When to Introduce a Pillow to a Child’s Sleeping Routine

As young bodies heal, rejuvenate and grow during sleep, it’s important to carefully consider when to introduce a pillow into a child’s sleeping routine that correctly supports their posture and physical development.

Research from SIDS and Kids Australia, Department of Health and the Health Nurses Association recommends that a child should start using a pillow when they move out of their cot and into a bed, around the age of two. When it comes time for choosing the correct pillow for a child, Australian chiropractor, and cofounder of Ollie Owl Pillows Dr. Leigh Sheldrick encourages parents to research the health benefits of a contoured pillow.

“I think parents underestimate the importance of good posture during sleep. Choosing the correct pillow could be the difference between comfortable deep sleep or 10-12 hours with a twisted neck and unsupported spine. That just can’t be good for young children who rely so heavily on a good night’s sleep to positively interact and interpret their world during the day.” Dr. Sheldrick says. “Getting sufficient sleep is very important developmentally for a child, but it’s not only about the amount of sleep; it’s also about how they sleep.” www.ollieowl.com.au

Ollie Owl contour pillows are specifically designed to cradle a child’s spine, neck and head, to ensure a restful, restorative sleep every night. The shape of the pillow helps to keep the child’s neck and spine in a healthy position as they sleep.

“I know many parents are in the dark about what to consider when choosing the correct pillow for their child, because there’s not a lot of information out about the health benefits of appropriate pillows,” says Dr. Sheldrick. “Sleep is a crucial time for repair, growth and immune activity, all of which are governed by the nervous system. Given that the skull and spine protect and support the nervous system it is logical that children need an optimal position during sleep, so they function effectively the next day and allow their young brains to carry on with the most important job; allowing children to thrive.” www.ollieowl.com.au

So many chiropractors are excited to see age appropriate pillows on the market for children. Dr. Kirsten Holden, B. App. Sci chiropractic R.M.I.T says, “[The Ollie Owl contoured pillows] fill an untapped niche market, providing quality height appropriate pillows for children in their formative years.

“The products are graded beautifully to suit the varied needs and sizes of growing infants and children, and are being sold at an extremely cost effective price for families. It is now possible for a family to provide therapeutic size specific pillows for the whole family cost effectively.”

To learn more about the benefits of a contoured pillow, visit www.ollieowl.com.au.
 

About Ollie Owl

Dr. Leigh Sheldrick is an Australian chiropractor with twenty years’ experience caring for children and families. With thousands of studies supporting the importance of sleep, Dr. Sheldrick felt there was not enough importance placed on sleep posture and quality of children’s pillows. This led to the founding of Ollie Owl, a business dedicated to supporting the sleeping needs of children, through age appropriate contoured pillows.

Dr. Sheldrick’s extensive experience studying and nurturing the health of the spine motivated her to positively contribute to improving children’s health through quality sleep. With the help of Tania Beattie, a massage therapist and long-time friend, she designed an Australian made collection of contoured pillows to improve children’s sleeping positions, using low allergenic materials.

Since the introduction of Ollie Owl pillows, Dr. Sheldrick and Tania have been overwhelmed by the number of parents seeking information about pillows and children’s sleep postures. Dr. Sheldrick has worked in various multidisciplinary clinics in Melbourne, country Victoria and the UK, where she has gleaned many stories about the ‘power of the pillow’ and how having the correct pillow can transform people’s lives.
Dr. Sheldrick holds a degree in Applied Science (chiro) and has done a multitude of post graduate training in children’s health. The mother of two is a member of the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, the Chiropractic Association of Australia and the College of Chiropractic Neuro-developmental Paediatrics.

Tania brings her passion for children’s health and wellbeing, as well as her expertise in administration and customer service, to ensure Ollie Owl customers always have an outstanding experience when purchasing an Ollie Owl pillow.

Contact Information

Dr. Leigh Sheldrick

Co-founder and Chiropracter

Ollie Owl

(61) 413 307 815

info@ollieowl.com.au