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Finding the best baby pillow is crucial as it promotes good sleep in babies. A well-designed baby pillow ensures comfort and allows your baby to position their head correctly, and supports their neck. One of the things that parents should be aware of is that babies need specially designed pillows until about two years. Do not introduce babies to adult pillows as it could lead to sudden infant death syndrome and increase the risk of allergies.
Nicole Johnson, a baby sleep consultant and founder of The Baby Sleep Site, says, “Remember that no pillows or loose bedding should be in your baby’s crib or bed until your baby is a year or older to guard against SIDS and accidental suffocation.”
To help you, we have created a list of the best pillows and a guide on selecting a suitable baby pillow for your munchkin.
Top Picks
11 Best Baby Pillows For A Comfortable Night’s Sleep In 2024
1. Best For Neck And Head Support:Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow And Pillowcase
Make your toddler sleep peacefully with the Dreamtown Kids toddler pillow. It provides good support to the body while sleeping. The pillow has crimped fillings that are semi-firm, supporting the toddler’s developing neck and spine. This pillow has fewer fillings than a regular toddler pillow to prevent neck kinks or chiropractic visits. You can check out this video where a reviewer tests and details this sleep support pillow.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine-washable
- Dryer-safe
- Cute designs
Cons
- Might become lumpy after extended use
"This pillow’s size is perfect for my little one, and the included cover is a boon for maintenance. Its seams have started to fray after extensive use, but that has not detracted from the comfort it offers."
2. Best Comfortable:Celeep Baby Pillows
Ensure proper neck and head support with the Celeep baby pillow. It comes with the perfect amount of microfiber filling to provide comfort to your baby’s neck and spin. The even distribution of filling ensures less tossing or turning and minimizes lumps or wear-and-tear. Moreover, this pillow prevents flat head syndrome and offers comfortable sleep. The pillow is available in white, blue, and pink.
Pros
- Ultra-soft
- Machine-washable for easy care
- Comfortable
- Cover made of 100% cotton
- Cute prints
- Set of two pillows
Cons
- Stitches may not be durable
"Despite the vacuum packaging, these pillows fluffed up to a good size. My child loves its plushness and insists on carrying it everywhere we go. Although they are machine washable, I'd recommend washing them on a gentle cycle to maintain their fluffiness."
3. Best With 3D Air Mesh:John N Tree Organic Baby Pillow
Support your baby’s head and prevent flat head syndrome with the John N Tree organic baby pillow. This pillow is made of 100% organic cotton fabric cover and polyester filling. It is designed with 3D-air mesh for good ventilation, letting your infant feel the cool air in summer and warm air in winter. To find out more about this product, check out a tester’s experience in this video review.
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Attractive prints
- Breathable
- Dye-free and chemical-free
Cons
- May be slightly thin
4. Best Breathable:Biloban Toddler Pillow
Biloban toddler pillow prevents choking hazards and suffocation with its envelope closure design. This OEKO-TEX-certified pillow has been tested against more than 1000 harsh chemicals. The pillow is ergonomically designed to offer the best neck and spinal protection and comes with a soft cotton pillowcase and breathable polyester filling. Further, the flat, fluffy, and wide pillow offers enough lift for your baby’s head.
Pros
- Breathable pillow
- Machine-washable for easy care
- Hypoallergenic
- Comfortable
- Chemical-free
- Microfiber outer shell
Cons
- May be thin
"I found this pillow thinner than expected, but my toddler adores it. Its machine-washable build also helps me keep its white surface from getting stained. The only issue was the odd smell when it was new, but some airing solved that."
5. Best Chemical-Free:KeaBabies My Little Dreamy Pillow
The tried-and-tested KeaBabies My Little Dreamy pillow has an envelope-style design and is ergonomically designed to provide good neck support and comfort to babies aged two years and above. It is made of 100% 220 TC cotton and ball fiber filling. The pillowcase has attractive prints and comes with a tag to insert your toddler’s name. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful as it explores a reviewer testing and detailing the pillow.
Pros
- Durable
- Machine-washable
- Lump-free
- Travel-friendly
- OEKO-TEX- and GOTS-certified
Cons
- May shrink after a few washes
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 29,469 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
6. Best Travel-Friendly:W WelLifes Baby Pillow
W WelLifes baby pillow features a concave center that distributes head pressure evenly and helps prevent flat head syndrome. The ergonomic 3D mesh design is breathable and keeps your baby cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition, the top cover of the pillow is made of GOTS organic cotton that helps prevent excessive sweat. It can make a suitable addition to your infant’s bedding.
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Good ventilation
- Hypoallergenic pillow filling
- Comfortable and gentle
Cons
- Stitches may not be durable
7. Best Hypoallergenic:Babebay Toddler Pillow
The expert-approved Babebay toddler pillow can be your little one’s ideal sleeping companion. Made of premium quality materials, it provides your child with the optimum support and comfort. This soft pillow is suitable for children aged two to five years and is ideal for use in a toddler bed or a twin bed.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and breathable cotton material
- Soft 3D microfiber filling
- Machine washable, allowing easy maintenance
- Pillowcase for added protection
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not hold its shape well after multiple washes
"In addition to being plush, its outer material is breathable, allowing my little one to use it all year round. It got a little lumpy after a few months of use but smoothed out after washing. Overall, it has been an excellent find for comforting my kid during naptimes."
