Every so often I am asked about when to introduce a pillow to a toddler and while I would love to be able to give a clear age, the answer is it is very dependent on the child. While some may be ready at 2.5, others may not be ready until over 3. So, let’s dive into the science and recommendations so that you can make an informed choice for your child.
Pillows for babies: A clear NO
We all know that pillows are not safe or necessary for babies. This is for 2 reasons:
- There is an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in children under the age of 1. Having a pillow or other soft items such as blankets, toys etc puts them at risk of suffocation. It also increases their exposure to chemicals or synthetic fibres which may be present in the pillow.
- Babies have not yet developed a cervical lordosis (proper curve in the neck) and so there is simply no need for a pillow as a pillow’s role is to support this curve. Introducing a pillow too early may interfere with this development.
So as a clear rule, no pillows under 2.
When then?
The child safety experts recommend introducing a pillow somewhere between 2 and 3. As a general rule, you could introduce a pillow when you transition to a big bed. However, I don’t always give this as a recommendation as some children are moved to a floor bed before the age of 2 (our first son was 1 when he moved to a floor bed).
Some other signs of readiness include:
- Consistently using a blanket or toy to lay their head on
- If they put their head on a cushion or pillow when on the couch or in bed with you
- If they start sleeping on their side or start sleeping with an arm under their head
Getting the right pillow
So your child is ready for a pillow, what now?
It is very important to get a suitable pillow for a little neck as something too high or too low is going to impact the development of the neck curve but also be super uncomfortable for your little one.
A child definitely does not need an adult pillow, this will cause too much strain on the neck. Instead they need a specifically designed low profile pillow which will correctly support their little neck curve.
Here are some of my favourite ones:
Something else you should consider when buying a pillow is to look at what it’s made of. Most children are sleeping 11-12 hours a night on a pillow and thus breathing in whatever it is made of. Choosing a pillow made of synthetic ingredients means you risk your child breathing in those fibres. This is why I recommend a pillow made of natural fibres.
You also should consider allergens especially if your child has immune issues such as asthma or eczema.
My other tip with toddler and childrens pillows is to get a pillow protector. Kids sweat a lot and can also vomit or wet the bed. A pillow protector will protect the actual pillow from getting damaged and thus save you having to replace the pillow itself.
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