Sunday, May 24, 2015

Do you Let your Child Sleep with a Pillow at Night?

Child Sleep With a Pillow1Before The Kids were born, Ed and I spent a lot of time at auctions. A few nights a week you’d find us looking through boxes in the front of someone’s yard and of course every Friday night was reserved for Finnertys. Depending on what we had to do, Saturdays and Sundays were spent in search of goodies that we didn’t need. When The Kids came along, we had to adjust our schedule.

Last Friday night*, was the first time that I’d been to Finnertys in 3.5 years. Partly because The Kids are not allowed to go** so I stay at home with them and partly because even if they were allowed, they don’t want to go. According to them, it’s BOOOOOORRRRRIIIIINNNGGGG!

But this weekend, I convinced them that instead of playing with their new train set, we were going to a party in the same town as their new school!*** On top of all the things that would be going on at the party (their guesses were clowns and balloons to which I may have responded in the affirmative) was that there would be kids there. Note that the party that I was referring to was in fact an auction sale and while there were sure to be clowns there, I don’t think they were the ones that they had in mind.

Fortunately, there were two young girls at the sale. One was 7 years old and the other had just turned five. They ran around the backyard (field), picked bouquets of lilacs and shared toys. It all seemed so innocent until suddenly there was silence.

Child Sleep With a Pillow2

At the time, The Kids and the five year old (herein referred to as Elizabeth) were finding some relief from the sun under an umbrella. At which time, Artemis leaned into Elizabeth and in a low voice asked “Do you use a pillow at night?”. Elizabeth’s reply was unintelligible but it was clear that she responded in the affirmative (later confirmed by her Mother). Artemis replied “I’m not allowed to because my Mom says that I’m too young”.

I’m in big trouble when she figures out that Elizabeth is younger than her.

Do You Let Your Child Sleep with a Pillow at Night?

For the record, I have no idea why I don’t let The Kids use pillows at night. I know that their reliance on soothers (past tense) and stuffies makes me not want to have another ritual to complete at night before they’ll go to bed at night.

If you have any information and/or links to confirm that they should or shouldn’t be using pillows at the age of five, please share them with me.

* Nanna was here to babysit.
** No one under the age of 16 is allowed on the premises once the sale begins. It’s probably based on liability issues but I think it’s also because Finnerty swears like a sailor all night long.
*** I guess that I should tell you about their “new school” soon.

29 thoughts on “Do you Let your Child Sleep with a Pillow at Night?

  1. René

    I think pillows are OK. They won’t suffocate….they know how to roll over now, all on their own 😉

    Reply
  2. Cindy

    My kids didn’t have pillows for a long time either. I have found the really flat toddler pillows from Ikea are perfect for Finley. He just wanted a pillow because Paisley has one.
    Side note; we just discovered that there are a plethora of auction houses here in Victoria. So fun!
    Hope all is well at the zoo!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Post author

      Dear Cindy,

      How long is a long time? I thought that I’d get them one as a moving out present. Might be some incentive.

      Love the word plethora especially when it relates to Auctions.

      All is well here. Hugs and kisses to you and your family. Always love to hear from you.

      Besos Sarah.
      Sarah recently posted…Would You Have Stopped to Help? My Profile

      Reply
  3. Peady @ Tempered with Kindness

    I do. Should I not?

    Why wouldn’t we? Is there something you are leaving out?

    Are we worried about spine alignment?

    Mind you, mine are older. We have good pillows. Pillows can be pure joy!

    They are great for movie nights in the big bed.

    They are super awesome for building forts, too! 😀
    Peady @ Tempered with Kindness recently posted…Set It Up SundayMy Profile

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      1. Peady @ Tempered with Kindness

        It’s funny, isn’t it? What we deem as needs vs. wants, I mean?

        Hmm. I need one to sleep, but I *can* sleep without one.

        I guess what I am saying is I like options! I LOVE them actually, if I’m being honest. 😀

        Question: Do the kids sleep with special stuffies or blankies? Do they sometimes wind up under their heads? If so, they already have pillows. 😉
        Peady @ Tempered with Kindness recently posted…Twinkle, TwinkleMy Profile

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  4. Stephanie LaPlante

    I didn’t start using a pillow until I was 27…last year. LOL. I hated them and it suddenly changed for some reason. Not that I’m a kid, I’m just rambling.

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    what a great post yet again, you always have me in stitches 🙂 Mine weren’t allowed a pillow as babies of course but as of about 4 they did have pillows. My grandchildren have pillows too at least those 4 and above but never seem to sleep on them anyway.

    Reply
  6. Jason

    We let our little guy sleep with a pillow but it’s a flat one. I believe that it’s better for your spine to sleep completely flat on your back but I can’t say for sure. We sometimes have to use a small couch pillow to prop the little one up because he coughs and sneezes at night sometimes. The propping up helps releave it a bit though.
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  7. Brandee H

    I feel I need to help you and comment. My 3 year old (almost 4) does not use a pillow. He is constantly moving and they make me nervous that he may suffocate. Better safe than sorry with this one! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Elva Roberts

    Our children had pillows once they were out of the crib and in a bigger bed. I never thought much about it once they could lift their heads, etc. I was more concerned with SIDS, which did occur in one of our precious granddaughters at 4 and 1/2 months. It was probably one of the most terrible periods of our life. That was about 30 years ago.

    Reply

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