The causative agents of allergies are different. Often, allergy sufferers have a reaction to simple irritants that surround us - dust, household chemicals, food. Therefore, it is important for people prone to allergic reactions to monitor their surroundings. This also applies to bedding. In this article we will tell you which pillow to choose to avoid the risk of allergies. Let's look at their advantages and disadvantages and provide an overview of models popular among buyers. The information will be useful to those who care about their health and want to have a healthy, comfortable sleep.
Why do you need hypoallergenic pillows?
Bedding harbors germs and house dust mites. In particular, pillows with natural fillings (feather, down) cause allergies in sensitive people.
This also applies to cotton and wool blankets.
True, doctors recommend protecting yourself from allergens by regularly washing bed linen using special preparations. But how often can you wash feather and down products?
Hypoallergenic pillows and blankets solve this problem. They are relevant for people suffering from asthma and allergies. The materials and fillers for them are made from synthetic components (polyester, Thinsulate, Ecofiber). Their advantages:
- High degree of airiness;
- Optimal humidity conditions;
- Good support for the head and spine;
- Ability to withstand frequent washing without loss of properties.
Do you want to cover your sofa with something? Modern mattress covers for the sofa protect against dirt and premature wear of the cover.
And if you need to smooth the surface of the sofa, it is better to put a thin springless mattress on the sofa. This mattress has all the properties of conventional mattresses, but is much more compact. Read more here.
Newborn clothes (minimum set)!!!
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Knitted bodysuits with and without sleeves (this type of clothing is very convenient for frequent diaper changes: without taking off the bodysuit, but only by unfastening it from the bottom, you can easily change the diaper); if bodysuits seem expensive to you, you can buy regular onesies instead - 5-6 pieces of each type. 2 Cotton onesies (choose models not with strings, but with buttons) - 6-7 pieces 3 Light cotton overalls (fastened along the entire length with buttons; this type of clothing is convenient for going to the clinic, on a visit, for a walk) - 3-4 pieces.4 Light cotton blouses - 2-3 pieces.5 Warm blouses and rompers - 2-3 pieces each.6 Anti-scratch mittens (so that the child does not scratch his face with hands in the first weeks) - 2-3 pairs. 7 Socks - 3-4 pairs. 8 Warm overalls for walking - 2 pieces. 9 Light and warm hats. 10 Flannelette and cotton diapers - 7-8 pieces each. Do not buy too many clothes for the first months, because at this time the baby’s growth rapidly increases: in the first three months the baby grows by 10 cm!Criteria for choosing hypoallergenic pillows
Advantages
The main thing that attracts such products is their set of properties:
- Lack of breeding ground for parasites;
- Hygiene (does not accumulate dust);
- Easy to care for;
- Good ventilation;
- Often the presence of orthopedic qualities.
Not just synthetics
The above properties are well manifested in synthetic products. Such fillers meet all anti-allergenic requirements.
Read also: Nursing pillow for twins
But for those who prefer natural ingredients, a bio-buckwheat pillow is suitable. Such hypoallergenic products are especially useful for children.
In addition to fighting allergies, they perform orthopedic functions. The filler is a natural herbal ingredient – buckwheat husk.
Children (and adults too) enjoy sleeping on this smooth, clean, always dry and cool pillow. It does not accumulate dust and provides excellent ventilation. Maintenance is limited to cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.
Share not only joys, but also expenses with your loved ones
A note to future (and slightly frightened) parents who, in slight confusion, are now trying to calculate their newborn happiness. Look around! You undoubtedly have relatives, friends and colleagues who are eager to give gifts to your young family on such an important and pleasant occasion - a long-awaited addition.
It would be a sin not to take advantage of this! Before they have time to raid the children's store and buy you nice but completely pointless gifts (in the form of stuffed elephants and crocodiles, a children's tent, silver spoons or a briefcase for a first grader), show them a list of things that you really need right now. And let the gifts not be surprises - this is precisely that rare situation in which cold calculation, pragmatism and obvious savings bring more happiness to a young family than stupid generosity.
Pillows for respiratory allergies
Specialists from Austria and Liechtenstein (Hefel and Dorbena companies) have developed special pillows for those with respiratory allergies. They contain three chambers.
Unzipping the side zip reveals thick covers. They are made from eucalyptus fiber Lyocell, which can be ionized with seaweed and silver.
Special inner cases contain a microball as a filler.
