If you’re a new parent, one of the things you may be wondering is when to start using toddler pillows. It can be tricky to figure out what’s best for your toddler and when they’re ready for different stages of sleep.
Toddler pillows are more than just a soft cushion. They offer a range of benefits that can transform bedtime and naptime into peaceful experiences. These pillows provide a sense of security, promote uninterrupted sleep, and ensure proper support for your toddler’s head and neck. By introducing a toddler pillow, you’re not just enhancing their sleep, but also fostering healthy sleep habits that will benefit them in the long run.
This blog post will discuss the benefits of using toddler pillows and the best time to make the switch. We’ll also empower you with tips on choosing the right pillow for your child so you can make an informed decision that suits your toddler’s needs.
Keep reading to learn more!
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KeaBabies Organic Cotton | Pillow | – | Organic cotton | Toddler / Travel | Machine washable |
| 2 | KeaBabies Toddler Year | Pillowcase | – | Organic cotton | Toddler / Travel | Machine washable |
| 3 | Little Sleepy Head Bed | Pillow | Polyester fiber | Cotton | Toddler | Machine washable |
| 4 | Little Sleepy Head Hypoallergenic | Pillow | Polyester fiber | Cotton | Toddler / Travel | Machine washable |
| 5 | Coop Home Goods Premium | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | Toddler | Machine washable |
| 6 | Hebove Kids | Pillow | – | – | Toddler | Machine washable |
| 7 | Utopia Bedding Toddler | Pillow | – | Satin | Toddler / Travel | Hand wash |
| 8 | MLILY Adjustable Cooling | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 20 x 12 x 0.1 in | Machine washable |
| 9 | Avocado Green Mattress Organic Toddler | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Organic cotton | Toddler | Spot clean |
| 10 | Cococu Toddler | Pillow | – | – | Toddler | Machine washable |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as listed by the seller, not tested by us.
Should You Buy a Toddler Pillow?
First, the main question is, should you be getting a pillow for your baby or toddler in the first place?
As you will see, there are plenty of warnings about pillows, cot bumpers, and stuffed animals in the bed or crib of a baby as they can cause suffocation risks and at a later stage, can aid your older baby in trying to climb out of a crib and injure themselves. However, a flat pillow cannot be used for climbing or be a suffocation risk for an older baby or toddler that can move around independently. It’s important to be aware of these risks and make responsible choices for your child’s safety.
Babies generally only need a pillow once they are a certain age. So, I would generally not recommend a pillow for a baby under two years old or still using a crib.
However, this is debatable and entirely dependent on your baby’s development and abilities.
According to studies, the safest and best time for toddlers to use a pillow is when they are at least two years old and use a bed rather than a cot or crib.
Then again, you also need to consider materials and pillow covers that are hypoallergenic, natural, and safe from potent smells and allergens for toddlers.
Some materials and fills are better than others for your toddler.
Besides just pillows for sleeping, you may also find yourself needing a good pillow for travel to use for the trip itself, and at the destination, in this case, you can look at some toddler travel pillows, that are ideal.
How to Ensure Safe Sleeping for Toddlers?
So how exactly do you secure your toddler for safe sleeping in their crib or bed?
Most children over two years of age can sleep with a pillow without any risk, so most pillows are safe for them. With younger toddlers, you must implement a few additions and ensure that the selection of pillows suits their size and needs properly.
- Bed Safety – Bed rails or bumpers designed specifically for adult beds or toddler beds are the best way to secure a toddler when they first start to sleep in their bed.
- Pillow Safety – A Flat and firm pillow design will be ideal for them and fully support their neck and shoulders in any sleeping position.
- Minimal Bedding – Try to use less bedding and stuffed toys in their bed that can cause clutter, discomfort, or suffocation risks. Rather, opt for a single warm and thick blanket and one stuffed toy for their comfort.
- Bedside Pads – For additional security, you can also place a fall mat or bedside pad next to your toddler’s bed to prevent injuries if they accidentally fall out of bed. Or you can use them to train your toddler to sleep without rails for your peace of mind.
Features of a Good Toddler Pillow
- Cover – The Cover of the Pillow should consist of lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo. Also, is it removable for washing? Most Pillow covers for toddlers will be hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, which is ideal. I recommend purchasing an additional waterproof cover, especially for toddlers, if the cover still needs to be waterproof.
