If you are looking for a stylish bedroom set with all the matching accessories, this is a great addition. Co-sleeping is a way parents can promote their childs emotional growth, according to Psychology Today. The cover is available in several colors and can be unzipped and removed to toss into the washing machine, but the interior needs to be spot cleaned. Do toddlers need pillows? That said, down alternative filling, such as polyester, is generally a much more popular option for a toddler pillow. While you want a durable toddler pillow, keep in mind that youll also need to replace it every few years. Thread count is important for comfort, and most toddlers love soft, fluffy textures. The standard size for a toddler pillow is 13 by 18 inches, although some might be slightly wider and narrower. If you notice your toddler has trouble sleeping, something as easy as a new pillow could make a world of difference. Parents will love that its machine washable because #stomachbug. Since young kids can be sensitive to allergens, I usually advise parents to invest in a hypoallergenic pillow, says Trachtenberg. What kind of pillow should a 2 year old have? As we see our toddlers transition to being more independent, opinionated, and mobile, we begin to understand that they are turning into little people. Best toddler pillows of 2021. Memory foam is a popular material for adult pillows, especially those looking for additional head and neck support. Many may ask: is a toddler pillow strictly necessary? And we love how comfortable and cozy it is. Sign up and receive exclusive discounts, special offers,members-only sales, giveaways and more. That being said, there are things to know when it comes to introducing a pillow to your toddler. We cant tell you how many times weve heard I wish I had done this sooner! Not sure? The issues I often find with pillows and blankets in cribs with toddlers are behavioral, says Linda Szmulewitz, licensed clinical social worker and certified gentle sleep coach. Many toddler pillow brands will give an age recommendation for their pillows, with some lasting until a child is 8 years old. What are some of the best toddler pillows available on the market? Even so, a memory foam pillow tends to be very firm and many toddlers may find them uncomfortable. 6 Stick with pillows containing a synthetic fiber filling or memory foam. Price. With this machine-washable pillow, youll also get a super soft pillowcase with an envelope closure to give your kiddo a little extra comfort. You have the option to use the pillow with a pillowcase, or you can use the pillow solo. Some toddler pillows have removable shells that can be washed, some are machine washable, while others may require handwashing. Thank you. The pillow can be adjusted to fit your child as they grow because it gives you access to the memory foam filling, so you can add or remove as much as you need. Your baby should sleep without a pillow until they are at least 2 years old. The average toddler pillow measures 13 x 18 inches. The fleece bedding is soft and warm for maximum comfort. Its easy for adults to adjust their pillows and go back to sleep quickly, but this can sometimes be an impossible task for toddlers. Our pillow can be dried in the sun or tumble dried on low. Toddler pillows, like adult pillows, sheets, and other types of bedding, come in a variety of price ranges. While support pillows can be beneficial in some cases, they are not always necessary for newborns. The best pillow will be safe, supportive, healthy, and appropriate for your toddler not to mention easy for you to clean when necessary! We only recommend products that we believe are quality products and are good for our readers. As your child grows, their muscles develop. Sleep Positioners and Sleep Devices: Are Dock-A-Tots Safe For Your Babys Sleep? If your child has allergies, it can be challenging to find a pillow that will not cause flare-ups. While toddlers may not be privy to all of the different pillow options out there, many of us have experienced firsthand how opinionated they can be. Why Cant Babies Use Pillows? Perhaps their pillows were an issue? Is it better for toddlers to sleep without a pillow? There are numerous precautions and safe sleeping practices for newborns, infants, and toddlers. Toddler pillows are smaller than standard pillows, with dimensions around 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 16 inches (40.6 cm) and a thickness of about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). And parents will love that its cover is made of 100% organic cotton. Mother Sheep Organics Wool Toddler Pillow. If you notice your toddler starting to struggle to get comfortable or use stuffed animals or blankets to support their head, it may be an indication they are ready for a toddler pillow. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Pillowsas well as loose blankets, comforters, stuffed toys, and crib bumperscreate a suffocation risk for infants. If washing is necessary, please remove the fill before washing the pillow shell. That said, some popular organic pillow materials, such as buckwheat, should be avoided due to choking hazard. The dense, supportive fibers will keep your child stable throughout the night. When Should You Introduce a Pillow? Thats not the case with this Dreamtown Kids pillow. This pillow is small and was designed for young toddlers. To a first-time parent, these necessary safety measures might seem incredibly spartan. As your child transitions into the toddler stage and as you think about transitioning them from a crib to a toddler bed, it seems only natural that your bub's little bed should have a little. One of the best parts of this toddler pillow? As youve gotten older, youve likely fine-tuned your pillow preference. After 18 months old, the likelihood of SIDS lessens, and many parents start thinking about introducing a pillow into