If your child is growing out of the infant stage, then you know that your child is about to undergo a period of rapid growth. Sleep is one of the most important factors in the healthy growth of a toddler and making sure that they are comfortable and safe is a big way parents can help with this. Getting a toddler pillow can help your child who is transitioning from crib to bed to get good sleep. But, there are so many types available that it can be confusing to know which to buy. But, don’t worry! We have provided a short buying guide and also a list of the ten best toddler pillows you can buy for your little one.
Toddler Pillow FAQ’s
1. What Is a Toddler Pillow?
A toddler pillow is a smaller-sized sleeping pillow that is designed for small children and toddlers to rest on comfortably. They are larger than infant pillows but smaller than adult pillows, perfectly sized for toddlers.
2. Why Do Children Need Toddler Pillows?
Toddlers’ proportions are too large for infant pillows but too small for adult pillows. Using toddler pillows is not just a matter of comfort for the child; it is also a matter of health. Scientists state that toddlers sleeping on adult pillows can suffer from poor sleep, exhaustion, and even poor posture. Furthermore, children need more support during sleeping when they are making a transition from the crib to the bed. These are adequate reasons to consider getting your child a toddler pillow.
3. How Old Should Children Be to Use Toddler Pillows?
According to scientists and pediatricians, toddler pillows can be used around the transitioning time from crib to bed, which is usually between 18 months to two years old. However, no two children are alike, so you should check for signs that your child is uncomfortable when sleeping. You can also determine if your child needs a pillow if you find him propping his head on toys or pets when he sleeps or if his shoulders are wider than his head.
4. What Are the Types of Toddler Pillows?
Toddler pillows all have the same basic shape; the main difference is the materials they are made of. There are five different types of toddler pillows: latex, foam, fiberfill, contour, or feather and down pillows.
Latex pillows are made primarily of latex, provide good support to the toddler’s shoulder and neck, and are hypoallergenic. Foam pillows use various types of foam and provide excellent durability, even lasting for 8-10 years. Fiberfill pillows are made of man-made fibers like polyester or natural fibers like wool; they provide excellent comfort, softness, and sleeping support.
Contour pillows are a mix of latex and memory foam as well as a small ratio of poly fiber. They are specially designed for toddlers who sleep on their backs and sides. Feather and down pillows are larger, softer, and more comfortable than the other types of pillows, but they can be much more expensive.
5. How Do I Choose the Right Toddler Pillow for My Child?
The type of toddler pillow and the features you choose largely depends on your child’s sleeping habits and health conditions. For example, you want to choose a hypoallergenic pillow if your child has allergies. Another consideration is your child’s size. You want to be sure that the pillow is large enough to allow them to move but small enough not to suffocate them. You also don’t want the pillow to be too high and cause neck strain; the best size is three inches tall with measurements of 13″ x 9″.
You also want to pay attention to the quality of the pillow. Conduct the “press test” to make sure the pillow pops back; if it doesn’t, it could be a suffocation hazard for your child. Make sure that the pillow you choose can be washed often to avoid contamination and transmission of infectious germs. You want to get a satisfaction guarantee so you have recourse if the pillow’s workmanship is shoddy. Finally, you can use the same thread count standards that are used for adult pillows. By considering all these factors, you can decide which is the best toddler pillow for your child.
How We Reviewed
We reviewed the following toddler pillows based on their features, price, and where they could be bought. To come up with this list, conducted extensive research on the types of pillows and the features that are best for children, as well as read numerous reviews from parents who used the pillows. This way, we can be sure that we are providing you the most accurate list of best toddler pillows for your child.
Overall Price Range
Toddler pillows are typically relatively inexpensive, costing anywhere from around $10 to around $50. Some features that more expensive pillows may have that may be absent in lower-priced pillows include higher-quality materials, safety certifications, sweat and airflow technologies, double-stitched covers, and higher thread counts. We made sure to include a good range of prices so that you can be sure you can choose the best toddler pillow for your child while still fitting it into your personal budget.
