6 Best Organic Toddler Pillows: Non-Toxic, Natural Materials

Like with us adults, toddlers should also have a comfy pillow to get a good night’s sleep.

Once your little one grows older and bigger, they’ll transition away from a bare crib that only has a firm mattress on it.

When they switch to a toddler bed, it’ll be safe to introduce an organic toddler pillow that will give them the comfort and proper support they’ll need for their nightly sleep.

It’s also important to make sure that it’s made of safe, organic, and non-toxic materials!

In this list, I narrowed down the best organic toddler pillow options you can find in the market.

These aren’t 100% organic, BUT they’re all made of safe materials you can trust for the safety of your child!

6 Best Organic Toddler Pillows

1. My Little North Star Toddler Pillow

This organic toddler pillow is one of the best options you can find on the market, and it’s responsibly made in the USA!

This organic toddler pillow is one of the BEST options you can find on the market, and it’s responsibly made in the USA!

Materials

It has a 100% organic cotton shell which is GOTS-certified, and it comes with an organic pillow case that’s 100% cotton too!

The filling of this organic toddler pillow is made of hypoallergenic poly cluster fiber.

Don’t worry; this material is safe and free of all toxic chemicals. It’s also resistant to mildew, molds, and dust mites!

A peaceful sleep for my babies means a peaceful sleep for me as well!

On top of that, it’s also machine washable and easy to maintain. Just put it on a gentle cycle with cold water, and tumble dry it on low.

Its filling design will also ensure that it won’t get lumpy or shrink whenever you machine-wash it. 

This pillow is DURABLE enough to last until your kid’s toddler years and can even be passed down to younger kids

Specifications

This organic toddler pillow measures 13 x 18 inches. It’s the standard recommended size for a toddler pillow and children from 2 to 5 years old.

It’s the perfect size for my kids!

This organic toddler pillow is tested to give proper head, neck, and spinal support for a good night’s sleep.

It’s also ergonomically designed and chiropractor-recommended!

2. KeaBabies Toddler Pillow

Being the number one best-seller on Amazon for toddler pillow products, this organic toddler pillow has thousands of positive reviews from parents.

This best toddler pillow does NOT disappoint!

What I love most about this organic toddler pillow are the different designs you can choose from. 

These aren’t ordinary and plain designs. Some of them can be educational and work great for the stimulation of younger toddlers!

Materials

The organic toddler pillow and pillowcase are made of 100% NATURAL cotton. The filling is made of microfiber balls that are synthetic but free of harmful chemicals.

Despite being made in China, this toddler pillow is still certified to be safe and chemical-free.

This organic toddler pillow is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. It’s tested and reviewed to be free of over a hundred toxic chemicals, so that should ease your mind!

Specifications

Since it has the standard toddler pillow size of 13 x 18 inches, this pillow is designed to fit the frame of toddlers well. 

It gives my kids proper neck support without compromising comfort.

The pillow and pillowcase are both machine washable, so this will save a lot of time.

The fiber filling also doesn’t lump up inside the pillow. You don’t have to worry about deformities happening on the inside.

The organic cotton shell is also pre-shrunk to ensure that it won’t continue shrinking after multiple washes!

3. Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow

For those who are unfamiliar with a down pillow, this kind of pillow has a filling that’s made from the back, wing, and chest feathers of geese and ducks.

These are formed like cotton balls and give a cotton-candy-like feel when you lie down on them.

These pillows are incredibly soft that my kids fell asleep faster than I realized!

Materials

The Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow isn’t made of these clusters of down, but it gives a similar feel.

It’s super soft, comfortable, and still gives great neck support for the proper sleep of toddlers. 

Not too fluffy nor too flat; just right!

They also use a hypoallergenic poly micro gel fiber filling that’s chemical-free. You don’t have to worry about anything harming your child!

The pillow shell is made of GOTS certified organic cotton, so it’s safe for all toddlers. On the downside, you’ll have to spend a little extra on a pillowcase.

It will still work great without one, but I recommend buying their organic cotton pillowcases if you have money to spare.

Specifications

This toddler pillow is sized at 13 x 18 inches, which is the standard size that’s recommended for the best sleep support of toddlers. 

This pillow is also machine washable, so it’ll be easy to clean and maintain these pillows for a couple of years!

Being made in the USA using certified-safe materials, this is one of the top organic pillows for the safety of your little one!

