Once your child reaches the age of two, it’s a good idea to introduce a pillow. This is around the same time that most toddlers transition from a crib to a toddler bed and an adult pillow just won’t do. They need a pillow that’s designed just for them. Adult pillows are too large and can be made of a material that’s too soft or can cause sensitivity reactions in little ones. That’s why it’s important to use the best toddler pillow you can find.
To choose the best products, we took a few key factors into consideration. For toddlers, pillow height is really important. It should be high enough to provide the right level of support without being too high or too low to keep the spine in alignment. Materials should be chemical free and high-quality so as not irritate your child’s skin or cause any breathing problems. Firmness is also important because it the pillow is too soft, your child can sink too low in it and won’t get the right amount of support.
We spent hours researching guides and reviews written by professionals, manufacturers, and people just like you who use these pillows with their children every day to gather the information for this guide. First, you’ll find a table where you can do a quick comparison of all of our picks side by side. After that, we provide an in-depth review of each product, followed by a detailed buying guide to help you figure out which is the best toddler pillow for your little one.
The Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow is made with 100% hypoallergenic materials so it’s perfect if your little one has allergies or sensitive skin. Inside, the premium polyester fiber maintains its shape and provides the right amount of cushioned support.
The cover is 100% cotton, 200-thread count fabric but there is no pillow case included. The entire pillow is washable. Just toss it in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle then dry on low heat.
This pillow comes with a “Love the Fluff’ guarantee. If your little one doesn’t like it because it’s too fluffy or too flat, they’ll replace it with one that’s more to their liking. This is actually something that users report doing pretty often so, while the pillow may be too hard or too soft initially, there aren’t any problems getting a replacement.
It’s been reported that this pillow tends to clump and gets lumpy over time, but this can usually be fixed by running it through the washer and dryer to refluff it.
One of the best things about this pillow is the company that makes it. Not only do they provide wonderful customer service but the owner is actively involved in reaching out to customers to offer help when possible.
This My Little North Star Store Sweet Dreams Toddler Pillow uses allergy-free deluxe cluster poly fiber filling that’s loose and soft without sacrificing support. The pillow comes with a low to medium loft but you can request a thinner or thicker one. Every pillow is hand-stuffed for superior quality control.
Not only is this pillow hypoallergenic, but there are also no flame retardants or antimicrobials either so your child won’t breathe in any chemicals throughout the night.
The 100% cotton 200-thread count percale cover is light and airy and the seams are double stitched for durability. Some users experienced mold or mildew on the pillow after washing. Because the cover is made of 100% untreated cotton, this isn’t uncommon. It can be avoided by drying the pillow immediately and spot treated if necessary with diluted bleach and rewashed and dried.
The company offers a 3-month refund period. If you decide this pillow isn’t right for your toddler after 3 months, you can return it for a full refund.
More features: pillowcase included, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Organic Content Standard 100 certified fabric
If you want a low-cost starter pillow for a toddler bed, the ZPECC Toddler Pillow is worth a look. It measures 13 x 18 inches, the standard toddler size, and it comes with a matching 14 x 19 inch pillowcase in 100% organic cotton, so there is nothing extra to buy.
The insert is a soft microfiber fill and the pillowcase fabric is certified to Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so it is hypoallergenic and odor-free against your child’s face. It is machine washable and tumble dryable and the maker says it will not shrink, pill or clump, though it does need a wash and a tumble dry straight out of the package to regain its fluffiness.
More features: pillowcase sold separately, ships vacuum-sealed, ergonomic shape for spinal alignment
This is a sensible first pillow for a child who has outgrown a flat crib mattress but is nowhere near ready for an adult one. At 13 x 18 inches it is sized for a toddler rather than a grown-up, it is shaped to keep the head and neck in line with the spine, and the cotton shell is certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so nothing harsh sits against your child’s face all night.
