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Moving from a cot to a toddler bed, aka a 'big kid bed', is a major milestone for both parents and little ones. It's also the ideal time to start your search for the perfect toddler pillow. Just like when you were looking for a pregnancy pillow, it wasn't about fluff and patterns, it was about finding the right support. Now, with your toddler's pillow, the focus is on safety, spinal alignment, and breathability.
In this article:
While it’s tempting to make the cot feel extra cosy, the NHS guidance is clear: pillows should never be used for babies under one year old. They can cause babies to overheat or, worse, suffocate. To ensure we provide you with the most up-to-date information and accurate guidance, we consulted Fi Star-Stone, a parenting expert with over 25 years of experience. She says, "Quilts and pillows can cause a threat of suffocation or overheating. So, keep these items out of your little one's sleep routine. The emptier the crib or cot, the safer the sleep." She also shares her insights on choosing the right pillow for your toddler’s needs.
When it comes to choosing the right one, it's worth knowing that toddler pillows are specifically designed with a low-loft profile (thickness). This ensures their head isn’t propped too high, and offers gentle support to their neck during the night. To help you find the best toddler pillow, we've carefully selected the top picks for 2026. All these pillows are specifically designed for toddlers and are low and flat. They have also been tested and recommended by real parents for their comfort, support, and safety.
Following the recent 2025 UK Product Safety Alerts, it is more important than ever to ensure you’re choosing a pillow designed specifically for toddlers (aged 12 months plus) rather than infants. The Lullaby Trust also advise that babies under one should not use a pillow. They "can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 2.5 times." However, some experts like The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest waiting until the age of 2 before introducing a pillow.
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When choosing the right pillow for your toddler, the golden rule is to wait until they are at least 12 months old. Some parents may want to wait until their toddlers are ready to move into a toddler bed (around age two) to ensure they have the motor skills to move away if their breathing becomes obstructed. Here's what else you should look for:
• A low-profile 'loft' or thickness (ideally between 3cm and 7cm) - where the pillow has intentionally been designed to be thin and flat to prevent their chin from being pushed toward their chest, which can strain their developing neck and restrict their airway.
• Firmness over fluff - the pillow should support the head without allowing it to sink more than a few millimetres.
• Breathability and hygiene - opt for natural, hypoallergenic materials like organic cotton or wool to prevent overheating, and ensure the entire pillow is machine-washable.
Parenting expert and founder of The Regular Parent, Fi Star-Stone, says little ones really don't need pillows as we do. "They're perfectly comfortable (and safer) without one until they're ready to move to a big bed with toddler bedding (between 18 months - 3 years)" she explains.
As adults, we can't imagine going to bed without tucking up with a comfy pillow. But we know how much a toddler moves during their sleep. How often do you nip into their room to check how they are, only to find them upside down, feet hanging off the edge and head at the opposite end of the bed from where they started?
If you're going to introduce a pillow, manage your expectations. Your toddler might not sleep soundly in one position with a neatly placed pillow all night long. For this reason, it's best to wait as long as possible before giving your toddler a pillow. Wait until they show an interest in one and aren't moving around so much at night. Keeping your child's bed as clear as possible from toys, bedding, and cushions is the best approach for as long as possible.
Remember, when your little one transitions to a bed, you don't need to use a pillow right away. "In fact, to make the transition from cot to bed easier, use their sleeping bag or blankets that they are used to, so they feel familiar and settled. When they're comfortable with their new bed, choose quilts and pillows that conform to British Safety Standards," says Fi. "Toddlers don't need a standard-size pillow. Choose a pillow that is small, offers support, and retains its shape so as not to pose a suffocation risk.
"Think about investing in an anti-allergy pillow or pillow protector. Keep an eye on how your toddler gets along with it. If they're throwing the pillow on the floor - don't worry! As long as they're sleeping, then they're comfortable, so don't worry that they don't use it."
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At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available.
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About the expert
As a mum of two, Fi Star-Stone knows that parenting isn’t always easy. Her gentle techniques and approachable manner are popular with families and celebs worldwide. Fi’s qualifications include a Degree in Childhood and Youth studies, an NNEB diploma in Nursery nursing, and a Diploma in Childhood studies. She’s been working with children and families for 25 years.
About the author
Keya Modessa is our Senior Digital Writer, bringing over a decade of digital experience to Mother&Baby. With a BA Hons degree in Journalism and Sociology, she has contributed to M&B for just under a year and is also a mum of two. Her extensive portfolio includes work for national women's magazines, Food and Travel, and Muddy Stilettos.
