Toddler Pillow and Blanket: when and how to introduce them for safe sleep?

Many parents wonder: When can a toddler pillow be used ? When can a toddler sleep with a blanket? While safety is the priority, transitioning to these sleep items can also improve comfort and independence.

Experts generally recommend waiting until around 2 years old for a introducing a toddler pillow and blanket, but not all toddlers are ready at the same time. Below, I’ll cover the best time to introduce a pillows and blankets, signs of readiness, and the safest product choices—with some insights from my own experience.

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When can a toddler use a pillow?

What do experts say?

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against pillows before age 2 due to suffocation risks. Source: Safe and Sound: Help Young Children Get a Good Night’s Rest
• By 2-3 years old, many toddlers can safely use a small, firm pillow designed for their size.
• Pillows aren’t necessary—some toddlers prefer sleeping without one.

Signs your toddler is ready for a pillow

✔ Sleeping with their head on a stuffed animal or blanket
✔ Bunching up bedding to support their head
✔ Asking for a pillow

Best toddler pillow

Our experience introducing a pillow

When my daughter turned 2 years old, I noticed she would rest her head on her stuffed animal. I introduced a small toddler pillow, but it still felt too big. To adjust, I removed half the filling, sewed it back up, and gave her the modified version. She adjusted quickly and now sleeps comfortably with it every night. I also got a few pillowcases (Toddler Pillowcase 2 Pack with Envelope Closure) with her favorite animals and now she needs them every night for comfort.

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When can a toddler use a blanket?

What do experts say?

• The AAP states that lightweight blankets are generally safe after 12 months, but many sleep consultants recommend waiting until 2 years—especially for toddlers who move a lot. (Source: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained)
• If your child still kicks off blankets, a sleep sack may be a better option.

Best toddler blankets

How I introduced a blanket?

My daughter asked for a blanket after she turned 2 years old, so I introduced a small muslin one (aden + anais Dream Blanket) while keeping her in a sleep sack since she moves a lot in her sleep. She now enjoys the comfort of both, and I don’t worry about her getting cold at night or getting stuck in the blanket.

Should you use a sleep sack and blanket together?

Yes! Many parents keep using a sleep sack and blanket together because:
✔ The sleep sack ensures warmth if they kick off the blanket
✔ It prevents climbing out of the crib

These are the sleep sacks that I have for toddlers.

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Should you keep water in the crib?

As toddlers become more independent, many parents wonder whether it’s okay to leave a bottle of water in the crib. While this is a personal choice, I found it helpful—it allows my daughter to stay hydrated without calling for me at night.

If you choose to do this, make sure:
✔ It’s in a spill-proof bottle
✔ It’s easily accessible. We put it in one corner of the crib and she knows it’s always there and she puts it back after drinking.
✔ Your child can safely drink from it independently

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When to transition from a crib to a toddler bed

The AAP recommends switching to a toddler bed when:
✔ Your child climbs out of the crib – If this happens, it’s a safety risk
✔ They’re over 3 feet tall – Many cribs have height limits
✔ They ask for a big-kid bed – Some toddlers show interest around 2.5-3 years

Why we haven’t switched yet?

At 2 years and 4 months, my daughter still moves too much in her sleep. Instead of moving her to a bed, we:
✔ Lowered the crib to its lowest position (almost to the floor)
✔ Kept her in a sleep sack to prevent climbing

If your toddler is climbing out, it’s no longer safe to keep them in a crib, and you should start transitioning to a toddler bed.

For more safe sleep tips, check out my article on Safe Sleep for Babies and Newborns

Other sleep essentials for toddlers

✅ Best white noise machines (for better sleep habits)

• Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine – Combines white noise, nightlight, and toddler time-to-rise feature.
• Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine – Compact and travel-friendly. We have this one since she was a newborn and we used it even in her stroller to put her to sleep.
• Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Machine – Natural fan-based white noise

✅ Best nightlights (for a comforting sleep environment)

• VAVA Nightlight – Soft, dimmable glow with easy tap control
• Hatch Rest Nightlight – Customizable light colors and brightness levels. For the night we use red light and for the rising up the yellow. This way my daughter knows when it’s still time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up.
• Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight – Portable and battery-operated

✅ Best toddler bedrails (for when transitioning to a toddler bed)

• Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers – Soft and effective for keeping toddlers safe in bed
• Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard – Attaches securely to most toddler beds
• ComfyBumpy Bed Rail – Adjustable and sturdy for different bed sizes

Have you started adding a pillow or blanket for your toddler? Share your experience in the comments!