Kids Pillow for Ages 3 to 8: Choosing for the Preschool and Elementary Years
Between ages 3 and 8, your child grows fast... and their pillow needs to keep up. Too flat, and it no longer supports the head; too tall (an adult pillow), and it bends the neck. Here's how to choose the right pillow for a 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7-year-old.
See the Ages 3-8 pillow
What pillow is right for a child aged 3 to 8?
At this age, the shoulders broaden, so the space between the head and the mattress gets bigger. You need a pillow that's a little taller than a toddler's, but much lower than an adult pillow. Our ages 3-8 size is 4 to 6 cm (about 1.5 to 2.5 in) tall.
| 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) |
A good rule of thumb: have your child lie on their side. Their nose should line up with the middle of their chest. If the head tilts down toward the mattress, the pillow is too low; if it tilts up toward the ceiling, it's too high.
Signs their current pillow isn't working
Here's what parents told us when ordering, in their own words:
"My son snores and sleeps with his mouth open."
"Tired of repositioning them before bed, and what do you know, neck pain in the morning."
"Sleeps sometimes on my pillow, sometimes on nothing, and moves around a lot at night." — about a 4-year-old girl
"He never seems truly rested in the morning."
- they sleep with their mouth open, drool on the pillow or snore;
- they toss and turn and end up with their head off the pillow;
- they sleep long enough but wake up tired, with dark circles;
- they complain about their neck in the morning.
These signs can have several causes: talk to your pediatrician if they persist. But the pillow is one of the first things to check, and the easiest to change.
Why an ergonomic pillow often changes nights
On a pillow that's too tall or too soft, a child's head tips back, the chin lifts and the mouth falls open. Your child then breathes through the mouth for much of the night, and their sleep can be less restful, even if they get their 10 hours.
The Lymphelia pillow keeps the head and neck in line with the spine thanks to its central dip and neck support. The mouth stays closed more easily, and breathing happens through the nose. Here's what one parent wrote that they were hoping for:
"A more restful night, and so a calmer day."
See the Ages 3-8 pillowExactly 3 or exactly 8: which size?
Exactly 3: we recommend the ages 3-8 size, so your child gets more use out of it. Exactly 8: more likely the Ages 8-18 pillow, especially if your child is tall or has broad shoulders. Smaller than other kids their age? The 1-minute quiz will help you choose.
Take the quiz: what size for my child?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.
Frequently asked questions
What pillow size for a 4, 5 or 6-year-old?
The ages 3-8 size (4 to 6 cm / about 1.5 to 2.5 in tall). It fits the vast majority of children this age.
My child sleeps with an adult pillow. Is that a problem?
It isn't dangerous, but it's often too tall for them: their neck is bent all night and their mouth tends to fall open. A pillow sized for them is more comfortable.
They sleep with their mouth open. Can the pillow help?
That's the whole idea: a pillow that keeps the head in line helps the mouth stay closed. If your child snores loudly or pauses while breathing, see your pediatrician: a pillow is not a substitute for medical advice.
Isn't memory foam too firm for a child?
The foam molds to the shape of the head: it's firm enough to support the neck well, but comfortable. Your child has 100 nights to try it.
Do we need to change it as they grow?
Yes, around age 8 you move up to the ages 8-18 size, which is taller, to keep up with broadening shoulders.