- Fill – Rather stick to synthetic fills such as memory foam and fibers, as many toddlers tend to be allergic to feathers, or buckwheat and hemp may be too hard. Though you do not want a soft fill, I recommend polyester and microfiber. However, latex and memory foam are the best fill and come in a solid or shredded option.
- Support – Your toddler pillow should be a medium-firm loft that is not too soft or hard for optimal support and have a very low loft or design.
- Size – A toddler does not need a standard or larger-sized pillow. Generally, you get smaller-sized pillows designed specifically for toddlers that perfectly fit toddler beds. The best size for a toddler would be around ten by 18 or 14 by 16 inches. These sizes also ideally fit in a toddler-sized bed.
The NHS advises always placing a baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat mattress, and keeping the cot clear of pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets and soft toys.[1]
The NHS lists house dust mites among the most common allergens, along with pollen, foods and animals such as cats and dogs.[2]
Our Picks: Toddler Pillows
I have listed some choices in pillows for toddlers below.
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
- The Keababies toddler pillow is rated as one of the best available toddler pillows.
- It has an ergonomic design and is tested for proper spinal support for toddlers.
- The pillow is durable and fully washable.
- It is a natural cotton pillowcase with foam fill.
2
The KeaBabies Toddler Year is a soft travel washable pillowcase with organic cotton fabric and sizes of Toddler / Travel.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Cover – The outer fabric is organic cotton.
- Certifications – It carries OEKO-TEX certification.
- Size – Offered in Toddler, Travel sizes.
- Setup – It ships compressed, so give it some hours to expand before judging the loft.
3
The Little Sleepy Head Bed is a soft travel washable hypoallergenic pillow with polyester fiber fill, a cotton cover and sizes of Toddler.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Fill – The pillow uses polyester fiber.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Cover – The outer fabric is cotton.
- Certifications – It carries OEKO-TEX certification.
4
- The Little Sleepyhead Store brings you their favorite toddler pillow.
- It has a hypoallergenic natural cotton cover.
- The pillow has a firm enough fill and is a perfect size.
- It is also quite portable.
5
- From Coop Home Goods, we have a premium toddler pillow.
- The pillow is the perfect size at 14 by 19 inches.
- It has a low memory foam fill and a soft-touch bamboo cover,
- The pillow is Greenguard certified and adjustable as your child grows.
6
The Hebove Kids is a soft washable cooling adjustable pillow with sizes of Toddler.
- Adjustable Loft – Fill or inserts can be added or taken out to change the height of the pillow.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Care – Machine washable.
- Size – Offered in Toddler sizes.
7
The Utopia Bedding Toddler is a soft travel pillow with a satin cover and sizes of Toddler / Travel.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Cover – The outer fabric is satin.
- Pack – Sold as a set of 2.
- Size – Offered in Toddler, Travel sizes.
8
- MLILY features three adjustable foam layers for better comfort.
- It has a breathable design.
- The pillow comes with a removable cover, and it’s washable also.
- It has a countered design for a better head position.
- The pillows are CertiPUR-US Certified for safety.
9
The Avocado Green Mattress Organic Toddler is an adjustable memory foam pillow with a organic cotton cover and sizes of Toddler.
- Adjustable Loft – Fill or inserts can be added or taken out to change the height of the pillow.
- Fill – The pillow uses memory foam, which slowly molds to the body.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Cover – The outer fabric is organic cotton.
- Certifications – It carries OEKO-TEX and GOTS certification.
10
The Cococu Toddler is a soft travel washable adjustable pillow with sizes of Toddler.
- Adjustable Loft – Fill or inserts can be added or taken out to change the height of the pillow.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Care – Machine washable.
- Size – Offered in Toddler sizes.
Index Table: Toddler Pillows
Sources
Background reading from consumer and health agencies.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Dreamtown Kids Washable Pillowcase with KeaBabies Toddler Year Pillowcase; Little One’s Pillow Organic with Little Sleepy Head Bed Pillow; wavveUziz Memory Foam Pillow with Hebove Kids Pillow; Aloudy Memory Foam Cover with Utopia Bedding Toddler Pillow; Woolino Oeko-Tex Certified Pillow with Avocado Green Mattress Organic Toddler Pillow; RESTCLOUD Memory Foam Pillow with Cococu Toddler Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Mar 2022: Added MLILY Adjustable Cooling Pillow, Aloudy Memory Foam Cover and RESTCLOUD Memory Foam Pillow
- Feb 2022: Added KeaBabies Organic Cotton Pillow
- Dec 2021: Published