What We Reviewed
- Little One’s Pillow – Toddler Pillow, Delicate Organic Cotton Shell
- Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow, White
- Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow with Pillowcase
- Toddler Pillow for Hot or Sweaty Sleepers
- Toddler Pillow (13×18) Individually Made in Virginia
- Clevamama Foam Toddler Pillow
- SlumberLux Toddler Pillow (13 x 18)
- Toddler Pillow – Organic Cotton Made in the USA
- Toddler/Travel Pillow -No extra Pillowcase/Sham needed
- PharMeDoc Toddler Pillow for Kids 14 x 19 inch
Little One’s Pillow – Toddler Pillow, Delicate Organic Cotton Shell
Features
The first on our list is one of the most popular pillows, the Little One’s Pillow. This pillow measures 13″ x 3″ by 18″ and is made for children two years of age and older. Not only is this pillow made of hypoallergenic poly-cluster fiber filling, but it also has a 100% certified, chemical-free organic cotton shell. The polyester fiber washes extremely well and stays smooth for maximum comfort. It is also durable, able to hold its shape even after 400 washes and is dust-mite resistant with a 200-count thread.
This pillow was designed with great craftsmanship. Every pillow is handmade, and the manufacturer formulated it with top pediatricians and chiropractors to make sure it is safe for your child. A bonus is that if the pillow doesn’t fit your child perfectly, the company will send you a custom pillow with more or less filling and let you keep the old pillow.
Price $$
Where to Buy
Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow, White
Features
Next is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow, which is white and measures 13″ x 8″. The pillow is made of 100% hypoallergenic cotton and has a cover made of 200-count thread fabric. The pillow adapts to your child’s sleeping position well and can be frequently laundered with the “not too fluffy, not too flat” guarantee from the company. The pillow also comes with a “Love the Fluff” guarantee that states they will replace the pillow if you are not satisfied with it. The pillowcases are sold separately.
Price $$
Where to Buy
Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow with Pillowcase
Features
The Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow is next on our list of the best toddler pillows with its 14″ x 19″ size and poly/cotton blend filling. This fiber is dense, yet soft, allowing them to use less filling than other toddler pillows to provide good neck support, which is backed by chiropractor approval. It 100% hypoallergenic and resistant to both mildew and mold. They have a Child Product Certificate that includes testing performed by CPSC-approved labs for heavy metals and molds and other microbials.
Because this pillow includes a special blend of fibers, it can be machine-washed and dried without shrinking for easy cleaning. It comes with the pillowcase. However, this pillow is not recommended for children younger than two years old. The company also provides a satisfaction guarantee where you can get your money back hassle-free if you’re not satisfied with the pillow.
Price $$
Where to Buy
Sweaty Tots Toddler Pillow for Hot or Sweaty Sleepers
Features
The Sweaty Tots Toddler Pillow is definitely one of the best pillows to buy if your child sweats or gets hot while they sleep. This 13″ x 18″ pillow is made of 100% natural, hypoallergenic cotton and is stuffed with four ounces of poly fiberfill to provide proper neck alignment for toddlers aged 18 months to three years old. It is machine washable and dryer friendly, and the cotton is a luxurious 300 thread count sateen cotton fabric with double-stitched edging that makes it durable.
It features a temperature-regulating fabric liner that is Outlast Gold Certified. This Outlast technology continuously adapts to your child’s needs by proactively absorbing and storing excess heat coming from the skin to prevent sweat and heat from building up. When the skin cools, that stored heat is then released to prevent chill, providing night-long comfort. You can purchase the Sweaty Tots Moisture Wicking Toddler Pillowcase to further help your child if he sweats at night.
They offer three different sizes of pillows for children aged 1.5 years to three years old that are compressible, providing great adaptable neck support. It comes with a lifetime money-back or replacement guarantee. They hold a Children’s Product Certificate that is certified by a CPSC-approved lab and that demonstrates their compliance with flammability requirements.
