Medically Reviewed by: Fi Star-Stone
While newborns shouldn’t use pillows for safety reasons, the transition to a toddler bed marks an exciting milestone where a pillow can become part of your little one’s bedtime routine.
We’ve tested the best toddler pillows of 2025, all recommended by real parents for their comfort, support, and safety. To help guide you, we also spoke to Fi Star-Stone, a parenting expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her insights on choosing the right pillow for your toddler’s needs.
This guide covers everything you need to know to pick the perfect toddler pillow, ensuring your child gets the best sleep possible.
Take a look at our picks of the best toddler pillows available for you to buy right now...
Best toddler pillows at a glance:
How Mother&Baby selected the best toddler pillows
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.
For the essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

How we chose and tested the best toddler pillows in 2025
When it comes to selecting the best toddler pillows, we go the extra mile to ensure our recommendations are based on thorough, real-world testing. Our dedicated team of parent testers, alongside our experienced editorial team and product specialists, has carefully reviewed each pillow. We also consult experts in child sleep safety and comfort to provide expert-backed advice for your little one's rest.
If we can’t test a product personally, we make sure to only recommend those from reputable brands. We comb through online reviews, parent forums, and real-life experiences to ensure each pillow lives up to its claims and is truly a worthy addition to your home.
For the best toddler pillows, we considered the following criteria:
Safety and hypoallergenic features
Ensuring the pillow is safe for little ones with sensitive skin or allergies.
Material quality and durability
Choosing pillows made from high-quality, long-lasting materials.
Comfort and support
Ensuring the pillow offers the right amount of comfort and support for a toddler’s growing body.
Design and ease of cleaning
Opting for pillows with removable, washable covers and practical designs for easy maintenance.
Size and fit
Considering the ideal size for toddlers, with the right height and shape to promote restful sleep.
Value for money
Finding pillows that offer a good balance of affordability and quality.
After extensive testing, the top overall pick was the ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow. Made from breathable and hypoallergenic ClevaFoam, it provides great head, neck, and spine support while keeping little ones comfortable. Our parent testers appreciated the PH-balanced design, which is especially helpful for kids with asthma or allergies. Plus, the removable cover is easy to wash, although testers wished it came with an additional pillowcase.
For those who want a pillowcase included, the KeaDreams Toddler Pillow is a great option, though testers noted the label on the outer seam was a bit annoying.
The Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is our top pick for sustainability. The memory foam helps maintain proper neck and spine alignment, and the bamboo cover adds a soft, breathable touch. Our testers found it comfortable, although they also wished for an extra pillowcase due to the pillow’s smaller size.
Finally, for a budget-friendly choice, the Argos Toddler Pillow is a hit with parents. It’s hypoallergenic, comfortable, and endorsed by Allergy UK, making it a great option for those seeking both value and comfort.
Here's our pick of the best toddler pillows to buy in 2025
1.
Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed Pillow
Best toddler pillow overall

This award-winning pillow is designed with your little one’s comfort and safety in mind. It’s made in Oeko-Tex certified factories, so you can trust that it meets the highest safety standards. Filled with anti-bacterial, anti-allergy fibres, it keeps the pillow fresh, hygienic, and safe for your toddler. Plus, it’s super easy to care for—just pop it in the washing machine and tumble dry. Perfect for toddlers aged 12 months+, it’s the perfect introduction to comfortable and secure sleep!
One parent reviewer said: "I spent hours researching about this product and the best pillow for babies. I must say this is a premium product at a very good price. The pillow is nice, soft and thin, which is perfect for babies as their heads are not meant to be too high up, so this is perfect regardless of different head shapes and sizes for babies. I am happy with this product and I will recommend this to anyone who has a baby and wants to buy a pillow for their baby. Easy to clean and wash, and size and everything is perfect. Well worth it."
Pros
- Soft and comfortable, ideal for toddlers
- Provides gentle support to the head and neck
- A great first pillow for transitioning toddlers
Cons
- Mixed reviews on quality and value for money
Best bamboo toddler pillow

