What mother of a little girl can resist the variety of bows, headbands, and ribbons to make their princesses even more beautiful? There are different styles with various prints, colors, and fabrics to match every outfit. But did you know that a headband on your baby’s head can be harmful to their sleep and even cause reflux?
We believe that this information is not very well known among mothers, since it’s so common to see baby girls with huge headbands out and about. Many even leave the maternity ward already showing off their new looks. But after all, what does putting a headband on a baby’s head have to do with sleep quality and reflux? According to osteopath Dr. José Eduardo Souza, as reported on his Facebook, he treated a baby who was suffering from gastroesophageal reflux problems1 and sleeping very poorly and linked it to the tight headband the baby was wearing.
His account sparked discussions and debates even among pediatricians who do not believe headbands are directly related to these issues. Obviously, a baby’s headband should be comfortable and made from fabric that does not squeeze or hurt their little head. According to the specialist’s analysis, the baby’s head has a suture called the occipitomastoid2 that is automatically squeezed when a headband is used. Close to this suture there is a nerve that is key to the gastrointestinal system, which is why a headband pressing this area can be linked to these symptoms.
According to him, babies show signs when the headband is too tight and bothering their heads, for example, when they keep moving around to try to take it off or they become irritable and sleepy. Because of the connections in the skull, it is also recommended to pay attention to changes in sleep when the baby uses a headband, as well as an increase in reflux episodes. This monitoring should be done alongside the pediatrician, who will recommend the proper treatment and watch for each symptom.
Care Tips for Baby Headbands and Tiaras
No doctor or specialist is telling moms to stop beautifying their princesses, but they do recommend caution when choosing headbands and tiaras to use. Since babies cannot yet speak, they won’t be able to say if it’s hurting or uncomfortable, so they rely on their parents’ good sense.
When choosing, opt for headbands made of gentle, non-tight fabrics, even if that means you have to keep adjusting it all the time. Tiaras should also be comfortable and preferably should not leave marks on the baby’s head when removed. All pieces, clothes, and accessories for babies and children should prioritize comfort, keeping in mind, of course, their convenience and safety.
Some accessories can easily be swallowed, and in the case of headbands, when they are too tight, the baby may end up choking or injuring their neck while trying to remove it. These are risks we must be attentive to, because vanity can unfortunately lead to serious accidents.
If your baby has hair, feel free to use bows with clips or elastics, but if not, you can use accessory adhesives like Girlie Glue, which lets you stick bows and accessories on even if there’s no hair. You can make your baby look adorable while focusing on comfort and health, paying attention to any unusual symptoms. If you have questions, talk to your trusted pediatrician!
Photo: regina_zulauf
