At what age is it okay for a toddler to use a pillow?

Question

my daughter will be moving out of her nursery and into a "big girl room" with a bigger bed (probably twin sized with headboard, footboard, and side rails), because we are expecting a new baby in october. but i'm afraid that she's still too young to use a pillow. any input, advice or suggestions?

Answer 1

What? Ask a docter if you dont know the proper ways to handle babies.

Answer 2

Both my girls used a full size pillow before the age of one. My doctor said if they can roll around and push up on their arms in a crawling position it is fine. They are 7 & 9 and never had any problems.

Answer 3

My pediatrician told me at my daughters one year check-up that she could use a small pillow.

Answer 4

i dont see any problem with using a pillow. if she is old enough to sleep in a big kid bed, then she is old enough to sleep with a pillow. but kids also do just fine without a pillow too...ask her and see what she says. or maybe just try it one night and see how she does.

Answer 5

I would say it's okay if it's a thinner light pillow, nothing heavy that could get on top of her and cover her face at night.

Answer 6

around the toddleing phase

Answer 7

im not exactly sure but my 2 year old cousin just started using a pillow its thin and nothing has changed she seem fine so i think 2 is a good age.

Answer 8

At the age of one i bought my daughter a travel pillow to have in her crib.  She is now in a toddler bed and she has the same pillow at 23mo.  Get her a pillow.  

Good Luck  

Answer 9

If she's old enough for a big girl bed(usually 18 months or 36 inches in height), she's old enough for a pillow :) Good luck!  

Answer 10

how old is she. if she is 3 then I say go for it she can have a pillow. even if she is 2 as long as it's a small pillow. my daughter has been using a pillow since she turned 2 and she is now 3

Answer 11

http://www.babycenter.com/404_when-can-m...

The above link discusses this issue in greater depth, but their recommendation is that pillows should not be used until a child is around 2 years old.  However, if you decide to use a pillow, make sure it is hypoallergenic and not a feather pillow.  Also, you could start with a small travel pillow... they're flatter and pose less risk for suffocation.

Remember too that while we, as adults, prefer plush, comfortable beds with big blankets and fluffy pillows, our little ones are used to sleeping on flat, firm mattresses, and doing so even in a "big girl" bed would more than likely not bother her.

Whatever your decision, trust your better judgment.  You're the mom, and ultimately (since you are obviously wanting to do what is best for your child), follow your instincts, and you can't go wrong.