Bringing a new life into the world is an exciting and joyful experience for parents, but it can also bring new challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that your baby gets a good night’s sleep, as proper rest is crucial for their growth and development. One way to help your baby sleep soundly is by providing them with the right pillow.
The right baby pillow should be comfortable, supportable, and safe, but with so many options available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best baby pillows available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pillow, a shaped pillow, or one designed specifically for flat head syndrome, we got you!
Our Top Picks
- Best Baby Pillow Overall: Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest
- Best Baby Pillow To Prevent Flat Head: KAKIBLIN Baby Pillow
- Best Soft Baby Pillow: Celeep Baby Pillow
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Pillows Picks
Boppy Head Support Noggin Nest – Best Baby Pillow Overall
- Great for flat head prevention
- The fabric cleans well
- The shape of the pillow is nice and round
- Small footprint
- Movement of the head is a little restrictive
This innovative head support is designed with a special cut-out that cradles your baby’s head, offering a comfortable and secure fit.
The head support is made from a luxurious combination of silky cotton, ensuring that your baby stays cool and comfortable, even during the longest naps. The head support fits easily in any stroller, bouncer, or swing and is compatible with both 3- and 5-point harness systems.
Before using, simply remove any existing cushioned newborn inserts. For newborns, the head support should only be used in the reclining position to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Minor mistakes are bound to happen, but cleaning up is a snap as the head support is machine washable. Simply toss it in the wash and it will come out looking as good as new. This is recommended for use by infants aged 0 to 4 months old.
KAKIBLIN Baby Pillow – Best Baby Pillow To Prevent Flat Head
- Helps support the baby’s head
- Very soft
- Portable
- Light
- The head of the infant can still move if you use this pillow
The KAKIBLIN Baby Pillow features a uniquely contoured design that supports your baby’s head and neck in the most comfortable way possible. This design makes it great to prevent flat head syndrome.
The cushion can be used anywhere your baby is lying down, including in the car seat, swing, stroller, crib, and more. Its lightweight and portable design makes it the perfect option for busy parents who are always on the go.
The cushion is padded for comfort and made from a soft, 100% organic PP cotton fabric. This makes it cozy and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, ensuring they have a good night’s sleep. Plus, the entire pillow is machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain, even after multiple uses.
Celeep Baby Pillow – Best Soft Baby Pillow
- Very soft
- Comfortable
- Fluffy
- Easy to clean
- Pillows do not come with pillowcases
The Celeep Baby Pillow is made from 100% soft cotton and filled with 7D Hollow Siliconized Microfiber, this pillow has just the right amount of stuffing to support your baby’s head and neck while protecting their spine and vertebrae. The soft cotton cover ensures that your baby stays cool and comfortable, even during the longest naps.
One of the great things about the Celeep Baby Pillow is its ease of maintenance. Keeping it clean is a breeze, as it can be machine washed using the gentle cycle and cold water.
Included in the package are two infant pillows, each measuring 13″ x 18″. This provides you with enough pillows to use in multiple locations.
How To Choose The Best Baby Pillow?
- Comfort: The main purpose of a baby pillow is to provide comfort and support for your baby’s head and neck. Look for pillows that are made with a soft and comfortable material, such as cotton, and that provide the right amount of cushioning to keep your baby’s head and neck properly aligned.
- Safety: It’s important to choose a pillow that is safe for your baby. Look for pillows that are made with hypoallergenic materials and are free of harsh chemicals, and are also flame-resistant. Additionally, make sure that the pillow is the right size for your baby’s crib or bassinet and won’t pose a suffocation hazard.
- Size And Shape: Consider the size and shape of the pillow when making your choice. Some baby pillows are designed to fit snugly in a crib or bassinet, while others are shaped specifically to provide support for flat head syndrome.
- Washability: Babies are messy, and you’ll want to choose a pillow that is easy to clean and maintain. Look for pillows with removable covers that can be machine-washed, and consider whether the fill is washable as well.
Is A Flat Head Pillow Or Regular Pillow Better For Baby?
A flat head pillow is designed to help prevent flat head syndrome, a common condition in which a baby’s head becomes flat on one side due to pressure on that area. These pillows are often shaped specifically to provide support and encourage proper head alignment (1). They can be especially helpful for newborns who spend a lot of time lying on their backs.
Regular pillows, on the other hand, are not specifically designed to prevent flat head syndrome, but can still provide comfort and support for a baby’s head and neck. However, regular pillows can be too thick and may not fit properly in a crib or bassinet, posing a suffocation hazard.
What Is Flat Head Syndrome?
Flat head syndrome, also known as positional plagiocephaly, is a condition in which a baby’s head becomes flattened on one side (2). This can happen when a baby spends a lot of time lying in the same position, causing pressure to be placed on one side of the head. As a result, the bones in the skull can become misshapen, leading to a flat appearance.
Flat head syndrome is becoming more common due to the recommended sleep position for infants, which is on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This can result in pressure on the back of the head from the surface they are lying on, leading to the development of flat head syndrome.
Although flat head syndrome is usually not harmful to a baby’s health, it can affect their appearance and cause developmental issues. In severe cases, it can also result in vision problems and difficulties with balance and coordination.
What Are Some Preventative Measures For Flat Head Syndrome?
- Avoid placing your baby in the same position for extended periods of time. Instead, alternate the direction they face in their crib and hold them facing different directions during supervised playtime.
- Specialized flat head pillows can help distribute the pressure more evenly on the head and prevent flat head syndrome.
- Encourage tummy time when your baby is awake and supervised (3). This will help strengthen their neck and back muscles and prevent pressure on the back of their head.
- Avoid using car seats, strollers, and swings for extended periods of time, as they can put pressure on one side of the head.
- Make sure your baby’s sleeping surface is firm and flat to reduce pressure on one side of the head.
Is A Pillow Good For A Newborn Baby?
No. Newborns should sleep on a flat, firm surface without any extra bedding, pillows, or toys (4). This is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SID).
At this stage, a baby’s neck and head are still very delicate, and a pillow can increase the risk of suffocation or injury. Additionally, a pillow can also interfere with the recommended sleep position on their back, which is the safest position for a newborn to sleep in.
When Should Babies Start Using Pillows?
Babies typically do not need a pillow until they are around 24 months old and have begun to transition from a crib to a toddler bed (5). At this age, they may start to prefer having their head elevated while they sleep, and a pillow can help provide comfort and support.
Before this age, it’s generally recommended that infants sleep on a firm, flat surface without any extra bedding, pillows, or toys to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This includes using a firm, flat mattress in the crib, without a pillow.
How Should I Clean A Baby Pillow?
Cleaning a baby pillow is important to maintain its cleanliness and hygiene for your little one. The first step is to check the care label for any specific instructions or recommendations. If the label allows it, you can machine wash the pillow using a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on the pillow that can irritate your baby’s skin.
