The Best Pillows for Kids

Time Frame

• The best pillow for children will be one that works properly and leaves them feeling well rested. Heloise Hints from "Good Housekeeping" says there is no real timeframe for when a pillow should no longer be used. While she says that some sleep experts recommend changing pillows every few years, you can take it pillow by pillow to determine if the pillow is still doing the job for your child. The foam or batting inside should not be bunched up and you shouldn't have to punch a feather pillow to add extra support. If the child can fold the pillow in half, then replace it.

Safety Concerns

• Though many crib bedding sets come with matching pillows, do not use the pillow with the bedding while the baby is still small. Consumer Reports indicates that cribs and other sleep areas should be free of anything, such as bulky blankets and toys or stuffed animals. BabyCenter says that children should not use pillows until they are 2, as pillows can pose a suffocation risk. Older children might not need a pillow either. Add a pillow to your child's bedding set when he switches to a toddler bed. If you would like to use one for an older child still in a crib, use a smaller one, the size of an airline pillow.

Types

• Though pillows range from expensive to budget-friendly, many parents opt for an inexpensive pillow for their child, as it might seem unimportant that their child have a special model. In most cases, this is fine. Generally, the best pillow for your child will be one that he finds most comfortable, regardless of price. Consumer Reports testers looked at inexpensive polyester, moderate feather or down models, and expensive memory foam. Overall, Consumer Reports found that personal preference mattered more than price. As a matter of fact, fans of expensive models were happy with other, more inexpensive models too. Small children will benefit from a low pillow, as they usually move around in the night and end up on their stomachs. A high pillow could cause spinal issues if they lay on it incorrectly.

Considerations

• If your child suffers from allergies, he might benefit from a hypoallergenic model. Some pillows are made from Primaloft, which is a down substitute, or wool, alpaca, latex and cotton.