The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat mattress without pillows, blankets, and bumpers to reduce the risk of suffocation. However, once a child moves to regular bedding, environmentally conscious parents will want a pillow that is safe for both their child and the planet.
Experts generally agree that it is safe to introduce a pillow when a child transitions from a crib to a regular bed, usually between 18-24 months of age. Parents should select a pillow sized for a toddler’s body, around 12 by 16 inches long and 2 to 3 inches thick to prevent neck strain, ideally sustainably manufactured.
If your child is sleeping well without a pillow, there is no urgency to make the switch. However, as a child’s shoulders become wider than their head, sleeping with a pillow becomes more comfortable. A firm toddler pillow filled with hypoallergenic material is recommended for safety.
For babies too young for pillows, SavvyRest offers GOTS-certified latex crib mattresses that are free from toxic chemicals. Earth911 has identified some of the greenest pillow manufacturers that also produce pillows suitable for toddlers.
Holy Lamb Organics
Highly ranked by Earth911 is Holy Lamb Organics, a family-owned company known for its strong environmental values. They offer toddler and child-sized pillows made with Eco-Wool and organic cotton. The smallest pillow features a soft wool fleece texture.
Naturepedic
Naturepedic produces an excellent organic children’s pillow using PLA (plant-based polyester) and an organic cotton cover, making it machine washable. They also have a GOTS-certified organic children’s pillow with an organic cotton cover filled with a blend of PLA batting and organic cotton.
White Lotus
While not designed specifically as a toddler pillow, White Lotus’s travel pillow is toddler-sized and filled with organic buckwheat hulls, providing a firm and safe option. Parents can adjust the fill to achieve the desired thickness. Buckwheat hulls are a good alternative for children with wool sensitivities or those who find memory foam too warm.
Nest Bedding
Nest Bedding’s Easy Breather, Jr. child’s pillow is a slightly larger and softer option than a toddler pillow but is still comfortable for a child. It is covered in Tencel fabric.
Avocado
Known for their organic mattresses, Avocado also offers an Organic Toddler Pillow made with GOTS-certified organic latex and filled with kapok fiber, an environmentally responsible alternative to synthetic fibers.
Setting a green example for your child from an early age can help shape their future choices. Investing in their health and restful sleep by choosing environmentally responsible materials will teach them to prioritize the planet throughout their lives.
