When your baby is a newborn and for several months after, the official advice is not to use a pillow, so it's quite an exciting step when you can buy them some toddler pillows and their very first bedding set.
It's best to wait until they are a toddler and ready to move to their big bed before you introduce a specifically designed toddler pillow and a duvet that's suitable for toddlers. You may be tempted to buy a regular pillow, but toddler pillows are definitely the right bedtime choice for your little one.
NHS advice is not to use a pillow under the age of one year, as having a pillow in your baby's cot creates a risk of suffocation and overheating. The Lullaby Trust also advises: "Pillow use alone has been shown to increase the chance of SIDS occurring by up to 2.5 times." But once your little one becomes a toddler and moves into a cot bed or toddler bed, you might find they're more comfortable with a pillow and toddler duvet, and they might enjoy sleeping in their own bed.
Take a look at our picks of the best toddler pillows available for you to buy right now. We have taken price, size, and design into consideration when choosing our favourites below.
The best toddler pillows at a glance
• Best toddler pillow overall: ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow
• Best sustainable toddler pillow: Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
• Best affordable toddler pillow: Slumberdown Little Slumbers Toddler Super Soft Pillow
Best toddler pillows 2024
Best toddler pillow overall
Made using breathable and hypoallergenic ClevaFoam, this pillow has an open cell structure that cradles your little one's head, neck, and spine while they sleep. Mum tester Laura loved the support this offered her son. “I had tried about 3 different pillows and each ended up being returned for being too high or too hard. This one i think is the one! It feels lovely and soft but gives the support his head and neck needs while being the correct height for him.” She commented. Ideal for children suffering with asthma or allergies, the PH-balanced design gives you some peace of mind, and the removable cover can be easily machine washed, with a clever reversed zipper to keep your toddler safe.
Our mum tester and trusted Mother&Baby writer, Hannah Carroll loved the positive impact this pillow had on her little one's sleep routine. The luxurious junior pillow also comes infused with relaxing lavender essence, promoting a soothing and restful sleep for your child, although dad tester Luke said, “it was very subtle but not sure it makes much difference.” It's designed with reflex support foam, ensuring the right level of support for growing heads and necks.
Easy to care for and generously sized, this junior pillow is suitable for children aged 3 years and up. Safety is paramount, which is why the pillow has been rigorously tested for harmful substances according to the strict criteria of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. With its hypoallergenic and toxin-free construction, it's a worry-free choice for your child's well-being.
Pros
- Keeps toddler's head and spine correctly aligned
- Moulds to fit toddler's head
- Ideal for toddlers with eczema and asthma
Cons
- Doesn't come with a pillowcase
Best sustainable toddler pillow
pandalondon.com
If you find your little one loves your memory foam pillow, then it’s likely they’ll love the Panda Kids Memory Foam Pillow. Designed to cradle your child’s head, ensuring proper alignment of their neck and spine for a restful night's sleep. One mum tester found this great for her son’s neck pain; “I ordered the child panda pilot for my son as he was complaining of neck pain and shoulders in the morning. So I decided to have a search and Panda website was the first I came across and felt it was best for him. I must say it's the best decision I made no more aches and he loves it.” Thanks to its innovative 3rd generation memory foam technology, this pillow maintains its shape and density over time, providing reliable support night after night.
Wrapped in a silky-soft bamboo cover, this pillow is not only gentle on sensitive skin but also hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, making it ideal for children with asthma or allergies. Plus, with its anti-static properties, it feels incredibly cosy against the skin.
The bamboo cover is also It’s also machine-washable for easy maintenance, while the memory foam core can be easily wiped clean. And with a 10-year guarantee, you can trust in its durability and longevity. Made from ethically sourced organic bamboo, grown pesticide-free and delivered in recycled packaging, this pillow is fully sustainable.
The main downside testers found was that parents would have liked a pillowcase to purchase with this pillow. “My only bit of feedback is that it would be lovely if you made a pillowcase to go on top of the pillow and pillow cover that was the right size. I purchased a 60x40cm from another store but I'd have much rather have had a bamboo pillowcase from you that was designed specially for it!”
