Did you know latest study reveals that one out of six infants (4 to six months old) are now affected by posterior flattening of the skull which is medically known as Positional Plagiocephaly?
One of the main cause of baby flat head has been identified to be the supine sleeping position, advocated since the early 1990s as part of the ‘back to sleep’ campaign for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To prevent baby flat head, many parents opt for a specialist baby sleep position pillow. Below we discuss what features makes the best flat head pillow and the most popular ones on the market .
Table of Contents
Top 2 Flat Head Pillow Within Budget
Comparison: Best Baby Flat Head Pillow To Prevent Flat Head Syndrome
| Features | Reidio Newborn Pillow | Boppy Head Support | Mimos Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Soft and breathable | Soft and cushioned | Breathable 3D air spacer fabric |
| Design | Adjustable head pillow for ergonomic support | Elephant plaid pattern | Baby’s head fits in the center of the pillow |
| Comfort | Soft and comfortable for baby sleeping | Helps prop up baby’s head | Soft and comfortable for baby sleeping |
| Washability | Washable | N/A | N/A |
| Age Range | Suitable for newborns | Suitable for babies 0-4 | N/A |
| Check Price On Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Website |
When should you worry about whether baby is showing flat head syndrome?
Newborn heads are sensitive. Babies delivered vaginally are often born with an oddly shaped head as a result of the pressure of passing through the birth canal. However, this usually starts correcting itself within about 5 to 6 weeks time. If your newborn’s head hasn’t rounded out by 6 weeks – or if you find that your baby has a flat spot on her skull after this time period – it’s most likely a case of positional plagiocephaly.
Can A Pillow Really Fix Baby Flat Head Syndrome?
A clinical study was done on fifty babies with flat head aged 5 months or younger to evaluate the impact of baby head pillow versus stretching exercise. It was found that both resulted in improvements in positional cranial deformation. In fact, for babies with combined plagiocephaly (i.e the head is flattened on 1 side ) and brachycephaly (i,e, back of the head becomes flattened), improvement in cranial asymmetry was slightly greater when using baby head pillow versus stretching.
What Is The Best Baby Pillow To Prevent Flat head?
Apart from more ‘tummy time’ as suggested by pediatricians a plagiocephaly pillow helps flat head baby experiencing breathing difficulty to breathe more easily. They cannot lie down comfortably or move their head on a flat cot or crib. A properly designed infant flat head pillow should have following qualities:
- Easy Breathability
The pillow volume should be of 94% air which helps the baby to breathe easily. Generally the flat head pillows have TUV certification implying it has been tested for anti suffocating feature and easy air flow. The fabric should be either cotton or 3d fibre.
- Redistribute pressure on baby’s head
The main reason for baby to have flat head is that the baby lies on one position only . Best pillow for newborn ensures that the pressure on the baby’s head is minimal while lying down. The plagiocephaly pillows should redistribute the pressure to all sides of the head.
- Free head movement
The pillow should allow free 180 degree head movement of the baby to sleep comfortably. It should also relieve pressure on the head and neck muscle.
- Hygienic and Easy to clean
The baby pillow should be anti allergic, fungi resistant and machine washable so that it dries out quickly.
The Best Pillow To Prevent Baby Flat Head Syndrome
Let’s take a closer look to the most effective pillows that correct baby flat head.
Reidio Newborn Pillow: Adjustable Baby Flat Head Pillow
The Reidio Newborn Pillow Adjustable Baby Head Pillow is a product that has an ergonomic design that supports the head and protects the neck while being comfortable.
It has an adjustable design with an adjustable buckle and drawstring that can tighten or loosen the drawstring on three sides to get the desired height in different positions.
The filling of the baby pillow is made of high-quality PP cotton with high elasticity and softness. The cover is made of premium jacquard fabric, breathable, and skin-friendly.
It is a nursery must-have and a perfect baby shower gift with a gift box.
It is easy care, machine washable, and durable, and can be used in cribs, strollers, cradles, car seats, and more. The product is available in the 3#tiger color variant and is priced at $23.99
Pros
- Ergonomic design: The pillow has an ergonomic design that is intended to distribute the pressure of the head and support the neck while being comfortable.
- Adjustable: The pillow is adjustable with a buckle and drawstring, which allows parents to tighten or loosen the drawstring on three sides to get the desired height in different positions.
- Soft and high elasticity: The filling of the pillow is made of high-quality PP cotton, which has high elasticity and softness, good heat dissipation, and breathability. This feature helps to take care of the baby’s sleep.
- High-quality material: The cover is made of premium jacquard fabric, which is breathable and skin-friendly, keeping the baby fresh all day long.
- Nursery Must-have: This baby pillow is easy to care for, machine washable, and durable. It can be used in cribs, strollers, cradles, car seats, and other places. It also comes with a gift box, making it an ideal baby shower gift.
Cons
- Safety concerns: There are concerns about the safety of the pillow as it may cause suffocation if not used properly.
- Not suitable for all babies: The pillow is designed for newborns, and it may not be suitable for all babies.