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. Thanks to its innovative 3rd generation memory foam technology, this pillow maintains its shape and density over time, providing reliable support night after night.
Mother&Baby writer and mum, Rebecca Lancaster, was keen to test this pillow, having experienced neck pain herself from a wonky neck. Her daughter had also started to complain about having a sore neck in the mornings. After sleeping on the pillow for a couple of weeks, Rebecca's daughter has been very happy to go to bed: "She says it’s very comfortable and loves how soft the cover feels. She’s also needed to be woken every morning, and while I wouldn’t guarantee that it’s a result of the pillow, she is certainly sleeping very well at the moment," says Rebecca. Another mum tester found it great for her son’s neck pain too, saying, “I must say it's the best decision I made no more aches and he loves it.”
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 mould, making it ideal for children with asthma or allergies - although, our tester Rebecca said, "I was expecting a ‘Bamboo’ memory foam pillow to have more bamboo as part of its materials, but it is actually just 70% of the outer cover." The bamboo cover is 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 also fully sustainable.
The main downside testers found was that parents would have liked a pillowcase to purchase with this pillow. One tester said, “My only bit of feedback is that it would be lovely if you made a pillowcase to go on top of the pillow and a pillow cover that was the right size. I purchased a 60x40cm from another store, but I'd have much rather had a bamboo pillowcase from you that was designed specially for it!” Rebecca also says, "It is a smaller size than most pillows so while you could put it in a pillowcase to match the rest of your bedding, it might end up having a lot of excess fabric, and you’d lose the softness and sweat-wicking, hypoallergenic qualities of the bamboo cover." If you want the pillow to match the bedding, Rebecca says this may be something to consider.
Read our full Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review
Pros
- Memory foam keeps toddler's neck and spine correctly aligned
- Temperature-regulating tech helps keep toddlers cool in summer
- Comes with a soft bamboo cover, which is machine washable
Cons
- Challenging to find the right-sized pillowcase
Size: | 45 x 25cm |
Material: | Natural bamboo |
- Made from natural bamboo
- Hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial
- Machine-washable cover
- Memory foam
3.
Silentnight Healthy Growth Breathable Pillow
Best breathable toddler pillow

Designed with restful, healthy sleep in mind, this toddler pillow ticks every box for comfort and care. The breathable mesh sides improve airflow, while the naturally cooling cotton cover helps keep little ones cosy all night. Inside, anti-bacterial fibres work to protect against bacteria and dust mites, making it an excellent choice for allergy prevention. And with the stamp of approval from the British Allergy Foundation, you can feel confident it’s supporting your child’s wellbeing as they grow and recharge.
Parents are full of praise, too. One parent said, "The size, thickness, and support were perfect for little heads. The material is soft, breathable, and easy to wash. I thought these were excellent value for money and fantastic quality compared to others on the market.”
Fresh, supportive and allergy-friendly, a pillow designed to help little ones sleep soundly, night after night.
Pros
- Suitable for children with allergies due to breathable material
- Soft, supportive, and comfortable for small heads
- Easy to wash and maintain
Cons
- Mixed opinions on size, with some parents finding it less than ideal
Best affordable toddler pillow

www.argos.co.uk
Introducing the Slumberdown Little Slumbers Pillow, a cosy, affordable option designed with your child’s comfort and health in mind. Made from 100 per cent polyester with recycled polyester filling, it’s wonderfully soft while providing just the right level of support for tiny heads and necks. One mum tester told us: “Lovely little pillow, my (large) 18-month-old immediately settled with this. Soft enough to support the neck without being too high.”
Parents also love the added reassurance that comes with its Allergy UK endorsement. Filled with allergy-protected fibres, it helps guard against asthma, dust mites and allergies, giving you peace of mind at bedtime. As one parent said, “Very comfortable for kids with a super price.”
Measuring 60x40cm with a reduced fill weight, the Little Slumbers Pillow is designed specifically for children aged 12 months and up. It’s machine washable, tumble dry-friendly, and even features a safety stitch to reduce loose threads, making it a safe, supportive and easy-to-care-for choice for your toddler’s bed.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to keep clean, suitable for washing machine and tumble dryer
- Anti-allergy protection helps with asthma, and eczema and against dust mites
Cons
- Some find it a bit too thick
Size: | 40 x 60cm |
Material: | Recycled polyester filling |
- 100 per cent polyester cover
- Machine washable at 40°c
- Tumble dry
- Anti-allergy
Best anti-allergy toddler pillow

