When Can A Child Have A Pillow?

Most people can’t sleep without a pillow. It’s totally understandable if you’d want to get one for your baby too, but you should avoid it at all costs.

Babies can sleep comfortably without a pillow. They shift often during the night and their fragile necks need to be free. It doesn’t matter what the brand selling the pillow claims, they cause more harm than good. If your child is below 12 months, take away the pillows, cot bumpers, toys, and blankets to avoid your baby overheating or blocking the baby’s airway when they roll.

Babies are at a high risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and all the things mentioned earlier increase these risks by 80%. To avoid any accidents, let your baby sleep comfortably in his or her crib with fitted sleepwear and fitted beddings.

When Can A Child Have A Pillow?

What Is The Appropriate Age For A Toddler To Have A Pillow?

You shouldn’t be in a hurry to buy your toddler a pillow. He or she is comfortable sleeping without. Be patient until your infant transitions into a toddler. Pediatricians recommend only toddlers from 2 to 3 year to avoid any risks. Reach out to your physician to discuss these matters, just to be sure.

When the toddler is ready and moves to a bed, you can add a one little toddler pillow and a few stuffed animals. Avoid big pillows or adult size animals that would crowd the bed. Make sure the transition is gradual, monitor the progress to see what works, and remove anything that interferes with his or her sleep.

Do Newborn Babies Need A Pillow?

No, Newborn babies don’t need a pillow!

Babies should only sleep on firm, flat surfaces without any pillows, stuffed animals, and duvets. Avoid crowding the crib with such stuff to protect your baby. During the first 18 months, add nothing to the baby’s crib but a fitted sheet. That way you avoid the risk of suffocation and watch your bundle of joy sleep peacefully all night.

do newborn babies need a pillow

When should a toddler have a pillow?

The recommended age should be about 18 months but you don’t have to. Most toddlers are completely fine without a pillow. Furthermore, they’ve never slept on one to feel the difference without one. You can wait until your child complains of aches and pains in the morning. If you’re not sure when is the right time for your toddler to use a pillow you can check:

  • Does your child sleep with his/her head supported by stuffed animals or rolled blankets?

  • Does your child seem restless during the night?

  • Does your child complain of body aches and pain in the neck?

  • Does your child like to use your pillow or couch pillows?

  • Does your child’s shoulder seem wider than his head?

If you’ve noticed any of the above issues, it’s time to get that child a pillow. That way, he or she will be more comfortable than on a flat surface. But if your baby isn’t showing any of the above signs, you can let him or her sleep without a pillow a little longer.

What Is The Best Pillow for Kids?

When your toddler is finally ready to use a pillow, you need to learn the basics of choosing the right one. For instance, don’t go crazy with big fluffy pillows that you like for yourself. Keep in mind, your child is still young and the neck, spine, and body are still developing. Look for a small, firm pillow that is supportive and comfortable for your child.

Obviously, different pillows serve an individual’s tastes and preferences and there’s no one size fits all. Similarly, toddlers too have different needs and you might want to buy a pillow with a generous return policy. Make sure the first pillows you introduce to your infant minimize SIDS risks to a small percentage.

For instance, you can pick a firm pillow to avoid the risk of suffocation a soft pillow might cause. In addition, firm pillows support your toddler’s neck, shoulders, and spine properly. Make sure to choose pillows with untreated and hypoallergenic materials to reduce rashes or any kind of allergic reactions.

what age can a toddler have a pillow

How Can You Pick The Right Pillow For Your Toddler?

Now that your toddler is old enough to have a pillow, you can start introducing the right one to improve his or her comfort and sleep quality. When transitioning your toddler from a crib to a bed, you can also introduce a little pillow during this period. That way your baby can associate the move with a pillow and won’t have much problem adjusting.

There are still some safety requirements you should follow religiously to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. Take note of the important features stated below to ensure your toddler’s bed is clean and comfortable.

