The claim
「A hard pillow (books, rice bags) shapes a nicer head」
Verdict
MythIneffective and dangerous: nothing — pillows or soft items — belongs in a cot in the first year, all are suffocation hazards, and hard objects can cause pressure injury. The real fix is supervised tummy time and alternating head position; severe flattening warrants paediatric review.
Sources
AAP · American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026/09/11). How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/a-parents-guide-to-safe-sleep.aspx
Direct source · Academic institution / professional society · checked 2026-10-13