4. Woolino Organic Wool Toddler Pillow

Woolino is a popular baby brand that uses wool in a lot of its baby products. What makes wool so special is the NATURAL properties it has.

Materials

Wool is fire-resistant, odor-resistant, hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, and breathable. 

This organic wool pillow has an organic filling that’s made of 100% pure Australian merino wool! The pillow shell is made of 100% sateen cotton which isn’t organic. 

However, this is still a certified-safe organic toddler pillow because the wool and cotton fabrics are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified!

I like the extra convenience that it doesn’t need to be washed since wool is odor and static-resistant, but it still helps to wash it every now and then.

Since it doesn’t come with any pillow cover, I recommend buying an organic cotton cover. You’ll have to machine wash this more often compared to the pillow.

Specifications

This organic wool toddler pillow is sized at 14 x 19 inches, which is a bit larger than other pillows.

Fortunately, the slightly larger size didn’t affect my kids that much!

Plus, it shouldn’t be a problem to find a good-fitting organic cotton cover.

5. Organic Lifestyle Solid Foam Rubber Latex Pillow

Latex is another great organic material that’s safe for toddlers.

As long as it’s NATURAL latex or a GOLS certified organic latex like this organic pillow, you can expect a safe, firm, and naturally antibacterial pillow that will work great!

Materials

On top of being antibacterial, natural latex is also hypoallergenic, dust-resistant, and easier to maintain compared to other material types.

Natural latex foam is also firmer compared to other types of filling. Even so, this organic fill provides great support for the proper sleep of older kids!

I must note that to clean these organic pillows, you have to spot clean them with mild soap and water.

Spot-cleaning is quite a hassle for me, but it’s a downside I’ll have to deal with for organic pillows made of natural latex.

Anyway, the more important thing is the safety and comfort my kids!

Specifications

This hypoallergenic toddler pillow is also sized at 16 x 22 inches, which is much bigger compared to standard organic toddler pillows. 

It’s even bigger than the previous option, so this pillow is more suitable for bigger or older toddlers.

This organic pillow also comes with a 100% unbleached organic cotton cover that’s machine washable. 

Although, it still doesn’t come with a pillowcase. I recommend getting a standard-sized pillowcase that’s chemical-free.

6. Naturepedic Organic Cotton PLA Pillow

Naturepedic is a wonderful brand that’s trustworthy and reliable!

They make some of the best crib mattresses, and they make organic pillow products made of the same safe materials too!

Materials

This pillow is OCS100 certified, MADE SAFE certified, and GREENGUARD Gold certified!

The outer shell fabric is made of 100% organic cotton, and the filling is made of non-GMO PLA batting.

This material is made from sugarcanes and helps their mattresses meet flammability standards without using flame retardants.

Even though this is a synthetic material, I don’t have to worry about it harming my little one. 

This organic pillow has MULTIPLE safety certifications you can trust!

This filling also offers great breathability, comfort, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.

My kids will sleep soundly with this comfy organic toddler pillow, and I don’t have to worry about molds forming on the inside because of moisture.

Specifications

This pillow has a standard pillow size of 20 x 26 inches; it’s the biggest one on this list, meaning it’s not meant for younger babies. 

This pillow is more suitable for older kids that are big enough to use a regular pillow.

Although, I recommend getting the Standard Low Fill option if you’re planning on using this for your child. 

It will provide the right firmness and flatness that will support the toddler’s head while still feeling comfy.

For cleaning and maintenance, Naturepedic recommends spot cleaning their organic pillows.

Since this doesn’t come with an organic cotton cover, I recommend buying their 100% organic cotton protectors that are also waterproof.

Why Toddlers Need an Organic Toddler Pillow

As kids grow up (from babies to toddlers), their sleeping situation changes.

Pillows are unsafe for babies as they increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but toddlers are older and developed enough that their bodies can handle a pillow of their own.

As they get older, they spend more time in a toddler bed, and as parents, we have to make it as comfy and safe as possible.

Enter organic toddler pillows!

These pillows are made of safe materials that are soft and breathable so your child can sleep comfortably and with the right support.

They are also made of hypoallergenic materials and are free of harsh chemicals, so their health is not compromised as they sleep.

How to Choose the Best Organic Toddler Pillow

Before buying the best toddler pillows, you should know more about the different factors that make them safe, reliable, and work best for your little one.

#1 Certifications

One of the best ways that can guarantee that a toddler pillow is safe is with safety certifications.

Having these certifications ensures that a product is tested and reviewed to be chemical-free and safe for all babies!

