Made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, this pillow is safe for toddlers and the planet.
The Panda Toddler Pillow, made from memory foam, is soft, comfortable, and long-lasting.
The pressure-relieving foam helps prevent flat head syndrome. 🤗
Its size (including depth and width) makes it a perfect companion for smaller children, ensuring maximum support and no uncomfortable neck angles.
Panda is famous for its eco-friendly bamboo products, and the toddler pillow is no exception.
Toddlers are more vulnerable to bacteria and allergens, so Panda's pillow uses hypoallergenic materials and an antibacterial cover to help ensure a great night's sleep.
The built-in pillow protector and removable and machine-washable cover have ensured this toddler pillow is a parent favourite.
It has overwhelmingly positive reviews and comes with a 30-night trial, so there's no stress even if you don't love the pillow. 🥳
You can even get free delivery and returns with the Panda Toddler Pillow.
Panda Toddler Pillow | |
Composition: | Memory foam, bamboo viscose protector |
Firmness: | Medium |
Trial period: | 30 nights |
Guarantee: | 10 years |
Size: | 53 x 38 x 6 cm (20.8 x 14.9 x 2.3 inches) |
Advantages: | 👍 Pressure-relieving foam, removable cover, hypoallergenic, free from toxins, eco-friendly, long-lasting, free delivery, 30-night trial |
Disadvantages: |
👎 Foam pillow is not machine washable, not adjustable |
The use of advanced ClevaFoam technology reduces heat retention while supporting your child's head and neck for a better night's sleep.
The Clevamama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow is smaller than an adult pillow and better suited to help toddlers sleep and grow up healthy.
According to research carried out in conjunction with Trinity University in Dublin, ClevaFoam technology reduces up to 50% of the pressure on your baby's head.
The mouldable foam helps prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). ❤️
And your little one won't overheat because of the breathable and lightweight design.
The Clevamama Pillow is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with asthma or allergies.
You won't have to worry about the safety or comfort of your toddler's skin since it is independently certified as toxin-free by OEKO-TEX 100.
Plus, the Clevamama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow has a removable and machine-washable cover that makes keeping things clean as easy as pie.
BUY CLEVAMAMA TODDLER PILLOW£ 29.99
Clevamama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow | |
Composition: | ClevaFoam, cotton cover |
Firmness: | Medium-firm |
Trial period: | None |
Guarantee: | None |
Size: | 50 x 30 x 5.5 cm (19.7 x 12 x 2.2 inches) |
Advantages: | 👍 Breathable, lightweight, removable cover, hypoallergenic, free from toxins |
Disadvantages: | 👎 No trial or guarantee, foam pillow is not machine-washable |
Keababies' impressive collection of 30 cute pillowcase designs means it's never been easier to get something your little one loves.
The Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow is adorable and affordable, so it's no wonder it's a bestseller.
This small pillow, with its ergonomic design, is the perfect fit for little heads and necks. 🥰
It's ideal for toddlers sleeping at home, school, and when travelling.
Plus, each pillow comes with a free pillowcase.
With over 30 cute pillowcase patterns to choose from, you're sure to find something your child loves.
The Keababies Toddler Pillow has an organic cotton pillowcase and shell, which is soft to the touch and helps with temperature regulation. 🥵
It is filled with fibre balls and is relatively soft and plush for a toddler pillow (which generally tend to be firmer).
Handily, cleaning is a breeze since the Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow is machine-washable and dryable.
BUY KEABABIES TODDLER PILLOW£ 24.96
Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow | |
Composition: | Polyester fibre ball filling, organic cotton case |
Firmness: | Soft-medium |
Trial period: | None |
Guarantee: | None |
Size: | 46 x 33 x 9 cm (18 x 13 x 3.5 inches) |
Advantages: | 👍 Organic cotton case and shell, lightweight, lots of cute cover designs |
Disadvantages: | 👎 No trial or guarantee, polyester filling, too high for some toddlers (especially stomach sleepers) |
How we test products
Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.
We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product.
Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.
If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.
When should your toddler start using a pillow?
The NHS website states that children under 1 year old should not use soft bedding, including pillows and duvets.
Studies suggest that pillows and duvets may pose a choking hazard linked to higher chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) for children under 1.
Many experts suggest waiting until around 18 months to 2 years old to introduce a pillow or duvet. 🧑⚕️
Of course, the age children can and want to start using bedding varies.
But most experts agree that your decision should be based on your own child.

Your child may place teddies or blankets under their head when they're ready for a pillow.
Alternatively, it is often easier to add a toddler pillow when your little one is transitioning from their cot to a toddler bed. 🛌
You can always chat with your doctor if you are uncertain.
Generally, a small, firm toddler pillow is best when you're looking for your child’s first pillow.
As your child grows, their pillow will need to change.
Luckily, brands like Panda offer pillows designed to provide the best support for kids of every age.

