Whether to relieve tummy aches, to calm, or simply to feel good: heat packs have many uses, and most babies love their soothing warmth. If you don’t have a grain pillow at home yet, this article will show you how to easily sew a heat pack for your baby yourself and which filling is best suited for it.

Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults yet, which makes them more sensitive to temperature changes. Dressed properly you can protect your child from both overheating and hypothermia. Especially in winter, a heating pad can be a great support to give your baby extra warmth—whether at home or out for a walk in the stroller . But a heat pad isn’t only practical in winter:

• Heat has a very relaxing effect on many babies. Used for cuddling, a grain pillow provides comfort, and even feeling the filling can bring lots of joy to younger children.

• It can also make it easier to fall asleep and help create a pleasant sleeping environment . Place the warm pillow in the crib before going to sleep . Once your little explorer has fallen asleep, you should remove the pillow from the bed, as otherwise the risk of suffocation increases.

• Heat is a proven method to relieve pain and relax cramps . You can use a heat pack for your baby for stomach aches , colic , teething discomfort , or muscle tension. In addition, a warm pillow stimulates bowel activity and can therefore help with constipation.

• Hot water bottles can also provide some relief for a cold . However, if your baby has an elevated temperature , you should avoid using one.

Filling of the heat pack

Before you start sewing, think about what you want to fill the heat pillow with. Should it be a cherry stone pillow, a pillow with spelt filling, or perhaps one with flaxseeds? The general rule is: Fruit pits such as grape or cherry pits generate rather dry heat, while grains and seeds like spelt and flaxseeds release more moisture. You can buy the different filling materials online, at a health food store, and sometimes in the supermarket as well. Make sure that no grain, seed, or pit is broken, that it is free of pulp, and that it has been dried without chemical additives.

We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of individual grains, seeds, and kernels for you:

• Cherry stone pillow

The classic filling for grain pillows is probably cherry pits. They retain heat for up to 20 minutes and are quite durable, allowing for long-term use. Some find the rather large pits uncomfortable—using a thicker cover can help.

• Grapeseed pillow

Grape seeds are popular for baby heat packs because they are very fine and therefore particularly snug. Thanks to their high oil content, they retain heat for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Spelt pillow

Spelt pillows are filled with spelt hulls, the shell of the grain. Many people describe spelt hulls as very pliable and soft. However, they retain less heat than kernels and can rustle when moved. Thicker or additional covers can help reduce the rustling. Also keep in mind that spelt pillows can develop a characteristic smell when warmed—whether you and your baby like the scent is a matter of personal preference.

• Hirsekissen

A millet filling is even more moldable than spelt and makes less noise. However, millet has the disadvantage of becoming compressed over time, so you may need to refill the pillow after just one year.

• Leinsamen-Kissen

As an oilseed, flaxseeds are rich in fat, which is why they store heat for a long time. This is also why flaxseed pillows can become particularly hot and often need to cool down before use. The fine seeds conform well to any part of the body. Like spelt, flaxseeds also give off a subtle smell. It’s slightly nutty and, once again, a matter of taste.

Grains, seeds, and kernels gradually lose their heat-storage capacity. Therefore, replace the filling approximately every 2 years. If you notice a bad smell, you should change the pillow contents immediately.

Sewing instructions for a heat pad

Here is a tutorial for sewing a heat pack for babies. To ensure your child does not accidentally swallow the filling material, make sure when sewing that all seams are securely closed and there are no loose ends. You need:

• Fabric for covers and filling cushions, e.g. Organic cotton or linen

• Filling material as desired (approximately 200 g)

• Sewing machine

• Scissors

• Sewing thread

• Tape measure or ruler

• Stoffmarker

• Possibly sewing needles

Here's how:

1. Prepare the sewing pattern

Whether it’s an owl, a cloud, or a rectangle—think about how you want the finished heat pack to look, and create a pattern or use a template. In our instructions, you’ll sew a rectangular grain pillow. Draw four rectangles measuring 17 x 17 centimeters on your fabric—two pieces will be used for the pillow cover and two for the inner pillow.

2. Sew the pillows

Place two pieces right sides together (the nice sides should face each other). Now sew the rectangles together with an overlock stitch and a seam allowance of about 1 centimeter all around. Leave an opening for turning on each piece so you can turn the pillows right side out after sewing.

3. Fill the cushion

Fill the rectangle intended for the inner pillow with your chosen filling material. Distribute it evenly, and make sure the pillow doesn’t become too full. Tip: Roll a funnel out of a sheet of paper if you don’t have one on hand. Then close the turning opening with an overlock stitch.

4. Complete the heating pad

Once the inner pillow is securely sewn shut, you can insert it into the pillow cover. Depending on the filling material, this may require a gentle touch. After distributing everything evenly, the final step is to sew up the turning opening of the pillow cover, and your grain pillow is ready!

Cleaning and caring for your heat pad

Heating pads with fruit seed fillings can be gently washed by hand or on the delicate cycle of the washing machine. To prevent mold from forming inside, the pillow must dry for at least 24 hours. Placing the damp heat pack on a warm radiator may seem like an easy solution, but it’s not a good idea. This drying method can damage the filling. You may only wash the pillow cover, not the pillow with grain filling. For a small stain, it’s usually enough to wipe the cushion with a cloth.

Now it’s time to get started with the sewing machine and enjoy your heat pack DIY! By the way, a homemade grain pillow also makes a great gift idea for all (expecting) parents.