- Size: The size of the pillow may not fit all babies, and parents may need to adjust it for their baby’s comfort.
In summary, the Reidio Newborn Pillow Adjustable Baby Head Pillow has several pros such as its ergonomic design, adjustability, and high-quality material. However, parents should also consider the safety concerns and suitability for their baby before purchasing the product.
Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest
The Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest is a baby head support for infants aged 0-4 months. It has a unique cut-out design that gently cradles the baby’s head and is compatible with 3- and 5-point harness systems in strollers, swings, and bouncers.
It is made of a soft cotton blend, is machine washable, and is recommended for awake-time support only.
It should not be used in a crib, cradle, bassinet, playpen, play yard, or bed. The product comes in Sage Watercolor Leaves color and is sold by Boppy Store on Amazon
The Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest is a product designed for newborn babies that aims to provide additional support to their head while in strollers, bouncers, or swings.
Pros
1. Provides additional head support: The product is designed to keep a baby’s head in a comfortable and secure position, which is particularly important for newborns whose neck muscles are still developing.
2. Unique cut-out design: The cut-out design of the product is intended to keep the baby’s head gently cradled, which is a unique feature not found in other products.
3. Multi-functional: The Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest works with both 3- and 5-point harness systems and can be installed easily in any stroller, bouncer, or swing.
4. Easy to clean: The product is machine washable for easy cleaning, which is particularly important for baby products
Cons
1. For newborns only: The product is recommended for use only for babies between 0-4 months old, after which it will no longer be useful.
2. No use in car seats: The product cannot be used with car seats, which may be inconvenient for parents who want a product that can be used in all types of seats.
3. May not fit all babies: The Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest is designed for newborns, and some babies may outgrow it quickly, making it a short-term solution.
In summary, the Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest is a product that provides additional head support for newborns in strollers, bouncers, or swings. While it has some unique features and benefits, it also has some limitations, such as limited use and not being suitable for all types of seats. Overall, it can be a useful product for parents of newborns who are looking for additional support for their baby’s head..
Mimos Flat Head Baby Pillow
Mimo’s pillow , no doubt, is the premium baby flat head pillow in the market and more expensive than others, but is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look
Breathability and Certification
The two main factors that put Mimo’s pillow much ahead of it’s competition is it’s design and the material used.
It is specially designed to distribute pressure from back of baby’s head when lying down. The effectiveness of using Mimo’s pillow has been clinically tested and results published in health journal.
Babies usually have a preferred side for sleeping resulting in pressure directed on one side of head. Re- positioning can help but it rrquires constant attention and is specially difficult during night time. With Mimo’s flat head pillow , there is no need for repositioning the baby as the baby’s head located in the pillow’s cavity will automatically reduce the pressure on one side of head by redistributing it .
Mimo’s pillow has received TUV certification for safe air flow. Another most important feature is there is no fear of baby rolling over and suffocating itself as it is completely breathable. In fact many parents have tested it by purposely trying to suffocate themselves with it , but found steady stream of fresh air even when smothering the face in it.
Redistributes Pressure on Baby’s Head
Mimo’s flat head prevention pillow provides 4 times less pressure than a crib mattress and redistributes the pressure to a broader surface making it extremely effective for plagiocephaly prevention. Most parents have seen a huge improvement in the baby’s head shape correction within 2 to 3 weeks of usage of the pillow
180-Degree Free Head Movement
The baby can turn it’s head and neck freely while using this pillow so there’s no fear for stiff neck condition.
Hygine and cleaning
It’s machine washable and tested to be anti allergic and dust resistant. Also you can buy a pillow cover separately.
Which size Mimo’s pillow is right for my baby?
Mimo’s pillow comes with varying size depending on baby’s age, development and activity. Previously they had 5 sizes (L, XL, XXL, XXXL, and P). The video below helps to find out the right size for your baby.
Note: They have revised the size chart to following
Does it provide value for money?
If you compare the Mimo’s Baby pillow to its competitor’s then it’s expensive though the features it provides and along with its effectiveness does make a case for it being worth $100. Moreover, when you consider that a flat head helmet recommended by many paediatricians is around $3,000 – $4,000 it doesn’t seem so expensive.
My Opinion after extensive research
I think this is the best pillow on the market for flat head syndrome. Period. However, only you can make the value judgment.
How long should a baby use a flat head pillow?
A baby can use a flat head pillow until they can roll over on their own, which is usually around 4-6 months of age. After that, the risk of flat head syndrome decreases.
Can a flat head pillow prevent flat head syndrome?
Yes, a flat head pillow can prevent flat head syndrome by providing the necessary support for your baby’s head and neck.
How often should you wash a flat head pillow?
You should wash a flat head pillow every 2-3 weeks or as needed. It is essential to keep the pillow clean to prevent the buildup of bacteria and allergens.
To sum up, choosing the right pillow for your baby is crucial in preventing flat head syndrome. After researching and reviewing the best flat head pillows available in the market, we highly recommend the Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support as the top pick. It provides excellent support for your baby’s head and neck, and its breathable fabric makes it safe and comfortable for your baby to use.
