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A toddler pillow can be the next best thing in your toddler’s life and might even make them have a more comfortable night’s sleep! Check out the best toddler pillows you can find and learn what you need to look for when searching for a toddler pillow.
- At what age should I introduce a toddler pillow?
- Is it safe for my toddler to sleep with a pillow?
- Why you should choose a toddler pillow over a regular pillow?
- Things to consider when choosing a toddler pillow
- What are the 12 best toddler pillows?
- 1. Little Sleepy Head
- 2. Lofe
- 3. Sweaty Tots
- 4. Dreamtown Kids
- 5. My Little North Star
- 6. Zack and Ali
- 7. Aloudy Memory Foam
- 8. Celeep
- 9. Coop Home Goods
- 10. Comfyt
- 11. Woolino
- Which pillow shall I choose?
At what age should I introduce a toddler pillow?
You might be wondering at what age you are supposed to let your toddler sleep with a toddler pillow, right?
To be honest, there really isn’t a specific age you should introduce a toddler pillow, it is ultimately up to you when you let your toddler sleep with a pillow.
Most parents wait until your child is at least 18 months old, but around 2 years old is pretty typical.
Some mothers may wait longer, it really is up to you.
Having said that, it is helpful to see if your toddler is even ready for a pillow.
Here are a few good things to look for to determine if your toddler is ready for a toddler pillow or not.
- They enjoy laying on your pillow or other cushions around the house.
- They lay their head on stuffed animals or blankets.
- Restless at night due to not being comfortable
- They understand what a pillow is and asks for one
I noticed with my toddler that he started to look uncomfortable when I would put him down for a nap or at bedtime.
He began to be a little restless at night and had a hard time getting comfortable.
For I couple of days I folded up a blanket and tucked it down the sides of his crib, so it stayed tight, tucked in, and safe, and let’s just say he LOVED it!
He was back to his great sleeping habits and seemed to really enjoy having his head propped up a little bit.
So, our next purchase was a toddler pillow.
My little guy was just a month or so shy of 2 years old and has loved sleeping with a pillow ever since.
Is it safe for my toddler to sleep with a pillow?
Just like loose blankets or stuffed animals can pose some sort of a potential hazard to your baby, the same goes for toddler pillows.
You wouldn’t want to give your 4 month old a pillow, but that just seems common sense to me.
I think when you feel ok about allowing your child to sleep with a blanket you probably could start letting them sleep with a pillow too.
As long as your child is toddler age and has the ability to pull something of their face if needed.
Around age 2 is the perfect age to think about introducing a toddler pillow and by that age, toddlers are pretty capable of safe sleeping with a blanket and a pillow.
I also found complete peace of mind having a reliable baby monitor so I could keep an eye on my toddler and make sure he was safe with his pillow.
I still have the same video monitor and use it daily.
Why you should choose a toddler pillow over a regular pillow?
You may be thinking why you shouldn’t just buy any old regular pillow from Walmart or Target for your toddler and call it good.
Well, by all means if you can find something small enough and thin enough, go for it!
BUT the thing about toddler pillows is that they are designed for toddlers!
Imagine that!
Regular sized pillows are designed for adults and not for little people like your cute toddler.
Adults and toddlers have very different proportions and your toddler may become quite uncomfortable if they sleeping with a regular pillow that is too big, too firm, or too thick.
Toddler pillows are small in size and not too thick. Some are even adjustable.
They are designed to match well with your toddlers’ proportions to offer adequate support.
Things to consider when choosing a toddler pillow
Just like any baby gear you purchase; it is always helpful to know the things you need to be considering to be able to choose the best option for your child.
There are a ton of toddler pillows out there, but that doesn’t mean they are all created equal.
Some may have different qualities than others and be a better fit for your toddler’s needs.
Size:
Most toddler pillows run pretty comparable in size. Usually, they are 13inx18in or sometimes 14inx19in. Those 2 sizes are pretty common and perfect for toddlers.
