Updated November 2026 · By Kovalya, a Canadian brand
Short answer: never in the crib. Health Canada's advice for cribs, cradles and bassinets is clear: “Keep pillows, blankets, comforters, sleep positioners, stuffed toys or bumper pads out of the crib” and “bare is best”. A pillow comes later, once your toddler sleeps in a regular bed. Then choose a very low, small pillow (about 2–4 cm high), not an adult one.
Transparency: we sell a kids' pillow in Canada, including a very low size for toddlers. The crib advice comes from Health Canada.
Step by step
| Stage | Pillow? | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Baby in a crib, cradle or bassinet | No | A firm mattress and a fitted sheet only |
| Toddler moving to a bed | Yes, very low | A small pillow about 2–4 cm high |
| Preschool to age 8 | Yes, low | About 4–6 cm high |
| Ages 8 to 14 | Yes, medium | About 6–9 cm high |
Signs your toddler is ready for a pillow
- They have moved from the crib to a toddler bed or a regular bed.
- They try to rest their head on a folded blanket, a stuffed animal or your arm.
- They keep sliding toward the headboard or curling up to find a comfortable position.
What kind of pillow for a toddler
- Very low: about 2–4 cm. An adult pillow is far too high and pushes the head forward.
- Small: sized for the bed and the child, not for adult shoulders.
- Breathable and washable: toddlers drool and sweat; a removable cover helps.
- Clearly labelled: look for safety testing information from the seller.
Making the crib-to-bed move easier
- Keep the same bedtime routine: bath, story, song, lights out.
- Let them choose one thing for the new bed, like the pillowcase.
- Introduce the pillow at nap time first, when the stakes are lower.
- Expect a few unsettled nights. Most toddlers adapt with time and routine.
The Kovalya toddler size
Our Kids Neck-Support Pillow starts with a 1–3 size: 50 × 30 cm and very low, about 2–4 cm, for toddlers who have moved to a bed. It has a contoured shape and a cool, breathable removable cover, and is tested by an independent laboratory against the EN 71-1, EN 71-2 and EN 71-3 toy-safety standards. As your child grows, the 3–8 and 8–14 sizes follow. Sold in Canada, from CA$94.99 (November 2026).
FAQ
Can a baby sleep with a pillow?
No. Health Canada advises keeping pillows out of cribs, cradles and bassinets.
Does a toddler need a pillow at all?
Not every toddler wants one. If yours sleeps well without a pillow in their new bed, there is no rush.
How high should a toddler pillow be?
Very low: about 2–4 cm.
Can my toddler use an adult pillow?
It is usually far too high and too big. Choose a pillow made for small children.
Next step: kids' pillow size by age.