Firmness Level

The toddler’s pillow should be medium-firm with minimum contour features. The firmness level makes sure your child is comfortable and well supported. The pillow should maintain consistent spinal support and reduce any kind of strain. A good pillow should promote good posture. 

A stiff pillow may be uncomfortable and tilt the head upwards, too soft a pillow cannot support the child’s fragile grown neck and spine. Furthermore, avoid fluffy pillows since there’s still a huge risk that the pillow can suffocate your toddler during their sleep.

Pillow Fillings

Pillows come with different fillings and it’s your responsibility to make sure that the ones you buy will be comfortable for your child’s growth. The quantity and material should be your priority. You have a range of pillow fillers from natural materials such as fiber and cotton, to synthetic like polyester and memory foam.   

Size

Toddler’s pillow should be a lot smaller compared to the adult size. It should measure an average of 13 by 18 inches to ensure your child’s comfort. Here are pillow sizes you can consider with different ages:

Infant's First Pillow (10x16) for 18 - 24 Months

Toddler Pillow (13x18) for 2 - 3 Years

Child Pillow (16x22) for 4 - 5 Years

Youth Pillow (18x24) for 6 - 12 Years

Standard Pillow (20x26) for 13 Years & above

Queen Pillow (20x30) for 13 Years & above

A 13 by 18 inches pillow might seem too small to you but your baby’s neck and shoulders will appreciate it. Remember a baby’s pillow is not for decoration but purposely for support and comfort.

You can place decoration pillows during the day if you must but always put them away at night to make room for your toddler to be free and comfortable to shift during the night. Plus, a small pillow helps your baby to move less as they learn to use the pillow.

You can compare between brands or take to your physician to recommend a good pillow specifically for your child. You can also bring the little compact pillow during your travels, to day care and preschool.
Hypoallergenic Materials

Your toddler’s skin is highly sensitive. Things like untreated materials, chemicals, dust, mold, and bacteria can seriously irritate their skin triggering allergic reactions. There could also be traces of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins. This can make your baby uncomfortable and itchy. You can pick a pillow made of hypoallergenic or skin-safe materials to protect your toddler’s skin. Check for certifications such as CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and GREENGUARD Gold to confirm that your pillow choice is safe.

Care Requirements

Toddlers can be clumsy and spills, leaks, and stains are inevitable. Sometimes it might be hard to clean the pillow daily but you can choose low-maintenance pillows. You can look for little pillows that are safe for machine wash and include pillowcases that are easy to remove and wash.

Before cleaning the pillow, read the washing instructions to protect the pillow from damage and increase its lifespan. Also, make it a habit to wash the pillowcase, bed sheets, and duvets regularly to keep the environment clean always.

Malleability

You can choose a pillow you can add or remove the fillings for your child’s comfort. It should come with a zipper making it easier to manipulate whenever you need to. Note when your child grows, they’ll need different pillow settings and a customizable one makes your work easier. You can always order extra pillow fillings online and ensure your kid enjoys a good night’s sleep.

Price

On average, toddler pillows range from $15 to $50. The materials used as fillings mainly determine the price. For a starter pillow, you don’t have to go for the fanciest ones in the market. Understandably, you want to give your child the best but expensive doesn’t always mean the best quality.

Furthermore, your baby will outgrow the pillow quickly like the little onesies you have tucked away in a cute drawer. You can either choose a pillow you can customize as they grow or look for a good, affordable one you can replace in less than a year.

When Can A Child Have A Pillowillow

Final Thoughts - When Can A Child Have A Pillow?

A pillow isn’t a necessity for your toddler. If your child is below 18 months, avoid introducing a pillow. Above all, you have to protect your child from anything that would pose a threat. Wait until your baby is big enough to need a pillow and not because you saw cute ones on your online shopping frenzy.

When the right time comes for a baby pillow, introduce your baby to a small pillow and make sure he or she sleeps comfortably with it.

 

Leave a Comment