It is sold on its own with no case, which suits parents who already have toddler pillowcases or would rather pick their own fabric. The whole pillow is machine washable and can go in the dryer on low, and because it arrives vacuum-sealed it will look flat out of the bag, so give it a wash and tumble dry, or a good massage, before the first bedtime.
More features: Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric, pillowcase included
The ZPECC toddler pillow comes as a set: a 13 x 18 inch insert with a soft microfiber filling and a 14 x 19 inch pillowcase made from 100% organic cotton that is certified to both the Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. That size works in a crib or a toddler bed and is still small enough to pack for daycare, a stroller, or a trip away from home.
Both the pillow and the case are machine washable and tumble dryable, so spills and accidents are easy to deal with. Give it a wash and a dry after unpacking to bring the loft back before the first night, and sun-cure it now and then to keep it fluffy.
With the Utopia Bedding Dreamy Baby Pillow, you get a pair of toddler pillows that are the right size and softness so you can use one for sleeping and home and send one to daycare for nap time or to grandma’s house for sleepovers. They’re hypoallergenic, too, which is perfect if your little one has any breathing sensitives and it won’t irritate their skin.
The cover is made of 100% cotton 240-count thread that’s soft, comfortable, and durable. It was designed with the needs of a toddler in mind and will help them get the type of support they need through the night. Some users commented that the pillows were too flat while others said they were too thin. They do flatten over time with regular use and will fluff up again after being washed and dried.
These pillows hypoallergenic so it’s perfect if your little one has any sensitives and it won’t irritate their skin. Although these pillows do not come with a case, they are machine washable so you can take care of any messes quickly and easily. And, since there are two of them, you can always keep the clean one as a spare in case things get messy and you need to give your toddler a new pillow in the middle of the night.
More features: CertiPUR-US certified foam, ventilated and gel-infused, envelope closure with no zipper
This is the only memory foam option in our reviews, and it handles height differently than most toddler pillows: instead of a fixed loft, it comes with two removable memory foam inserts of different thicknesses, so you can take one out for a low, flat surface and add it back as your child grows. That low setting is what makes it work for a stomach sleeper, who needs the head kept close to the mattress rather than propped up.
The foam is ventilated and gel-infused to help air move through it, it is CertiPUR-US certified, and the cover is made with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric that has been tested against more than 1,000 harmful substances. The pillowcase closes with an envelope fold rather than a zipper, so there are no metal parts near your child’s face, and it comes off for machine washing.
More features: 14 x 19 inch pillowcase included, Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric
If you want something plush for your little one without spending much, the ZPECC Toddler Pillow is worth a look. It measures 13 by 18 inches and pairs a soft, fluffy microfiber fill with a 100% organic cotton pillowcase certified to Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so it is hypoallergenic, skin friendly, and free of odors.
Cleaning is simple, because both the pillow and the case are machine washable and tumble dryable and the maker says they will not shrink, pill, or clump. It is intended for age 2 and up and is small enough for a crib, toddler bed, stroller, or daycare nap, though the maker asks you to wash and dry it once after opening to bring the fill back to its full fluffiness.
The ergonomically designed KeaBabies Toddler Pillow has been designed and tested on toddlers to deliver the best spinal support possible while remaining incredibly comfortable. The even consulted with a pediatric chiropractor to make sure they’ve gotten it right.
Both the included safari print pillow case and the pillow itself are really durable and machine washable and can be put in the dryer on a low setting. The ball fiber filling stays fluffy and maintains its shape better than pillows made with stringy fiber filling. Plus, they won’t stick together. For best results, allow the pillow to air dry then simply fluff it and it regains its original shape. It may develop lumps if placed in the dryer.
Although the cover is made of 100% organic cotton, the polyfill is manmade and is therefore not organic. Some users expected the filling to be organic as well but this is not the case. That said, it’s not treated with any flame retardants and does not have a chemical smell.
This pillow comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s money back guarantee. If you aren’t happy with this pillow for any reason, KeaBabies will issue you a full refund. While this isn’t the only pillow to offer this kind of trial period, it is the longest one by far.
