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The best toddler pillows for a great night’s sleep
Find the perfect level of support and comfort for your child with the best toddler pillows on the market right now.
By Clemmie Millbank Edited by Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Dec 30, 2025
It may seem like just yesterday you were watching them on the baby monitor as they slept in their crib, but if your not-so-little one is now ready for a toddler bed, the chances are they're probably ready for a toddler pillow, too.
While pillows should never be given to babies under 12 months for safety reasons, a toddler pillow can make a surprising difference to your child’s sleep quality (and therefore yours too!).
Unlike full-sized adult pillows, toddler pillows are smaller, flatter, and specifically designed with little heads, necks, and spines in mind. If your child is transitioning from a cot to a toddler bed, look for a ‘cot bed’-sized pillow, which should be around 40 x 60 cm.
The best toddler pillows offer just the right amount of gentle support without being too bulky. Like the best toddler mattresses, many are made with breathability as well as support at the forefront of design, and often feature hypoallergenic materials to help regulate temperature and reduce the risk of allergies or irritation - ideal for sensitive sleepers. Some can be bought in a set along with the best toddler duvets while others come with washable covers to make life that little bit easier when inevitable spills, accidents or illness strike.
Whether you’re looking for natural wool fillings, memory foam alternatives, or eco-friendly, hypoallergenic options, read on to find the best toddler pillows that support healthy sleep, sweet dreams and a better-rested household all round. Hooray!
The best toddler pillows UK: at a glance
Best toddler pillow overall: Silentnight Safe Nights Anti Allergy Cot Bed Pillow | £7
Best toddler pillow for sweaty sleepers: Woolroom Deluxe Washable Kids Cot Pillow | £37
Best toddler pillow budget buy: IKEA Len Pillow for Cot | £4
Best toddler pillow for allergies: M&S Anti Allergy Cot Bed Pillow | £13
Best toddler pillow multi-pack: Utopia Bedding Toddler Pillows 2-Pack | £10
Best all-natural toddler pillow: The Little Green Sheep Wool Pillow | £40
Best memory foam pillow: Panda Memory Foam Toddler Bamboo Pillow | £32
Best easy-care toddler pillow: John Lewis Kids Micro Fresh Anti Allergy Pillow | £16
How we chose the best toddler pillows
We consulted the Mumsnet forums - home to the UK's largest online network of parents - to find the brands our users rate for the best toddler pillows. We also considered parents' biggest concerns and priorities when choosing their child's first pillow, as well as analysing verified toddler pillow reviews on trusted retailer sites. Consolidating all this information, we then created a comprehensive list of the best toddler pillows to buy in the UK right now.
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Best toddler pillow overall
Silentnight Safe Nights Anti Allergy Cot Bed Pillow
Two-year guarantee
Easy to care for
Affordable
Anti-allergy filling
Synthetic fibres
Key specs
RRP: £7 | Age suitability: 1 year+ | Materials: Microfibre and cotton cover, polyester filling | Dimensions: 60 x 40 cm
The Silentnight Safe Nights Anti-Allergy Cod Bed Pillow is a budget-friendly option that ticks a lot of boxes for parents. Slim and soft, it has just the right height for toddlers transitioning from cot to bed, offering gentle support without raising their head too much. The anti-allergen filling is designed to reduce bacteria and dust mites, which is especially reassuring if your child suffers from allergies, hayfever or sensitive skin.
Practicality is another big draw with this pillow as it is machine washable and tumble dryer safe, making it easy to keep clean after spills or night-time accidents. Silentnight also backs it with a two-year guarantee, which isn’t always standard at this price point. At around £7, it’s one of the most affordable toddler pillows on the market, offering excellent value without feeling flimsy or cheap.
Parents reviewing the pillow often highlight its premium feel despite the low cost, as well as its slim profile, which makes it comfortable and safe for smaller children.
That said, because it’s thinner than some higher-end options, parents looking for a pillow that will last well into the preschool years may prefer a slightly more padded model. But if you’re after a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-care-for first pillow, the Silentnight Safe Nights is a solid choice that won’t stretch your budget.
