Toddler Pillow for Ages 1-3: Your Little One's First Pillow
Your child is moving to a "big kid bed" and you're wondering whether they need a pillow, and which one? Between ages 1 and 3, a child's head is still large compared to their shoulders, so a standard pillow is far too tall for them. Here's how to choose their very first pillow.
See the Ages 1-3 pillow
What age should a child start using a pillow?
Never before age 1: no pillows and no cushions in a baby's crib. After that, there's no set age. It often happens when your child moves to a toddler bed. Signs your child is ready:
- they tuck a hand or a fold of blanket under their head to sleep;
- they cuddle up to your pillow when they sleep with you;
- they move around a lot at night and often end up in a twisted position;
- they've moved out of the crib and into a bigger bed.
If you're unsure (premature birth, a health concern), just ask your pediatrician.
What pillow height is right for a 1, 2 or 3-year-old?
This is THE most important point. At this age, you need a very low pillow, just enough to fill the small gap under the neck. An adult pillow, far too thick for them, tips a child's head forward or to the side and forces them to sleep with a bent neck.
| Child's age | Lymphelia size | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | Ages 1-3 Pillow | 2 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 in) |
| 3-8 years | Ages 3-8 Pillow | 4 to 6 cm (about 1.5 to 2.5 in) |
| 8-18 years | Ages 8-18 Pillow | 6 to 9 cm (about 2.5 to 3.5 in) |
Our ages 1-3 size is 2 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 in) tall: the lowest in the range, designed for toddlers.
Why an ergonomic pillow instead of a regular flat pillow?
A flat fiber pillow flattens quickly and doesn't support the neck: a toddler's head rolls, the chin can lift and the mouth falls open. Here's how parents describe it to us:
"Sleeps with his mouth open, drools and snores."
"No drool marks on the pillow and breathing through the nose." — what one parent was hoping for when ordering
The Lymphelia pillow has a contoured dip in the center that keeps the head securely in place, plus gentle support under the neck. The head stays in line with the spine: the mouth is less likely to fall open, and your child breathes more easily through the nose.
What to look for in a toddler pillow
- Low: 2 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 in) for this age.
- Firm but not hard: memory foam cradles the head without sinking in the way a feather pillow does.
- Hypoallergenic: no feathers, no down.
- Washable: a machine-washable cover, a must at this age.
- A pillow that grows with your child: at age 3, you move up to the next size.
Try it at home, risk-free
- 100-night trial: your child uses it, and if it isn't the right fit, you send it back for a refund.
- Free shipping.
- Removable cover, machine washable at 86°F (30°C).
- More than 4,800 families have already made the switch, 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Not sure about the size?
Is your child exactly 3, or tall for their age? Take our 1-minute quiz and it will tell you which size to choose. At age 3, we generally recommend the Ages 3-8 pillow.
Take the quiz: what size for my child?Frequently asked questions
My child is 18 months old. Is that too early?
No, the ages 1-3 size is made for children from age 1. What matters is that they sleep in an age-appropriate bed and that the pillow is low. Before age 1, no pillow.
My 2-year-old keeps pushing their pillow away. What can I do?
That's common at first, especially with a pillow that's too tall or too soft. A low pillow that holds the head well is usually accepted more easily. Give them a few nights to get used to it: with the 100-night trial, you have plenty of time to see how it goes.
How is it different from a flat baby pillow?
A regular flat pillow is often made of fibers: it flattens and doesn't hold the head. The Lymphelia pillow is memory foam, with a central dip and neck support to keep the head in line all night.
How do I wash it?
The cover comes off and goes in the washing machine at 86°F (30°C).
When should we move up to the next size?
Around age 3, or sooner if your child is tall for their age and their shoulders have broadened. The quiz can help you decide.