For the best toddler airline pillow or just a great choice for traveling in general, check out the BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow. This is recommended for toddlers and children ages 3 to 8. It provides chin, neck, and head support to keep your little one comfortable while on the go.
The design is thinner in the back so your child can rest their head against the seat and thicker in the front to support their head and neck. It can be a little tough to position and it works well but the biggest downside to this pillow is that some kids just aren’t going to like it. There are adults who don’t like travel pillows in this style so this is to be expected.
For added convenience, this best toddler neck pillow features a snap strap for easy transport. You can quickly attach it your suitcase or a stroller between stops along your route. It’s also available in seven different colors so your child can choose the one they like best. Or, if you have two or more children, everyone can get a different color so you know whose is whose. This pillow is also machine washable so you can quickly clean up any dirt and grime it picks up along the way.
More features: pillowcase included, sized for crib, toddler bed, stroller and travel
This set pairs a 13 x 18-inch pillow with a matching 14 x 19-inch pillowcase, so you are not left hunting for a cover that actually fits a toddler size. The case is cotton certified to both Organic Content Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which keeps it soft and breathable against skin that reacts easily, and underneath it the pillow uses a soft, fluffy microfiber filling intended for children aged two and up.
Both the pillow and the case are machine washable and dryer safe, which matters more than any other feature once your child is eating crackers in bed. Give the pillow a wash and a tumble dry before the first night, as the maker suggests, and it regains its fluffiness.
My Little North Star Toddler Pillow is our pick for the best organic toddler pillow. The 100% certified organic cotton shell is filled with hypoallergenic poly cluster filling that is breathable, soft, and supportive. It gives your little one’s head, neck, and shoulders just what they need to sleep comfortably.
Some users questioned the polyfill as it’s manmade and therefore not organic. My Little North Star chose this material after trying several truly organic fill options that just didn’t hold up or provide the same level of support. So, while the fill is manmade, they took steps to make it as pure as possible. The pillow is made in the USA and chemical free. They use no pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides as well as no flame retardants or dust mite repellents that are typically added to polyester. It’s machine wash and dryer safe and won’t get lumpy during the process with the proper care. While there is no case included, it’s not really necessary to have one since the whole pillow is so easy to care for though some users stated that the cover discolored after repeated washings.
My Little North Star promises complete customer satisfaction and will replace or refund your purchase if you’re not satisfied.
Choosing the right toddler pillow means that your child will be safe, supported, and comfortable while the rest. Plus, you’ll get a better night’s sleep because you won’t have to worry about them sleeping with a pillow that’s too puffy, too big, or made with the wrong kind of material. Here are some things to help you decide which one is right for your home.
The best time to introduce a pillow to your child is when they’re around 2 years old and transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed. Since they’re going to be facing big bedtime changes anyway, introducing a pillow at this time makes sense. Also, it can help make the transition a little easier because it makes it extra special and gives them a pillow that’s just for them.
It’s important to mention that pillows should never be used with infants as they increase the risk of SIDS before about 18 months old.
Toddlers tend to move around a lot at night, but they usually have an identifiable favorite position. By the time your child is 2, they should be strong enough that you don’t have to worry about them with a pillow, even if they’re a belly sleeper. This is exactly why you don’t give pillows to infants – if they get stuck on their belly or between the pillow and the mattress, it can be disastrous. Toddlers are strong, though. They run, climb, tumble, and roll around all day long so there’s much less to worry about regardless of sleeping position.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right pillow for your toddler. Here are some of the important things to think about.
As we mentioned, children shouldn’t use a pillow until the age of 2 or even later than that if they’re behind developmentally. Why do we keep mentioning this? Because it’s so important. Even though a lot of crib sets include pillowcases or small pillows, you should not place anything in the crib with an infant. That’s all the more reason to do it right when you can finally get them their own pillow.
Toddler pillows are comparable in size to travel pillows. The exact measurements vary slightly depending on the material, filling, firmness, and when the pillow was measured. An unstuffed case will look smaller than its actual dimensions once it’s been filled.
There are a few different kinds of filler material used in these pillows.
A lot of these picks, including the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow, use cluster poly fiber. This is a manmade polyfill that’s designed not to clump together. While you might worry about a material like this being so close to your little one, it’s important to note that most manufacturers make this material without using any unnecessary chemicals like flame retardants, and they’re usually covered with a very high-quality cotton material.
Another material that is used for filling is poly ball fiber. This is very similar to cluster poly fiber but instead of being made up of long, thin fibers, it’s actually rolled into small round balls. This material maintains its shape a little better and doesn’t flatten as easily as more fibrous material.
We found a great memory foam pillow, too, the ATTABABY Adjustable Memory Foam Toddler Pillow. This is not the same memory foam that’s used for adult pillows and mattresses. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover is made with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric, which is tested against more than 1,000 chemicals so there are no strong smells and nothing to worry about.
Memory foam is harder and firmer than most other materials, too, so it really provides a lot of support.
Cover material varies a bit from product to product. Some, like the My Little North Star Toddler Pillow, are covered with organic cotton, as is the removable pillowcase on the ZPECC Toddler Pillow, while others use a cotton-poly blend.
The main thing to consider when it comes to cover material is comfort. Most of these pillows do not include a pillowcase and a lot of them claim you don’t need one which means your child will be sleeping directly on the cover. Is it soft? Scratchy? Breathable? That said, if you love everything else about the pillow, keep in mind you can always add a pillowcase.
Something you’ll notice about the covers is that they’re all sewn closed. Whereas adult pillows often have a zipper closure so you can add and remove filling as necessary, toddler pillows do not, and with good reason. It’s pretty likely that your toddler will quickly discover how it works and soon the contents of their pillow will be all over the floor. Don’t worry, there are several options, like the KeaBabies Toddler Pillow, that are shaped for a toddler’s head and neck from the start, so there is nothing to adjust.
Even though your little one might not have allergies, it’s always a good idea to use hypoallergenic materials because you never know when an allergy will develop. This is also a good thing to look for with kids who suffer from asthma or have skin sensitivities or things like eczema or psoriasis.
This is so, so important with little ones. This age is also the time where you’ll be trying to potty train your little one and they’ll be doing all sorts of fun things on their own.
Making messes is a part of life for a toddler so these pillows have to be easy to take care of.
Some of them, like the ZPECC Toddler Pillow, are washing machine and dryer safe, while others perform better with handwashing and spot cleaning. In fact, the only pillow that’s not washable is the memory foam one and that one has a removable cover that can be tossed in the washing machine.
It’s important that these pillows are durable, especially because kids often grow attached to them and want to carry them around everywhere.
The higher the thread count and the denser the cover, the longer the pillow will last.
Some of these products have some really impressive warranties that let you try them at home for a while and return them if you’re not happy. The best one here is the KeaBabies Toddler Pillow. KeaBabies gives you a whole year to return it, no questions asked. If you have a toddler who is particularly rough with things, it’s a good idea to find a pillow with a good warranty.
Our top pick is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow. It’s hypoallergenic and covered in 200-count 100% cotton fabric that’s so comfortable, you don’t even need a pillowcase. It also comes with a “Love the Fluff” guarantee. If you don’t like it, they’ll send you one that’s to your liking.
We also really liked the My Little North Star Store Sweet Dreams Toddler Pillow. It’s hypoallergenic, soft, and supportive, and if you don’t like the thickness, they’ll send you one that’s as thin or thick as you want because these pillows are hand stuffed. The 100% cotton 200-thread count cover is double-stitched for long-lasting durability and comes in a variety of adorable designs.
Finally, we recommend the ZPECC Toddler Pillow. This affordable starter pillow is machine washable, tumble dryable and hypoallergenic, and it arrives with a 100% organic cotton pillowcase. The fabric is certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Organic Content Standard 100, so there is nothing harsh sitting against your child’s face.
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