If you are looking for ways to ensure uninterrupted sleep for your child or yourself, it may be time to switch to an organic pillow. Our list of the best organic pillows includes products made using safe, natural materials that ensure a comfortable, good night’s sleep. They are beneficial to those with allergies as most organic pillows are hypoallergenic, designed with breathable materials, and do not emit any unpleasant odors. They also do not use any harmful chemicals, making them suitable for children and adults.
Finding the best toddler pillow is no easy feat! You need something durable, size appropriate for their age, and developmentally supportive so they don’t hyperextend their neck! Plus, with the amount of time toddlers spend in bed and added toxins in our world today, you’ll likely want an organic toddler pillow, or one that meets other safety certifications, so they aren’t inhaling toxic chemicals all night and at naptime!
Well, the best organic toddler pillow must be certified organic and Fair Trade. This ascertains that the materials used in the pillow are 100% organic and safe, but also they were sourced and made in an environmentally responsible way.
The 7 Best Organic Toddler Pillows for 2023：our choice
- Overall Best Toddler Pillow：Coop Toddler Pillow
- Best Organic Toddler Pillow：COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow
- Best Toddler Pillow with Pillowcase：13×18 My Little Dreamy Pillow
Of course, there is so much more to the comfort and safety of a toddler pillow than just the material, but more on that later. To be clear, this isn’t your ordinary review guide with randomly picked pillows on the internet. We tested each of these pillows and chose the best in different categories like budget, ease of care, and comfort.
1.Coop Toddler Pillow
Feature
Designed for children aged two years and up, this pillow can be adjusted to meet your child’s unique sleeping needs. It can become your child’s perfect bedtime companion, leading to cozy and snuggly bedtime moments. The pillow is made of a unique blend of CentipurUS-certified memory foam and microfiber and is hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Perfect size for hammocks
- Comes with a zippered cover
Cons
- Zipper quality could have been better
- Some may find the pillow smaller than expected
2.COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow
Feature
Whether your toddler has a tendency to slump over in their carseat and you’re looking to give them some extra support, or you’re looking for a great travel neck pillow, the CoolBebe Kids Neck Carseat Pillow is a great option! It provides essential stability to prevent sore necks and discomfort.
Pros
- Perfect for in the car or general traveling
- 360-support that ensures heads don’t droop forward
- Machine washable construction.
Cons
- Not a solution for bedtime/nap routines outside of travel scenarios
3.13×18 My Little Dreamy Pillow
Pros
- Durable and washable
- Perfect for travel
- Fantastic spinal support
Cons
- The pillow gets extra fluffy after washing.
4.Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow
Feature
Unlike organic memory foam pillows that collapse or flatten, these pillows contour to the natural shape of your head, neck, and spine, relieving muscle pain, stiff neck issues, headaches, and other common sleeping problems. The pillow features a zipper so that you can adjust the filling to suit your needs. Moreover, the buckwheat hulls offer ventilation, cooling the pillows quickly.
Pros
- Firm and flexible
- Pillowcase stays in place
- Suitable for all seasons
- Durable
- Comes with extra hulls
Cons
- May feel hard at the beginning
- Some may find the hulls noisy
5.Toddler Pillow – Soft Hypoallergenic
Pros
- Hypoallergenic with a 100% cotton shell
- Chemical-free polyester fill
- Machine washable and affordable
- Backed by their “Love the Fluff” or they’ll replace it Guarantee!
Cons
- May get lumpy in time, as with all poly-fill pillows though!
More importantly, it offers ergonomic support to ensure that your toddler’s neck and head are properly aligned. The shell is made from 100% cotton while the fill is made from polyester cluster fiber. Along with being hypoallergenic this pillow is also chemical-free.
6.Organic Wool Toddler and Kids Pillow
Pros
- Durable and retains shape
- Temperature-regulating
- Machine washable pillow cover
Cons
- The pillow is a bit pricey
The manufacturer uses a machine to convert the wool into pearl-sized balls, creating a fluffy yet supportive and resilient pillow. And if the wool is not plush enough for you, the damask luxurious cotton cover will. It is plush, silky soft on your skin and cool to the touch.
While you can’t wash this pillow, you can throw the cover in the wash as often as you like. Be sure to air the pillow once in a while to keep it fresh.
7.APSMILE Goose Feather Down Pillows
Feature
Apsmile pillow is crafted using a sustainable and ethical process and made of responsibly harvested down feathers purified and washed using recycled water and eco-friendly soap to give you a soft pillow without stiffness or crunch.
It is available in a pack of two, and the filling includes small, soft feathers for optimal comfort and neck support. You can machine-wash these pillows for easy maintenance, and they are double-stitched with black piped edges for a sturdy and stylish look.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Leak-proof fabric
- Promotes better sleep
- Soft and lofty
- Non-poking feathers
Cons
- Might require frequent fluffing
- Might not be supportive enough for side sleepers
- 1 How To Choose The Best Toddler Pillow
- 2 What to avoid in an “organic” pillow
- 3 Types Of Organic Pillows
- 4 Toddler pillows vs. standard pillows
- 5 When to give your toddler a pillow
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 How do I clean an organic pillow?
- 8 How long do organic pillows last?
- 9 Do organic pillows have an odor?
- 10 When can a toddler have a pillow?
- 11 What kind of pillow should a 2 year old have?
- 12 Can a 3 year old use a normal pillow?
- 13 What’s The Difference Between an Organic Pillow and a Regular Pillow?
- 14 What’s The Best Material For an Organic Pillow?
- 15 How do I Wash an Organic Pillow?
- 16 Is it Safe For My Toddler to Use a Pillow?
- 17 At What Age Should My Toddler Have a Pillow?
- 18 What pillow firmness is best for toddler?
- 19 Should a toddler pillow be soft or firm?
- 20 Do toddlers need special pillows?
How To Choose The Best Toddler Pillow
While some aspects of picking a toddler pillow aren’t that different than if you’re buying a pillow for yourself, there are additional safety features that need to be considered.
Toddler Pillow Size:
The standard toddler pillow size is around 13 x 19 inches and should be on the flatter side.
Once your toddler’s ready to graduate to having a pillow in the bed with them, it is not recommended to use a standard adult pillow which is typically around 20 by 26 inches.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), caretakers shouldn’t introduce a pillow into a toddler’s bedtime routine until they’re at least two years old. Prior to this, there’s still a risk that having extra bedding in a child’s sleeping space could pose a choking or suffocation risk.
And along the same lines, picking an adult or standard sized pillow can be a problem. The pillow could be too thick for your child, but can also create a safety hazard because of the extra material.
Care:
Between potty training and general toddlerhood, expect a lot of accidents and frequent washing when it comes to toddler bedding, including their pillows!
The last thing you want is a pillow that can only be spot cleaned or hand washed. Look for options that are machine washable so that you can take one less task off of your to-do list. Be sure that the pillow has sturdy construction so that seams aren’t susceptible to fraying after multiple washes.
Firmness:
While you don’t want a hard pillow that’s stiff as a board and uncomfortable, it still needs to be supportive. Experts agree that you should avoid pillows that are too soft because while they might seem more comfortable, they can pose a suffocation risk.
Additionally, you want a pillow that regains its shape after being pushed down. If it doesn’t, it’s too soft and you should keep looking elsewhere. Ideally, find a toddler pillow that’s soft yet firm enough to provide proper support.
Filling:
Toddler pillows have come a long way. Ideally you’ll look for a filling level that doesn’t over extend your toddler’s neck and really supports the natural curve of their spine.
Nowadays, you can find pillows that incorporate memory foam and hypoallergenic materials. Opting for a pillow with hypoallergenic filling is ideal if you know that your toddler is allergic to dust, a common irritant that can get trapped in pillows. Shredded memory foam is a great option too for supporting the integrity of their spine.
Try to avoid fillings such as down feathers or pillows promoted as eco-friendly that are filled with buckwheat or hemp. The small particles can present a choking hazard. And feathers can trigger allergies as well.
Safety:
While toddlers are adept at rolling over and moving, you should still be mindful of what’s left in their crib or bed when it’s time to go to sleep.
For this reason, make sure that your toddler pillow is sturdily made and not too fluffy. Regularly check there aren’t any loose threads or strings, frayed seams, or anything that could potentially pose a risk.And again, you do not want a pillow that’s too large and over extends your toddler’s neck.
What to avoid in an “organic” pillow
Just like so many other products, pillows are often marketed as “organic” but really aren’t. Many products that are advertised as “organic” are actually made with synthetic materials, toxic chemicals, and even heavy metals.
Often, these organic pillows are made with an organic cotton cover, but they’re still filled with synthetic foam or polyester… probably not what you’re looking for.
So how do you know if a pillow truly is non-toxic?
Look for all natural fillings too, such as:
- organic cotton
- organic wool
- kapok
- natural shredded latex
(Note: solid latex pillows are also available, but they are likely to be too tall for small children.)
If you’re looking for a pillow specifically for a child, I also suggest avoiding buckwheat filling. If the pellets come loose from the pillow, they can present a choking hazard for toddlers.
Also read:9 Best Pillows for Occipital Neuralgia in 2023
Types Of Organic Pillows
Here are some of the different types of organic pillows available.
- Organic cotton pillows: Made from natural cotton, these organic pillows do not use pesticides or large quantities of water during production. They also have a soft, luxurious filling and a breathable cotton cover for optimal comfort.
- Organic latex pillows: These pillows are made from the sap produced by rubber trees and are devoid of harmful chemicals or elements. They are suitable for sleepers seeking mid-level contouring and support. These pillows are also breathable, comfortable, and help relieve back and neck issues.
- Organic wool pillows: Made from the wool of sheep, lambs, and goats, these pillows are hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, dust mite-resistant, and suitable for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Their moisture-wicking properties help you stay warm in the winters and cool during the summers. Due to their flexibility, you can use them as pillow stuffing or weave them into pillow covers.
Toddler pillows vs. standard pillows
As you might imagine, it’s better to have small pillows for toddlers. But it’s really more about height than it is length.
The Lilypad is only an inch different from a standard pillow (19″x26″ instead of 20″x26″). Technically, it’s not a true “toddler pillow” because of this. But its lower height still makes it better for children.
I like that that the Lilypad actually spans the entire width of my son’s twin bed, which a real toddler pillow wouldn’t do.
If you want a true toddler pillow, it’s much smaller than this (only 12″x20″). However, my younger son is only 2.5 years old and is on the small end of the growth charts, and he still loves his Lilypad pillow. I don’t know if you “need” to use a toddler pillow before moving up to a full size one.
When to give your toddler a pillow
Generally, it’s best to wait until your child is at least 18 months to introduce them to a pillow. By that point, they are generally well past SIDS risk, plus their neck muscles are developed well enough to use a pillow.
You may want to wait even longer, depending on your child’s sleep habits – some toddlers just don’t need a pillow and do just fine without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the pillow for certified organic tags. These tags mean that your pillow has been certified organic by trusted third-party sources, such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and thus is chemical-free and sustainable.
How do I clean an organic pillow?
Check if your pillow is machine-washable or needs to be hand washed. If it is machine-safe, add a cup of detergent with fabric softener, start your washer, and tumble dry on the low setting. If it requires hand-washing, gently wash the pillow in cold water, squeeze out the excess water, and let it air dry.1Tips on How to Care of Your Organic Pillows
How long do organic pillows last?
If you follow the given care instructions minutely, an organic pillow can last over five years.
Do organic pillows have an odor?
While organic pillows might not have an off-putting chemical scent like certain standard ones, they sometimes give off a natural odor, such as cotton or bamboo cover pillows.
When can a toddler have a pillow?
A general rule of thumb is to wait until your toddler is between 18 to 24 months before introducing a pillow. However, the AAP stands by a strict recommendation to wait until your child is 24 months.
What kind of pillow should a 2 year old have?
The most important thing is that you pick a smaller pillow that’s the right size for them. Don’t use an adult pillow as this can pose a suffocation risk — even for toddlers. Opt for a thin but slightly firm pillow like the ones on this list above.
From there, you’ll want to look at materials, we suggest making sure the pillow has at least one of the safety certifications mentioned above, so you reduce the likelihood of inhaling toxins all night.
Can a 3 year old use a normal pillow?
It’s best to keep your three year old with a toddler pillow as larger pillows can still pose a suffocation risk and won’t support proper spinal development.
With that said, obviously they can use a normal pillow, but we wouldn’t want our kids using it every night.
What’s The Difference Between an Organic Pillow and a Regular Pillow?
Organic pillows are made from 100% organic materials that include organic cotton, wool, and natural latex. Regular pillows, on the other hand, are made of synthetic materials like polyester that release harmful substances into the air around your family.2The Benefits Of Organic Pillows Compared To Regular Pillows
What’s The Best Material For an Organic Pillow?
While there are many pillows deemed organic, most of those are made of cotton and synthetic blends, while others only have an organic cover. For a pillow to be organic, it needs to have 100% organic materials like cotton, wool or kapok as filling and a 100% cotton cover.
How do I Wash an Organic Pillow?
Care instructions for organic pillows depend on the type of filling inside of it. If your pillow has cotton, wool, buckwheat or kapok, you should spot-clean when needed and use a pillowcase to protect it from getting dirty. These materials deteriorate when machine washed. PLA and natural rubber foam latex on the other hand can be washed if the instructions allow.
Is it Safe For My Toddler to Use a Pillow?
Toddlers can have a pillow in their bed from 18-24 months. That doesn’t mean however that you should give them a pillow when they turn this age. In fact, most toddlers do not need a pillow because they are already used to sleeping without one. Waiting until the child shows signs of needing a pillow, such as sleeping on their teddy bear, is the safest way to know when to buy one.
At What Age Should My Toddler Have a Pillow?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says you can introduce a pillow to a child’s bed around months 18 to 24. Before then, any soft items in bed increase the child’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. That said, a toddler pillow should be small in size and have a low loft. It should not be big or fluffy because they are still too young to wake up in case of breathing obstruction.
What pillow firmness is best for toddler?
“Look for a pillow that’s flat and firm, which will reduce suffocation risk, and not too large or soft,” says Crosby. The standard size for a toddler pillow is 13 by 18 inches, although some might be slightly wider and narrower.3Best Toddler Pillows, According to a Pediatrician
Should a toddler pillow be soft or firm?
Ensure the pillow has a firm core. A pillow with only soft-fill won’t be supportive enough and may be a suffocation hazard. It also won’t last very long before the pillow becomes very flat and uncomfortable. Avoid pillows with memory foam as this will be a suffocation hazard.4Pillows for children under 4 years
Do toddlers need special pillows?
You want a pillow that’s comfortable for your child to sleep on, but you should err on the side of firm, not fluffy. A pillow that flops around like your child’s favorite well-worn stuffed animal is probably too soft to provide any real support. Size. A toddler doesn’t need a standard- or queen-size pillow.5Choosing the Best Pillow for Your Toddler
