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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Pillow for Toddler?

Last night was the first time in a week that Natalie slept through the night. I had to go in once because she lost her binky, but otherwise she didn't need me.

Between this virus-deal and a ridiculous amount of teeth coming through - including molars on the top and bottom - we have been spending A LOT of time together in the wee hours of the night/morning, and well, it hasn't been all that delightful. Most times I would hear her crying, go to her room, and find her sitting up clutching her lovey and chanting "Rak me, rak me." Can't really deny that request, right? I rocked and soothed and put her back in her crib. Sometimes that worked, other times she changed her chant to "Bed. Bed. Bed," and she was referring to the bed in the guest room. I took her in there Monday night when her fever was really high because we keep the vent closed and it's cooler in there than any other room. We even slept in there for a few hours. She slept on her belly with about half of her body on the pillow beside me. This happened a few times this week because she was so insistent about sleeping in the guest bed, and I was so completely exhausted. But this isn't a habit I want her to get into. She does great sleeping in her own bed - always has - until this recent bout with illness/teeth.

Anyway, seeing her so peacefully sleeping with her head elevated on a pillow got me to thinking perhaps she is ready for a toddler pillow. Perhaps that will help her sleep better. I remember reading something about increased pressure in the ears and jaw when a baby lies flat in a crib.

And so here's my question, Does your toddler sleep with a pillow? Would you recommend it? Do you know of a reason that it's not a good idea? Where did you get your toddler pillow? Any other suggestions for making sure she's comfortable while sleeping? Insights, please :)

3 comments:

Oliver'sMom said...

Ollie has a giant Winnie the Pooh for a pillow, has since he was one. It's one of those "fooze"? pillows-the lycra type stuff filled with the tiny pellets. He's never had an ear infection, and even when he flips in the bed end to end, Pooh goes with him. When he was sick I fluffed it up a bit for more incline and plopped him down on it waist up instead of just his head like normal (did I mention that it's HUGE?!?!) and he slept better. My mother gave me the riot act when she came to watch him this fall, but even "safty patrol Grannie" is ok with it now, and that's saying something...
On another note, I'm jealous. Oliver won't "sleep" with us worth toots. I've tried to see if he wants to take a nap with Momma, but it's total fun fest time when he gets up in the "tall bed". Sigh, girls must like to cuddle more than boys. :-)

Unknown said...

If I'm remembering correctly, we put pillows in the beds with both kids the day after their 1st birthday. Just regular pillows - not too flat and not too puffy. And blankets that tucked around the slides of the crib mattress, so it was made up like a little bed. They both adjusted right away. hope this helps! (I'm washing a load of clothes to send you right now!)

Chi-town momma said...

Hmmm...perhaps try the pillow Debbie gave us? (taking the pretty cover off first ,but to see if the size works?) Benjamin is happy and sleeping - if it ain't broke...

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