Whenever the entire family is on vacation, I make sure to pack in the best travel pillow for kids. That way, we won't have to lug bulky pillows and they can stay comforted the entire ride, may it be in the car or plane!
If you're wondering what kind of pillow to get, then read on as I show you what you need to know!
Pillows Comparison Table
Top 5 Best Travel Pillow for Kids Reviews
Based on my research, tests, and overall customer reviews, these are top 5 kids travel pillows:
What makes the BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow on the top of my list is its ultimate comfort and variety!
I love that it came in different colors and sizes, so both my kids and I were able to select our own to avoid using the wrong one. And once we tested it, it felt very soft! However, it still had that firmness to it that keeps our necks and head straight.
The U shaped pillow also has chin support, which I appreciate because their heads stopped bobbing and moving too many times, which lessened the strain from traveling.
From its many colors to its soft and flexible feel, It will be an appropriate investment.
- Has chin support to stabilize head and neck
- Soft and flexible feel for comfortable sleep
- There are many colors to choose from
- It’s not the best for hot climates
- The cover picks up grime and dust easily
This is another pillow - Nido Nest Kids Travel Neck Pillow Rest for Children that does an amazing job in keeping my little one free from pain and discomfort! It took a few days for my kid to break into this pillow (as it's on the firmer side), but once he got used to it, he would always bring it in the car with him!
I appreciate that it's made of micro-bead and that it doesn't push the neck forward. My little one says he is comfy the entire time and has no complaints with his sleep anymore.
Another benefit is that it comes with a clasp so you can snap it on your bag when walking around. It also has the cute and removable cover to wash, so that way I won't worry about it incurring dust.
- Easy to clean and wash
- Gentle support to reduce neck strain
- Has a clasp to quickly bring it around
- A bit on the firmer side
- Size is better for older children (not toddlers)
The first thing the caught my eyes (as well as my child!) when seeing the Critter Piller Kid Travel Buddy and Comfort Pillow was its design! It came in such a cure raccoon design that my kid loved. He sees it more as a toy than a pillow, so he loves bringing it around when traveling in a car or plane.
This made of micro-bead, this offers soft and gentle support, cradling my kid's neck and keeping it at the optimum position. Plus, the covers are hypoallergenic and easy to wash, so no need to worry about them getting any allergies from it!
This is definitely worth the price and even comes at a cheaper price, which is great for those on a budget.
- Hypoallergenic and machine-washable covers
- Adorable design kids love
- Soft support to keep neck at the good position
- White areas get easily dirty
- Not the best for bigger and older children
If you need and want something versatile and extra cozy for your little one, then I recommend the Bubble Bum Pillow. It's a convertible pillow you can use as either cylinder, U shaped, or J-shaped, making it best for whatever your little one wants for the day!
I also like that it's a compact device you can quickly fold or bring around with. While it isn't the most attractive design for kids, it does a fantastic job with its soft, excellent feel. My kid loves it and he doesn't slouch anymore when sleeping in a car.
While it's a bit more expensive than other travel pillows, you get your money's worth!
- Convertible to many pillow shapes
- Soft and filled with quality material for support
- Lightweight and flexible, easy to fold
- Velcro strap may be a safety concern if not understood properly
- Some complaints about a plastic clip against the neck
While the Cuddles Baby Goods Pillow isn't four typical U shaped (it's a cylinder!), it does a great job in keeping my child's neck supported and not slouching. It best for side sleepers as it's placed on the seat belt itself.
The pillow is long so it can accommodate both head neck, and I love how soft the cover and stuffing is! My kid hasn't complained about it and I noticed he started sleeping better. Plus, it doesn't slide down because of the clips included, so I don't have to worry about the pillow or my kid moving around.
This is an amazing choice if your kid doesn't like the U shaped pillows!
- Very soft feel and keeps head supported
- Great customer service with quick shipping and guarantee
- Comes with clips to prevent pillow from sliding down
- Some complaints of not receiving an instruction manual
- A bit difficult to install for some
What to Consider When Getting The Children's Travel Pillows?
A travel pillow is meant to keep your little one comfortable throughout the entire ride. It also prevents any neck head pain after traveling, while also keeping their heads stabilized during bumpy rides.
However, one can only benefit from these products if they selected the one suitable for their child! If you're confused as to what pillow to get, here are the factors to consider:
Enough Neck Support?
The main reason why your little one needs their travel pillow is to keep their neck head supported! Unlike sleeping on a bed, they'll usually be sitting up when snoozing, which can cause discomfort and strains.