Pros
- Memory foam keeps toddler's neck and spine correctly aligned
- Temperature-regulating technology helps keep toddlers cool in summer
- Comes with soft bamboo cover, which is machine washable
Cons
- Some parents found finding the right sized pillowcase for this challenging
Best Silentnight toddler pillow
Made using 100% hollow fibre inner and a poly-cotton cover, the Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed Pillow provides a cosy and breathable sleep surface for your little one. What sets it apart is its anti-allergy and antibacterial fibres ensure a hygienic sleep environment, making it ideal for children prone to allergies, with one mum tester saying, “it has the added bonus of being hypoallergenic, which is important with babies as you have no idea what allergies they may have.”
Suitable for children aged 12 months and older and certified by Oeko-Tex for safety standards, this pillow is machine-washable at 40°C and tumble dryer safe on a low heat for easy maintenance. Some mums however found that you needed to wash it on a gentle cycle, otherwise it was ruined.
Pros
- Affordable
- Pillow suitable for washing machine and tumble dryer makes it easy to keep clean
- Part of Silentnight's award-winning Safe Night's collection
Cons
- Some mentioned it loses shape when washed
Best toddler pillow with pillowcase
Made with a 100% cotton with a microfiber fill, this pillow provides the perfect balance of spinal support and softness for your toddler. The KeaDreams Toddler Pillow measures 3cm x 46cm, it’s the ideal size for toddler beds and perfect for preschool naps, travel, and sleepovers.
It’s also a very safe choice for parents with OEKO-TEX 100 Standard Certified Cotton and GOTS Certified CU 1042833. It’s also breathable and free from harmful chemicals, providing a safe and healthy sleep environment for your child.
Cleaning is made easy with this pillow, as both the pillow and included pillowcase in its sweet design are machine washable, keeping it clean and fresh for continuous use. While it’s recommended to air dry, the durability of this pillow ensures it can withstand regular washing.
The most annoying thing testers and little ones found when using this pillow was the label. “The one slight annoyance is the label/tag on the outer seam. This would be better placed inside the pillow or possible on one of the ends.” Said one mum tester.
Pros
- Comes with pillowcase with a cute design
- Pillow and case can be machine washed
- Designed with experts to provide spinal support
Cons
- Kids might find the label annoying
Best affordable toddler pillow
www.argos.co.uk
Introducing the Slumberdown Little Slumbers Pillow, a cozy and affordable option designed specifically for your little one’s comfort and health. Made from 100% polyester with recycled polyester filling, this super-soft pillow provides the perfect support for tiny heads and necks. Mum tester Keeley said, “Lovely little pillow, my (large) 18 month old immediately settled with this. Soft enough to support neck without being too high.”
Not only did parents find this pillow very comfortable for their little ones, but they also loved that it is anti-allergy and endorsed by Allergy UK, making it an excellent choice for children prone to allergies. It’s filled with Allergy Protect fiber, providing asthma, allergy, and dust mite protection for your peace of mind at night.
Measuring 60x40cm and featuring a reduced fill weight, this pillow is made from 100% polyester with recycled polyester filling and is very supportive for your child. Developed for kids aged 12 months and above, it’s also machine washable and tumble dry-friendly, making it easy to maintain.
Safety is of course very important which is why this pillow features a safety stitch to reduce any loose threads, ensuring a safe sleep environment for your tot.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to keep clean, suitable for washing machine and tumble dryer
- Anti-allergy protection helps with asthma, eczema and against dust mites
Cons
- Some find it a bit too thick
Best breathable toddler pillow
The Baby Works Toddler Pillow is the perfect starter pillow for your little one’s sleep journey. Made using memory foam with innovative airflow-treated technology, this pillow offers maximum support and comfort, ensuring your toddler sleeps soundly through the night.
Designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind, this pillow comes with a hypoallergenic fitted pillowcase made from rayon derived from bamboo fibers. This soft and gentle material not only keeps the pillow cool but also provides a cosy sleep surface for your little tot.