Best toddler pillow for sweaty sleepers
Naturally temperature-regulating
Made from 100% British wool
Machine washable
No synthetic fibres
Pricey
Key specs
RRP: £37 | Age suitability: 12 months+ | Materials: Wool, cotton | Dimensions: 60 x 40 cm
If your toddler tends to wake up clammy or kick off their bedding in the night, the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Kids Pillow could be a real game-changer. Made with 100% British wool and wrapped in a soft organic cotton cover, it’s naturally temperature-regulating. That means it helps to keep little ones cool and comfortable when it’s warm, while still being cosy in colder months - a huge plus if you’re dealing with a sweaty sleeper.
Wool also has the benefit of being moisture-wicking, so rather than trapping heat and sweat like some synthetic pillows, it draws moisture away and helps your toddler stay dry through the night. Parents of hot sleepers often find this leads to more settled rest (for both them and their child). Add to that the pillow’s hypoallergenic and chemical-free credentials, and it’s a safe, healthy choice for sensitive little ones.
Yes, it’s more of an investment compared to standard toddler pillows, but for parents battling disrupted nights due to overheating, the Woolroom pillow is well worth considering. With its washable design and durable natural materials, it’s certainly built to last.
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Best toddler pillow budget buy
Incredible value
Recycled materials
Easy to wash
Synthetic materials
Key specs
RRP: £4 | Age suitability: 1 year+ | Materials: Recycled polyester and cotton cover, recycled polyester filling | Dimensions: 35 x 55 cm
What Mumsnet users say
The Mumsnet forums are full of praise for toddler pillows from Swedish furnishings giant IKEA, particularly the LEN Pillow for Cot. At just £3.50, it’s a standout bargain that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Designed with recycled polyester filling and a soft cotton blend cover, the LEN pillow strikes a perfect balance - plush enough to be cozy, yet slim enough to offer just the right level of support for toddlers during their early transition to a proper pillow.
Its practicality is a key selling point - completely machine-washable at up to 60 °C and tumble-dry safe, it’s tough enough to handle everything toddler life throws at it, while remaining easy to care for. Many users report that once this pillow was introduced into their child’s sleep routine, bedtime noticeably improved.
Plus, the LEN pillow aligns with eco-conscious values: made from 100% recycled polyester fill and a 65% recycled polyester / 35% cotton fabric, it's both sustainable and safe for a toddler’s sensitive skin.
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Best toddler pillow for allergies
Natural anti-bacterial properties derived from linseed oil
Endorsed by Allergy UK
Reasonably priced
Reviewers say it can be a little too hard for some toddlers
Key specs
RRP: £13 | Age suitability: Not specified | Materials: Cotton, polyester, polypropylene | Dimensions: 57 x 35 cm
An excellent option for little allergy sufferers, this cute, quilted pillow from high street favourite M&S is finished with naturally anti-bacterial linseed oil and has been approved by Allergy UK.
Its pure cotton cover feels soft and gentle against sensitive skin, and the inner materials have been treated to eliminate the growth of microbes and dust mites, which is vital to reduce symptoms for allergy sufferers.
The whole pillow can be machine washed at 40°C and tumble dried on low heat (another key aspect of allergy control) and the price is very reasonable too.
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Best toddler pillow multi-pack
Offers a good mixture of softness and structure, perfect for little heads
Double cotton-blend cover
Includes two pillows, ideal for parents of twins or if you just want a spare
Synthetic fibres
Spot cleaning recommended
Key specs
RRP: £14 (now £10) | Age suitability: 2 - 5 years | Materials: Polycotton, polyester | Dimensions: 35 x 45 cm
If you’re after a simple, budget-friendly toddler pillow, this two-pack from Utopia Bedding is a handy option. Each pillow is a compact 35 × 45 cm, just the right size for little heads, and they come with a soft cotton-blend cover and plush polyester filling. Reviewers like that the pillow feels cosy without being too bulky, and you get a spare (or travel backup) in the pack.