Lyocel is obtained from eucalyptus wood . This tree does not need fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals. The height of the pillow can be adjusted by removing or adding filling.
Other qualities replicate those of similar pillows. But these products maintain an excellent compromise between hypoallergenicity and naturalness.
This is a great option for those who have allergy symptoms to a feather or down pillow, but these people are wary of synthetics.
Not necessary, but it makes life a lot easier
The items and devices listed below are not among those that are absolutely necessary at the birth of a child. But with their help, the life of a young family will become more comfortable and calmer. Therefore, we suggest acquiring the following “helpers”:
2 Steam humidifier. It will be especially useful for those who live in the center of large cities, and therefore need a clean, fresh and not overly dry climate.
Synthetic fillers of hypoallergenic pillows
Fibers of hypoallergenic fillers have the following properties:
- Environmentally friendly and odorless;
- Highly antistatic (does not attract dust);
- Thermoregulation;
- Moisture and breathability;
- Ability to regain shape after many washings and drying;
- The ideal washing temperature is +60°C (so as not to use acaricidal additives).
Do you like fun, creative things? An owl pillow for a sofa will be an original decoration and will diversify the interior.
Want to sleep in on your next flight? Use an inflatable headrest pillow; when deflated, it is very compact. Read this article for details.
And in order to have a good night's sleep at home, you need to use a pillow with high-quality filling. Here you can read everything about swan down pillow filling.
Polyester fiber fillers
The above properties are possessed by synthetic fibers, which are produced using high technology based on polyester fibers (polyester).
Read also: Bath pillow
Unlike, for example, synthetic winterizer, polyester fillers:
- Hollow;
- They do not have adhesive compounds that impart rigidity to the material and cause allergies;
- They have undergone siliconization, thanks to which the fibers become soft and silky, and also restore their shape after washing.
Ecofiber as a filler
This is an environmentally friendly filler, antistatic and odorless. The material has good breathability and thermoregulation. It retains heat in cold conditions and regulates humidity in hot conditions.
Ecofiber has a strong springy structure. Thanks to this, the product does not lose volume. It holds the neck and head well, creating an orthopedic effect.
It is also equipped with a water-repellent coating. This pillow is good for any age.
What does a newborn need for walks and entertainment?
The duration of the first walks with the baby largely depends on the weather. If your baby was born in the summer or late spring, then you can go out on the promenade from the first day and for at least three hours at a time. However, when the outside temperature is below minus 10 degrees, doctors do not recommend going outside at all.
By the way: newborns can best endure long walks in a special backpack - a sling, which limits their space to the usual volumes. They hear the beating of their mother’s heart, familiar from the womb, and feel absolute comfort and safety.
Here is a list of everything you will definitely need for a walk with your newborn:
- 1 Stroller - cradle or transformable stroller;
- 2 Sling, backpack or carrier;
- 3 Sling jacket. An indispensable thing for winter exercise - it is voluminous enough to cover both mother and baby.
- 4 Special baby bag where you can put diapers, a thermos with milk or formula, napkins, spare clothes for the baby and a book for mom.
It is believed that at first a baby does not need any special toys. In the first month of life, the baby still sees very dimly, has trouble focusing his eyes, and is not able to take or grasp anything. However, at the same time - attention! - The baby already hears perfectly. Therefore, it will be useful to buy this for him:
- Rattles. Ophthalmologists say that despite the effect of severe myopia, a newborn sees the world up close almost like an adult. And he especially “loves” to look at what makes sound. Therefore, choose rattles of bright colors for your baby and, when communicating with your baby, keep them at a distance of about 30 cm from his eyes.
- Musical mobiles for the crib, stroller or car, which should also be placed at a distance of about 30 cm.
Hypoallergenic pillow covers
The effect of hypoallergenic bedding is ensured by eliminating (or significantly reducing) contact with the allergen.
To maximize protection from household allergens, there are hypoallergenic pillow covers.
Their ability to perform barrier protection is explained by the following factors:
- The fabric for the covers has a very tight weave, making it impervious to any allergenic particles. But the permeability of water with air (“breathes”) remains.
- Such covers are closed on all sides. Their seams are firmly sealed, the zipper has fine teeth and a protective strip, which prevents ticks from getting through the fastener.
- Pillows with such covers can be washed up to twice a year.
