Best toddler pillows: our kids started sleeping through the night after using these

Toddler Pillows

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on
Fi Star-Stone

Medically Reviewed by: Fi Star-Stone

When your baby is a newborn, the official NHS advice is to avoid pillows—but when the time finally comes to pick out their very first toddler pillow and bedding set, it’s a big and exciting milestone!

Black Friday 2024 deals on best toddler pillows

Black Friday is officially over but there are still a few deals left, so it's your final opportunity to snag a high-quality toddler pillow at a great price. Designed specifically for little ones, these pillows provide the right balance of comfort and support, making them a far better choice than regular adult pillows. If your toddler is ready to transition to their big bed, now’s the time to shop for the last deals...

Save 30%: Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed Pillow – WAS £10, NOW £7 
25% off: Silentnight Healthy Growth Breathable Pillow – WAS £15, NOW £11.25
Save 20%: John Lewis Kids' Micro-Fresh Anti-Allergy Pillow – WAS £16, NOW £12.80
Save 15%: Snuz Cot Duvet and Pillow Bundle – WAS £39.95, NOW £33.96

Best toddler pillows at a glance:

Take a look at our picks of the best toddler pillows available for you to buy right now...

Best toddler pillows

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.

The best overall toddler pillow was the ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow made using breathable and hypoallergenic ClevaFoam with an open cell structure that cradles your little one's head, neck, and spine while they sleep. M&B mum testers said the PH-balanced design gave them peace of mind for kids suffering with asthma or allergies, and they liked that the removable cover can be easily machine washed, with its clever reversed zipper to keep your toddler safe. However, they did wish it came with an extra pillowcase as the size makes it awkward if you want matching bedsits in your child's room. If you're looking for a toddler pillow with a pillowcase, you might prefer the KeaDreams Toddler Pillow, although our testers said the most annoying thing when using this pillow was the label placed on the outer seam.

We like the Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow as our top pick for the best sustainable toddler pillow. Little ones will enjoy sleeping on the memory foam, which ensures proper alignment of their neck and spine for a restful night's sleep, and it'll maintain its shape and density over time. Our testers found it to be effective and describe the bamboo cover as silky-soft. Again, testers said they'd have preferred an extra pillowcase due to the smaller dimensions of this pillow.

We've also picked out options that are designed for comfort or to be hypoallergenic, and we have a great budget option from Argos which parents found to be very comfortable for their little ones, and they also loved that it is anti-allergy and endorsed by Allergy UK.

Best toddler pillows in 2024

30% OFF

Silentnight Cot Bed Pillow
Price: £7 (was £10)

This award-winning pillow is designed with your little one’s comfort and safety in mind. It’s made in Oeko-Tex certified factories, so you can trust that it meets the highest safety standards. Filled with anti-bacterial, anti-allergy fibres, it keeps the pillow fresh, hygienic, and safe for your toddler. Plus, it’s super easy to care for—just pop it in the washing machine and tumble dry. Perfect for toddlers aged 12 months+, it’s the perfect introduction to comfortable and secure sleep!

One parent reviewer said: "I spent hours researching about this product and the best pillow for babies. I must say this is a premium product at a very good price. The pillow is nice, soft and thin which is perfect for babies as their head are not meant to be too high up so this is perfect regardless of different head shape and sizes for babies. I am happy with this product and I will recommend this to anyone who has a baby and is wanting to buy a pillow for their baby. Easy to clean and wash and size and everything is perfect. Well worth it."

ON SALE

John Lewis
Price: £12.80 (was £16)

www.johnlewis.com

If your toddler struggles with allergies, this pillow is a game-changer! The Micro-Fresh technology helps stop bacteria growth by up to 99.99%, keeping the pillow fresh and clean even after repeated washes. Designed with breathability and support in mind, this polyester-filled pillow provides just the right level of comfort for little heads. The materials are gentle on delicate skin and designed to last, making this pillow a practical, allergy-friendly choice for your little one’s big kid bed.

25% OFF

Silentnight
Price: £11.25 (was £15)

www.argos.co.uk

This pillow is designed for restful and healthy sleep. The special breathable mesh sides improve airflow, while the naturally cooling cotton cover ensures your toddler stays comfy all night. Inside, it’s filled with anti-bacterial fibres that protect against bacteria and dust mites—great for preventing allergies. Approved by the British Allergy Foundation, this pillow is perfect for giving your child the clean, fresh, and supportive sleep they need to grow and recover.

Out of stock - check back soon

Bedfolk
Price: £29.75 (was £35)

www.johnlewis.com

Let your toddler experience true comfort with this premium pillow! It’s designed to feel just like luxurious down, but without the allergens. The 100% cotton sateen casing with piped edging makes it as stylish as it is comfortable. The down-like fill is soft yet supportive, providing the perfect balance for growing kids. Whether for bedtime or a quick nap, this pillow ensures your toddler sleeps in comfort while adding a touch of luxury to their bedding.

Best sustainable toddler pillow

Best toddler pillows - Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow©MOTHER&BABY/Rebecca Lancaster

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. Thanks to its innovative 3rd generation memory foam technology, this pillow maintains its shape and density over time, providing reliable support night after night.

Mother&Baby writer and mum, Rebecca Lancaster was keen to test this pillow, having experienced neck pain herself from a wonky neck. Her daughter had also started to complain about having a sore neck in the mornings. After sleeping on the pillow for a couple of weeks, Rebecca's daughter has been very happy to go to bed: "She says it’s very comfortable and loves how soft the cover feels. She’s also needed to be woken every morning, and while I wouldn’t guarantee that it’s a result of the pillow, she is certainly sleeping very well at the moment" says Rebecca. Another mum tester found it great for her son’s neck pain too, saying, “I must say it's the best decision I made no more aches and he loves it.”

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 mould, making it ideal for children with asthma or allergies - although, our tester Rebecca said, "I was expecting a ‘Bamboo’ memory foam pillow to have more bamboo as part of its materials, but it is actually just 70% of the outer cover." The bamboo cover is 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. One 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!” Rebecca also says, "It is a smaller size than most pillows so while you could put it in a pillowcase to match the rest of your bedding, it might end up having a lot of excess fabric, and you’d lose the softness and sweat-wicking, hypoallergenic qualities of the bamboo cover." If you want the pillow to match the bedding, Rebecca says this may be something to consider.

Pros

  • Memory foam keeps toddler's neck and spine correctly aligned 
  • Temperature-regulating tech helps keep toddlers cool in summer
  • Comes with a 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

30% OFF

Best Silentnight toddler pillow

best toddler pillows - Silentnight Safe Nights Anti-Allergy Cot Bed PillowAmazon
Price: £7 (was £10)

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 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

best toddler pillows KeaDreams Toddler Pillow with PillowcaseAmazon
Price: £5.70
Alternative retailers
Macy's$26.96View offer
Nordstrom$26.96View offer

Made with 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 provides 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 a pillowcase with a cute design
  • The 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

best toddler pillows Slumberdown Little Slumbers Toddler Super Soft Pillow©MOTHER&BABY

Introducing the Slumberdown Little Slumbers Pillow, a cosy 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-protected fibre, 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, and 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

best toddler pillows Baby Toddler Quilted Cot Bed PillowAmazon
Price: £5.95

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

  • The 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

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 from asthma or allergies, the PH-balanced design gives you peace of mind, and the removable cover can be easily machine washed, with a cleverly 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

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.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.