On the other hand, these pillows aren’t machine washable, they’re spot-clean only, and they don’t carry hypoallergenic certification, so they may not be the best fit for allergy-prone toddlers. Support-wise, they sit somewhere in the middle: not too firm, not too floppy.
Overall, the big draw here is value for money. If you want an affordable starter pillow for your toddler that does the basics well, this set is worth a look - though bear in mind it is recommended for age two and over only.
Read next: Find the best night light to help your little one sleep soundly
Best all-natural toddler pillow
The Little Green Sheep Organic Wool Pillow for Toddlers
All-natural materials
Naturally temperature regulating
Expensive
Key specs
RRP: £40 | Age suitability: 1 year+ | Materials: Pure wool filling, cotton cover | Dimensions: 40 x 60 cm
Beloved for their high-quality, all-natural products, The Little Green Sheep is a popular choice for parents who want to swerve synthetic bedding.
Their wool toddler pillow is as luxurious as you’d expect, with a plush quilted cotton cover and temperature-regulating filling. The pillow is low but soft and naturally breathable, and it is machine washable too.
At £40, it's definitely on the pricier side, but the brand is well-regarded on Mumsnet for producing high-quality baby and toddler bedding which is made to last.
Best memory foam toddler pillow
Panda London Toddler Memory Foam Pillow with Bamboo Cover
10-year guarantee
Unique memory foam design
Includes removable bamboo cover
Synthetic filling
On the pricier side
Not suitable for younger toddlers (but there is a smaller Baby Panda pillow available)
Key specs
RRP: £32 | Age suitability: 2+ years | Materials: Bamboo cover, memory foam filling | Dimensions: 53 x 38 x 6cm
A memory foam pillow specially designed with toddlers in mind? Yes, it does exist! Approved by orthopaedic experts, the pressure sensitive foam on this little pillow perfectly moulds to the shape of your toddler's neck and head, offering the ideal level of adaptive support throughout the night.
It also features a clever ‘contour curve centre’, ensuring pressure is evenly spread across the back of the head to maximise comfort.
The bamboo cover is hypoallergenic and naturally breathable, which is good as memory foam can sometimes retain heat. With that in mind, if your child is a super sweaty sleeper this might not be the best choice of pillow for them. It's worth noting that the age suitability for this one is two years plus, so not suitable for younger toddlers.
Best easy-care toddler pillow
Easy to care for
Maintains its shape after washing
Great for kids with allergies
Pricier than some other pillows on the list
Synthetic fibre filling
Key specs
RRP: £16 | Age suitability: 1 year+ | Materials: Cotton cover and polyester filling | Dimensions: 35 x 57 cm
What Mumsnet users say
John Lewis is often praised as a go-to retailer for bedding on Mumsnet, and we think this pillow is a great choice for your toddler's first as it combines easy-to-clean practicality with anti-allergy benefits.
The Micro Fresh Anti Allergy Pillow is specially treated to inhibit the spread and growth of bacteria by up to 99.99%, while the soft cotton cover is designed with little allergy sufferers in mind.
The polyester filling is easy to wash and parents love the fact that it keeps its shape even after lots of spins in the washer/dryer, staying thick, fluffy and comfy without compromising on safety for little ones.
When should a toddler start using a pillow?
Most parents tend to introduce a toddler pillow at around 18 months to three years (or roughly when they transition from a cot to a toddler bed). At this stage, the risk of suffocation has greatly decreased and it is safe to introduce a pillow if you think your toddler might like one.
Some children may start to show signs they’re ready, such as using a stuffed animal or blanket as a pillow substitute, in which case be sure to switch it quickly for a safer option. However, it’s generally recommended to keep your child’s bed free from additional bedding, pillows and toys for as long as possible, so there is no rush to introduce one.
“Pillows are not recommended for babies as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 2.5 times,” says The Lullaby Trust. “Instead, it’s much safer to sleep your baby on a firm, flat surface with no extra items.”