Price $$$
Where to Buy
A Little Pillow Company Toddler Pillow (13×18)
Features
If you like family-operated craftsmen who use locally sourced materials, then this 13 ” x 18″ toddler pillow that is made by A Little Pillow Company in Virginia may be the best toddler pillow for you. This company makes their pillows individually with 200-thread count percale, 100% cotton covers that are chemical-free and flame-retardant-free.
The pillows are filled with hypoallergenic Deluxe Cluster Fiber, which is the highest grade of poly fiber available, and each cover is double-stitched to provide extra durability and eliminate the need for pillowcases. Each pillow is hand-stuffed and machine-washable and dryable.
Price $$
Where to Buy
Clevamama Foam Toddler Pillow
Features
The Clevamama Foam Toddler Pillow was developed with the University at Trinity College in Dublin. It is one of the best toddler pillows if you’re concerned about flat head syndrome because it is made using Clevafoam, which is a foam that is scientifically proven to prevent flat head syndrome by reducing pressure on the back of your baby’s head by 50%. It is also breathable and reduces heat retention due to its open cell structure.
It uses Airflow Technology, which allows the fabric to increase airflow and draw away moisture. It is hypoallergenic, CPC-certified, and is chemical-free. It comes with a cover that is removed by a reversed zipper and that can be machine-washed. It is recommended for children 12 months of age and older.
Price $$$
Where to Buy
SlumberLux Toddler Pillow (13 x 18)
Features
The SlumberLux Toddler Pillow measures 13″ x 18″ and is made of a 100% cotton cover with a hypoallergenic microfiber polyester filling. This filling allows the pillow to retain its smoothness and softness even in 6 weeks after a wash. It is standardized with the right thickness for infants two years of age and older to maintain the proper curve between the head and neck. The manufacturer offers a 1-year comfort guarantee where you can get your money back without having to return the pillow if you’re not 100% satisfied with the product.
Price $$$
Where to Buy
My Little North Star Toddler Pillow – Organic Cotton Made in the USA
Features
The next pillow is the My Little North Star Toddler Pillow, which is a 13″ x 18″ pillow made with a 100% certified organic cotton shell and stuffed with a hypoallergenic poly cluster fiber filling. It is chemical-free, flame-retardant-free, and doesn’t have dust mite repellents. It is designed for children ages 2-5 years old and is machine washable and dryable. The manufacturer promises to return the pillow hassle-free and provide a full refund if you’re not 100% satisfied with it.
Price $$
Where to Buy
Kinderfluff Toddler/Travel Pillow -No extra Pillowcase/Sham needed
Features
The Kinderfluff Toddler Pillow is one of the best toddler pillows if you like high-quality materials. The 13″ x 18″ pillow has a 300 thread count, 100% high-quality cotton cover filled with 100% premium synthetic polyester cluster fiberfill. The pillow shell eliminates the need for a pillowcase due to the high thread count, and it is machine-washable. The polyester fill is hypoallergenic and eliminates lumps even after long use. It is ideal for children two years of age or older and also resists dust mites and bacteria.
Price $$
Where to Buy
PharMeDoc Toddler Pillow for Kids 14 x 19 inch
Features
If you’re looking for a large toddler pillow, then the PharMeDoc Toddler Pillow may be the best toddler pillow for you. Though it is last on the list, it does not skimp on quality, with a built-in safety cover made of 100% cotton that is machine-wash friendly and can stay firm and soft even after 400 washes. The soothing hypoallergenic cotton/poly blend filling provides excellent comfort, doesn’t flatten over time, and absorbs noise and shock movement to help your child stay asleep all night.
Price $
Where to Buy
The Verdict: Our Pick of the Best Toddler Pillow
After comparing the ten pillows above, we choose the Sweaty Tots Toddler Pillow as the top pick. This pillow is perfectly adaptable and even has different sizes for children of different ages. Not only is it hypoallergenic, but it also features a high-quality poly fiberfill and the cotton cover is 300 thread count with double-stitched edging. The most outstanding feature is the Outlast Technology to help regulate your child’s temperature while sleeping, as well as the CPSC-approved safety certification. It is one of the most expensive pillows, but it’s definitely the best toddler pillow for the ultimate sleep comfort and safety of little ones.
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