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

When it comes to organic material, having a GOTS certification is the BEST indicator that it’s safe and chemical-free.

An organic pillow that has a GOTS certification is tested and reviewed using strict toxicity and safety requirements.

Besides checking if the material is safe, GOTS also checks if the environmental, social, and human safety standards are also met.

Pillow manufacturers who make these products also shouldn’t be in harsh working conditions like forced labor, excessive working hours, and work in hazardous environments!

If a pillow is GOTS certified, it means that the material is made of AT LEAST 95% certified organic fibers. It also means that the pillow was made ethically, so that’s a plus!

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

This certification is the same as GOTS, but it applies to natural latex.

If a latex pillow has this certification, it means that it’s made of at least 95% natural latex. This is a great way to ensure that natural latex was used rather than synthetic latex.

Synthetic latex foam can contain petrochemicals and other harmful substances. Seeing a GOLS certification should ease your mind knowing that only natural latex was used.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Another great certification is the Oeko Tex Standard 100 certification.

If a pillow is Oeko-Tex certified, it means that it was tested for over a hundred different toxic chemicals.

Although, it’s important to note that an Oeko-Tex certification can also be granted to a pillow that’s inorganic or synthetic.

Unlike GOTS and GOLS, which are meant to certify if a pillow is organic and safe, Oeke-Tex certifications can be granted to all kinds of material.

As long as the material is chemical-free, it will be a step closer to getting this certification. This means that synthetic materials like polyester can also be Oeko-Tex certified!

#2 Organic Materials

When it comes to picking an organic toddler pillow, one of the most important factors you should consider is the material.

Toddlers will be exposed to these pillows EVERY DAY FOR HOURS.

You should go for materials that are safe and free from flame retardants and other harmful chemicals!

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is one of the best safe materials to use for a toddler pillow. It’s soft, comfy, and it’s sourced and processed ethically compared to standard cotton.

Standard cotton usually has pesticides and other harmful substances that make it harmful. The sourcing and manufacturing of standard cotton are also questionable for the safety of the environment.

On the other hand, organic cotton is more ethically sound, safer for your toddlers, and environment-friendly!

Organic cotton is the best way to go when it comes to your precious one. Just make sure it’s CERTIFIED to be safe and chemical-free (we’ll talk more about this below).

Natural Latex

Natural latex is another great organic material for a toddler pillow.

Natural latex foam is sourced from the sap of rubber trees. These offer medium-firmness and are naturally antibacterial and dust-resistant.

A pillow that’s made of natural latex provides constant support throughout the night.

They also don’t sink in and conform deeply to the sleeper’s body. This is great for toddlers to avoid suffocation risks.

Just like organic cotton, it would be best to go for a natural latex pillow that’s certified to be safe and chemical-free.

Organic Wool

Aside from organic cotton, wool is an organic material with special properties. It’s naturally:

• Hypoallergenic
• Odor-resistant
• Static-resistant
• Temperature regulating
• Breathable
• Flame-resistant

Wool is a good substitute for using flame retardant chemicals. Instead of adding harmful chemicals to pass federal flammability tests, manufacturers can use wool instead!

Just like other organic materials, it’s best to go for a wool pillow that has safety certifications.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic plastic that’s used in some pillow products to provide breathability, moisture-wicking, water-resistance, and even make them lighter and more durable.

HOWEVER, polyester can be a turn-off for some parents because…

For parents with a toddler that has sensitive skin, a pillow with polyester can be a problem.

Since it’s a synthetic material, it’s not as gentle compared to other organic materials.

However, NOT ALL polyester fabrics have that effect on babies and toddlers:

• Some polyester materials are sustainable and made of recycled materials.
• Some are also made to be hypoallergenic and safe for a toddler with sensitive skin.
• It also helps to buy from brands that are transparent and trustworthy. You wouldn’t have to worry about this synthetic substance if it’s from a reliable brand. Seeing reviews from other parents is also great!

A lot of the toddler pillows on this list contain a filling that’s made of polyester blended with other fibers.

Since your child will only come in contact with the surface of the pillow, having a synthetic material filling will be fine.

As long as the filling is non-toxic and won’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals, then you have nothing to worry about.

It’s more important to make sure you have an organic cotton cover for the organic toddler pillow.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Not all polyester is as bad as it seems.

It can give great properties that make pillows comfier and more breathable for your toddler!

EXTRA TIP: Baby mattresses need a cover too! Any of these organic, waterproof mattress pads will do the trick just fine!