their childs sleeping environment. It is ergonomically designed for children, but due to being a very fluffy pillow, may not be suitable for all kids. The pillow should be firm enough that once you release your hand, it goes back to its shape relatively fast., The safer bet: Little Sleepy Head Original Toddler Pillow. If your child has any allergies, always read the pillows label. If you believe your child is ready for a pillow, its essential you avoid the following types (1): Many factors will determine what type of pillow is best for your toddler. Some pillows may include zippers to remove stuffing which can be helpful for adjusting pillow firmness, but unhelpful in the case that a curious toddler may find a way to open the pillow up. An infant or baby is up to 12 months, a toddler is a child 12 to 36 months old, and a pre-school is 4-6 years. A well-cared for Wool Roots toddler pillow can last a lifetime. Lets face it, toddlers are messy. To answer the first question regarding toddlers needing pillows, it really depends on the child. If youre not sure whether or not your child would benefit from a toddler pillow, Romanyuk recommends taking note of how your 2-year-old sleeps with a stuffed animal or blanket. You will find that the average size of a toddler pillow is about 13 x 18 inches, and should not be too soft. We use them to be comfortable. Is a toddler pillow necessary? The majority of toddlers still wont need a pillow when they first make the move to a bed. Once a child makes it to a toddler bed, a toddler-sized pillow can typically be introduced. When Is the Right Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed? What Are the Dangers of Baby Pillows? Talking to your toddlers doctor could be a good place to start if youre unsure of which level of firmness is right for them. Toddler pillows are half the size of a regular pillow, and there are plenty of things to consider before you purchase one. When can a toddler transition from a small pillow to an adult pillow? What are some of the biggest differences between different types of toddler pillows? The best thing you can do is educate yourself on these risks and figure out solutions or ways you can avoid them. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends against bed-sharing during infancy because studies have shown that it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) under certain conditions. Where to buy:KeaBabies My Little Dreamy Pillow ($25, Amazon). Also, look for pillows that are machine washable. The 300 thread-count pillow is made from 100 percent cotton and has just enough filling for it to land somewhere between flat and fluffy which is perfect for tummy sleepers because it helps keep the neck and spine better aligned. Care. What is the best first pillow for a toddler? Research shows that a babys health can improve when they sleep close to their parents. There are many print options, from dinosaurs to sports to unicorns, that are inviting for both boys and girls. The short answer is no, but pillows are also not strictly necessary for adults. Is a toddler pillow necessary? At what age can you start giving your infant a pillow? We're sorry, your request could not be processed at this time. If you have been struggling to find a cute and snuggly pillow for your little one, this is a great one to start with. Not only does this provide more comfortable support for a childs neck and head, but also takes up less space in a smaller, toddler bed. When your child is ready for a pillow, go for one thats soft but firm to provide optimal support, Romanyuk says. But some toddlers are super-comfortable without a pillow.. Can a 2 year old suffocate under a blanket? I read whole article and Im amazed; it is a informative article. JOIN VIP CLUB FOR 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER, PLUS EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS-ONLY DEALS UP TO 40% OFF EVERY MONTH! But if the pillow doesnt move at all when you apply pressure, its too firm. Measuring 13x18, our toddler pillow is perfect for sleeping and fits effortlessly in a toddler bed, cot, or crib. All comments are moderated before being published. So if your babys hands or feet feel cold, throw on an extra layer, just to be safe. A child with no allergies will likely prefer a more natural pillow. Perfect Firmness. According to the brand, this dual-purpose pillow can be used as a support cushion on your nursery glider during your sweetie's first year of life. Mamaway Baby Sleeping Bag/Sack and 3-in-1 Pillow Review, When Can Baby Have a Pillow and Top 3 Baby Pillows. Whatever you decide, it's important that your toddler's safety is always at the forefront of your mind. You may be thinking why not just buy my toddler a normal pillow? Many children continue to sleep without a pillow well through their toddler years. Its important to find a pillow fill that can be cleaned easily and doesnt make a lot of noise when your child shifts their head. Most experts agree that around 2 years old is the best time to introduce a child to a toddler pillow, or in some descriptions, when "their shoulders are wider than their head," according to the Child Safety Experts website. The fabric wraps around the pillow to fully encase it, meaning your toddlers pillow wont drop out when they drag it around and wont shift out of place when theyre tossing and turning. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The material used inside is light, shredded memory foam, making for a pillow thats not too firm or too soft. The reason a toddler pillow is made smaller than an adult pillow is because if its too big, it poses a suffocation risk. And as the Sleep Lady says, "You may find that your child is not receptive to the introduction of a pillow. Are you looking for a sleep expert to join your village? Get the scoop on everything Mellanni. All cribs should be empty of bedding-type pieces, like blankets and pillows, or until children are moved to a toddler bed. Comprised of hypoallergenic fillings to be as natural as possible. Release the Velcro fasteners to turn this stuffed animal into a soft, friendly pillow for sleeping. Why do toddlers sleep with their bum in the air? The fabric is not as soft as some other options. The material of a toddler pillowcase is as important as the filling. This will tell you which materials were used in making the pillow. The 230 thread-count pillow is made to have a medium-density to suit different types of sleepers and the down-alternative filling is designed to increase airflow for comfort and warmth. Pillows can get caught in the crib walls and obstruct your toddlers breathing. Timing often depends on your childs physical skillsyoull want to make the transition to a bed before your intrepid tot masters the art of crib escape. But the idea of a blanket as a source of safety and comfort appears to translate to adulthood as well. Heavy bed coverings also can contribute to an unsafe situation by blocking a childs breathing passage, resulting in suffocation. You can safely give your child a blanket at age 1, although dont expect him to actually use it for warmth until a bit later. Toddlers can have trouble regulating their temperature, Liam is a very hot and sweaty sleeper, so it is important your child has a pillow that doesn't retain heat. Until your baby reaches 12 months of age, make sure that their crib is free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. So, if youre in the market for new bedding for your tot, here are the best toddler pillows to consider. In fact, babies that sleep with their parents have more regular heartbeats and breathing. This hypoallergenic memory foam pillow measures 14 inches x 19 inches and is ergonomically designed for kids as young as 2 years old. Age Safe sleeping tips Takeaway To avoid the risk of SIDS, experts recommend waiting until after your child is at least 18 months old to let them sleep. The questions truly never end. The higher the thread count, the silkier and less scratchy the material. Think again. This pillow is designed with the correct fill to keep your toddler comfortable and supported. What Can I Do to Prevent Flat Head Syndrome? The benefits are clear. There is no specific recommended age for transitioning to a toddler bed. Throw it in the washing machine with cold water whenever it gets dirty or needs a wash. Our machine-washable toddler pillow is made with parents in mind and is easy to care for to keep your toddler healthy, happy, and safe. With the help of her team of sleep consultants, she has helped over 50,000 families improve their sleep since 2008. The best material for a toddler pillow is 100% cotton filling; this is a reasonably firm, extremely comfortable, and hypoallergenic material. You dont want a pillow being the reason your child wakes up in the night and cant go back to sleep. Wash & Care Instructions Shipping & Returns Pairs well with Ultra-Tech Pillow Protector Prolong the life of your beloved pillow by keeping dust, bacteria, and liquid out. Dont lose another wink of sleep GET STARTED TODAY with our gentler, kinder approach to healthy sleep! However, experts are clear on one thing toddlers under the age of 2 shouldnt be given pillows at all, but after this age and when you believe your child is ready, ensure you select a pillow that is appropriate. While some children may spend most of their toddler stage completely fine without a pillow, some toddlers start craving additional comfort, especially in the transition from crib sleeping to sleeping in a big kid bed. Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. The majority of sleep experts agree that there's no need to rush into making the transition from cot to bed. The safest option for children under the age of 3 years is a crib with a low set mattress. Some parents choose to introduce pillows even later than this, and some children are happy without one for years. The size of a toddler pillow not only makes it a more comfortable option but there are significant safety considerations as well. Choose from a variety of soft polyester animal designs to keep your little one comfortable and entertained on your trip. Kids do it because blankets and small spaces help them feel safer. This is going to depend on your childs age and their growth. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Keep the following in mind before making your pick. On that note, I hear you believe me. If you prefer an organic option, you can find toddler pillows made with organic cotton. Kids dont need a pillow until well after their first birthday! This quality memory foam pillow solves the problem and keeps your toddler comfortable throughout the night. When choosing a toddler pillow, know what the filling is made from, as well as the materials in the pillow covering. Sleep is important. When can a toddler have a blanket at night? 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. Even bring it to grandmas house! Infants and toddlers are used to sleeping on a bare, flat and firm surface, which is the safest sleep environment for them.. Instead, they need a toddler size pillow thats designed with the right proportions for their bed and their body. $349 at noblepillow.com. Where to buy:A Little Pillow Company Toddler Pillow ($26, A Little Pillow Company). Any of the pillows on this list will help your little one get some quality rest, but our favorites are the Coop Home Goods Toddler Pillow for its versatility and the Parachute Toddler Pillow for its hypoallergenic design. While its not impossible to find a toddler-sized pillowcase, they arent as easy to come by. Dont give your toddler a pillow with pellets or small particles that could be a potential choking hazard, says Trachtenberg. all come into play when it comes to pillow price. If your toddler is sensitive to many things or has sensitive skin, its probably in their best interest to purchase a hypoallergenic pillow. This My Little North Star toddler pillow is a popular organic toddler pillow on the market, although it should be noted that the pillow itself is filled with synthetic fiber which is not technically organic. Can a 2 year old sleep with a fleece blanket? Fluffy pillows made out of materials such as kapok and polyester tend to provide slightly less support. Care.com does not employ any caregiver and is not responsible for the conduct of any user of our site. Instead, opt for a product designed with kids in mind. Why do toddlers want to sleep with parents? This pillow measures 13 inches x 18 inches and was designed specifically for toddler mattresses as well as for traveling. Find a safe and supportive pillow for your toddler. It is not necessary to be concerned about products claiming to be safer for your baby. pottery barn kids Best Affordable Toddler Pillow Biloban Baby Toddler Pillow Set $26 for set of two Learn More Amazon When your child is an infant, the safest place for her to sleep is in a crib or bassinet free of all blankets, pillows and other bedding. "Toddlers don't need to sleep with / [pillows], so they should only be introduced when you know or assume they have an interest in sleeping with a pillow as an added source of comfort," says Aubrie DeBear, PsyD, a pediatric sleep consultant and doctor of clinical and forensic psychology. It's better to wait until your little one turns 2 years old. You want to be mindful of the materials you choose to let your child rest their head on. This is a difficult question to respond to and since all children develop at different rates there is no clear-cut answer. Find a pillow with a removable organic toddler pillowcase that you can easily wash. Many cute colors and prints to choose from. How do I transition my toddler out of a sleep sack? Care.com is a registered service mark of Care.com, Inc. 2007-2023 Care.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Look for pillows with high-quality materials, including the stuffing and case. Just as we want them to be safe and happy, we also want them to get a great nights sleep. Be sure triple check that any product labelled as an organic cotton toddler pillow is properly certified. Good day! Therefore, pillows, blankets, and any other material with the potential to cover the mouth and nostrils are not appropriate or deemed safe. ___________________________________________________________________________________ We must get one thing straight, a baby does not need a neck pillow. Use our toddler pillow with the included 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton pillow case. Some toddlers need a pillow but dont like the idea of sleeping with something new. Think Goldilocks here: not too firm, not too soft. Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. But a starter pillow for your little one should be flat and firm. Fluffy pillows tend to be lush, soft, and comfortable. Toddler pillows are made specifically with little ones in mind and are often constructed with non-toxic or natural materials to ensure kids can get a safe and good nights sleep. Baby Sleep Patterns Charts - A Must-See For All Parents! When should you convert to a toddler bed? Even if they're over 12 months old, pillows can be a hazard in a crib. Some toddler pillows come with a pillowcase included in addition to the shell which holds the filling material inside the pillow. Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. What Kind of Pillow Can I Give My Child When She's a Toddler? When Can My Toddler Sleep with a Pillow? In short, no. The Child Safety Experts site notes that "synthetic materials, while not ideal, are naturally resistant to molds and mildews." And being close to parents is even shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you do your research on this topic you will see some recommend latex pillows, as latex is soft enough to be comfortable but firm enough to provide support. Dedicated to guiding your family to have restful nights and better tomorrows. Unlike adults, babies do not have the same amount of head and neck movement or control, meaning they are at risk of suffocation, since they will not be able to move in the event that their breathing becomes obstructed. The age that toddlers can safely use a pillow varies. Dont be surprised if your child doesnt actually use the pillow at first, or if it is thrown out of his bed, says Romanyuk. When to give your toddler a pillow can be an incredibly difficult decision to make, but here's some advice: If you see your child doing the following, it may indicate that they are ready for a pillow: And if so, when is the right age, and is the size of the pillow itself important? Read these stories from well-rested parents. The average toddler pillow is around 13 by 18 inches, which is spacious enough to be comfortable without overwhelming their small heads. We know the importance of a durable, breathable, and uber-safe toddler pillow for your little sleepy head. Other Factors to Consider for Safe Toddler Sleep Fundamentally, toddlers are self-centered creatures that crave control. Shes 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. Just as you wouldnt give your child a pair of your shoes when theyre first learning to walk, you shouldnt give them an adult-sized pillow early on either. Not only does waiting longer further reduce suffocation risk, but keeping a pillow out of your toddlers crib means he wont be able to use it as a step to try to climb out. Messes are inevitable, and you want to make sure the item youre buying can last and endure those messes. By clicking "Join now," you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Super firm pillows may prove to be uncomfortable for most toddlers. Look for a pillow thats flat and firm, which will reduce suffocation risk, and not too large or soft, says Crosby. They are unable to sleep without their head propped up. You're on your way to finding someone your family will love. A major benefit of this pillow is that it has a 100% organic cotton shell and hypoallergenic cluster fiber filling. This is whats safest for your child to sleep with, especially if theyre on the younger side. However, feathers are probably less favorable since they are way too soft for a toddler and a common trigger for allergy sufferers. Approximately one-third of toddlers transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old, and another third transition between ages 2 and 2.5. These are some of the fundamentals: When you think they are ready to make the move, you have the choice of either a regular bed or a smaller toddler bed. You should use your babys gestational age, not their birth age, as a determinant. Safety First. In fact, if a child is sleeping fine without a pillow, you may want to hold off. This smaller-than-average pillow was made with toddlers in mind. This is a guest post written by Judith McLean. Weighted Sleep Sack For Baby Are They Safe and Do They Work? The hypoallergenic features make this a safe and healthy pillow for any child. You may see options for a flat toddler pillow, animal-shaped pillows, and even c-shaped pillows specifically designed for car seats, strollers, and airplanes. Polyester is usually much more affordable, but look out for care instructions and the overall quality of the pillow. We love our toddler pillowcases and think you will too, but with Mellannis Lifetime Promise you can return your purchase if youre not 100% satisfied. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends holding off on introducing pillows to your toddler's bed until they are at least 18 months old. by Summer | Mar 21, 2023 | Pillows Giving your baby the support and comfort they need is an important part of parenting. For the hot sleepers, this pillow has a cover made from 100 percent GOTS organic certified cotton that wicks away moisture and helps keep air moving so your kiddo doesnt overheat. When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. Youll have no trouble getting your toddler to stay in their bed all night with this soft and fluffy machine washable pillow. Once youve got your pillow dilemma solved, there are some other important things to consider in your childs bedroom to ensure safe toddler sleep. Pillows can get caught in the crib walls and obstruct your toddler's breathing. A pillowcase is included, and you can use the pillow with or without it, but its nice to have the option. All information in member profiles, job posts, applications, and messages is created by users of our site and not generated or verified by Care.com. Now, we want to share what we learned! 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. The envelope closure design prevents any shifting while our toddlers sleep. If you are looking for a pillow that doesnt need a pillowcase, this one is also a great choice because its washable. ", Newborn Loungers Linked To More Infant Deaths Than Previously Believed, The 7 Best Swim Diapers Plus, Expert Tips For Choosing Them, What Not To Say To A Soon-To-Be Dad On Father's Day, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Is it OK for toddler to sleep with blanket over head? Are you excited your toddler has finally graduated to being able to use pillows? @Jisan Youre very welcome. What many parents and caregivers don't realize is that once their toddler moves to a toddler bed, they don't actually need the same full-size pillows that adults use. Most toddler pillows are made with toddlers in mind. The machine-washable pillow is filled with 100 percent hypoallergenic fiber filling and is covered with a 100 percent cambric cotton shell, making it safe for even the most sensitive tots. What are the best toddler pillows? You need to do your own diligence to ensure the job or caregiver you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws. 2 1/2 year old still not sleeping all night! Best Latex Pillow for Neck Pain. This means you can absolutely transition your toddler to a bed without a pillow. 4 month old up every 20 minutes improves with one e-mail, 5 month old twins, one sleeping, one not and waking the other. In manufacturing our own toddler pillow, we looked at some of the top options currently available on the market. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. What age should child stop sleeping with parents? The best part is that the cute design will make your little one think of this pillow as a stuffed animal, making nap times a fun adventure. That said, each toddler is different and they will probably come to have preferences as they transition through their toddler years. This coincides with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation of keeping babies under 12 months old in a crib free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other soft objects due to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Available in several different adorable patterns, this 13 inches x 18 inches toddler pillow is ergonomically designed for kiddos between 2 and 5 years old. There are many similarities between different toddler pillows on the market, but there are also many differences. Many of the pillows on the market are marketed as toddler pillows, but there are numerous other types. If your baby was head-down-bum-up like most are in the third trimester, their wee bottoms are what was closest to Moms heart in utero. Who knows! What Should I Do If I Am Worried About Flat Head Syndrome? If you click on a product link and make a purchase, The Baby Sleep Site may (but not always) receive a small commission from the company selling the product, but will not affect your purchase price. This toddler pillow is made with a synthetic ball filling and comes with a cotton pillowcase.