A comfortable, soft pillow contributes a great deal to lying comfort. The pillow plays a decisive role in children's sleeping comfort. A regular adult-sized pillow does not always suit a child, as it can be too big. For this reason, it is important to choose a pillow that is made specifically for children.
According to a study from Canada, 40 percent of children under the age of 10 do not get enough sleep. Too little sleep can affect a child's growth, development, learning and behaviour. Experts recommend starting with good "sleep hygiene": a consistent and calming bedtime routine and a room that is prepared for sleep - a cool temperature, comfortable pillows and a soft night light.
Why can't children fall asleep?
Resisting bedtime
Children are masters at delaying bedtime: they jump out of bed to ask for another glass of water, another hug or another story. A "visual schedule" showing pictures of the night-time routine, e.g. toothbrush, toilet, story, sleep, can help to build a bedtime ritual for the child.
Waking up at night
Many children wake up several times a night and cannot get back to sleep on their own. They often have a "sleep association disorder": they have developed a set of conditions that must be met for them to fall asleep, e.g. a parent lying next to them or the hallway light being on. One thing to try is a "bedtime chart" with a reward that your child only receives after staying in bed for a certain number of nights. The prize should not be material, but something special where the child gets to spend time with a parent.
Fear of the night
Some children have night-time fears - whether it is fear of the dark, of something scary they have seen, or a general unease about sleeping alone. Some children may simply be seeking attention, but if fear is the reason, we need to teach the child the difference between fantasy and reality and help them overcome these fears. Parents should reassure the child that they are safe and that there is nothing in the house except the family. A small night light can already be a great support for the child if they wake up at night.
What helps when children cannot fall asleep?
Setting up a bedtime routine
Choose a bedtime routine that fits your everyday life. This could be dinner, followed by a bath, a quiet game or a story, then brushing teeth, toilet and bed. There should be time for cuddles, but not for romping and playing. Make sure the last 30 minutes before bedtime are calm, without television or other electronic devices. Children need calm before they go to bed.
Help your child settle in
There are various ways to help your child drift off. You can stay in the room, cuddle your child to sleep, check on them regularly or close the door and stay away. All of these options have their pros and cons, and it is important that you choose a method that suits you and your child. If your child is old enough to understand the situation, explain to them what will happen and what you expect.
A comfortable place to sleep
A suitable pillow and a cosy blanket turn the bed into a snug place where your child can feel safe and secure. Your child's pillow should be soft and comfortable, but also supportive enough for the head and neck. Do size and support really matter? Definitely. A regular pillow is designed to support an adult's head and neck. Children's bodies are proportioned differently. An adult pillow is therefore often too big and too high for children.
The KomfortKissen Kids is made in a child-friendly size and offers a soft, comfortable feel. It is not just a pillow, but also a cuddly companion and a retreat that can convey a sense of security – and it fits nicely into the evening routine. You and your child can choose a design for the pillow together. Whether dino, unicorn, astronaut or fox – your child will find a loyal night-time companion in their KomfortKissen.
The bottom line: a regular evening routine, a quiet room and a comfortable pillow make the sleeping space cosy – and the KomfortKissen Kids can be a loving companion along the way.