Popular brands of cases
The following brands provide the greatest protection against allergens:
Pristine®100 (USA) . This high-density microfiber is made using advanced barrier fabric manufacturing technology. Prevents contact with allergens, including mites, mold, epidermal, etc. Also protects against microbes. Its smooth and soft texture feels like cotton. Proper use and care guarantees impermeability for 25 years.
Allergocover (Germany) . The material is polyester with a tight weave, without impregnation and with antistatic properties. Despite its thinness, high tensile strength is guaranteed. Service life 10 years.
"Doctor Al" (Taiwan) . Special protective material made of 100% cotton. It has a weave density sufficient to resist epidermal, mold, mite and cat hair allergens. High air and water permeability is maintained. Silky, smooth, soft fabric. 5 year warranty.
Read also: Anti-snoring pillow
For feeding a newborn and organizing breastfeeding!!!
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Bottles (for breastfeeding - 2 pieces, for artificial feeding - 6-8 pieces), nipples for bottles. 2 Baby water. 3 Breast pump, bags for freezing milk (for breastfeeding and mixed feeding). 4 Artificial formula (for artificial and mixed feeding). 5 Warmer and a sterilizer for bottles (for artificial and mixed feeding). 6 Bottle brush, gel for washing baby dishes.Caring for hypoallergenic pillows
Proper handling of hypoallergenic pillows
In order for this wonderful bedding to last a long time, you should know how to properly care for it:
- After sleeping, you don't need to make your bed right away. Let the pillow air out a little. Then you need to beat it.
- Minimum water temperature +55-60°C. Less hot water requires special additives.
- In machine wash conditions, a delicate cycle is set with the possibility of a light spin. Use chlorine-free detergents in an amount of 1/3 of what is usually used for washing.
- At the end of washing, the damp pillow should be returned to its original shape and the filling should be distributed evenly.
- Polyester filling cannot be dry cleaned. It also should not be “frozen”.
During pregnancy, you need to be very careful when choosing bedding. Read about how to choose a pillow for pregnant women and nursing.
Also for a small child, you need to carefully check what materials the clothes and bedding are made of. Here are some guidelines for choosing a baby wool blanket.
Accidentally punctured an air mattress? No problem, it's easy to fix. Read how you can seal an air mattress here.
About the cases
The covers provide benefits while they are intact. If damaged, they must be replaced. The new cover should fit the size of the pillow perfectly. The washing temperature of the covers is +60°C, they dry quickly.
When putting the cover on the pillow, very carefully straighten the protective film so that it does not get caught in the zipper.
In addition to pillows, other bedding items, such as the mattress, can cause allergies. There are completely synthetic types: air mattress and water mattress, which never cause allergies.
If there are still feather and down pillows, as well as cotton and wool blankets in the house, they should be replaced with hypoallergenic analogues.
This applies to both newborn babies and adults. They are especially relevant for those who are susceptible to household allergies.
What you need to bathe a newborn
The fun procedure of bathing a baby should be done daily and correctly. And for this procedure to be enjoyable and adequately presented on your Instagram, it is advisable to have the following things in the house:
- 1 Baby bath. It is better to buy it in advance, but you can use it on occasion. Let us explain: if the birth went well and the child was born healthy, then from the first day it is allowed to wash and bathe him in tap water with the addition of a decoction of linden blossom or chamomile. Experts advise doing this in an “adult” bath, in order to train the baby’s innate breath-holding reflex under water in the process. In general, bathing in a large bath is on the list of first hardening procedures for a newborn! Well, a baby bath will help you out where for some reason there is no running water: at the dacha, while traveling. It’s also convenient to warm your baby’s feet in a baby bath during a cold.
- Swimming circle, This is a miracle of modern sports technology: in the event of an “accident” it does not burst, but deflates very slowly. It’s pleasant and convenient to bathe your baby in it; you don’t have to constantly bend over and hold the baby under the back.
- 3 Swim cap with foam blocks around the circumference. If a super swimming circle is not on your list of essential things to buy for the birth of a child, and you still don’t agree to bend your back over the bathtub, a cap with foam blocks is a godsend for you. This simple device keeps the newborn on the surface of the water, preventing him from turning over and drowning.
Attention: no bathing cosmetics are included in the list of necessary things that a newborn needs for the first time - namely, in the first month. No foam, gels, or liquid soap should be added to the water. It is advisable to bathe the baby only in herbal decoctions (linden blossom, chamomile, string, pine extract) or simply in water. Starting from the second month of life, you can gradually soap your little one with “tearless” foams, at first once or twice a week, then more often.