As adults, it’s challenging to imagine sleeping without a pillow. For growing young children, it’s crucial to select the right pillow that will set them up for a lifetime of good sleep ahead.
In this guide, we’ll be tackling the following:
- At what age is it recommended for children to have pillows?
- What should I look for in shopping for my children’s pillows?
- The best pillows for children
At what age should children have their own pillows?
The NHS recommends that children under 12 months old should not be given their own pillows, duvets, blankets, or stuffed toys.
These items serve as potential risks for suffocation. Your child can potentially turn over or overheat under these items.
However, once your baby turns the age of 1, it’s generally okay to start introducing pillows into your baby’s sleeping environment.
However, proceed with caution as some clever babies can use their pillows to climb out of the cot.
This is why known company Happiest Baby recommends only introducing pillows to your baby once your baby is already on the bed and no longer uses the cot. If you choose to go this route, you will have to wait until your baby is around 2 or 3 years old.
What should I look for in shopping for my children’s pillows?
Size
Keep in mind that choosing a pillow for a child is entirely different from choosing a pillow for yourself. For one, ensure that the size of the pillow is suitable for your baby’s cot or big kid’s bed.
The ideal recommended size is 12 in x 16 in. It’s best to choose the size relative to the size of your baby and your baby’s bed.
Safety and support
It’s best to avoid thick, lavish, and fluffy pillows as those are ones that present a higher risk o0f suffocation the most.
The general suggestion is to buy a pillow that’s firm but thin, as these are the ones less likely to cause suffocation without sacrificing the proper support that your baby’s growing back, neck, and head needs.
In terms of pillow filling, avoid buying pillows with pellet fillings such as buckwheat, as your baby could potentially choke on those pellets if she gains access to them.
For the same reason, it’s also recommended to avoid adjustable pillows in fillings as there is always the possibility that your baby could gain access to those loose fillings.
Hypoallergenic
Choose a pillow that is made of high-quality hypoallergenic material.
This is why you are recommended to avoid pillows made from feathers or goose down, as those can easily trigger allergies. On top of being too lightweight, they prevent a suffocation hazard without providing enough support.
Go for organic materials such as natural fibre or polyester instead.
Best Pillows for Children
Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
This memory foam bamboo pillow from Panda is suitable for children that are 4 years or older.
It is made of bamboo, an organic material that is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. So you won’t have to worry about your baby breaking into an allergic reaction or feeling hot throughout the night.
The best features of this pillow are its shape and construction. It is thin, firm, and compact—the best qualities for a safe and non-hazard pillow for your child.
On top of that, you can also rest easy that this pillow will be able to provide the support that your child needs as it has been certified and recommended by orthopaedics in providing support for neck and spine alignment.
The price is reasonable for its benefits and durability. It’s also low-risk as well, as you can avail of a 30-night free trial period along with a 10-year guarantee.
KallySleep Kids Body Pillow
This is a full-length kid’s body pillow that will not only provide relief and support to your baby’s neck and spine but also to her joints. The length and construction are meant to provide support to your child’s growing body.
This is also suitable for children age 4 years old or above.
It has been designed to provide a deep, uninterrupted sleep so that your child enjoys a night of good sleep, and in turn, you will, too.
The cover is made of cotton, ensuring that your child will not only feel supported but also cool and refreshed throughout the night.
The filling is hollowfibre, a hypoallergenic material that’s highly durable and breathable to complement the cotton cover.
Best for Infants: ClevaFoam infant pillow breathable support
This pillow from ClevaFoam is perfect for providing support and coolness to your baby’s nights.
For one, it is constructed to provide superior neck, head, and spine alignment and prevent any soreness that medical professionals recommend.
It also employs open-cell technology to deliver an extremely breathable sleep experience with reduced heat retention and a lightweight feel.
This is also unique as it has taken special care to provide comfort to your baby’s round head shape and prevent Flat Head Syndrome (also known as Plagiocephaly), which occurs when a baby has spent a lot of time lying down.
On top of these benefits, it is also pH-balanced and toxin-free, which means that your baby gets not only a well-supported sleep but also a safe and comfortable one.
It’s worth noting that there are other variations of this pillow, such as those for infants and those for babies.
KeaBabies Hypoallergenic Toddler Pillow
This pillow has been economically designed to provide the best sleep experience for your child. It is from KeaBabies, a popular brand that produces babies, infants, and toddlers.
It has been scientifically proven to provide the best support for your child while still being soft and comfortable.
In true baby product fashion, this pillow has also been made so that it’s durable enough to survive any accidents that toddlers are prone to having. It’s also washable, making it easy to clean up any messes.
Lastly, this has been made to be a perfect size so that your child can take it anywhere she goes. It’s meant to be a pillow both for the bed and on the go, making it the pillow that your child will rely on for most of their childhood.
As a bonus, there are a bunch of cute printed covers that you can choose from.
JISEN Kids Toddler Pillow
This is a pretty popular kids pillow sold on Amazon, with over 180+ ratings and an average of 4.5 stars.
The cover is made of cotton, making it soft, comfortable, and breathable. Similarly, the filling is microfibre, which exhibits the same properties as cotton for a complementary construction.
This is designed and recommended by medical professionals to maximise support for your baby’s neck and head so that she can fall asleep quickly.
It’s also machine washable, making it an easy job to clean up any messes that your child may create, as is the case for every child.
It’s also worth noting that this pillow comes in a variety of cute prints.