If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, consider a toddler pillow that’s hypoallergenic as it will be less likely to cause any type of allergic reaction. Double check the bed’s manual to ensure the bed allows the introduction of a toddler pillow at your child’s age. We carefully looked over design, material, ease of cleaning, and age recommendations when reviewing products. So, if you’re in the market for new bedding for your tot, here are the best toddler pillows to consider. After their first birthday, however, you’re free to add some “comfort items” to their sleeping space, and this can include a pillow. Toddler size pillows are great for toddler beds, but you will want to consider a standard size pillow when your child moves up to a larger bed. This hypoallergenic memory foam pillow measures 14 inches x 19 inches and is ergonomically designed for kids as young as 2 years old. Also, the pillow is designed to regulate temperature so your child doesn’t overheat, it is free of harmful chemicals, and is machine washable. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $34 Price at time of publication: $34 Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $16 If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, consider a toddler pillow that’s hypoallergenic as it will be less likely to cause any type of allergic reaction. You also want the pillow to be comfortable for your child, so let them have an input on the pillow, too. Don’t forget about maintenance either as some pillows are not machine washable. 

Size

What many parents and caregivers don’t realize is that a toddler pillow is smaller than an adult pillow. This is what’s safest for your child to sleep with, especially if they’re on the younger side.  You will find that the average size of a toddler pillow is about 13 x 18 inches, and should not be too soft. The size of the pillow won’t overwhelm their small head and a pillow that’s too soft or does not keep its shape poses a suffocation risk.

Readiness 

Knowing when your toddler is ready for a pillow of their own can be tricky. If your toddler is still in their crib, they should not have a pillow at all. All cribs should be empty of bedding-type pieces, like blankets and pillows, or until children are moved to a toddler bed. Once a child makes it to a toddler bed, a toddler-sized pillow can typically be introduced. Double check the bed’s manual to ensure the correct recommendation. A child does not necessarily need a pillow as they are merely there for comfort, so have your toddler help decide. 

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.