kids-pillows

Best Toddler Pillow – Reviews & Top Picks

Introduction

A toddler pillow is a very first pillow you will give to your little one. Giving your toddler a pillow is the initial step to take when transitioning from the crib to the bed.

Regular pillows are not appropriate for young children because they are too big and may be made of materials which might irritate the sensitive skin. A toddler pillow for crib, on the other hand, is specifically designed for little ones. Such pillows will help your infant or toddler sleep comfortably throughout the night.

Toddler pillows are not only comfy but they are also small enough to be used for different purposes. You can find different kinds of toddler pillows – regular toddler pillows, travel pillows for a plane or for car seat and even toddler pillows for the single bed, which are a bit bigger.

To help you choose the best toddler pillow, we’ve looked for the best toddler pillow products in the market, each with their own purposes, features, pros, and cons.

Finding The Best Toddler Pillow For Your Little One

Before you go and choose the best toddler pillow for your child, learn everything you need to know about them first. In this section, we’ll be talking all about toddler pillows.

What Age Should A Toddler Have A Pillow?

You may be unsure of when is the “right time” to introduce a toddler pillow to your child. The fact is, the “right time” doesn’t really exist. This is because infants and toddlers grow and develop at different paces. But, a lot of experts do agree that an ideal time frame to introduce a toddler pillow is between the ages of 18-24 months. Within this age, your little one may show some “clues” which indicates that he/she is ready for a pillow. These include:

  • Consciously laying his/her head on a pillow or cushion while in the crib or the bed;
  • Using a blanket or a stuffed toy to rest his/her head;
  • Even being unable to sleep when his/her head is not propped up.

What Is A Good Size For A Toddler Pillow?

Toddler pillows are a lot smaller than regular pillows and a lot thinner too. Pillows which are too thick or have too much filling might cause strain on your child’s neck and shoulders. So be mindful of this fact when you’re choosing a pillow. Your toddler’s pillow must be fit with his/her size and the age. Check the dimensions of the pillows before finally making your choice.

What Are The Benefits Of A Toddler Pillow?

Toddler pillows are not only beneficial to your child, but they’re very versatile too. If you’re still on the fence when it comes to introducing this to your little one, you might just need more information. Here are some of the benefits of a toddler pillow:

  • Toddler pillows help your little one sleep more comfortably in his/her crib.
  • These pillows are also ideal to bring along when traveling.
  • You can match the color and style of the pillow with the theme of your room to add a nice element to it.

How To Choose A Great Toddler Pillow

Finding the best toddler pillow for your little one can be a challenging task. You have to consider a lot of things to be able to pick the right one. Here are some things to look out for and think about:

  • Consider finding a pillow which is hypoallergenic. The skin of infants and toddlers are very sensitive which is why you have to check the materials the pillow is made of.
  • Look at the firmness or softness of the pillow. As we’ve discussed earlier, a pillow which is too soft or too firm won’t be ideal.
  • After considering the interior, think about the cover of the pillow too. It has to be made from a soft and smooth material.
  • It’s best if both the pillow and the pillow case/cover can be washed.

The Best Way To Use A Toddler Pillow

If your child is already showing the preference for certain colors and designs, then you can allow him/her to make a choice from the options you’ve already narrowed down. This will ensure that your little one will really like the pillow and be happy to use it.

When you’ve just introduced the pillow to your child, don’t be discouraged if he/she throws it away. Keep giving the pillow once in a while to him/her until it’s happily accepted. Also, remember to shake the pillow once in a while to fluff it up and allow air to pass through the fillings. Finally, make sure to wash the pillow regularly, even if it doesn’t “look” dirty.

Are There Risks To Using A Toddler Pillow?

There are a lot of different opinions about this particular issue. Pediatricians and parents have different beliefs. In the end, the decision to give your child a pillow lies with you as a parent. There are risk factors related to using toddler pillows. It’s important to know these risk factors so you know how to avoid them. These include:

  • Pillows which are too soft, too fluffy or too firm;
  • Pillows which are made of unsafe materials;
  • Pillows which have fabrics which are dense or loose.

What We Recommend: The Best Toddler Pillow Reviews

With so many products available online and at the stores in your vicinity, it is difficult to decide about the best one. After all, you would want to give all the comfort to your toddler. Here are our top 5 toddler pillows, selected and ranked based on expert reviews to make your buying experience easy.

