Choosing a child’s pillow: size, height and age suitability

Check age suitability first

The Lullaby Trust advises against pillows for babies under one year. Its safer-sleep product guide is a better starting point for infant bedding than a pillow-size chart. Reaching a birthday is not, by itself, a reason to buy a pillow.

Compare a manageable height

For an older child for whom a pillow is appropriate, check intended users and dimensions. Look at the pillow under the child’s head, rather than relying on its height on a shelf. Avoid treating centimetres by age as a validated fitting method.

Keep care practical

Read the cover and filling instructions separately. Choose a pillowcase that fits without bunching and a cleaning routine you can manage. A washable cover does not make every foam or latex core washable.

Ask when needs are unclear

Seek suitable advice if the child has discomfort, breathing concerns or particular support needs. A pillow is a bedding choice, not a way to diagnose or treat those problems.

Before you choose

Choose for the individual child and current guidance; age bands do not establish a safe pillow height.

Sources and further reading

• The Lullaby Trust: safer-sleep product guide