Babies and toddlers have needs that are drastically different from adults when it comes to more aspects than one. For example, the regular pillows that you use around the house are not going to be ideal for your child once he or she is old enough to sleep using a pillow — usually when they turn two years old.
In order to ensure that they aren’t straining their necks too much because of the higher, standard pillows used by adults, it is important that parents invest in pillows that are designed especially for toddlers.
If you have a child in that age group and want to get them the perfect toddler pillow currently available for purchase, this list will walk you through the main options in front of you!
Best Toddler Pillow
Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow
The first option on this list, and our pick for the greatest toddler pillow, is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow. Built using hypoallergenic cotton, this pillow gives you the unique combination of fluffiness and sturdiness, which will ensure that your child is not just comfortable but also has adequate support. The best part is that you can just throw it in the machine when it gets dirty!
Features
- 100% Hypoallergenic
- 13 x 18 inches
- 4 inches in height
- Machine washable
- Pillowcases sold separately
Advantages
- This pillow is made of hypoallergenic materials, which makes it safe for even kids who suffer from allergies.
- As this pillow is machine washable, you do not have to worry about your child making a mess on it.
- While this pillow remains fluffy and soft, the size is very travel-friendly so that it does not take up too much space.
Drawbacks
- This particular toddler pillow is only available in a single size, which can make it a little restrictive for kids of different sizes.
- The pillow doesn’t come with pillowcases, which can work out to be an added expense.
Little One’s Pillow — Toddler Pillow
Another great option that gives you great value for your money is the toddler pillow by Little One’s Pillow. This pillow is built using polyester cluster fiber filling combined with an organic cotton cover, which gives you a good amount of stability without compromising on the fluffiness of the pillow. You can wash this pillow, but be a little careful so that it doesn’t lose its shape.
Features
- 100% hypoallergenic and chemical-free
- 13 x 18 inches
- 3 inches in height
- Polyester cluster fiber filling
- Organic cotton shell
- Washable pillow
Advantages
- This is a hypoallergenic and chemical-free option that has been certified by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), which says a lot about its quality.
- The pillow gives you a great amount of stability and durability, which is necessary when small children are involved.
- It is very easy to wash and maintain this pillow even after it has been used by your child over a period of time.
Drawbacks
- While this is a very comfortable pillow, it is not flame retardant, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
- There have been some cases where the pillow loses some of its support after repeated washes.
Snuggle-Pedic Toddler and Kids Pillow
If you are willing to spend a little more on your child’s sleep, the Snuggle-Pedic Toddler and Kids Pillow is definitely worth a look. Built using shredded memory foam that models itself on the needs of the person — or in this case, child — who lies down on it, this pillow gives you maximum comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.
Features
- 13 x 18 inches
- Shredded foam filling
- Biogreen and CertiPUR-US Certified foam
- Kool-Flow bamboo cover
- Hypoallergenic & Dust Mite Resistant
- Machine washable
Advantages
- This toddler pillow gives you a great amount of support because it comes with a combination of Biogreen and CertiPUR-US Certified shredded foam.
- The pillow is completely hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, which is essential for the well-being of your child.
- Despite being built using memory foam, this pillow is completely washable.
Drawbacks
- This is the most expensive option on this list, which means that it may not fit all budgets equally well.
- The pillow can be a little firm for some people’s liking.
My Little North Star Organics Toddler Pillow
If you are looking for a pillow that is built using organic materials, the My Little North Star Organics Toddler Pillow should definitely be on your list of products to be considered. Appropriate for children between the ages of two and five, this pillow is built using an organic cotton shell that covers a chemical-free polyester filling.
Features
- 13 x 18 inches
- 3.5 inches in height
- Polyester cluster fiber filling
- Organic cotton shell
- 100% hypoallergenic and chemical-free
- Machine wash and dry
Advantages
- This is one of the softest pillows on this list, which makes it ideal for kids who enjoy snuggling with their pillows.
- The My Little North Star Organics pillow is one of the more cost-effective options that you have in front of you.
- The cover is made up of cotton, while the entire product itself is completely chemical-free and 100% hypoallergenic.
Drawbacks
- As the pillow is so soft, the overall support that it provides to the head and neck can get affected.
