Tips on Choosing a Child’s Neck Pillow

I am often asked for advice on how to choose the best neck pillow for a child so thought I would put this brief guide together to share with you.

There is nothing worse when you’re travelling with your child than to see them struggling to get off to sleep, and then when they finally do to see their head flopping around so that they keep jolting awake.  I have spent many a journey sitting in the back of the car with my children propping up their heads each time they flop forward!

Choosing a good neck pillow can help.  Here’s what to consider:

Appropriate size

Choose the right size neck pillow for your child.  One that is too small won’t offer the right support.  One that is too large will be uncomfortable for your child.

Soft and squidgy or firm and supportive?

A good neck pillow should offer firm support, cradling the head gently but firmly.  Neck pillows tend either to filled with wadding like a cushion, or styrofoam micro beads, like a bean bag.  The choice will often come down to personal preference

Will your child LIKE the neck pillow?

Your child should like the neck pillow or they won’t want to use it.  Younger children may prefer a character / animal neck pillow which they will probably view as their travelling friend.  This type of neck pillow will probably be seen as too babyish for older children.  Choose plain colours or a funkier design instead and you will be on safer ground.

Which style?

Neck pillows come in a variety of styles.  The classic ‘u’ shaped design is the most common but not your only option.  If your child does not get on with this style you might try something like the hug me neck pillow which both supports the neck and incorporates a built in pillow area for the head.  For children who just don’t get on with neck pillows but still need some kind of support while they fall asleep you could try a seat belt travel pillow  which velcros onto the car seat and gives your child somewhere comfortable to rest their head while they dose.

Useful links:
Children’s Neck Pillows

Does your child use a neck pillow?