The 5 Best Toddler Pillows

Here's the thing: when it comes to pillows, waiting as long as possible is better. Babies--even young toddlers--can easily suffocate using a pillow. What's more, the longer a child will sleep with a straight, flat spine, the better it is for their back and skeletal health, as well as brain development (quality sleep is important for many reasons). However, if you're reading this, chances are you are in the market for a quality toddler pillow because your child has moved on from their crib and is old enough to use a pillow. You'll want to keep a few things in mind when it comes to finding the best toddler pillow; don't worry, we'll go over that. For now, these are the best 5 toddler pillow options on the market.

Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow

A Toddler Pillow with a Cause

While your toddler's head and neck get support with this pillow, this company is supporting a worthy cause: The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer

Best Overall

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This favorite toddler pillow is number one on this list because parents love the way it’s made, while toddlers love how comfy they are sleeping on it. It’s 100% hypoallergenic, too, so your kiddo will sleep a bit more soundly. As for the ergonomics of this pillow: it’s designed specifically with the shoulders and head of a toddler in mind. Basically, it’s supportive enough to keep your toddler aligned, yet soft enough that their little necks won’t become strained. In short, it’s the perfect balance in a pillow.

As a bonus that has nothing to do with this pillow but everything to do with the company, with every purchase, a percentage goes to The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer as well as pillow donations to each child that they help.

Pros:

Machine washable.
Made in the USA.
Costumer service with this small company is excellent.

Cons:

Pillowcases are sold separately.

Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow

Sweet Dreams Are Made With This Pillow

Your young kiddo will have no problem heading to Dreamtown with this pillow.

Runner-Up

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This small, family-owned company has created a truly wonderful toddler pillow. While other pillows on the market tend to flatten after the first wash, this Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow retains its shape quite well. It is a bit thicker for a stomach or back sleeper, but for side sleepers or kids who just love to cuddle a pillow during movie night, this is a really nice option.

Comes in at 14 x 19 inches–a bit bigger than the typical toddler pillow, but still well within the recommended size guidelines.

Pros:

Made in the USA
Mold resistant and hypoallergenic.
Excellent costumer service.

Cons:

Not flame resistant. However, this means that there are no toxic chemicals sprayed on the pillow.

Little One’s Pillow Toddler Pillow

Supportive and Comfy.

With the best of both worlds in one pillow---supportive, yet fluffy---your toddler will be thrilled with this pillow by Little Ones.

Best Organic Toddler Pillow

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When it comes to your child’s skin and lungs, every parent wants the best. For toddler pillows, that means organic and it means hypoallergenic. You don’t want your child breathing in toxic chemical residue, or spending their time sleeping on a pillow that contains allergens. This toddler pillow from Little One’s Pillow fits the bill: made with an organic cotton shell and a hypoallergenic polyester fiber fill, this pillow is entirely chemical free and GOTS certified.

The design of the pillow is also something special: it was designed with the input of chiropractors and pediatricians. Rest assured, your child is sleeping on a toxin-free, ergonomically designed pillow that is exactly right for their small, developing bodies and brains.

Pros:

Made in the USA
Organic cotton shell
Ergonomically designed
Easy to care for, just toss it in the wash and air dry.

Cons:

Can become flat and lumpy after washing. While this can be a hassle, it’s possible to vigorously fluff the pillow back into shape.

KeaBabies Toddler Pillow

Fun and Funky Toddler Pillow

If your toddler likes unique, fun patterns, then they'll love this option. With six different patterns available, these cotton toddler pillows will surely become a well-loved addition to bed in no time.

Best Prints

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KeaBabies Toddler Pillow is a toddler favorite for a few reasons: first, the toddler-friendly, fun pillowcase designs that are included (with multiple options to choose from, to boot). Second, these pillows are ergonomically designed. While this might not mean much to a toddler, it translates to a better night’s sleep, and that they’ll appreciate (or at the very least, you certainly will). Both the pillow shell and pillowcase are made from 100% cotton, and costumers raved that with every wash the cases soften further.

Pros:

At 13 x 18 inches, this is the ideal size for a toddler’s body and head.
Machine wash; air dry.

Cons:

Pillow flattens quickly and easily. This can be nice for a stomach or back sleeper, however.

A Little Pillow Company Toddler Pillow

An Eco-Friendly Option, Made from Plastic and Cotton

If your environmental footprint matters to you, this is a great (and unique) option by A Little Pillow Company: it is made from cotton and recycled plastic bottles.

Most Eco-Friendly

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With an outer shell that is 100% untreated cotton cover and a Certified Green Product inner fill made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, you’re giving your child a comfortable night’s rest without the environmental impact of many pillows on the market today. What’s more, you can toss this pillow directly in the washer and dryer whenever you need—they’re made to withstand it.

Designed with the typical 2-3 year old in mind, this toddler pillow is 13 x 18 inches and provides the correct dimensions for your growing child. Pillow cases aren’t included, but are definitely recommended (toddlers can be kinda messy even at night, after all, and the convenience of a pillowcase makes the messes a little easier to handle).

Pros:

Although you’ll likely want a pillowcase, there are a number of unique outer shell fabrics to choose from that your toddler will love.
Perfect size for a 2-3 year old–the typical age when parents notice their children wanting a pillow.
Made in Virginia, USA.

Cons:

Pillow is very fluffy upon arrival, but it quickly (and dramatically) flattens despite proper fluffing and turning of the pillow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a toddler pillow?

First of all, you should never give your toddler an adult size pillow to sleep on. An adult pillow is specifically designed with adult proportions in mind, and a toddler simply does not have the same proportions as an adult. The result? Resting on a regular pillow will create strain on the neck and shoulders of your toddler. Initially, this will cause sleepless, uncomfortable nights. Over time, this will cause poor posture. If it’s time for your toddler to have their own pillow, you’ll want to find one that is specifically designed for your baby’s proportions.

When should you introduce a pillow?

There isn’t any straight answer for this question. As with most questions on parenting, the answers lie within what is right for you and your child. If a child shows no signs of wanting a pillow and happily sleeps without one, wait. However, if your little buddy enjoys cozying up on something while they sleep, you might try introducing an appropriate toddler pillow to their bed. Another solid indicator? Your toddler’s shoulders are wider than their head. If they are side sleepers, an appropriate pillow might be more comfortable for them as opposed to the flat, firm mattress.