Best Toddler Pillows UK (2023)

Can you just grab a spare adult pillow to use as your child's first pillow?

Unfortunately, no! 🙅

While the risk of SIDS and suffocation significantly decrease after a child reaches 1, an adult pillow is still too large and soft to be safe or comfortable for toddlers.

Most toddler pillows are smaller and firmer, but that's not all.

There are several important factors to consider when looking for the best toddler pillows. ✅

Safe toddler pillows

Of course, first and foremost in any parent's mind is safety.

Given that the wrong pillow may be dangerous, you must know how to choose the safest option.

Firstly, a toddler's pillow should be small and firm.

Large and soft pillows can increase the risk of entrapment and suffocation, particularly if used in a cot bed.

Secondly, the pillow fill must be free from harmful chemicals and large enough not to pose a choking hazard. ⛔

This also applies to pillow and duvet covers, which must be breathable, child-safe, and contain no harmful substances or small parts.

Safety certifications can help ensure your child's pillow is safe to use. 🤗

For example, the OEKO-TEX 100 certification tests and ensures products are free from harmful substances.

Ensure a worry-free night's sleep with Panda's Toddler Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, which is OEKO-TEX 100 certified and has a baby-safe zip and removable bamboo cover.

It is one of the best eco-friendly and organic toddler pillows on the market.

10% OFF PANDA TODDLER PILLOW

Since safety is a major concern, we'll dive into this topic in more detail in our toddler pillow safety section below. 👇

Hypoallergenic toddler pillows

Toddlers' skin tends to be more sensitive.

You can reduce the risk of your little one experiencing itchiness or allergic reactions by choosing hypoallergenic pillows. 🤧

Triggers like bacteria, dust mites, and mould can sit in pillow and duvet fabrics, causing or worsening allergic reactions.

Hypoallergenic materials tend to have a tighter weave, preventing bacteria, dust mites, and mould from settling in or penetrating the bedding.

The Clevamama Toddler Pillow is made with anti-allergy materials, perfect for kids with allergies or asthma. 👑

BUY CLEVAMAMA TODDLER PILLOW£ 29.99

Toddler pillow height

The height, or loft, of your toddler's pillow matters.

A too-tall or low pillow can strain your toddler's neck by forcing their head into an awkward position.

Most generic pillows are too tall for small children, pushing the head too far up and causing neck pain. 😖

This positioning can cause spinal misalignment, where the spine twists rather than staying neutral.

Sleeping with the wrong height pillow is not necessarily dangerous.

However, it can affect your toddler's sleep, which is vital for their health and well-being, and your sanity. 💖

The Panda Toddler Memory Foam Pillow is one of the flattest options, with a height of just 6 cm (2.4 inches).

It is ideal for very small children or those who haven't shown much interest in pillows.

10% OFF PANDA TODDLER PILLOW

Toddler pillow sizes

Outside of height, pillow length and width are also important.

Toddler pillows are generally smaller than adult ones. 📏

While toddlers in beds may be able to use something bigger, a large toddler duvet and pillow must not be used in a cot bed.

A bigger pillow may cause entrapment if it cannot lay flat.

Aside from safety reasons, smaller toddler pillows are pretty handy.

A small pillow is more travel-friendly and can be taken on various adventures with your little one, including to preschool or on journeys. 🚗

The Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow is an ideal size for bedtime and beyond, especially with its range of fun cover prints.

BUY KEABABIES TODDLER PILLOW£ 24.96

Toddler pillow firmness and support

Most young children prefer firm but soft pillows.

A pillow with the proper support will promote good posture in the spine and neck.

It should cradle your toddler's head and neck as they sleep, allowing them to rest comfortably and ensuring they wake up happy.

Firmer pillows can retain their shape and so provide better support. 🥰

Of course, if a pillow is too firm, your toddler probably won't find it very comfortable.

The Clevamama Toddler Pillow is described as soft but firm, with an anti-allergy filling to help your child sleep better.

BUY CLEVAMAMA TODDLER PILLOW£ 29.99

Toddler pillow adjustability

Another thing to consider is adjustability.

People come in all shapes and sizes, and so should their pillows.

Not every toddler pillow will be the right fit for your toddler.

You can ensure your child gets a great night's sleep by purchasing an adjustable pillow. 😴

Adjustable toddler pillows usually have layers you can remove to find the perfect height.

Toddler pillow prices

Toddler pillows can range from under £10 to over £100.

