4 Best Organic Toddler Pillows for Non-Toxic Kids Bedrooms

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James Miller
By 
James is a devoted father of two, a proud uncle, and our resident organic sleep expert at TheRoundup. All of which means he is perfectly placed to review and recommend non-toxic toddler pillows that are affordable, comfortable, healthy and safe for your kids.
James Miller
Category: 
Updated: May 8, 2024

Is your child ready to take the big step from their crib to their first proper bed?

If so, it's vital that you get them the best organic toddler pillow you can afford.

Why? Because a non-toxic pillow protects your kids from harmful chemicals and allergens. These are often found in synthetic pillows and can harm your child's health.

As a father of two wonderful girls, I've been through the process myself and know exactly what to look for.

I've tested all the leading organic brands to compile this list of the safest toddler pillows. They're 100% sustainable, non-toxic, and great value for money.

Discover the 4 Safest Organic Toddler Pillows of 2024

Fill: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic kapok
Cover: GOTS-certified organic cotton
Firmness: Medium
Size: 12" x 20"
Sleep Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 1 Year
RRP: $34

We Say: This gem of a toddler pillow is choc-full of natural, non-toxic materials. Exactly what you want to cradle your little one's head.

The Avocado Organic Toddler Pillow is made from premium organic cotton, latex, and kapok. It beats any synthetic materials in terms of breathability. This prevents overheating and helps with restful sleep.

I love how this pillow is cool to the touch. It naturally resists wrinkles (with no added chemicals), and effortlessly wicks away moisture.

Avocado's kapok is sourced from the tropical tree Ceiba pentandra. It's a lighter, softer, vegan, non-toxic alternative to down.

The kapok is paired with ribbons of GOLS-certified organic latex. They're repurposed from the same latex in Avocados organic crib mattresses. A lovely zero-waste touch!

In 2019, Avocado became the first mattress company to achieve Climate Neutral Certification. It achieved this by effectively offsetting its carbon footprint. Then it even went the extra mile by becoming carbon-negative!

Fill: GOTS-certified organic kapok
Cover: GOTS-certified organic cotton
Firmness: Medium-firm
Size: 12" x 20"
Sleep Trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 1 Year
RRP: $35

This pillow is a close runner-up!

That might not come as a surprise when I tell you that Brentwood Home is a sister company of Avocado. In fact, this pillow is made in the same factory as the Avocado Organic Toddler Pillow (using the same kapok).

This all-natural sleeping pillow perfectly suits your child's delicate neck and shoulders. It has a lighter, softer feel and organic cotton cover. This provides an excellent vegan-friendly, kid-friendly alternative to down feathers.

It's made with a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and GOTS-certified organic kapok fiber. This pillow boasts a medium-firm feel and is not adjustable (for safety reasons).

But this pillow is not just for toddlers. Mrs. M stole this from my office after I finished testing it! She now uses it as her travel pillow for vacations and long car journeys.

Fill: Organic buckwheat, millet, or kapok
Cover: Organic certified cotton
Firmness: Firm (but pliable)
Size: 13" x 18"
Sleep Trial: 30 Nights
Warranty: N/A
RRP: From $45.95

Bean Products' allergen-proof pillow has a design that keeps dust mites, bedbugs, and other irritants at bay.

It's made with 100% organic cotton and meticulously crafted in the USA. It has a fully zipped enclosure for complete protection, and you can choose from three filling types:

  • Organic Buckwheat / Organic Millet: Conforms to your toddler's head and neck contours. Choose this for optimal support and improved sleep quality
  • Organic Kapok: Soft as down, yet firm enough for lasting comfort and support

Founded in 1987, Bean Products is (headquartered in Chicago, IL). The brand has been making eco-friendly home goods for over 25 years. This pillow is certainly one of their best products to date.

Fill: Organic wool
Cover: Organic cotton shell
Firmness: Medium
Size: 14" x 19"
Sleep Trial: N/A
Warranty: 3 Years
RRP: $63.99

This toddler pillow is made from 100% GOTS-certified wool. It contains NO synthetic or poly fiber materials and is NON-GMO.

The wool has been harvested from Argentinian Corriedale sheep. Corriedales graze in pastures untouched by industrial agriculture. The wool is washed only in a hot water bath. Simple, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. Lovely stuff!