#3 Materials to Avoid

Since your little one will be spending hours lying on top of an organic toddler pillow, it’s also important to know what pillow materials to avoid.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a red flag for any parent. Manufacturers usually add a bunch of toxic chemicals to polyurethane foam.

Since it’s highly flammable, a common chemical they add is flame retardants. These toxic chemicals are linked to endocrine disruption, neurological problems, and other developmental issues.

When it comes to a toddler pillow, it would be best to avoid polyurethane foam as much as possible!

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a great material that’s comfy and soft. However, even if these pillows are suitable for adults, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for your toddler as well.

For the safety of your toddler, we recommend AVOID BUYING a memory foam toddler pillow and mattress as much as possible.

Here’s why:

• Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. This means that it’s likely to have chemical additives like flame retardants and other petroleum-based substances.
• These can emit VOCs which are dangerous to your child’s health, especially if exposed to high amounts every day.

Unless the pillow has safety certifications, which are unlikely, you should still avoid them at all costs.

Even if manufacturers claim that their memory foam pillow is made of hypoallergenic material, you should still be cautious.

Your best bet for the 100% safety of your child is to go for standard pillows made of safe materials.

You can also go for latex foam instead, which isn’t exactly like memory foam, but it’s safer, firmer, and comfortable enough for older toddlers.

#4 Size

A standard toddler pillow has a size of 13 x 18 inches. You’ll find that most toddler pillows are sized this way.

Although, some toddler pillows are a bit larger or a bit smaller than the standard size.

You might be wondering if the size of the organic pillow really matters. When it comes to the PROPER SLEEP of your child, having an appropriate pillow size is important.

If a pillow is too big or too small, your child’s head, back, and spine won’t get the proper support for a comfortable sleep.

A few inches from the standard size should be fine. Just make sure that they’re still comfortable and give the right firmness to your little one.

#5 Comfort and Firmness

Just like adults, toddlers also need a good night’s sleep.

You want to make sure to get a COMFORTABLE organic pillow that your little one will love to lie on.

• If a pillow is TOO FIRM, then your child might have a hard time falling asleep. Firmness can also interfere with the proper head support that your child would need.
• If a pillow is TOO SOFT, their head can sink in too deep. This can also interfere with proper head support and also be a suffocation risk, so be careful!

The right amount of firmness can also depend on the child who’s lying down on it. To be safe, we recommend going for organic pillows that are not too firm and not too soft. The middle ground will do just fine!

#6 Durability

As your baby grows older, you’ll find that they’ll get more active as years go by.

You want to ensure that you get a toddler pillow that’s durable enough to last for a long time.

These toddler pillows should be built well to withstand rowdy play, messy spills, and all kinds of damages.

You also want to get a toddler pillow with secure stitching that will prevent the filling from coming out.

Even though most of these organic pillows are affordable, you still want to get the best value out of them by making sure they last a long time.

Toddler pillows are only meant to be used for a couple of years. It would be best to get the most out of them until your child grows old and big enough for adult-sized pillows!

#7 Machine Washable

Related to durability and longevity, it’s a MUST to have an organic pillow that’s machine washable.

When spills happen — and trust us, THEY WILL HAPPEN — having the option to clean toddler pillows using a washing machine will be convenient!

Most of the pillows on this list have an organic cotton cover, meaning that they aren’t waterproof or water-resistant.

Although, that won’t be a big problem since these covers are machine washable. You can just remove it from the pillow and put it in the laundry.

Most of these toddler pillows are machine washable too. Along with the sheets, it’s also safe to place the toddler pillow inside the washing machine.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Make sure to follow the instructions that the company gives when it comes to cleaning and washing.

#8 Hypoallergenic

Babies and toddlers have more sensitive skin compared to adults.

You want to make sure you get a hypoallergenic toddler pillow. That means the cover and filling WON’T give any allergic reactions.

Not all kids get bad allergic reactions, but it’s always best to be safe.

Organic materials like organic cotton are nothing to worry about when it comes to allergy safety.

However, you have to ensure that any synthetic materials used on a toddler pillow are hypoallergenic and safe for all kids.

For toddlers with very sensitive skin, having an allergic reaction can be troublesome.

This can lead to bad rashes and breathing problems. It would be best to avoid these from happening by going for a hypoallergenic pillow!

#9 Breathability

Of course, when your kid sleeps, you enough air and ventilation on their pillow.