Toddler Pillow By A Little Pillow Company

A Little Pillow Company Toddler Pillow  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This is one of the safest pillows which don’t contain any trace of flame retardants.

This means that it doesn’t have any odors so your child can avoid inhaling harmful chemicals (like those from flame retardants). The toddler pillow by A Little Pillow Company is made with double stitching. Because of this, seams are more durable so the stuffing stays inside. This eliminates any risk of your child choking on the stuffing.

Finally, it’s only 13 x 18 inches, which is an ideal size for toddler pillows. With this pillow, you will be able to place it in the crib with your toddler without having to worry about his/her safety.

Pros Cons
  • An odorless pillow which doesn’t contain any flame retardants.
  • It comes in different prints, so you can match it with your baby’s crib.
  • Machine washable and dryable.
  • Has cluster filling which is 100% hypoallergenic. It makes it soft and comfortable.
  • The double stitching ensures that it’s a durable pillow for your little one.
  • The pillow is stuffed moderately, which may not be enough for some babies or toddlers
  • If used continuously, it tends to flatten.

Check it out on Amazon


Angel Baby ORGANIC Toddler Pillow

Organic Toddler PillowRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

The Angel Baby Organic toddler pillow is very breathable and it dissipates heat too. That’s why it’s a great pillow to bring during long flights.

It remains cool and comfortable because of the materials it’s made of. This pillow is made with an organic cotton cover. And the filling is comprised of 25% polyester fiber and 75% memory foam.

All the Angel Baby pillows are handcrafted individually in the US and they come with a lifetime guarantee for satisfaction. It’s quality pillow which is easy to maintain because it’s machine washable.

Finally, this pillow is small enough to be brought along during travel but not too small that your little one won’t be able to sleep with it comfortably.

Pros Cons
  • List The size is perfect for going on long travels, such as airplane flights.Element
  • The organic cover is made with high-quality materials.
  • Maximum comfort for your toddler because the pillow stays cool and breathable.
  • Comes with a lifetime guarantee and is hand-crafted.
 

  • It’s quite expensive for a toddler pillow.
  • The surface of the pillow feels similar to plastic, which may not be too comfortable.s

Check it out on Amazon


Metoo Carden Roses U Neck Travel Pillow

Metoo Lucky Sheep U Neck Travel PillowRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

The Metoo Carden Roses U Neck Travel Pillow is one of the most fun pillows in this list. It comes in a fun sheep design which is available in different colors.

It serves as a pillow as well as a stuffed toy for your little one. Allowing your child to use this pillow while traveling in the car will ensure that his/her shoulders won’t end up aching.

It’s a very comfortable toddler pillow which is made from the high quality cotton material. The cotton material molds to the shape of your child’s neck and it doesn’t cause allergies too.

This product is already pretty amazing, but it also comes with a 100% money back guarantee which is good for up to 5 years!

Pros Cons
  • The shape of the pillow makes it perfect for use while your little one is in the car seat.
  • Made from top quality cotton material which molds to your toddler’s neck for maximum support and comfort.
  • Fun, playful pillow design which comes in other colors.
  • Perfect pillow for traveling and would also serve as a stuffed toy for your child.
 

  • The filling inside doesn’t make it a soft and fluffy pillow.
  • Might not fit toddlers who are a bit bigger.

Check it out on Amazon


Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow

Toddler Pillow - Soft HypoallergenicRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This particular toddler pillow is the perfect choice for a pillow to be placed on a single bed. It’s not too small and not too big. It’s not too fluffy and not too flat either.

It is an ideal kind of pillow for a toddler who enjoys sleeping with one. The Little Sleepy Head toddler pillow is machine washable and 100% hypoallergenic. You don’t have to worry about your little one getting any allergies from this pillow. The cover is made with a cotton fabric with a 200 thread count.

The polyester filling is enough to provide ample neck support to toddlers even if they sleep in different positions.

It’s another convenient machine washable pillow on our list.

