When Do Kids Need a Pillow?

September 29, 2023

"You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Hello, you radiant beacon of motherhood! It's Friday, and in today’s episode of ‘I Can’t Believe This is My Life Now,’ we tackle life-changing topics like poop stain removal and fancy pillow decisions. Go ahead, pour yourself an extra cup of coffee.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • Pillows for kids? When?!

  • Magic tricks for poop stain removal

  • No-bake Strawberry SunButter Bites 🍓🍴

  • DIY: Who needs Pottery Barn?

“The softest blankets, throws, and baby accessories on earth” - Little Giraffe

Mom's Field Guide

When Do Kids Need a Pillow?

Baby peeking over pillow

Ever wondered when it's finally okay to give your little one that comfy pillow?

Let's deep-dive into the do's and don'ts of pillows for tots—because we all want to rest easier, right?

The Pillow Paradox for Babies

First things first: babies don’t need pillows.

In fact, they shouldn’t have one until after their first birthday!

Pillows pose serious suffocation risks, and the FDA warns against even those "head shaping" pillows.

So, keep that crib minimal—just a fitted sheet will do until they're at least a year old.

  • Mom Tip: Make a "sleep safety checklist" and stick it near the crib as a daily reminder for yourself or anyone else putting the baby to sleep. It should include items like 'No Pillows', 'Fitted Sheet Only', and 'Check Room Temperature'.

Toddler Pillow Timeline

While the SIDS risk drops after the first year, don't rush out to get your one-year-old a pillow just yet.

Some adventurous toddlers may use pillows as stepping stones to escape their crib.

The article suggests waiting to introduce a pillow until your kiddo has moved on to a proper bed, which might not happen until they’re 3 years old or even later.

  • Mom Tip: In that transition period from crib to bed, consider using a bed rail or pool noodles under the bedsheet to prevent rolling out.

Finding the Perfect Pillow

So when the time comes, what kind of pillow should you buy?

Skip the big, fluffy pillows you love and opt for a small, flat, firm one that supports their still-developing neck and spine.

Some trial and error may be needed, so look for pillows with a good return policy!

  • Mom Tip: Since you're already on the lookout for pillows, it's also a good time to consider hypoallergenic options. Kids can develop allergies, and a hypoallergenic pillow can prevent potential irritants from disrupting their sleep.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you're not just pillow shopping—you're ensuring safe and comfy sleep for your little lovebug. No need to rush, let them grow up a little.

As for you, now you can put that question to bed and rest easier tonight. Sweet dreams, moms! 🌙✨

  • Mom Tip: Keep a sleep log or journal for the first few nights after introducing a pillow. Note any changes in sleep patterns or mood the next day. This data can be helpful for fine-tuning your child’s sleep environment even further.

Keep reading here.

Together with Little Giraffe

Cuddle Up to the Softest Blankets on Earth

*affiliate content

Remember those early morning cuddles with your little one, swaddled in their blanket?

Little Giraffe takes those perfect moments and makes them even softer.

The blankets, throws, and baby accessories are simply the “softest on Earth”.

Especially this famous blanket they’re known for.

Experience the plush luxury of Little Giraffe and elevate your baby's comfort 🙂 

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll

How often do you feel overwhelmed as a mother?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Poll Results From 9/27

How do you handle social media and privacy when it comes to your kids?

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I share everything (5%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I share selectively (43%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Only with family and close friends (29%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ I don't share anything about my kids online (23%)

Featured Response 🎤 

“We created a Google photo album for family and friends, no reason to post anything on Facebook. ”

- Community Mom

What a great idea! 🙂 

Mom Hack

Know How To Remove Poop Stains

lifewithmylittles

Mom Hack

Poop stains on baby clothes: the struggle is real.

But fear not! With the right technique, you can make those clothes look good as new.

Steps:

  1. Rinse the stain in cool water to remove any chunks.

  2. Mix water and OxiClean powder to create a wet paste.

  3. Rub the paste generously into the stain.

  4. Let the mixture dry until hard and stiff (at least an hour).

  5. Soak the stained clothing in warm water with a scoop of OxiClean and some Clorox 2 for 30 minutes-1 hour.

  6. Run a regular wash cycle.

  7. Double-check the stain before drying the clothes.

See full mom hack here.

Mom’s Menu

Strawberry SunButter Bites 🍓🍴

weelicious

Say hello to Strawberry SunButter Bites, your kiddo's new lunchbox favorite that's allergy-friendly too!

Ingredients 📝

  • 2 large flour tortillas

  • 4-6 tablespoons SunButter

  • 10 strawberries, thinly sliced

Instructions 👩‍🍳

  1. Lay those tortillas flat, like a canvas waiting for your masterpiece. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of SunButter on each.

  2. Next, divide those thinly sliced strawberries evenly across both tortillas.

  3. Roll 'em up tightly, but gently. You're going for cozy, not a straitjacket. Use a little SunButter at the edge to make it stick.

  4. Last step: Cut your beautiful wraps into 1-inch wheels. Ta-da!

weelicious

Notes 📌

  • If you have an allergy-free zone at school, these are a hit. They're nut-free but full of yum!

So there you have it, ladies!

Whip up these Strawberry SunButter Bites and get ready for an empty lunchbox coming home.

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Fall Edition)

Pottery Barn Inspired Pumpkin Filler

Source: ourhomemadeeasy

Fall is here and who doesn't love a little seasonal decor? 🍂 

But if you're like me, splurging on trendy pieces every year isn't in the cards.

Good news: I found a hack for those pricey pumpkin centerpieces we all love!

Just dash to the dollar store, grab some faux pumpkins and leaves, and hit them with your favorite spray paint.

Add a dash of metallic acrylic for some extra sparkle, and boom—you've got a glam centerpiece for less.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

Mamas, meet your new kitchen BFF!

This Blender is the answer to your "I need to make baby food but have zero time" prayers.

It’s like having a personal sous-chef that can puree, chop, and blend while you're busy doing the mom juggle. 🤹‍♀️ 

Hand Blender Multiquick

  • Speedy: Whip up baby food faster than your little one can throw it.

  • Versatile: From smoothies to soups, this blender does it all.

  • Easy: One-handed operation because, let's face it, you're already multitasking.

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

You should start brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

A) True

Reply

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