Not every family can afford an expensive pillow, particularly when your toddler will grow out of it within a year or two.

Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality, low-cost options available. 👇

Our favourite affordable toddler pillows:

We all know that living with toddlers can be messy.

Accidents and exploration are part of your every day as toddler parents. 💣

Realistically, life’s easier with a child's duvet and pillow that you can machine wash and tumble dry.

Most of the time, you’ll be able to get away with just washing the cover of your toddler’s pillow.

So while a machine-washable pillow is handy, it’s not a must for everyone.

For example, many parents love the Clevamama duvet and pillow sets because they're hypoallergenic and breathable.

The only downside is that the pillow itself can only be occasionally and gently hand-washed. 😮‍💨

But luckily, the cover is removable and machine-washable, which is fine for most situations.

BUY CLEVAMAMA TODDLER PILLOW£ 29.99

Of course, sometimes toddlers spill, and the pillow itself may get dirty (especially if they’re taking their pillow out of the house).

Being able to use washing machines and tumble driers means you can quickly get things cleaned and ready for your child's bedtime. 🧼

The Silentnight cotbed pillow and the organic cotton Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow are both machine-washable and dryable.

Our favourite easy-care toddler pillows:

There are plenty of reasons to avoid introducing a pillow too early.

But once it's safe and your toddler is showing signs they're ready, why should you give them their first pillow?

Mostly, we use pillows to make ourselves more comfortable. 🥰

A good pillow can also help support your toddler's head and ensure that their spine stays in a neutral position.

Generally, young children sleeping on their side require a slightly thicker pillow than those sleeping on their back or front.

In fact, little stomach sleepers may fair better without a pillow.

Like anyone else, toddlers sleep best if they are comfortable.

Plus, when your child sleeps soundly, you'll sleep better too. 🥳

Pillows can help soothe toddlers making transitioning from cot to toddler bed a little less stressful by giving them something to hug.

Our favourite toddler pillows for when your little one is ready:

Most parents introduce sleep accessories when their child is between 18 months and 3 years old.

However, this doesn't mean you can jump straight to adult sleep accessories. ❎

You'll need a smaller toddler duvet and pillow and the bedding to match.

This is why young children should use toddler duvets.

Toddler duvets

Adult duvets are generally too large and heavy for small children.

Toddler duvet tog ratings

Toddlers can't regulate their temperature like adults can, and duvets naturally trap more air and feel warmer when used by small people.

Because of this, toddler duvets tend to have a lower tog rating (how much heat a duvet retains).

Most duvets for toddlers and children are lightweight, with a tog rating of 4.5 or less. 🪶

You can purchase higher tog duvets for children older than 3 if they are cold at night.

Amazon sells a range of cot bed duvets of 7.5 togs, up to 9 togs, for children above 3.

SHOP COT DUVETS ON AMAZON

Toddler duvet materials

Natural fibre cot bed duvets and pillows made with bamboo, wool, and organic cotton are the most popular types of materials.

They are usually hypoallergenic and help with temperature regulation. 👍

Ideally, a child's duvet and pillow should also be easy to clean since accidents are more likely when they are young.

We love the Little Green Sheep Organic Cot Bed Duvet, which has a 4-tog rating.

The wool duvet will keep your toddler snug without causing them to overheat. 🐑

BUY LGS WOOL COT DUVET£ 69.95

Toddler bedding

Like toddler pillows and duvets, bedding should be easy to clean and hypoallergenic.

Toddler pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers should also be free from harmful toxins, which is why many of the best toddler bedding products have OEKO-TEX 100 certificates. 😍

It's also essential to find something your little one likes.

Luckily, most toddler bedding sets come in various fun and colourful designs.

Argos has many affordable and cute toddler bedding sets that will have your child excited to snuggle up in bed.

SHOP ARGOS TODDLER BEDDING

Toddler cot mattresses

Toddlers typically need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep per day.

Time spent sleeping helps them grow up healthy and happy. ❤️

The best cot mattresses provide excellent support and adapt to your child's body as they move and grow, ensuring a better night's sleep.

Our favourite UK cot mattress:

Toddler pillows can provide extra comfort, meaning your little one sleeps better.

However, your toddler may not want or need a pillow yet.

We recommend waiting for your child to show signs of wanting a pillow, like sleeping poorly or putting things under their head. 🧸

If you think your toddler is ready for their first pillow, why not try one of our top picks?

Our favourite toddler pillows in the UK: