Most parents know that pillows and blankets are big no-nos for your sweet baby’s crib, due to the risk of suffocation. However, after a certain point, the best toddler pillows are safe for your little one to use.
So when can babies use pillows? Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician at Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY, told Romper in a previous interview, "For a child to have anything in the crib with them, they need to be able to move well on their own: sit, roll, stand. For most children, this is after one year old." Before making the transition, though, it’s best to consult your child’s pediatrician to ensure it’s safe. (And no, it’s not a good idea to give your toddler an adult-sized pillow.)
If your little one is ready for a pillow, consider these factors as you make your selection.
Material: Just like an adult’s pillow, a toddler pillow can have different fill materials. Polyester is a common pick for filling because it’s soft, and can be machine washed. You’ll also want to pay attention to the material of the pillow cover. Cotton is a common pick, and you can opt for organic cotton if that’s important to you.
Firmness: Sure, you want your child’s pillow to be nice and cozy, but if the pillow is too soft it can pose a suffocation risk. If you press down on a pillow and it does not regain its shape, then it’s too soft.
Thread count: Thread count (aka the number of threads per square inch of fabric) is important for comfort; the higher the thread count, the silkier and less scratchy the pillow will be.
Allergies: If your child has some sensitivities, you may want to pick a pillow that’s hypoallergenic to help reduce irritations and allergic reactions.
Washability: Toddlers are certainly messy, so it’s in your best interest to pick a pillow that’s machine washable.
There are quite a few toddler pillows to choose from, so to help you narrow down your options, here are four of the best ones on Amazon.