Pillow2–7 yrs
Pillow for kids: when does a child need one, and how do you choose?
Elsa, 4, has built her own pillow out of three teddies, a jumper and half the duvet. That is about as clear a sign as you will get. Choosing a pillow for kids is simpler than it looks: first a question of age, then of height, and finally of something you can wash on a Tuesday night.
In short
- Babies under one sleep without a pillow, on their back, with nothing covering their face.
- The first pillow usually comes at around 18 months at the earliest, often closer to age 2 or with the move to a big bed.
- The right height = the head lies in line with the spine, not bent forward or back.
- Go small, medium-firm and washable. And check the height again as your child grows.
When can a child use a pillow?
Short answer: not in the first year. A baby sleeps most safely on their back, on a firm, flat mattress, with no pillow, no loose bedding and no big soft toys. The NHS is clear that you should not use pillows for babies, and Sweden's 1177 stresses keeping the baby's face free from covers and other bedding.
Babies under 1: no pillow in the cot. That includes small "baby pillows". Check your local safe sleep advice (NHS, 1177) and ask your health visitor or BVC nurse if you are unsure.
After the first birthday there is no fixed rule that says "now". The US-based Sleep Foundation writes that experts generally recommend waiting until a child is at least 18 months old, and that many wait until age 2. That is also when many toddlers move to a big bed, so a first pillow feels natural. More in our guide on moving from a cot to a big bed.
How do I know my toddler is ready for a pillow?
A child who sleeps soundly completely flat does not need a pillow yet. There is no rush. But a few signs tend to show up around 2 to 3 years:
- Your child tucks soft toys, a blanket or an arm under their head.
- They ask for "a pillow like mummy and daddy".
- They have moved to a big bed and want it to look "real".
- They scoot up against the headboard, looking for support.
Let your child help choose. It turns bedtime into a small celebration: the first real pillow!
How high should a kids' pillow be?
There are no official measurements per age, which is why we are not giving you any. Children grow at different speeds, and the right height depends on your child's size and how they sleep. What matters is that the head, neck and spine end up in a straight line.
An adult pillow is usually too high and too big for a small neck and narrow shoulders, so the head gets pushed forward towards the chest. A pillow that is too flat lets the head drop back or to the side. The Sleep Foundation describes the goal as "just the right amount of fill" so the head, neck and spine sit at a good angle.
The "straight neck" test (30 seconds)
- Let your child lie on their side, the way they usually fall asleep.
- Stand at the foot of the bed and look along the spine towards the head.
- The nose should point roughly straight ahead, in line with the breastbone. The head should not tilt down towards the mattress or up towards the ceiling.
- Do the same check on their back: the chin should not be pressed into the chest.
- Head tilting? Try a lower or higher pillow, or move to the size made for their age.
Tip from the Lillmoln team
Do the test on an evening when your child is already sleepy, not in the middle of a pillow fight. Snap a quick photo from above (then put the phone away), and the line is much easier to see.
| Age | What applies? |
|---|---|
| 0–12 months | No pillow. Back to sleep, face clear, firm mattress. |
| About 1.5–2 years | The earliest point, and only if your child seems to want support. Not a must. |
| About 2–4 years | A small, low, medium-firm pillow. Often together with the big bed. |
| About 4–7 years | Shoulders get broader. Redo the "straight neck" test and move up a size if needed. |
What should you look for in a toddler pillow?
Beyond height, a few simple things make a real difference day to day:
- Size: smaller than an adult pillow. The Sleep Foundation notes that an oversized pillow can easily overwhelm a small child.
- Firmness: medium-firm, so it keeps its shape all night instead of flattening out.
- Washable: spills, snotty nights and little accidents happen. Check whether the whole pillow or only the cover is washable, and follow the care label.
- Made for their age: a pillow sized for your child's age range fits better than a one-size pillow. When they grow, you move up a size.
- Fun to have: honestly, a colour or a character your child loves makes bedtime easier.
If your child has allergies, it may be worth skipping feathers and down and choosing a material that can go in the washing machine.
That is exactly why we made the Lillmoln Kudde: a comfort pillow in child size, designed for a small neck and narrow shoulders. It comes in three sizes, one per age: 1–3, 3–8 and 8–16 years, so the height already fits your child. The cover is washable, and you can add a printed cover if you like. And if the pillow and your child do not become friends, you have 30 nights to try it.
The pillow is part of the evening, not the whole answer
A good pillow makes the bed cosy. But what helps sleep most is usually a calm, predictable evening: same order, same time, a story and lights out. Read our guide to a bedtime routine for kids that works, and see how much sleep children need at different ages.
A pillow is a comfort product, not a treatment. Does your child snore loudly, pause breathing during sleep or sleep restlessly for a long time? Talk to your GP, health visitor or, in Sweden, BVC, the vårdcentral or 1177.
FAQ
Can a baby sleep on a pillow?
No. In the first year a baby should sleep on their back on a firm mattress, with no pillow and nothing covering their face. That is the core safe sleep advice from the NHS and Sweden's 1177, among others.
When can a toddler use a pillow?
At around 18 months at the earliest, and many families wait until age 2 or until the move to a big bed. If your child sleeps well completely flat, there is no need to hurry.
Can my child use a regular adult pillow?
An adult pillow is usually too high and too big for a small child, pushing the head forward. Do the "straight neck" test: head, neck and spine should be in line.
How often should I wash my child's pillow?
Many families wash the pillowcase weekly with the rest of the bedding. Wash the pillow itself according to the care label, and more often after a cold or an accident.
Sources
Keep reading
Sleep1–16 yrs
How Much Sleep Does a Child Need? A Simple Chart From 1 to 16
Routines2–7 yrs
Bedtime Routine for Kids: 6 Steps to Calmer Evenings
Growing up2–4 yrs