A topponcino is a soft, thin mattress-like pillow used to cradle and support newborn babies. It is often used in the Montessori approach to infant care, and it's sometimes called a "security pillow" for how soothing it can be as baby adjusts to life outside the womb.
What does it do?
The topponcino provides a consistent and familiar surface for the baby. Rather than picking the baby up directly, a parent would gently scoop the baby up with the warm and cozy pillow still underneath, minimizing some of the disruption when transitioning the baby from one surface to another or between different caregivers.
It can be used during pregnancy
It's common for mothers to start sleeping with the topponcino during their third trimester so that by the time baby is introduced to it, they will find great comfort in the familiar scent of their mama.
It's much thinner than other newborn pillows
One key differentiator between a topponcino and other newborn pillows is its size and shape. While newborn loungers and pillows are often thick and padded, with raised edges that position baby, a topponcino is much smaller and thinner with no raised edges, promoting greater freedom of movement, which makes it more portable. Many families bring it to the pediatrician for cozier landings on the exam table.
It's also considered safer since it doesn't position the baby with extra padding or raised edges that could pose a suffocation hazard. However, like any newborn lounger or pillow, babies should always be supervised when lounging anywhere other than a firm mattress.
The Topponcino Company is a great place to shop for one!