Sweaty Tots Toddler Pillow
There are tons of people who find themselves waking up in the middle of the night because of excessive sweating. The same can hold true for toddlers as well, which means you need to invest in a good quality pillow with a cooling effect, like the Sweaty Tots Toddler Pillow with its Outlast Gold Certified fabric liner.
Features
- 13 x 18 inches
- Outlast Temperature Regulating Technology
- The option between low loft and mid loft
- 100% hypoallergenic
- Cotton sateen cover
- Washable pillow
Advantages
- The pillow employs the Outlast Temperature Regulating Technology and the Outlast Gold fabric liner to prevent the pillow from getting too hot as your child sleeps comfortably.
- The pillow is completely hypoallergenic and chemical-free, which makes it great for toddlers, regardless of whether they are prone to allergies or not.
- You can wash this pillow in the machine without worrying about any damage.
Drawbacks
- If you choose the low loft variant, it may not be the most comfortable option for older kids.
- This pillow may be too stiff for some toddlers.
ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow
If you have used memory foam pillows yourself, you already know how comfortable they can be. Your toddler, too, deserves this luxury that the ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow can give him or her. The company uses its trademark ClevaFoam so that the pillow adjusts itself around your child’s head and not the other way around. Additionally, the airflow fabric helps in keeping the child cool.
Features
- ClevaFoam
- AirFlow Technology
- 21 x 12 inches
- Approximately 2.4 inches in height
- Washable cover
- Oeko-Tex 100 certified
Advantages
- Unlike a lot of memory foam options, this pillow gives you a greater amount of breathability, which also translates into a more comfortable sleep.
- While you cannot wash the pillow itself, the cover can be removed and washed for a more hygienic experience.
- The foam has been specially designed to prevent flat head syndrome or plagiocephaly, which is a common condition among babies.
Drawbacks
- There is no way for you to fluff up the foam — otherwise possible with polyester filling — which may reduce some comfort over time.
- This pillow may be too sturdy for kids who enjoy fluffier alternatives.
See also: Greatest Nightlights for Toddlers
Things to Consider Before Buying Toddler Pillows
If you haven’t bought a toddler pillow in the past, or have bought one without giving it much thought, you may want to spend a couple of minutes trying to understand what makes up a good pillow for your child. This section talks about all the different factors that you need to keep in mind.
Your Child’s Age
First and foremost, you shouldn’t be trying to move your child to a small bed or getting him or her a pillow before a certain age. The best way to assess whether your child is ready for a pillow is when she or he starts to get uncomfortable without one or starts resting on other toys or materials — usually, around the time they turn 2 years old.
How Big or Small the Pillow Is
The larger the size of the pillow, the more strain it may put on the child while he or she sleeps. However, if the pillow is too small, they may not have the freedom to move around when they sleep. Therefore, it is important to get that right combination — usually about 13 x 9 inches in size with a height of 3 inches.
Durability and Washability
Your child may want to play around with the pillow so these two factors deserve a mention. Ensure that the pillow is built well so that no filling falls out. Additionally, when they create a mess, you should be able to take out the pillow and wash it — preferably in a machine.
Fill
You can choose between polyester and memory foam — the two most popular options — when it comes to the filling material. While polyester is relatively cheaper and washable, it may trap heat. On the other hand, memory foam is great to provide quality support to the neck but can have that off-gassing smell in the initial phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should My Child Start Using a Pillow?
While the right time will be different for every child, it is usually after the 18-month/2-year mark that most parents start to notice their children getting uncomfortable without pillows.
Would a Regular Pillow Work for My Toddler?
A standard pillow may not be the finest option for your child when he or she is just getting started, as they are way too large for the child to lie down comfortably. Specialized toddler pillows are great here.
Is Pillowcase Necessary?
While you may use a pillow with a pillowcase, it is recommended that you do get pillowcases as they are more hygienic. You can simply take off the cover and wash it if your pillow itself cannot be washed.
What Materials Should I Avoid?
You must try to avoid pillows that come with chemically treated fillers or ones where the fillers are too small and can act as choking hazards. Check for allergy warnings as well.
Conclusion
Toddlers are extremely sensitive to their environment, making it challenging for parents to choose goods that won’t bother their children. This shopping guide and our recommended toddler pillows will help you find high-quality items that will support your child’s development and wellbeing. Your child will appreciate your choosing the option that best suits your family’s requirements.
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API