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.
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.
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.
Testing the best toddler pillows
We took the confusion out of choosing the best toddler pillow for your little one by researching the reviews online to find the best tried-and-tested toddler pillows. We looked out for feedback on safety and hypoallergenic features, material quality and durability, design and ease of cleaning, as well as size, comfort and value for money.
Take a look at our picks of the best toddler pillows available for you to buy right now.
Best toddler pillows
16% Off Best sustainable toddler pillow
Best Silentnight toddler pillow
Best toddler pillow with pillowcase
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, saying, “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.” Also Ideal for children suffering with asthma or allergies, the PH-balanced design gives you 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 is designed with reflex support foam, ensuring the right level of support for growing heads and necks, and 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.”
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
| Size: | 50 x 30 x 5.5cm |
| Material: | Cotton |
- Removable, washable cover
- PH balanced
- Open cell structure
- Made from ClevaFoam
- Pillow is hand wash only
- Do not tumble dry
16% Off Best sustainable 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. Indeed, one mum tester found it great for her son’s neck pain. She said, “I ordered the child panda pillow 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 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. On 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 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 tech helps keep toddlers cool in summer
- Comes with 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
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. One mum tester said, “it has the added bonus of being hypoallergenic, which is important with babies as you have no idea what allergies they may have.” the anti-allergy and antibacterial fibres set this toddler pillow apart, ensuring a hygienic sleep environment, especially for children prone to allergies.
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
- Easy to clean and dry in the washing machine and tumble dryer
- Part of Silentnight's award-winning Safe Night's collection
Cons
- Some mentioned it loses shape when washed
| Size: | 40 x 60cm |
| Material: | Polycotton and hollow fibre |
- 100 per cent hollow fibre
- Machine washable
- Tumble dry
- Anti-allergy
Best toddler pillow with pillowcase
Made with a 100 per cent cotton with a microfiber filler, 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 a very safe choice for parents, breathable and free from harmful chemicals, and providing a safe and healthy sleep environment for your child.
Cleaning is straightforward with this pillow, as both the pillow and included pillowcase are machine washable, for easy 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 possibly 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
| Size: | 46 x 33cm |
| Material: | Microfibre fill |
- Machine washable
- Microfibre fill
- 100 per cent organic cotton cover
- Multiple different cover designs
Best affordable toddler pillow
Mother & Babywww.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
| Size: | 40 x 60cm |
| Material: | Recycled polyester filling |
- 100 per cent polyester cover
- Machine washable at 40°c
- Tumble dry
- Anti-allergy
Best for comfortability
Made with a cotton-rich blend with a hypoallergenic outer layer and pure hollowfiber filling, this toddler pillow is designed to be suitable for all four seasons, ensuring comfort and breathability all year round. One parent describes it as; "Perfect for my little girl and very comfortable during nap time and especially at night."
Featuring fine stitching to ensure that the filling stays in place, it is designed to maintain its shape and support over years of use, although some parents have reported that it has arrived lumpy. Its lightweight design odoes offer the perfect balance of softness and support for your toddler's delicate neck and back, and with the quilted cotton outer layer, it is also dust mite proof.
Measuring approximately 40cm x 60cm, the 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
- The quilted design means it is soft, comfy and durable for baby
- 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. 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.
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 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.