Look for pillows made of cotton or wool and with covers of the same material for maximum breathability, as any other material may be too uncomfortable.

Since young children cannot regulate their body temperature as well yet, a pillow that will help maintain their temperature and prevent sweating during sleep is ideal.

This is especially important during cold weather. You want your child to remain warm and cozy while they sleep.

The same goes for warm weather; you don’t want your child to be all sweaty at night!

#10 Price

Lastly, consider your budget and how much you can spend on pillows. Look for affordable but effective brands!

This way, you can save money on pillows in the long run!

Additionally, ideally, you want to buy a pillow that is durable enough that you don’t have to spend money to replace them.

When Can My Baby Use a Pillow?

Experts recommend that it’s safe for babies to start using pillows when they’re at least 1/2 to 2 years old.

However, it can also depend on what your child would feel about it. Some babies sleep just fine on a bare mattress and are comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.

Although, you can try getting an organic toddler pillow and observe how it will affect your toddler’s sleeping.

MOMMY TIP: If it helps your child fall asleep better while providing the right amount of firmness and comfort, then that’s a good sign that your baby is ready to transition to using pillows.

As much as possible, it’s best not to rush it.

Infants that sleep in bassinets and cribs are recommended to have no objects surrounding them when they fall asleep. A pillow isn’t an exception.

This is because of the potential suffocation risks that objects can give them.

For older babies and toddlers, including an object like a pillow inside their sleeping space is more suitable and deemed safe.

Whether your baby is still sleeping inside a crib or already transitioned to their toddler bed, they should be at least 18 months old before you give organic toddler pillows a try!

It’ll also be good to still keep using your baby monitor as your toddler sleeps. It’ll give you peace of mind while you leave him or her alone.

Can Toddlers Use a Regular Pillow?

There’s a reason why toddler pillows have a smaller size: It fits their bodies better and can give the proper support that their head, body, and spine need when lying down.

Standard-sized adult pillows are meant for bigger people, so they wouldn’t be best for little ones to use them for sleeping.

Bigger adult pillows would also lead to higher chances of suffocation risks for babies.

As much as possible, you should use a standard toddler-sized pillow or anything near that size.

Baby pillows are enough to keep your toddler comfortable, and they will give them all the support they need for a good night’s sleep!

Frequently Asked Questions

When discussing your baby’s sleep, several questions may arise. Luckily, I can help provide some insight to help ease your mind a little bit.

Do Toddlers Need Special Pillows?

Toddlers don’t need anything specific when it comes to their pillows.

The important thing is that they are comfortable and supportive enough and any of the pillows on this guide (and more) will do the trick.

You don’t want it to be too fluffy or too flat, just right!

DO NOT give them adult pillows, couch pillows, or anything that is not specified for their age.

Can an Organic Toddler Pillow Be Used for Travel?

Yes!

If you are traveling with your toddler you can bring an organic cotton pillow on hand for them to rest on!

Some pillows are small and portable enough for travel, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Can an Organic Cotton Pillow Help With My Child’s Allergies?

Yes!

Organic toddler pillows are hypoallergenic and are made with organic cotton, and other baby-safe materials that will not trigger any allergic reactions.

How Often Should I Replace My Child’s Organic Toddler Pillow?

Generally, you can replace your pillows every 1-2 years or at least until they show signs of wear and tear.

If you feel that they are not as soft as they used to be or have damages anywhere, it is a sign that you must replace them.

Conclusion

Overall, the My Little North Star Toddler Pillow is my pick for the best organic toddler pillow on this list.

It checks all boxes for a reliable organic toddler pillow. It’s machine washable, affordable, uses GOTS certified organic cotton, made in the USA, and ergonomically designed and chiropractor recommended!

The KeaBabies Toddler Pillow is a number one bestseller for good reason.

It’s made of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified materials, it’s easy to clean and maintain, and it also has great designs. Boys and girls will love any of these design choices, and some are great for the development of younger babies too!

When it comes to comfort, the best organic toddler pillow we recommend is the super-soft Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow.

This has a hypoallergenic filling that’s similar to down pillows. This will help any toddler fall asleep better every night! The pillow shell is also made of GOTS certified organic cotton, so this organic toddler pillow will be safe for your child.

These pillows will also be great when paired with some best nap mats for your little one. They’ll make them enjoy longer and more comfortable naps.

FINAL TIP: Enhance your baby’s playtime with any of these non-toxic rugs, guaranteed safe and suitable for babies!