fall forwards, pushing his/her chin down towards his/her chest. This can lead to his/her airway becoming blocked and reducing airflow.
Older babies in a cot can be at an increased risk of a sleeping accident by using pillows as a step to climb up and fall out of the cot.
Red Nose recommends delaying offering a pillow until baby is over two years of age and is no longer sleeping in a cot or portable cot.
Last modified: 29/8/24