There are a few pillow options out there that may be a little bigger but typically they are all in the same ballpark.
Fill:
Pillows often contain different types of fill.
Usually the fill can determine the firmness or softness of the pillow, and also dictate the ease of washing the pillow along with combatting any allergies.
The most common pillow fills are down, memory foam or synthetic fill.
Hypoallergenic:
Choosing a pillow that is hypoallergenic can really help combat microbes, dust, dust mites and so forth.
There are a lot of hypoallergenic options out there nowadays, so if your toddler is sensitive to allergens, a hypoallergenic pillow might be your best bet.
Organic and non-toxic:
Along with considering a hypoallergenic pillow, also finding a toddler pillow that is made out of organic, non-toxic materials is another great option.
This is ensures that your toddler isn’t breathing in any harmful chemicals, toxic fumes, bleaches or dyes.
Washing and care:
Easy care and washing can make a pillow even better.
Toddlers get sweaty and often seem to be experts at making messes and getting things dirty.
Not only that, but after a few weeks you may notice your toddler’s pillow covered in drool, sticky fingers and who knows what else.
Being able to wash your toddler’s pillow might be a great added benefit.
Most of the toddler pillows out there have the ability to be washed which is great!
Of course, you can easily wash the pillowcase, but being able to actually wash the whole pillow is a must have (in my opinion) when it comes to choosing a toddler pillow.
Adjustable:
Some toddler pillows have the ability to be adjusted. You can remove the fill and make it the “perfect” thickness for your toddler.
The toddler pillow my child has is easily adjustable by removing or adding fill.
I was glad I was able to remove some of the inside to make the pillow thinner and more compatible with my toddler.
Obviously in the future I can always add more of the fill into the pillow if I feel like he would benefit from it.
A memory foam pillow might also offer some extra adaptability to your child and fit their preferences better.
Sleeping position:
If you have a toddler, you probably already know that sometimes toddlers seem to take on some interesting sleeping positions.
I sometimes wonder how an earth my toddler could possibly be comfortable.
Having said that, depending on how you toddler prefers to sleep may help you decide on the best pillow for them.
Side sleepers, stomach sleeper, or back sleepers may prefer some pillows over another.
Knowing how your toddler likes to sleep may help you decide how firm or soft of a pillow they may like and be most comfortable with.
What are the 12 best toddler pillows?
- Little Sleepy Head
- Lofe
- Sweaty Tots
- Dreamtown Kids
- My Little North Star
- Zack and Ali
- Aloudy Memory Foam
- Celeep
- Coop Home Goods
- Comfyt
- Woolino
1. Little Sleepy Head
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Down Alternative
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: 200
The Little Sleepy Head toddler pillow is the just the right size for your toddler. With a 100% organic cotton shell, that is hypoallergenic, chemical and toxin free, this pillow is a great safe option for your toddler.
The fill is a hypoallergenic alternative down-like fill that offer great support to your child’s neck and spine as they grow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Not adjustable |
| Made in the USA | Only comes in one size |
| Great customer service | Doesn’t come with a pillowcase |
| Machine washable | |
| Very soft | |
| Organic |
2. Lofe
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Non-toxic soft pearl fiber filling
- Firmness: Soft
- Thread Count: 400
At just under $20 the Lofe toddler pillow has plenty to offer. Not to be biased, (this is the pillow my toddler has) but this pillow really is great!
Being adjustable was definitely the selling point for me along with 100% organic cotton and machine washable the Lofe pillow really has it all.
Lofe also offers this pillow in bigger sizes too which is nice in case you want to get a bigger size as your child grows or get yourself one for that matter.
This pillow is durable and is so easy to wash and also dries very quickly. It holds up well in between washes and keeps is shape and poof.
These really isn’t much you can go with when choosing the Lofe pillow.
