5 Best Toddler Pillows

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My search for the best toddler pillow started as a result of the struggle I had putting my little girl to sleep. For the past two years, I have been spending close to an hour every night, rocking her and singing lullabies.

Even after putting her in her bed, I had to keep holding her hand until she fell asleep. Without doing that, she would scream her tiny lungs out, and this, of course, left me feeling like a very bad parent.

At a Glance: The Best Toddler Pillows to Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product.

On seeing how restless she would get whenever it was bedtime, I decided to look for a solution that would help make her calmer. I had noted that she had started using her small doll as a pillow. So, I thought it was the best time to introduce her to a toddler pillow.

The first choice of a toddler pillow I bought turned out to be a scam. After using it a few times, the pillow essentially collapsed. Since my daughter had already fallen in love with it, she started demanding a new one.

But I learned my lesson, and I wasn’t about to throw my money at just any greedy and unscrupulous company this time around. Thus I began my search for how to choose the best pillow for a toddler.

The most astonishing thing I discovered during my research was that some scam companies actually paid individual buyers to leave good ratings on their products. With that in mind, we can’t afford to just rely on user ratings to determine how good a toddler pillow is.

It took me a lot of time and effort to choose the best pillow for toddlers, as there were so many brands and all of them claimed to be the best pillow for a toddler. To save you the hassle I went through, I created this, “my first pillow” review below.

After taking more than 20 hours trying to choose the best toddler pillows, I settled for the Little One’s Pillow. I liked the fact that it was certified to be made of 100% organic cotton, and I am happy to report that after a few weeks of use and washing it, it has not disappointed. It is holding up very well, and my daughter loves it. Bedtime is much calmer now!

Top 5 Best Pillows For Toddlers

1. Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow – Best For Allergies

Kids often spend their days playing with their favorite toys or jumping on trampolines. After a hard day of play, they need a nice pillow that will support their necks, no matter their preferred sleeping styles. This is exactly what the Little Sleepy Head toddler pillow offers.

The US-made pillow offers the right softness for your toddler. The cozy pillow is neither too hard nor too fluffy, ensuring that your child enjoys maximum comfort. You can be assured that your baby will love it.

Toddlers sleep in all kinds of positions. Whether your toddler likes sleeping on their back, side, or stomach, this pillow has been made to adjust to their sleeping position.

Customers who have bought the pillow say it is a very comfy one for their children. They add that is a good choice for initiating pillows to toddlers.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic, suitable for children with allergies
• Washable; doesn’t collapse after a wash
• Made of 200-thread count, high-quality material
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a pillow case

This is without a doubt a good pillow for toddlers. However, you should take note that it is not recommended for use with toddlers under the age of two.

2. Little One's Pillow – Best Overall

Whether your children are playing in the kid’s playhouse or riding in a car, the best organic toddler pillow can come in handy. A good option is the Little One’s pillow, made of organic cotton.

The pillow is soft and fluffy while still providing the right amount of support necessary for the head, neck, and spine of a toddler. While it may look small, it is a good choice for providing that personalized and relaxed sleeping experienced for young children.

Customers who have bought the pillow say they like the warmth, comfort, and coziness they get from it. It makes their little ones feel safe and relaxed. Many say that their babies want to take the pillow everywhere they go.

Pros:

• The 100% certified organic cover means the pillow is free of chemicals
• The high thread count in the cover ensures no impurities can penetrate
• Hypoallergenic, suitable for children with allergies
• Unique fiber filling ensures the pillow has a life of three to five years
• Machine washable
• Soft but supportive

Cons:

• Some find it too flat

While the filling is not organic, the manufacturer has developed his poly-cluster fiber in house so as to make it as chemical-free as possible. No chemicals are used to treat the fibers. The only reason why they did not go organic with the fibers was because their research showed it would not be comfortable enough.

This is a pillow that does not get lumpy even after being machine washed, a common problem with other toddler pillows. The pillow has been developed in collaboration with pediatricians and chiropractors, making it a solid choice for toddlers. I choose this as the best overall as the cover has been certified to be 100% organic.

3. Toddler Pillow – Most Durable

Pediatricians recommend that the right size of a toddler pillow should be 13’’ by 18’’. The simply-named Toddler Pillow is one of the brands that fits those dimensions and has been made using 100% natural cotton and hypoallergenic fill as well.

Customers who have bought this pillow say they like the fact that it’s flat and therefore, reduces the risk of suffocation for children who sleep on their stomachs. They also add that it holds up well after washing. Many agree that the pillow is durable and maintains its shape for a long time.

Pros:

• Good size for toddlers
• Double stitched to ensure durability
• Hand stuffed to ensure the best quality
• No harmful chemicals are used
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a pillow case

The Toddler Pillow is made of deluxe cluster fiber, the highest grade of poly fiber available.

4. Celeep Baby Toddler Pillow Set – Best Value

Chiropractors suggest that the best first pillow for toddler should not have too much filling. This is exactly what the Celeep Baby Toddler Pillow seeks to offer, as it is made to be just the right amount of fluffy to ensure that your baby sleeps comfortably and safely all night. This can also go a long way in preventing common head and neck problems in infants.

The pillow can be machine washed and is dust-mite, mold, and mildew resistant. To clean the pillow, all you need to do is to place it in the washer on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Customers say they like the fact that this pillow has just the right amount of fill. They add that the pillow is perfectly comfortable, and their toddlers love them.