Pros Cons
  • The size of the pillow is perfect for a single bed.
  • When your baby/toddler uses this pillow, it won’t cause strain on his/her
  • neck or shoulders no matter what position your little one sleeps in.
  • Comfortable pillow which has a 200 thread count and is hypoallergenic.
  • Comes with a money back guarantee which is good for 90 days.
  • Doesn’t come with a pillowcase.
  • The pillow flattens out quite easily and it’s a task to fluff it back up.a

Check it out on Amazon


Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow with Pillowcase

Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow with PillowcaseRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

The Dreamtown Kids toddler pillow is a great choice to be placed on a cot bed because it’s resistant to molds and mildew.

Not only that but it’s hypoallergenic too, which is a very important feature. It’s comes in a good size, measuring 14 x 19 inches. This means that it’s neither too big nor too small for your child.

This low maintenance pillow is machine washable, making it very easy to care for and clean. The soft but dense fibers which are in this pillow provide for good neck support. In fact, it’s a pillow which is recommended by chiropractors.

It’s another superb pillow which is made by a family-owned company.

Pros Cons
  • The size of the pillow makes it a perfect addition to your baby’s cot bed.
  • Resistant to molds and mildew.
  • Made from 100% hypoallergenic material and is even recommended by chiropractors.
  • Comes with pillow cases which are machine washable, just like the pillow.
  • Comes with a satisfaction guaranteed or your money back offers which is good for 6 months.
 

  • It has a low thread count. So it may lose its shape and fluffiness after some time.
    When washed, it tends to either flatten or become lumpy.

Check it out on Amazon


Kinder Fluff Travel Pillow, Soft Cotton

-Toddler-Travel PillowRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This is one of the most comfortable pillows on our list, which is why it’s the best choice for traveling.

It’s filled with polyester which is 100% premium and covered with top-quality cotton. It comes in a good travel size. It’s small enough to be easily brought around but big enough for your little one to enjoy sleeping with it comfortably.

It’s a versatile pillow because it can’t just be used when traveling – you can also use it in your toddler’s crib or bed. This hypoallergenic pillow is soft and silky, which is why toddlers love cuddling with it.

The Kinder Fluff travel pillow is also a safe pillow to use. This is because it’s hypoallergenic and resistant to mildew, molds, and germs. It’s really a beneficial pillow to have.

Pros Cons
  • Softer and silkier than other pillows because of the 240 thread count.
  • It is made of high-quality materials but comes at an affordable price.
  • It is easy to clean and maintain because it’s machine washable.
  • It is hypoallergenic and germ resistant.
  • It is perfect size for traveling
  • Has a tendency to flatten after months of use.
  • Needs to be re-fluffed regularly because of the filling shifts.

Check it out on Amazon


Clevamama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow

ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler PillowRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

The Clevamama ClevaFoam toddler pillow is a breathable and lightweight pillow.

It’s most recommended for children who are 12 months and older. Its design helps ease your little one’s transition from the crib to the bed. The AirFlow material is unique because it’s able to draw away moisture while your little one is sleeping, therefore increasing the airflow.

It’s perfect for your young toddler because will keep his/her head and spine comfortably aligned. With this pillow, you’ll be able to take the cover off and machine washes it as needed. It’s a great choice for your little one’s first pillow.

With this pillow, you will be able to introduce the usage of pillows with a gentle, comfortable and beneficial product. Pretty soon your little one will be begging you for another pillow to snuggle up to!

Pros Cons
  • A comfortable pillow which is quite affordable.
  • It provides a good balance of softness and support for your child.
  • Cover of the pillow is machine washable and the pillow itself is very breathable.
  • Thickness and filling of the pillow are perfect for 1-year-old toddlers.
  • The pillow itself is not machine washable.
  • Some people feel it’s too slim.

Check it out on Amazon


Zack & Ali Toddler Pillow

Zack & Ali Toddler PillowRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This cool pillow is most ideal for toddlers from 2 years and above because it can be fitted with different pillowcases which come in cool designs. It’s perfect for when you want to ask your child to choose his/her own pillow to use.

These organic toddler pillows are made with premium fillers and 100% organic cotton. Because of this, it’s hypoallergenic and totally odorless.

The Zack & Ali toddler pillow is safe and extremely comfortable. In fact, it was even tested by kids! And they all gave their stamp of approval for quality and comfort. This pillow is easy to maintain as you can machine wash and machine dry it too. It’s perfect for parents who are busy but would still want to take care of their kids’ stuff.

Get your child enthusiastic about using pillows with this incredible product.