Toddler pillows: what do the experts recommend?
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust both agree that babies under one must not be given a pillow as they are a suffocation risk.
“Do not use pillows or duvets with babies under the age of 1, as they can suffocate if their face gets smothered. They won't be able to push the duvet away. Babies should always sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their cot. Tuck the blanket in across their chest and under their arms and keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys,” states the NHS.
If your child starts to show signs that they would like a pillow after 12 months, or you think it may help them sleep, you can introduce a specially designed baby or toddler pillow. However, keeping your child's bed as clear as possible from pillows, bedding and toys for as long as possible is the best option.
Is it safe for a toddler to use a normal pillow?
Adult pillows are not a safe option for toddlers. They are generally larger and plumper and could pose a suffocation or overheating risk (particularly in children under two), so you need a smaller toddler-sized pillow to fit in their cot bed. Adult pillows can also elevate a toddler’s head too much and put strain on their developing neck and spine. Toddler pillows are specifically designed to be small, flat and firm, offering just the right amount of support. Many of them are also hypoallergenic, with breathable covers and child-safe materials.
What is the best type of toddler pillow?
The best type of toddler pillow is one that’s small, firm and breathable. Look for a pillow that’s specifically designed with young children's safety and comfort in mind. Here's what you need to consider:
Size: For a pillow to go in a cot bed or toddler bed, look for a pillow that’s ‘cot bed size’. This is around 40 x 60 cm in the UK.
Firmness: Toddler pillows are typically firmer, harder and flatter than adult pillows to support head and neck alignment.
Filling: Look for hypoallergenic materials if your toddler is allergy-prone, and choose breathable options to help regulate temperature.
Cover materials: Look for materials that are breathable, easily washable and gentle for sensitive skin.
What pillow filling is best for a toddler?
There are a variety of toddler pillow fillings to choose from and which is best for you depends on your priorities.
Polyester: This type of filling is often hypoallergenic, lightweight, inexpensive and relatively easy to pop in the washing machine too. However, these pillows aren’t always as breathable as natural fabrics and may flatten over time.
Memory foam: This offers a very supportive cushioning for your child but it can trap heat and may be less breathable, so it’s not ideal for sweaty sleepers. While memory foam bedding isn't always considered the best choice for toddler bedding - we don't recommend choosing it on our guide to the best toddler mattresses due to not providing the right level of support and the potential risks associated with overheating - the memory foam toddler pillow from Panda London has been made with 3rd generation orthopaedic grade memory foam designed to support little spines through gentle molding. The bamboo cover provides an anti-bacterial layer of breathability too to counteract any heat retention.
Natural materials: Organic cotton and wool are great choices for eco-conscious families who want natural, breathable fabrics. Wool is also naturally moisture-wicking and temperature regulating, although it tends to be expensive and can clump over time. Always look out for chemical-free fillings before buying too.
With toddler pillows, it’s best to avoid feathers or down as these can pose a suffocation risk, are not supportive enough for toddlers and can irritate allergies too. Similarly, avoid anything overly plush or plump as these can elevate a toddler’s head too much, straining the neck.
What is the best pillow for a toddler?
The Silentnight Safe Nights Anti Allergy Cot Bed Pillow is a great all-round toddler pillow as it has anti-allergy properties, is easy to care for, has a two-year guarantee and is a great price too.
The IKEA LEN Pillow is also a good choice and it's incredibly affordable. Seriously - it costs around the same price as a takeaway coffee!
For those who prefer natural materials for their little one and are happy to spend a little more, the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Kids Cot Pillow is a great choice, as is the organic wool offering from The Little Green Sheep.
About the author
Clemmie Millbank is a freelance writer specialising in parenting and women’s lifestyle. She is a mum to two boys and together they have tested hundreds of kids’ products and gadgets, including everything from mud kitchens and paddling pools to changing bags and mattresses. She has penned a number of baby and toddler content pieces for Mumsnet, including our guides to the best toddler mattress, best toddler duvets and the best learning towers.
About the editor
Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor.
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