8. Best Non-Toxic:Kinder Fluff Toddler Pillow
The Kinder Fluff toddler pillow is specially designed with a 100% cotton fabric cover and filled with synthetic polyester microfiber. It offers good support to the neck and head and reduces stress. In addition, the expert-recommended and non-toxic pillow comes with good stitch density, ensuring no escape of fillings.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine-washable pillow
- Breathable and comfortable
- Chiropractor-recommended
- No deformity
Cons
- May experience uneven filling distribution after wash
9. Best Durable:Hansilk Head Shaping Pillow
Ensure a perfect head shape and prevent flat head with the Hansilk head shaping pillow. It uniformly distributes the pressure of your baby’s head all over the pillow. This anti-flat head pillow is made of natural corn fiber material and offers layer-by-layer ventilation, minimizing heat accumulation. In addition, the outer 3D layer of the pillow makes it breathable.
Pros
- Odor-free
- Breathable
- Made of natural materials
- Lightweight and portable
- Hollow mesh design
- Absorbs moisture
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Hand-washable only
10. Best Quick-Drying:Heartbeat Newborn Pillow
Heartbeat newborn pillow is uniquely designed with a hollow center, thus distributing head pressure evenly. The ergonomic design conforms to the shape of a baby’s head and protects the baby’s neck. Moreover, the curved arc support of this plush pillow aids in the easy turning of your baby without straining the neck.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Odor-free
- Ensures proper head and neck alignment
- Comfortable
- Versatile
Cons
- Baby may outgrow the pillow quickly
11. Best Versatile:Utopia Toddler Pillow
Provide your toddler a good night’s sleep with the Utopia toddler pillow. The outer cotton blend cover and the polyester filling give the pillow the right thickness, thus offering comfort. In addition, this pillow is breathable and supports the head, neck, and shoulders, thus serving as a sleep aid for babies.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Promotes safe sleep
- Durable
- Secure stitch—250 thread count
Cons
- May not be machine-washable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 1,170 positive reviews on Amazon.
Disclaimer: The information given in this section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Choose The Right Baby Pillows?
Consider these factors while choosing a baby pillow.
- Comfort: Pick a baby pillow that distributes head and neck pressure evenly. Also, ensure it has a mesh fabric and is breathable.
- Size: Choose a baby pillow that is neither too small nor too large.
- Fill material: Select a baby pillow with breathable fillings that do not cause any allergies. Usually, baby pillows have polyester-, cotton-, or plant-based fillings.
- Wash and care: Choosing a machine-washable baby pillow makes it convenient to keep the pillow hygienic. However, if you choose a hand-washable baby pillow, it should have clear washing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a flat-head pillow or a regular pillow better for a baby?
A flat-head pillow is ergonomically designed to prevent flat head syndrome. In addition, it helps keep your baby’s head in shape.
2. How should I clean a baby pillow?
Some pillows may be machine-washable, while others may require hand-washing. Follow the specific instructions mentioned by the manufacturer when washing the pillow. Also, use a mild detergent to wash the baby pillow.
3. When should my baby start using a pillow?
You may introduce a pillow to your baby when they reach the age of two or three (1).
4. Is a pillow good for a newborn baby?
No, a newborn should sleep without a pillow as it can suffocate them. Newborns also don’t require pillows for comfort (2).
5. Is it safe to put a pillow under a baby’s head?
No, it is unsafe and can increase the risk of SIDS (3). The pediatric experts of the American Academy of Pediatrics strictly warn against using pillows or stuffed toys in a crib.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a content and creative writer who specializes in baby products. She loves to write about products that have been designed to improve children’s lives and help with their mental and physical development. In this article, she highlights the best baby pillows that will give your little one the most comfortable and restful night’s sleep on a regular basis. The products in the article are quality-assured and durable.
The best baby pillows are crafted to keep your little one comfortable and cozy and help them sleep like a log. When investing in one, ensure you consider the fabric and filling of the pillow–they should be soft, breathable, odor-free, and hypoallergenic. Also, look for one that is ergonomically designed to offer good neck support and spinal alignment. Besides, the pillow should also be washable and easy to maintain. Bring home one to keep your munchkin comfortable when sleeping and prevent chiropractic visits.
References
- Pillow Use in Children – At what age should I introduce a pillow for my child?
https://www.ccscc.com.au/pillow-use-in-children-at-what-age-should-i-introduce-a-pillow-for-my-child/ - Baby and toddler safety
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/baby-and-toddler-safety/ - Tips for Keeping Infants Safe During Sleep From the American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/tips-for-keeping-infants-safe-during-sleep-from-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics/
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