Pros:

• Two pillows for the price of one
• Hypoallergenic, don’t have to worry about the risk of allergies
• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
• The microfiber filling ensures comfort
• Does not get lumpy after washing

Cons:

• A bit fluffier

When you buy this set of two toddler pillows, you have the option to swap out the pillow you’re using once it gets dirty for a fresh one. Or if you have twins or two small children, you only have to buy this set once, saving you time and effort. This is definitely a pillow set that offers the best value for your money.

5. HANY Natural Latex Toddler Pillow – Best Organic Pillow

You adore your toddler. Whether you are buying a toy or the best toddler pillow that’s organic, you always want to choose the best for your child. One of the options that can help you make the right choice is the HANY Natural Latex Toddler Pillow.

This is a pillow for toddlers that can help to enhance the sleep quality of your baby and his or her general development. It has been designed with the right amount of fill to provide the necessary head and neck support.

Users of the pillow say it is a great choice for their babies as it is neither too high nor too low. They add that their children love it and say it is a great choice for introducing your child to a pillow. They also point to the fact that it holds up well even after a few years of use.

Pros:

• Offers the right amount of neck support for your toddler
• Recommended by chiropractors
• Tested and certified for not containing heavy metals, mold, or mildew
• Made in the USA, ensuring quality is controlled
• Super-responsive customer service; if you’re not satisfied, they are always ready to offer a replacement or money back

Cons:

• The stitching looks a bit weak

If you would like to transition your baby from no pillow to the use of one, this is just the right option for that. It is made of a very soft filing, so it won’t cause any shock to the child’s neck. Whether you need a pillow for naps, bedtime, daycare, or traveling, the HANY Natural Latex Toddler Pillow is a great option for you.

When To Introduce A Pillow To Your Toddler 

When is the right time for introducing a toddler to a pillow? This is a question that parents frequently ask, especially when raising their first child. One of the baby safety tips is to avoid using pillows and blankets with toddlers under one year of age, as this can lead to choking or suffocation.

Many pediatricians and chiropractors agree that the right time to introduce a pillow is when you are transitioning your baby from the crib to a bed. This is usually done somewhere between 18 and 24 months.

But babies develop and react differently, so there is no universally accepted perfect time to introduce your toddler to a pillow. There are certain cues that you should watch for that may be giving a hint that your baby is ready for a pillow. These include:

• Trying to prop the head when sleeping
• Becoming restless at night as a result of discomfort
• Resting their head on a stuffed animal or blanket
• Using a pillow while on the couch or your bed

How To Handle A Thick Toddler’s Pillow

If you happen to buy a toddler’s pillow that turns out to be too thick for your child to use comfortably, this can lead to a painful neck and spinal issues. The good news is that you don’t have to throw away the pillow!

There are some tricks you can use to make the bulky pillow more suitable. Just follow these steps:

• Remove all or part of the stitching along one side of the pillow
• Remove a small amount of stuffing at a time until you get the desired thickness
• Re-sew the pillow closed (if you aren’t good at sewing, you can take it to your local tailor)

Washing Guidelines For The Best Toddler’s Pillows

In most cases, manufacturers recommend that baby pillows be washed using a mild liquid detergent. Avoid using powdered soap, as it will leave residue on the toddler’s pillow.

If you are using a dryer, ensure that you are using the low heat or air cycle only until the pillow gets dry. Avoid using high heat and overdrying, as it will lead to clumping of the filling.

How To Choose The Best Pillow For Toddlers

There are several factors to consider when choosing a toddler pillow. These are:

Age

If your kid is younger, it’s a good idea to select a firmer pillow. But as they grow older, you can introduce them to the softer, fluffy pillows.

Ability To Wash

Be sure to read the care instructions before making a buying decision. Following these instructions can help to make the pillow more durable and keep it clean.

Allergies

Consider if your child is allergic to certain materials. If your answer is “yes”, you probably want to choose a hypoallergenic toddler pillow. Even though synthetic materials are not a great choice, they are usually resistant to mildews and molds. If your child is not allergic to any material, you can choose natural pillows.

Firm Vs Soft Pillow

It is important to have a good balance between support and comfort. If you find that a pillow doesn’t regain its shape after being pressed, then it is too soft and is not safe for your toddler as it might end up suffocating them.

On the other hand, if the pillow doesn’t go down much when being pressed, it will probably be uncomfortable for your child. Even though the majority of baby pillows have been designed to provide optimum support, this is a key consideration.

Cover Material

In the majority of toddler pillows, the outer cover is made of cotton. This could be regular cotton or organic cotton. Should you choose an organic or non-organic pillow?

One of the reasons you should choose an organic pillow is that it doesn’t contain harmful bleaches, toxins, and dyes that are commonly used in the cotton manufacturing process.

It goes without saying that you do not want your baby to breathe in these industrial chemicals. In most cases, the best organic toddler pillows are clearly marked. If you are unsure if it is organic, then you should assume that the pillow isn’t.

Satisfaction Guarantee

The majority of toddler pillows come with a satisfaction guarantee. Some toddler pillows have a guarantee of 90 days, while others have more than a year guarantee. The duration will vary depending on the brand, but it will generally cover torn seams, poor workmanship, and loss of shape.

In most cases, a longer guarantee would be an indication of a well-made product that the company is willing and able to stand behind.

Final Thoughts

One of the most important decisions you will need to make concerning your toddler’s sleep is the choice of the best toddler’s pillow. This can impact the quality of your baby’s sleep and his or her head and neck condition.

Look for a pillow that is organic, hypoallergenic, and that will hold up after many washes. Luckily for you, you do not have to stress yourself trying to pick the best pillows for toddlers. You can use this review and guide to make the right choice the easy way!