The pillow shell is crafted from 100% organic cotton, providing a pure and natural touch. The luxurious damask cotton cover that envelops the pillow is removable and machine-washable. However, you shouldn't wash the pillow itself.

Mother Sheep is a family-owned and operated company. The brand is committed to sourcing quality organic products for your home. Each pillow is meticulously handcrafted in Canada and thoroughly inspected from start to finish.

I'm also blown away by the three-year warranty on this pillow. It's one of the longest I've seen, and Amazon also covers you with free returns.

Why Do Toddlers Need an Organic Pillow?

Conventional pillows are often filled with synthetic fillers such as polyester.

Being petroleum-based, they can contain harmful chemicals and allergens. Exposure to these can ultimately compromise your little one's health and well-being.

Investing in an organic pillow for your toddler may seem like a minor decision. But it's one that can significantly affect their overall comfort and safety.

By opting for an organic pillow, you can provide them with a naturally hypoallergenic and non-toxic sleep environment. It supports their peaceful sleep and contributes to their overall happiness and growth.

What to Look for In an Organic Toddler Pillow

Organic and Sustainable Pillow Materials

To make sure you choose a healthy toddler pillow, look for natural, organic, and sustainable materials. These might include:

  • Organic Cotton: a soft and breathable fabric that ensures your toddler gets comfortable, quality sleep
  • Organic Wool: A naturally hypoallergenic material that helps regulate temperature. Wool offers year-round comfort to your little one
  • Bamboo: An antimicrobial, anti-fungal fabric with moisture-wicking properties. It will keep your toddler dry throughout the night.s
  • Organic Kapok: A lightweight, hypoallergenic material. Kapok has excellent breathability and provides superior comfort
  • Organic Latex: A naturally antimicrobial and supportive material that helps keep the pillow fresh and free of odors

Certifications

When shopping for an organic toddler pillow, keep an eye out for respected and reputable eco-certifications. They will help you avoid greenwashing and give you peace of mind that your new pillow is genuinely organic and sustainable

Some of the very best include:

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is the world's leading organic textile standard. It ensures that all production stages follow strict environmental, social, and chemical standards.

  • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): GOLS is the leading certification for organic latex. It guarantees that no chemical additives were used in the production process

  • OKEO-TEX: This certification tests for synthetic, toxic, or allergenic substances. It verifies that none of these will be present in the pillow

  • GREENGUARD Gold: This certification verifies that the pillow emits low levels of volatile organic compounds. This means it is safe for indoor use

Construction Quality

A toddler pillow must be constructed with quality materials and techniques to last your little one as long as possible. Look out for:

  • Double Stitching: Double stitching ensures the seams of the pillow are super strong.
  • Quality Fastenings: Quality fastenings, such as zippers and snaps, help ensure the stuffing stays secure.
  • Reinforced Corners:These further increase the life of a pillow by preventing wear and tear in high-stress areas.

Size

To better cater to the smaller heads of toddlers, toddler pillows are intentionally designed to be smaller than adult pillows.

This smaller size ensures a more optimal fit. It also serves as a safety measure to reduce the risk of suffocation associated with overwhelming a sleeping youngster with excessive padding.

Ease of Care

With potty training, messy feeds, and the general chaos of toddlerhood, accidents, and frequent washing are to be expected.

The last thing you need is a pillow that requires constant spot-cleaning or hand washing.

Opt for machine-washable covers to cross one more task off your to-do list.

Firmness

When it comes to pillows, striking the right balance is critical. You don't want a pillow as hard as a board, causing discomfort. However, choosing one that provides ample head and neck support is crucial.

What you need is a pillow that quickly regains its shape once compressed. If it fails to do so, it's a sign that it's too soft to support your toddler's head.

Ideally, opt for a toddler pillow that perfectly balances softness and firmness. This is the best way to ensure optimal support.

Filling

Pillow fillings have evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the excessively stuffed polyester bricks of the past! You now have a variety of natural fillings to choose from.

Look for a filling level that avoids straining your toddler's neck. It should provide optimal support for the natural curvature of their spine.

Be careful with pillows containing small pieces of filling, because these could represent a choking hazard. A fully sealed pillow (with no access to the fill) is often the best option when buying for a toddler.

Tips for Introducing a Pillow to Your Toddler

Introducing a pillow to your toddler can feel like convincing a cat to take a bath... its tricky but not impossible.

Here's a quick guide to making the transition as smooth as Grandma M's famous mashed potatoes.

The Waiting Game: When To Introduce a Pillow

You shouldn't rush to give your child a pillow.

It's generally recommended that toddlers use pillows once they begin sleeping in a bigger bed. At this stage, their neck and head muscles should be strong enough to support the pillow's weight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against allowing children under the age of two to use a pillow.

If in doubt, consult your pediatrician first for individual advice.

Safety First: How To Use the Pillow

Once you've found the perfect organic toddler pillow, it's time to introduce it into your child's sleeping environment.

Start by using the pillow when your toddler is taking a nap.

This way, they can get used to the feeling of the pillow without being overwhelmed.

From Naptime to Nighttime: Transitioning to Full-Time Pillow Use

After your toddler has become comfortable with the pillow during nap time, you can start incorporating it into their nighttime sleep routine.

It's just like learning to ride a bike. You build up the confidence with training wheels (or, in this case, nap time) before moving on to the real deal.

Remember, every child is unique. Some may take to a pillow like a duck to water, while others might need more time. Be patient and persistent, and remember to prioritize safety above all.

The Flip Side: Potential Drawbacks to Organic Toddler Pillows

You're not one to cut corners when it comes to your child's health and comfort. That's why you're here researching organic pillows for your toddler!

But like most things in life, even the greenest options can have downsides.

The Pricey Pillow Predicament

Hold onto your wallets, folks. Organic toddler pillows often have a higher price tag than their non-organic counterparts.

This is due to the stringent standards and processes involved in creating a truly organic product.

It's like choosing between a fast-food burger and a gourmet organic salad. The latter is undoubtedly healthier but also more expensive.

The Fluff Factor

Organic pillows are great at many things, but maintaining their fluffiness isn't always one of them.

Take, for instance, pillows filled with organic cotton or wool. Over time, they may develop clumps and should be regularly aired and fluffed to maintain their optimal condition.

Heat Retention

Love a warm bed? Well, your toddler might not share the sentiment.

Certain organic materials, like down, retain body heat, making the pillow feel warm.

This might be great for a chilly night but can become uncomfortable during warmer months.

Don't Stop at The Pillow

Are you trying to create the perfect non-toxic sleep sanctuary for your toddler? You might want to consider the following products to complement your organic toddler pillow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend a cool big kid bed?

I loved my bunk bed as a kid and I've recently tested the best non-toxic options. Check out my bunk bed recommendations to find out more.

What is sudden infant death syndrome?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, sudden death of an infant under one year of age. It's also sometimes called "crib death" or "cot death."

A what age can a child use adult pillows?

To be safe, I recommend using a toddler pillow for as long as possible. Only move your child to a standard-sized adult pillow once their toddler pillow is visibly too small and no longer offers adequate support. The Brentwood Home Lilypad Kids Natural Pillow is an excellent option if you want a size between an adult and a toddler pillow.

How do I wash an organic pillow?

It's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and care of an organic pillow. Generally, you should machine-wash the outer cover and spot clean the inner pillow. You could also put the pillow in direct sunlight to help deodorize and kill germs.

Is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow any good?

I tested the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow and was impressed. However, it's not organic and so doesn't make the cut.

Can you recommend an organic memory foam pillow?

Due to the processes involved in making memory foam, it can't be considered organic.

Why do I need to use a pillowcase when my pillow has an outer cover?

Using a pillowcase can help prolong the life of your best toddler pillow by protecting it from dirt, dust, and bacteria.

The Final Word

Creating an organic, non-toxic sleep sanctuary for your toddler is the perfect way to ensure a restful and comfortable sleep.

Organic materials provide comfort and support without risking exposure to toxic chemicals.

Educating yourself on the best non-toxic products for your child is essential. That way you keep them safe while they get the sleep they need to grow and thrive.

Get In Touch

Do you insist on only the organic best for your toddler? Or do you feel an organic toddler bed setup is a luxury you can do without? Drop me a line and let me know.

James Miller
James Miller
James is a devoted father of two, a proud uncle, and our resident organic sleep expert at TheRoundup. All of which means he is perfectly placed to review and recommend non-toxic toddler pillows that are affordable, comfortable, healthy and safe for your kids.

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