Looking at the way some of our kids sleep, it’s amazing they don’t wake up sore each morning. Arms up, legs thrown over, head arched back. We want them to be comfortable and have a good night’s sleep, so they can function at their best, but also so we can too! A big part of this comfort is a pillow. But at what age does your child need a pillow?
Let’s start with…
When they don't need a pillow
I have my own controversial views on what may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and it doesn’t involve pillows, but it is for this reason that pillows before 18 months are not generally recommended. Excess pillows, loose blankets, stuffed toys and other objects in a babies cot do present a suffocation risk. So pillows in a cot are not necessary.
Moving to a big bed is often when parents start to wonder if their child needs a pillow. And the answer here is maybe. As with adults, it depending on their sleeping position, but also their size and their comfort.
If they are perfectly comfortable and sleeping well without one, then I’d let them be until at least 3 years old.
A pillow as an anchor ⚓️
My ‘big’ boy Harvey (at the time of writing) is nearly 4 and he doesn’t yet use a pillow. We do use various blankets folded into the shape of a small pillow. This acts as an ‘anchor’ point in his bed, since he transitioned to his big boy bed at 3. As silly as it seems, it gives something to aim for. “Lay down, put your head on your pillow,” and they naturally come back to that point during the night.
If your child is consistently sleeping on their side and you see their head tilted at different angles then the time has come to use a pillow.
How to choose a child's pillow
The way to choose a pillow for your child is much the same as an adult (See post on choosing an adult pillow here). Because side-sleeping is recommended as the best option for a good night’s sleep, have a look at your child from the back while they’re laying on their side:
- Is their cervical spine (neck) in line with the rest of their spine
- Do they have a gap between their neck and the pillow (there shouldn’t be)
- Is their shoulder rolling too far forwards
Contour pillows are the best option as they curve around the head and neck. Adult pillows are definitely not recommended, especially for the toddler age range as they are too high and firm. Also take into consideration allergies and what the pillow filling is made from.
Recommendations
My favourite pillow is from a brand called Ollie Owl. They are Australian owned and made, and designed by a chiropractor and a massage therapist.
Their pillows come in three children’s sizes, plus an adult size and they also have a great sizing questionnaire on their website. I like their design (contour), range of sizes to suit children’s age and build and also because one of the founders is a chiropractor (biased much?) 😆 We have these available in the clinic. If we don’t have the size to product you would ike, then just ask Deb or Leanne and they will be happy to arrange a special order.
My other recommendation for pillow ranges is from Therapeutic Pillow. The have a huge range of pillows for children and adults, pillows for pregnancy and travel, also wedges and support pillows.
Their children’s pillows also come in a range of sizes, but the natural latex option doesn’t come in until their 8 years and over pillow. You can order directly through their website under our clinic name.
Here’s to a good night’s sleep for the whole family!