www.johnlewis.com
This pillow could be the perfect bedtime upgrade if your toddler struggles with allergies. Made with clever Micro-Fresh technology, it helps reduce bacteria growth by up to 99.99%, so it stays fresher for longer – even after endless washes. The polyester filling offers just the right balance of softness and support, while the breathable materials are gentle on delicate skin.
Parents are already noticing the difference. One parent shared: “New pillows for the children, which they have really taken to. Soft yet supportive, and helping them sleep through the night.” Another added: “Very good quality and price very reasonable. Perfect transition from toddler pillow. Kids said it was comfortable. Anti-allergy spec a bonus.”
Practical, durable, and allergy-friendly, it’s a pillow that makes bedtime a little easier for both you and your little one.
Pros
- Soft yet supportive, promoting a good night’s sleep
- Anti-allergy feature appreciated by parents
- Good quality at a reasonable price
Cons
- One review mentioned it flattens quickly in the middle and can’t be fluffed back
6.
WOOLROOM Deluxe Washable Kids Cot Pillow
Best premium toddler pillow

Treat your child to premium comfort with the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Kids Cot Pillow. Expertly crafted with 100 per cent British wool, this pillow combines natural luxury with everyday practicality. Wool’s breathable and temperature-regulating properties help keep little sleepers cool in summer and cosy in winter, while its natural resistance to dust mites, mould, and bacteria makes it an allergy-friendly choice.
“As a mum, I know how important it is to find products that balance comfort with peace of mind. What I love about the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Kids Cot Pillow is that it feels truly premium without losing that all-important softness for little heads. It’s allergy-friendly, practical, and above all, designed to help children sleep soundly, which is something you can't put a price on,” says Senior. Digital Writer, Hannah Carroll.
Despite its premium quality, it’s designed with little ones in mind; soft, supportive, and perfectly sized for smaller heads. The pure cotton cover is gentle against delicate skin and fully machine washable, making it as practical as it is comfortable.
A beautifully made, premium pillow that delivers safe, healthy, and blissfully comfortable sleep for your toddler.
Pros
- Crafted with 100 per cent British wool
- Soft and comfortable
- Temperature regulating
Cons
- Premium price but very justified in our opinion
The best toddler pillow covers
7.
Organic Cotton 2-pack Cot Bed Pillowcases
Best organic toddler pillow case

Made from 100 per cent natural cotton, these toddler pillowcases are designed with simplicity and safety in mind. The organic cotton fabric is ultra-soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin, making it ideal for newborns and toddlers. Because the material is natural and chemical-free, it reduces the risk of irritation or discomfort, while also allowing little ones to sleep soundly in all seasons. The envelope closure adds to the simple, thoughtful design, free from zippers or buttons, ensuring no choking hazards and keeping the pillow clean and secure.
The beauty of these pillowcases lies in their durability and versatility. Organic cotton lasts longer and becomes softer with every wash, making it a sustainable and practical choice for daily use.
Pros
- Style suits all nurseries
- Four colour choices
- Organic cotton is a natural and breathable fabric
Cons
- The design is basic
Best toddler pillow case for skin and hair

Made from the finest mulberry silk, these pillowcases are ultra-soft, breathable, and naturally gentle on delicate toddler skin. Unlike rougher fabrics that can tug or irritate, silk helps retain skin’s natural moisture while reducing friction during sleep. This makes it particularly beneficial for little ones with sensitive skin, as it soothes rather than irritates and supports a comfortable, healthy night’s rest in every season. The hidden zipper design also keeps the pillow securely in place without hard seams or tags that could cause discomfort.
One of the greatest advantages of silk pillowcases for toddlers is their ability to care for young hair. Silk’s smooth surface reduces tangles, friction, and breakage, helping to prevent thinning or hair loss, which can be common in toddlers with fine, delicate hair. By protecting both skin and hair, these pillowcases not only provide daily comfort but also support healthy growth and wellbeing.
Pros
- Multiple sizes avaliable
- Silk material is great for young hair
- Machine washable
Cons
- Inferior silk blends or synthetic satins may trap heat and feel less breathable. Choosing high-quality silk like this one is key.
Safety advice on using toddler pillows
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.
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 one's 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. For this reason, it's best to wait as long as possible before giving your toddler a pillow. Wait until they show an 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.
Why you can trust us
At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available.
Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry and are among the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products. Every year, we arrange for thousands of independent parent reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
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Read more about how we test and why you should trust us.
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.
About the author
Lily Anderson was a Deputy Commercial Content Editor at Bauer Media, where she wrote about and reviewed products for titles like Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Yours.