My toddler is the sweaty type so I do notice he sometimes gets his pillow sweaty but after a quick wash the pillow is as good as new.
This pillow can also adapt to your child as they grow. Removing and adding in extra fill is quick, easy, and simple.
The adjustability makes fitting your toddler sleeping preferences and needs pretty painless.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Other pillow sizes aren’t always available |
| 100% organic cotton | Material can make your toddler sweaty |
| Machine washable | |
| Adjustable | |
| Super soft | |
| Great quality | |
| Comes with a pillowcase |
3. Sweaty Tots
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Polyester, or down/cotton
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: 300
Sweaty Tots toddler pillow is a great pick if you have one of those sweaty sleepers.
This pillow has special temperature regulating technology to help combat night sweating and will avoid your toddler from getting the chills.
This pillow will continually adapt to your child’s needs throughout the night keeping your toddler comfortable all night long.
Being completely machine washable and dryer safe the Sweaty Tots toddler pillow is a breeze to clean.
It is also 100% hypoallergenic, with great quality fabric and double-edged stitching for added durability.
You can also purchase Sweaty Tots moisture wicking toddler pillowcase to ensure your toddler is completely sweat free.
Lastly, this pillow comes in two different fill quantities depending on the age and preference of your toddler.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Temperature regulating | Not adjustable |
| Machine washable | Expensive |
| Dryer friendly | Not organic |
| Lifetime money-back guarantee | Does not come with a pillowcase |
| Comes in 2 different thicknesses | Dreamtown Kids |
| Comfortable |
4. Dreamtown Kids
Features
- Size: 14×19
- Fill: Cotton
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: Not specified but customers say it is low
Dreamtown Kids toddler pillow is chiropractor recommended and 100% hypoallergenic.
Not to mention its non-toxic factors and never being treated with flame retardants or other chemicals.
Another great feature that Dreamtown Kids has to offer is its size. Being a little bigger than the typical toddler pillow, you can count on your toddler staying on their pillow all night long.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Only 6-month satisfaction guarantee |
| Bigger size dimensions | Low thread count |
| Machine washable | Not as soft |
| 100% hypoallergenic | Lower quality |
| Mold and mildew resistant | Not adjustable |
| Non-toxic | |
| Chiropractor recommended | |
| Comes with pillowcase |
5. My Little North Star
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Fiber
- Firmness: Very soft
- Thread Count: Not specified
The Little North Star toddler pillow is certified organic, breathable, and is made in the USA.
This pillow is filled with high quality soft poly cluster fiber that is hypoallergenic, free from toxins and not to mention soft and cozy.
The Little North Star also offers the best satisfaction guarantee to ensure you are happy with your purchase and your toddler likes it too.
Both the pillow and the pillowcase are also soft to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about a noisy scratchy pillow waking them up in the night.
All in all The Little North Star toddler pillow is a great all round option and seems to accommodate little ones needs quite well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Not adjustable |
| Hypoallergenic | May be too soft for some toddlers |
| Non-toxic | |
| Certified organic | |
| Chiropractor recommended | |
| Breathable | |
| Durable | |
| Comes with pillowcase | |
| Satisfaction guarantee |
6. Zack and Ali
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Microfiber
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: Not specified but customers say it is low
Tested by kids who all gave it the thumbs up, the Zack and Ali toddler pillow boasts great support, toxin-free, and 100% organic and hypoallergenic.
Not only that, but Zack and Ali offer excellent customer service and a durable, soft and comfy pillow.
It is pretty typical for pillows to lose their “fluff” over time, but the Zack and Ali pillow is machine washable and dryer friendly and after one wash it will be as good as new.
Even after each wash and dry, this pillow holds up exceptionally well and will last a long time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Size slightly smaller than stated |
| 100% hypoallergenic | Small |
| Non-toxic | Does not come with a pillowcase |
| Gives good support | Not adjustable |
| Organic | |
| Non-toxic | |
| A+ customer service |
7. Aloudy Memory Foam
Features:
- Size: 12×20
- Fill: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Soft but firm for support
- Thread Count: Not specified
If you are looking for a memory foam pillow for your toddler, this could be a great option for you.
