Young children are often not used to having pillows at a young age, so it can be helpful to find the right one for them the first time around. This is especially true when you consider how important sleep can be for their development.
As adults, we know how difficult it can be to find the perfect pillow, especially if we spend all night tossing and turning in bed. A great pillow can make a considerable improvement in our sleep as it would for our children too. There are multiple features to consider when choosing the right pillow for children and younger kids, such as size, shape, age-range and materials.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
KIDS PILLOW | TYPE | SUITABLE FROM | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow | Memory Foam | 4+ years | 30 Nights 10 Years | £34.95 |
KeaBabies Toddler Pillow | Ball fibre | 2+ years | NA Nights 1 Year | £24.96 |
Silentnight Safe Nights Anti-Allergy Cot Bed Pillow | Hollowfibre | 1+ years | NA Nights 2 Years | £9.99 |
ClevaMama ClevaFoam Kids Pillow | ClevaFoam | 1+ years | NA Nights NA Years | £28.90 |
Kally Sleep Kids Body Pillow | Hollowfibre | 3+ years | 14 Nights 2 Years | £12.99 |
John Lewis Wool Filled Cotton Junior Pillow | Wool | 1+ years | NA Nights 2 Years | £24 |
1. Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Bamboo cover • 3rd generation memory foam • Environmentally-friendly | • Hot sleepers • Children with allergies • Those seeking spinal alignment |
Panda is a company that prioritises sustainability, with many of its products being vegan-friendly and organically sourced. The Panda Kids Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is only recommended for those above the age of four and has thousands of five-star reviews. Customers believe that their services are professional and their products are of high quality.
The kid's pillow features 3rd generation memory foam that provides comfort and helps support the neck to aid spinal alignment. The cover is made from bamboo, an antibacterial material that should be suitable for those with allergies and with sensitive skin. The Panda Kids Memory Foam Pillow also consists of temperature-regulating technology, meaning your little one won’t get too hot at night.
The pillow has been finished with a mesh fabric, which is designed to provide durability and breathability. The material is can also help to protect the pillow against dirt and bacteria. OEKO-TEX and REACH have also approved the pillow, meaning it's free from harmful substances and chemicals.
1. KeaBabies Toddler Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Unicorn print design • 100% natural cotton • Hypoallergenic | • Eco-conscious individuals • Those seeking an ergonomic design • Ages 2-5 years |
This unicorn-printed pillow is for the younger ones, primarily for ages 2-5 years. The KeaBabies Toddler Pillow is sold on Amazon and has thousands of positive reviews. Customers state that the pillow is easy to clean, has a soft feel and is comfortable.
The KeaBabies Toddler Pillow has been designed to ensure that the pillow’s density, softness and height is enough for different sleeping positions. The ergonomic design has been tested on toddlers to aid spinal alignment whilst providing a comfortable feel. The materials are 100% natural cotton and hypoallergenic, as well as the pillow and the cover being fully machine washable.
This KeaBabies pillow is part of the KeaDreams collection, whereby its mission is to promote a great bonding experience between parents and children across the globe by providing excellent quality products. The pillow is also GOTS certified, meaning it uses organic materials while maintaining ecological and social standards.
3. Silentnight Safe Nights Anti-Allergy Children's Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Anti-allergy hollow fibre • 2-year guarantee • Made in the UK | • Those on a budget • Parents seeking durability • Children with sensitive skin |
The Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed Pillow is for young children aged 12 months and over. As the name suggests, this award-winning pillow is used in a cot with a cot bed mattress. The pillow is affordable and has been praised by customers who have highlighted how soft and lightweight the pillow feels.
The pillow's filling is made from anti-allergy hollow fibre, which has been added to help protect your little one safe from dust mites and bacteria. This is useful for those who are overly sensitive to allergens. Another feature is the breathable poly-cotton case which is machine washable. Silentnight note that the cover is standard sized at the usual cot bed pillow size of 60 x 40cm.
The Silentnight Safe Cot Bed Pillow has been produced in OEKO-TEX certified factories, meaning their product meets safety standards. The pillow has also been constructed with durability in mind, as it's designed to retain its shape for up to 50 washes.
4. ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Clevafoam filling • AirFlow technology • Toxin-free | • Parents concerned about flat head syndrome • Those seeking breathability • Children requiring added support |
The Clevamama Toddler Pillow has been created with your little one’s healthy sleep in mind and is suitable for children up to three years. Customers have stated that the pillow is easy to clean, soft and comfortable.
The composition of the pillow is made to promote spinal alignment by supporting the body and neck. The Clevamama Toddler Pillow has also been created with ClevaFoam – memory foam specifically designed for pillows from this brand. The foam has been scientifically engineered to reduce flat head syndrome among younger children. The pillow has also been scientifically proven to relieve pressure from your baby’s head by 50% and increase support by 80%.
In addition, the foam is hypoallergenic, pH balanced and toxin and formaldehyde-free. This means it can be suitable for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Whatsmore, the pillowcase has been designed with AirFlow technology which increases ventilation throughout the pillow and helps absorbs moisture.
5. Kally Kids Body Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Body pillow • Cotton jersey cover • Rainbow design | • Children requiring pressure relief • Ages 3+ • Side sleepers |
The Kally Kids Pillow has been designed to encourage children to sleep in the foetal position and is designed for children aged 3+. The body pillow was manufactured in the UK.
Firstly, the pillow is a long, full length, meaning that it not only relieves pressure on different parts of the body but is also designed to align the head, neck and spine. Secondly, you receive a two-year guarantee, meaning if the pillow is not suitable for your little one, you have plenty of time to change your mind.
The pillow includes a unique rainbow design to add more fun to the bedtime experience. The cotton jersey cover is fully machine washable. The Kally Kids Pillow has received positive reviews, with customers stating that it is a high quality, comfortable and soft product.
6. John Lewis Wool Filled Cotton Junior Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• 100% natural wool • Cotton cover • Anti-bacterial | • Ages 1 year + • Those seeking extra comfort • Children with allergies |
The Wool Filled Cotton Junior Pillow promises excellent quality, with customers highlighting the quality and value for money. The manufacturer recommends that this pillow is not suitable for children under the age of around twelve months. This is pretty common for more oversized sized pillows as standards recommend that your child should generally not have a cot pillow before they reach two years old.
Firstly, the pillow is filled with 100% natural wool. This is useful as wool has so many unique properties which are suitable for a baby. For example, wool is commonly known to have a natural resistance to bacteria, as well as being hypoallergenic. The wool also acts as a fantastic temperature regulator. This is a great feature to consider if your child sweats and overheats throughout the night. Moreover, the cotton cover provides a soft finish to the product as it aims to keep your little one as comfortable as possible.
At a very generous price point, this pillow is popular among parents who shop with John Lewis and Partners. There are so many features and benefits of this pillow that accounts for its popularity among shoppers.
Importance Of Children’s Sleep
Bedtimes can be a hit or miss for many families, and there are many factors that can determine whether or not your child gets the necessary amount of sleep. The NHS✓ states that children from 3-5 years old should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep, including naps during the day. Older children, aged 6-12 years old, are recommended to get around 9 -12 hours of sleep.
Lack of sleep in children has been linked to many issues, and research✓ has found that managing these sleep problems can lead to improvements in health and emotional well-being in both childhood and adulthood. If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it could affect their physical and mental development.
Did you know?
A study✓ found that around 25% to 40% of children experience sleep disorders. This was believed to have a profound impact on factors, such as behaviour, emotional regulation and learning.
Understandably, lack of sleep can also have a negative effect on children’s school life as it can affect learning and cognitive functions. A study✓ involving 450 pre-teens found correlations between low total sleep time and low school achievement, increased absences, low school enjoyment and frequent illnesses. In more extreme cases, lack of sleep can also be linked to depression, anxiety and ADHD. Due to this, it’s essential to try to manage your child’s sleeping times to help give them the best possible start to each day.
Kid’s Pillow Considerations
Everyone wants the best for their child, so before purchasing a children’s pillow, it’s helpful to be aware of what to consider before buying. Aspects such as firmness and materials can make the difference and should be considered alongside your child’s personal needs and preferences.
- Firmness: Lighter individuals tend to feel firmness more and may not experience as much cushioning, so softer pillows can provide that soft, hugging feel. However, a firmer pillow may be easier to move around on and provide added support.
