What are the functions and effects of rice pillows

In some rural areas, the elderly like to use rice pillows for babies to sleep, because many elderly people believe that babies who use rice pillows to sleep can grow up better. However, many young parents do not agree with this view of the elderly, and believe that this method is not good for the baby's growth and development. So, what are the effects and functions of rice pillow?

First, what are the functions and effects of rice pillows? When a baby is just born, the average head circumference is about 34 cm. The baby's brain will grow by about 8 cm in the first half of the year and by 3 cm in the second half of the year. For children who cannot roll over yet, if their heads are resting on a pillow filled with millet or mung beans, it will inevitably affect the development of their brains. In other words, the younger the child, the faster the brain develops. So don’t be put off by a pillow filled with whole grains. At the same time, because the newborn's skull is relatively soft, the cranial joints have not yet completely closed. If a child uses a hard pillow, the pressure from the pillow may cause deformation of the head. From the appearance, the child's head is flat because he sleeps with a millet pillow. Some children are used to sleeping on their side, and in severe cases, one end of the face is big and the other end is small. An asymmetrical face is also the consequence of sleeping on a millet pillow.

Second, whether from the perspective of the development of the child's skull or brain, or from the perspective of the beautiful appearance of the child's head, do not let your child sleep on millet or mung bean pillows. First of all, it is not recommended for newborns to use pillows. Only when the baby is 3 to 4 months old, the head is already upright, and the cervical lordosis forms the first curvature of the spine, namely the cervical curvature, can you consider using a soft pillow that is 3 to 4 layers high. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that babies under one year old use pillows (of course, it is also possible not to use pillows). Secondly, the child's skull is relatively soft, and the fontanelles and skull sutures have not yet completely closed. Long-term use of rice pillows, mung bean pillows, sand pillows, etc. that are too hard can easily cause skull deformation, causing the head to become tilted, flattened, or pointed, affecting the aesthetic appearance of the head. If a child has a tilted head, the best time to correct it is within 3 months after birth. During this period, the child's skull is still developing, the edges have not yet ossified, and the bones are relatively soft, so it is easier to correct. For mild head tilt, parents can let the child lie with the head facing the opposite direction, help the child to turn over frequently, hold the child upright more often during the day, or let the child practice raising his head while lying on his stomach. Severe head tilt may be alleviated as the child grows, but if it is too severe, a corrective helmet will be needed.

What are the effects and functions of rice pillows? Pillows made of rice are not hygienic and clean. Children use them more often, but children are prone to sweating and drooling. In the long run, it is generally recommended that rice breed a lot of bacteria and mold, and such pillows cannot be washed and will not dry after washing. It not only wastes food but also damages the skin. Now there are some washable pillows that are breathable, have adjustable height, and are fully machine washable. They are very practical and inexpensive. It's worth it for the sake of your baby's health.