That's why I suggest that you look for a pillow that's soft enough for them to sleep comfortably (like the pillow for baby flat head). BUT, it should also have the firmness to it, so it prevents their heads from moving too much during plane and car rides. Focus on getting a travel pillow that hold's the child's head upright and supports it in all angles, especially if your little one moves around when sleeping!
Inflatable versus Non-Inflatable
You've probably heard of an inflatable travel pillow before, a convenient product you can bring anywhere without it taking up so much space. However, is it just as supportive as the usual travel pillow stuffed with memory foam, micro-bead, or other materials that ISN'T air?
1
Inflatable Pillow
Inflatable pillows are known for their compact size and shape, which makes it suitable for light packers. They are very lightweight and convenient, with you being able to control its firmness. However, they won't feel as soft and comfortable compared to non-inflatable ones.
Pros
Cons
2
Non-Inflatable Pillow
There are many kinds of non-inflatable travel neck pillows based on its material and design (I'll briefly describe them in the next sections). However, they do have a few things in common.
These kinds of pillows bring better support and are more comfortable compared to inflatable ones. They have a softer feel while emitting less noise.
Pros
Cons
What's It Made Of?
Besides the inflatable pillow, there are other kinds of materials these products are made of:
1
Micro-Bead
One of the more popular materials used in kid travel neck pillows are micro-bead, which offer superior support and are easily shaped to your neck. However, they are quite heavy and there's a chance small beads can start spilling out if ripped.
2
Memory Foam
The memory foam is best suited for older kids, as it can conform well to their neck shape and withstands pressure. It also relieves the neck strain and maintains its softness when your child sleeps. You can also find hypoallergenic pillows made of memory foam, which can keep allergies at bay (as kids are quite sensitive!).
3
Polyester
What's great about polyester filling is that it's a cheaper choice and is easy to clean. Also, it's lightweight, perfect for kids on-the-go. However, they have some durability issues so it's not a long-term investment.
4
Wool
What's great about wool is that it feels breathable and made of natural materials (obviously, wool from sheep), which is better than synthetic material. It's more durable and even dust-mite resistant, which is important for kids who are sensitive to allergens!
Also, did you know that you can also sew your neck pillow for yourself or the kids? Check out this video to learn more:
The Ideal Shape
Last but not least, I recommend that you invest in a pillow with the ideal shape your kids will appreciate. There are many kinds of designs to choose from, and it isn't just the neck pillow!
For children who sleep straight, a U shaped or collar pillow can prevent their heads from bobbing up and down during bumpy rides. But if your little one sleeps solely on one side of their seat, then it's best to get a J-shaped or cylinder-shaped pillow.
Consider the way your little one sleeps while you travel so you know which ones best support them.
Bonus: Caring for a Travel Pillow
Now that you're familiar with selecting the best travel pillow for kids, how can you care for them properly? Here are the steps to follow:
Washing Machine
Hand Washing
Wrapping It Up
Our children have a smaller neck head shape, which is why it's imperative to invest in kids neck pillow. Not only does it bring the proper support, but it will also encourage comfort during the entire ride. That way, there's no worries about them incurring neck pain and they get to sleep soundly!
Of all the kids neck pillow reviews, I believe that the BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow is winner. My sons love this pillow because they get to choose what color they want! And I love this pillow for them because it's able to support both head neck without it being too firm. It's very comfortable and doesn't push the head forward, so during bumpy rides, their heads don't bob up and down.
My kids sleep straight and soundly while driving, and they never complain about any pain at all! With many colors and sizes to choose from, it's definitely worth the investment.
- YOUR CHILDS' COMFORT MATTERS - Your kids deserve a cushy & supportive travel neck pillow when they fall asleep in the car. With BCOZZY Pillow, sleeping on car rides and airplanes feels like sleeping...
- KEEPS CHILD'S HEAD STABLE AND NECK PAIN-FREE - BCOZZY pillow is structured to keep your child's head comfortably stable and prevent neck pain in short and long rides. The curved custom-made Velcro...
- PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN SOFTNESS AND FIRMNESS - Breathable fabric shell, made of cozy microfleece and cool microsuede, filled with soft BOUNCE BACK down alternative, provide adequate comfort for the...
- EASY TO CARRY AND KEEP CLEAN- Fully machine washable, soft and flexible, very lightweight, and comes with a carry case to keep it clean. The snap loop in the back of the pillow makes it easy to clip...
- MAKES A PERFECT GIFT- Surprise your friends and family with a great and functional gift that will help them sleep longer and better on road trips, and airplane flights. The BCOZZY travel pillow is a...
Hopefully, this article on the kids travel neck pillow gave you an idea of what you should begin investing in. So don't wait any longer and look into any of these pillows now!
If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on selecting best travel pillows like this, then comment below. Your thoughts will be much appreciated.