- Materials: Kids pillows can be made from a range of materials such as hollow fibre, memory foam and wool. Memory foam may be more expensive as it is known for its contouring and cushioning properties. Hollowfibre tends to be cheaper and has a distinctly soft feel.
- Age: Most children’s pillows have a specified age group, so it’s worth looking out for this as the target age group could affect the pillow’s design. For example, some pillows are designed for infants to help prevent flat head syndrome✓.
- Price: There is a range of prices available on the market, both for those on a budget and those willing to splurge. Prices can vary from £5 at the cheapest, with prices going up to £50. It’s important to note that a kid's pillow may only be used for limited years as your child grows, so consider how much you’re willing to spend.
- Allergies: If your child suffers from allergies or sensitive skin, it’s worth checking if the materials are hypoallergenic. Many pillows include anti-allergy materials and treatment. Bamboo pillows and wool pillows are particularly well-known for being anti-allergy and anti-bacterial as they often come from a natural source.
- Reviews: Many children’s pillows can be found on Amazon; therefore, you will have access to customer reviews. Try to check that the reviews are verified and confirm that the product has the features you want.
- Warranty: To help protect your purchase against time and ensure its durability, you can opt for a children’s pillow with a specified warranty period. These warranty periods can range from 2 years to 10 years.
Children’s Pillow Extra Features
Aside from the important considerations, there are also some extra features that can be found in kids pillows. These special features can offer your child more benefits and help to ensure a better night’s rest.
- Shape: Children’s pillows can come in various sizes, with many falling into the standard pillow shape. However, others can be longer and larger, serving as full-body pillows. This can provide extra support and encourage the side-sleeping position.
- Design: Perhaps not a priority for everyone, yet a nice design in your child’s favourite colours and patterns can encourage them to go to bed and add some excitement to the bedtime routine.
- Washable: It’s no secret that children aren’t always the most hygienic. Therefore, it could be a good idea to look out machine-washable pillows and covers to keep things fresh and clean.
- Pressure Relief: Some pillows have been constructed and designed to aid support and pressure relief for the child. This is particularly true for memory foam pillows which can contour to the child’s head and neck.
- Organic: For environmentally-conscious individuals, you should look out for pillows labelled as organic and sustainable. If the product has received a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, it means it was made with at least 70% of organic materials.
Bedtime Hacks
Getting your child to bed and ensuring they have a good night’s rest can sometimes raise a few challenges. Finding the right children’s mattress and pillow can help make a difference, but there are several other things you can try to help ease the process.
Firstly, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help prepare the child for bed in an organised manner. A set bedtime routine could include late-night snacks, brushing teeth and reading a story before sleeping. Once your child is tucked up in bed, it can be helpful to make sure the temperature isn’t too high. The body naturally cools itself down before bed; therefore, providing a cool environment could help with the body’s natural process. The ideal temperature is said to be around 18°C - 20°C.
As well as this, there are also some things you may want to avoid. For obvious reasons, it is recommended to avoid anything that may contain caffeine before bed, such as chocolate and fizzy drinks. Children should also avoid engaging in any high-intensity exercise before bed as it can over-stimulate and increase energy levels. Finally, turning off devices, such as phones or video games, is recommended before bed. It can negatively affect the child’s natural circadian rhythm✓ , which uses light to indicate when it’s time to sleep and wake up.
Good to know!
A 2017 study✓ involving 2334 children investigated the effects of having electronic devices before bed. It was found that sleep quality, duration, and efficiency were better among those who read a book before bed than those using electronic devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children use a pillow?
It is advised against using pillows for infants under the age of 2 as it can increase the chances of SIDS due to suffocation. When your child starts transitioning out of the cot and into a bed, it is considered safe to use pillows and other bedding.
That being said, every child is different, and it’s worth visiting a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Which pillow stuffing is safe for children?
Eco-friendly and organic stuffings are often recommended as they tend to have natural hypoallergenic properties that could benefit those with allergies or sensitive skin.
What are the measurements of a kid-sized pillow?
There isn’t one measurement fits-all for a kid-sized pillow, and dimensions can vary depending on the target age group. Larger pillows can range from 60cm x 40cm, whereas smaller sizes for younger children can be around 53cm x 38cm.