With premium quality, and good support, the Aloudy Memory Foam pillow will fit all of your toddlers needs.
With breathable fabric, this pillow will help keep your child comfortable all through the night.
This pillow is very soft but also firm to give your toddler the adequate head, neck, and spine support they need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Not machine washable |
| Moisture-wicking fabric | On the firmer side |
| 100% hypoallergenic | Only can hand wash the pillowcase |
| Non-toxic | Celeep toddler pillow |
| Comes with a pillowcase | |
| Slightly contoured |
8. Celeep
Features
- Size: 13×18
- Fill: Microfiber
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: Not specified
If you are a mother looking for the best bang for your buck, the Celeep toddler pillow is going to be your top pick.
For just $19.99 you get 2 pillows! These pillows are ultra-soft, organic and even chiropractor recommended.
Also being machine washable, this pillow is easy to clean and care for.
Plus, while washing one of them you have a second pillow that you can rotate out with.
The Celeep is the best deal out there and they also come in a few different pillow designs too!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-soft | Lower quality |
| Organic | |
| Chiropractor recommended | |
| Machine washable | |
| Great value- 2 for the price of 1 | |
| Very affordable | |
| Mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant | |
| Comes in different designs |
9. Coop Home Goods
Features
- Size: 14×19
- Fill: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Soft
- Thread Count: Not specified
Coop Home Goods toddler pillow really has it all! If you are happy to pay around $25 for a pillow, then this one will really meet all of your toddlers needs.
It is durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, AND adjustable. Finding a toddler pillow that is adjustable is a huge plus for me!
As your toddler continues to grow, you can adjust the pillows thickness accordingly.
This pillow is also Certi-PUR/GREENGUARD Gold Certified making it the safest option for your little one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Possible odor when you first open it |
| Comes with a 5-year warranty | A little more pricey |
| Adjustable | |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Machine washable | |
| No heavy metals | |
| Non-toxic | |
| Dust mite resistant | |
| Soft |
10. Comfyt
Features
- Size: 10×15.7
- Fill: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: Not specified
This another great memory foam toddler pillow that is both breathable and naturally hypoallergenic.
Comfyt toddler pillow offers a contoured shape along with a special shoulder cutout design, provided the best comfort and support for your toddler.
Unfortunately, this pillow is not machine washable, but you can easily remove the pillowcase and wash that keep it clean.
| Pros | |
|---|---|
| Contoured design | Memory foam pillow not machine washable |
| Breathable memory foam | Small in size |
| Special shoulder cutout design | |
| Machine washable pillowcase | |
| Comes with a pillowcase | |
| Naturally hypoallergenic |
11. Woolino
Features
- Size: 14×19
- Fill: Wool
- Firmness: Plush
- Thread Count: 300
If you are looking for a high quality and long durability when it comes to a pillow, the Woolino toddler pillow definitely checks of those 2 boxes.
It has 100% wool filling and a cotton shell.
It is exceptionally breathable, wicks away moisture easily while retaining warmth even when wet.
Being all natural, Woolino offers a great, safe toddler pillow that will keeps it shape and last through all your child’s years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Breathable | Expensive |
| Hypoallergenic | Does not come with a pillowcase |
| Chemical-free certified | |
| Temperature-regulating | |
| Machine washable | |
| Keeps its fluff and shape | |
| High quality | |
| Satisfaction guarantee |
Which pillow shall I choose?
Well as you can see there are lots of toddler pillows to choose from.
Figure out what features matter most to you and then choose the toddler pillow that best fits the bill.
Take into consideration all the different aspects of a pillow and I am sure you will find one that is just perfect for your toddler.
Comment below and let me know what your favorite toddler pillow is!
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