When Can My Child Use a Pillow?

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is:

“When can my baby use a pillow?”

It often comes from a really loving place. You notice your child rolling their head to the side, resting on a stuffed animal, or seeming uncomfortable, and you wonder if a pillow would help them sleep better.

The short answer?
👉 Pillows are not recommended for babies.
But the why and the when matter, and that’s what we’ll break down here.

Why Pillows Aren’t Safe for Babies

During infancy, sleep safety always comes first.

Pillows increase the risk of:

• Suffocation

• Restricted airflow

• Unsafe sleep positioning

Babies don’t yet have the head and neck control needed to move away from soft objects if their breathing becomes compromised. Even thin or “baby-sized” pillows can pose a risk in a crib.

That’s why safe sleep guidelines recommend:

• a firm, flat mattress

• baby placed on their back

• in an empty crib (no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or loose items)

Even if a pillow seems to help your baby settle during a contact nap or supervised rest, it’s not appropriate for unsupervised sleep.

So When Can a Child Use a Pillow?

For most children, pillows become appropriate around age 2, but only when all of the following are true:

• They have strong head and neck control

• They can reposition themselves easily during sleep

• There’s no longer a risk of rolling face-down and getting stuck

Even then, a pillow is optional, not required.

Many toddlers sleep perfectly well without one, and that’s completely okay.
If you think your toddler may be ready though, here are some signs to look out for.

Signs Your Toddler May Be Ready

Every child is different, but some common signs include:

• Using a stuffed animal or blanket as a “pillow”

• Sleeping comfortably on their side

• Asking for a pillow

• Recently transitioning to a toddler bed

These signs don’t mean you must introduce a pillow, just that your child may be developmentally ready if you choose to.

How to Choose a Pillow (When the Time Comes)

If and when you decide to introduce a pillow, keep it simple:

✔ Thin and firm (not fluffy)
✔ Toddler-sized
✔ Breathable materials

A Quick Note on Comfort vs. Sleep Challenges

It’s very common for parents to look to products (pillows, sleep positioners, wedges) when sleep feels hard.

But discomfort is rarely the root cause of ongoing sleep issues.

Frequent night wakings, early mornings, or nap struggles are usually tied to:

• schedule mismatches

• overtiredness or under-tiredness

• inconsistent routines

• sleep associations

Adding a pillow won’t fix those, but the right plan will.

Sleep products have their place, but timing and development matter just as much as the product itself.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe or appropriate, trust that asking the question means you’re doing exactly what a thoughtful parent should.

And if sleep feels confusing or overwhelming right now, you don’t have to sort it out alone.

Want Personalized Support?

If you’re navigating sleep transitions, safety questions, or ongoing sleep challenges, I offer individualized sleep support built around your child and your family, not one-size-fits-all advice.

👉You can book a call with me here to talk through what’s going on and decide on next steps that feel right for you. 🤍

Sleep well,
Michelle
Pediatric Sleep Consultant | Sleep Well with Michelle