I RECENTLY enrolled my two boys in a full-day childcare centre, and was surprised to discover that it does not allow children to use pillows during their afternoon naps.

The centre's officer explained that this was for maintaining hygiene. She added that this is a guideline that all childcare centres follow.

I am very concerned for my younger son, who has not been weaned from his milk bottle.

According to research, children who lie down to drink milk need neck support.

Furthermore, I pity the kids sleeping on thin mattresses at the centre, because it seems so uncomfortable. I would think that this sleeping posture is bad for them.

As a compromise, childcare centres should allow children to take along their own pillows, but, in return, their parents have to take the pillow home every day to change its case.

This will help maintain hygiene at the centres without inconveniencing them.

If the parents do not mind having their children sleep without pillows, then they do not need to do what I have suggested.

I wrote to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to inquire about this matter in September but I have not yet received a reply.

Can someone tell me if all childcare centres have the same practice?

Ms Jackie Chang

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