With its machine-washable and tumble-dryer friendly design, cleaning is a breeze, ensuring freshness and cleanliness for your child’s sleep environment. Parents say their little ones found this very comfortable, with one mum tester saying, “This pillow was the perfect size and firmness to use as an introduction pillow for my 2 year old. He loves it and brings it all over the house with him.”
Pros
- Soft, hypo-allergenic pillow case included
- Pillowcase suitable for washing machine and tumble dryer
Cons
- Some parents found it quite a bit smaller than other pillows on the market
Best for comfortability
Designed to be suitable for all four seasons, this pillow offers the perfect balance of softness and support for your baby's delicate neck and back. Its lightweight design make it ideal for toddlers, providing support without being too fluffy or bulky.
Made with a cotton-rich blend with a hypoallergenic outer layer and pure hollowfiber filling, this pillow ensures comfort and breathability all year round. One parent said, "Perfect for my little girl and very comfortable during nap time and especially at night." With its quilted cotton outer layer, this pillow is also dust mite proof. It also features fine stitching to ensure that the filling stays in place, maintaining its shape and support over years of use.
Measuring approximately 40cm x 60cm, this pillow is the perfect size for cot beds, and with its machine-washable design, it’s easy to keep your baby’s sleep space clean and hygienic.
Pros
- Quilted cotton rich outer layer makes it dust mite proof, soft and comfortable for the baby and adds durability.
- Machine washable as synthetic.
Cons
- Some parents found it arrives quite lumpy
Toddler Pillows: All you need to know
Choosing the right pillow for your toddler
When buying a toddler pillow, it's important to remember to choose materials that are soft against your little ones' skin. It's also handy to get a smaller pillow than your own that fits them better.
When can toddlers have a pillow?
Parenting expert and founder of The Regular Parent, Fi Star-Stone, says little ones really don't need pillows like we do, "They're perfectly comfortable (and safer) without one until they're ready to move to a big bed with toddler bedding (between 18 months - 3 years).
"Until then, quilts and pillows can cause a threat of suffocation or overheating. So, keep these items out of your little one's sleep routine. The emptier the crib or cot, the safer the sleep."
Do toddlers need a pillow?
As adults, we can't imagine going to bed without tucking up with a comfy pillow. But we know how much a toddler moves during their sleep. How often do you nip into their room to check how they are, only to find them upside down, feet hanging off the edge and head at the opposite end of the bed from where they started?
If you're going to introduce a pillow, manage your expectations. Your toddler might not sleep soundly in one position with a neatly placed pillow all night long.
It's best to wait as long as possible before giving your toddler a pillow. Wait until they show interest in one and aren't moving around so much at night. Keeping your child's bed as clear as possible from toys, bedding, and cushions is the best approach for as long as possible.
Remember, when your little one transitions to a bed, you don't need to use a pillow right away. "In fact, to make the transition from cot to bed easier, use their sleeping bag or blankets that they are used to so they feel familiar and settled.
"When they're comfortable with their new bed, choose quilts and pillows that conform to British safety standards," says Fi. "Toddlers don't need a standard-size pillow. Choose a pillow that is small, offers support, and retains its shape so as not to pose a suffocation risk.
"Think about investing in an anti-allergy pillow or pillow protector. Keep an eye on how your toddler gets along with it. If they're throwing the pillow on the floor - don't worry! As long as they're sleeping, then they're comfortable, so don't worry that they don't use it."
Can toddlers use normal pillows?
When you decide your little one is ready for a pillow, you can keep the bedding to a minimum by not using a pillowcase or looking for a pillow with a built-in washable cover instead. And there's no need for an adult-sized pillow – buy a specific toddler pillow that's smaller and firmer.
About the expert
As a mum of two, Fi Star-Stone knows that parenting isn’t always easy. Her gentle techniques, and approachable manner are popular with families and celebs worldwide. Fi’s qualifications include a Degree in Childhood and Youth studies, an NNEB diploma in Nursery nursing, and a Diploma in Childhood studies. She’s been working with children and families for 25 years.
Lily Anderson is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor at Bauer Media, where she writes about and reviews products for titles like Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Yours.