Panda London’s Baby Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is small and flat, making it suitable for babies 12 months and older.
Alternatively, there’s a Panda memory foam pillow for toddlers or a kids pillow for 4-year-olds and above.
Our favourite Panda pillows for little ones:
What to consider when buying a toddler pillow
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.
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.
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:
Toddler pillow safety
Not all pillows are safe for toddlers to use.
Toddlers are smaller than adults and have different needs for a safe and comfortable pillow.
Let's dive into which vital safety factors you must consider. 🤔
Toddler pillow firmness and size
As we mentioned previously, toddler pillows tend to be smaller and firmer.
Most toddler pillows are around 33 x 20 cm (13 x 18 inches).
Larger pillows in cribs can bunch up and increase the risk of suffocation.
Additionally, smaller toddler pillows are more travel-friendly and easy to bring along to preschool or on trips. 🏫
Toddler pillow fill
Traditionally, feather and down pillow fillings are the most popular.
However, most parents avoid these since they can trigger allergies in young children.

We recommend checking out the Clevamamma Toddler Pillow, which is certified allergy and asthma-friendly by Allergy Standards Ltd.
BUY CLEVAMAMA TODDLER PILLOW£ 29.99
Pillows with individual pellets or smaller piece fillings can pose a choking hazard and should also be avoided.
Fortunately, most toddler pillows are made with safe synthetic materials, like hollowfibre or microfibre, or natural fabrics, like cotton or bamboo. 👪
For instance, the Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow is made with organic cotton.
BUY KEABABIES TODDLER PILLOW£ 24.96
Toddler pillow covers
Covers are just as important as what's inside your toddler's pillow.
Thin or poorly made covers or those treated with harsh chemicals are neither toddler-safe nor friendly. 👎
While these may be safe for adults, they aren’t for children who are more vulnerable to toxins.
The best pillow covers are tested for harmful substances and have an OEKO-TEX 100 or equivalent certificate. 😇
A toddler pillow cover should ideally have an envelope or child-safe zip closure.

These pillow closures are the safest option for toddlers and children.
Toddler pillow safety certifications
When choosing the perfect pillow for toddlers, you should look for which safety certifications it has.
Important UK safety certifications include:
- OEKO-TEX 100
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
OEKO-TEX 100 is one of the most common safety certification standards for UK products.
It guarantees that the textiles have been tested for and are free from harmful substances. 👏
Since young children are particularly vulnerable to toxins, every thread of your toddler's pillow must be safe and harmless.
All of our favourite pillows are OEKO-TEX 100 certified.
The best toddler pillows in the UK:
Caring for your toddler’s pillow
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:
Does your toddler need a pillow?
With all of the safety concerns surrounding very young children sleeping on pillows, you may wonder if it's actually something your toddler needs.

If your child is still sleeping happily on a flat surface, you probably don't need to give them a pillow yet.
Ultimately, pillows are designed to enhance comfort and support.
If you notice that your toddler is tossing and turning or pushing blankets or stuffed animals under their head, they're likely ready to have a pillow of their own. 🧸
If they're ready for their first pillow, why not give them something fun to enjoy?
We love the toddler-safe Keababies My Little Dreamy Pillow for its variety of cute designs.
Why should toddlers use a pillow?
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:
When should you not use a toddler pillow?
Not every child needs a pillow at the same stage.
You shouldn't give your toddler a pillow in certain situations.
Let’s look at when giving your toddler a pillow might not be a good idea. 👇
Escapees
It can be dangerous for children to climb out of their cot beds, especially if the bed has high sides.
Unfortunately, some toddlers are escape artists.
For those little escapees, a pillow quickly becomes a stepping stone to help them clamber out of their cot bed. 🥷
So, give a pillow a miss if you frequently catch your toddler trying to escape.
No signs of wanting one
Babies shouldn't use pillows and duvets.
As they get older, most children will naturally start wanting to use a pillow.
However, some start wanting the added comfort of a pillow later than others.
Your toddler might not want a pillow if they're still sleeping comfortably and aren't trying to place anything under their head. 💤
There's no need to worry if your toddler throws their pillow out of bed, as this is likely just because they fidget.
If you have any doubts about whether or not you're child should be using a pillow, you can always consult your doctor.

The most important thing is that your child gets a good night's sleep.
Pillows, like blankets and teddies, can provide comfort as your child drifts off to sleep. 🌟
You can simply remove the pillow if your toddler's sleep is disturbed and reintroduce it when they are ready.
Toddler sleep accessories
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.
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. 🐑
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.
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:
How to choose a toddler pillow in the UK
Beyond the various safety concerns, how do you decide on the perfect toddler pillow?
Factors to consider when choosing a toddler pillow:
- What's your budget?
- Does your child prefer something soft or firm?
- What pillow cover or design does your toddler like?
- Is it easily washable?
- Do you need something travel-friendly?
- Does the pillow cover have a child-safe hidden zipper or envelope close?
- Is it hypoallergenic?
- Is the pillow free from harmful substances?
- Do you want something eco-friendly?
Once you've answered these questions, choosing the best toddler pillow is easy.
Should you buy a toddler pillow?
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:
Table of Contents
When should your toddler start using a pillow?
What to consider when buying a toddler pillow
Caring for your toddler’s pillow
Does your toddler need a pillow?
Why should toddlers use a pillow?
When should you not use a toddler pillow?
How to choose a toddler pillow in the UK