Pros Cons
  • The cover is made with 100% organic cotton.
  • The comfortable size is complimented by the soft and hypoallergenic material.
  • Soft and pliable, perfect for supporting the neck of your little one
  • Available pillowcases which come in different designs, all appealing to 2-year-old toddlers.
  • Some customers have said that the pillow is too fluffy.
  • Quite expensive for the size and materials it’s made of.

Check it out on Amazon


Calla Toddler Pillow

WahooArt Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug in Pest RejectRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This premium toddler pillow comes at a high price – but only because it’s one of the most superior products available. The Calla toddler pillow is an organic pillow which is guaranteed to be hypoallergenic.

This hand-made pillow was inspected for quality before being released into the market. This pillow is made in the US with organic cotton material and uniquely specialized filling.

It’s a soft and smooth pillow which doesn’t make any surface noise. Therefore it is most ideal for babies or toddlers who are easily woken up.

Finally, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee which is good for 3 whole years. Truly a product which is worth every cent you spend on it.

Pros

Cons

  • Made of 100% organic cotton cover and specialized filling which is hypoallergenic.
  • Doesn’t contain any pesticides, flame retardants or other harmful chemicals.
  • A cover is made with a distinct sateen weave, making it soft to the touch.
  • Comes with a quality guarantee for up to 3 years.
  • It’s one of the more expensive products in the market.
  • Quite small in size and can get lumpy after it’s washed.

Check it out on Amazon


Angel Dear Curved Pillow

Angel Dear Curved Pillow, Light Brown PuppyRead Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

Considering your little one’s neck is important as it’s still developing and it’s quite sensitive.

That’s why you need to find the best neck pillow for your toddler. The Angel Dear Curved toddler pillow is a great choice. It’s a cute and appealing pillow which can double as a toy for your child to enjoy.

The cuddly and adorable design will surely encourage your child to keep on using the pillow during nap time or bedtime. When your little one’s head is rested on this pillow, his/her neck is well supported.

Your child won’t have to wake up feeling achy. The size of the pillow is also handy enough that you can bring it along while traveling. It’s a versatile pillow for your little one.

Pros Cons
  • The cover can be removed in case it gets soiled.
  • The pillow has a soft, plush feel to it.
  • The fun shape is also perfect for resting your little one’s head and neck on it.
  • The cute design is appealing to babies and infants.
  • Cannot be used as a pillow for the crib.
  • The pillow is not made from hypoallergenic materials.

Check it out on Amazon


Answers to Your Common Questions

There you go! The best toddler pillows for different purposes. Now you may still have some questions in your mind about toddler pillows. When it comes to babies and toddlers, asking questions is key. Let’s look at the most common questions and the answers to them:

What if my child doesn’t like the pillow?

That’s okay! In fact, that’s the typical response. All you have to do is take the pillow away for some time. Then reintroduce it when your child is in a good mood. You can even introduce it with a song if you think that will be helpful.

Is it better to use toddler pillows in a crib or in a bed?

Actually, you can use them in both. Just as long as you’re sure that your little one is in a suitable bed. The most recommended place for sleeping for younger toddlers (up until the age of 3) is a crib. As they grow older, you can transition to a bed. Either way, you can use toddler pillows on both.

Will my baby or toddler be at risk for suffocation when using a toddler pillow?

If you choose the right pillow and you use it well, then no. Consider the safety tips when introducing toddler pillows. It’s a good idea to watch for your little one during the first few days or weeks of pillow use.
When should I replace my toddler’s pillow? h3
Just like regular pillows, toddler pillows have to be replaced. This is especially true if:

  • The filling is already clumping together and it’s difficult to even out;
  • You spend so much time fluffing the pillow because it’s flat;
  • When you fold the pillow in half, it doesn’t open up to its shape.

Our Last Thoughts

With all the products in the market, choosing can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve come up with a list of the best toddler pillows available in the market now. But from that list, there is one product which can be considered the best of the best.

We’re talking about the Toddler Pillow by A Little Pillow Company. It’s one of the safest and most comfortable pillows available. Since it’s made from premium materials, the risk factors for this pillow are very low. It’s hypoallergenic and its size is great. You can use this toddler pillow in your toddler’s crib or bed. You can even bring it along while you’re traveling! When you look at all the benefits of a toddler pillow, you’ll see that this particular pillow meets them all.