10 Best Pillows for a Newborn Baby

Choosing the right pillow is crucial for a child’s health and development. An unsuitable pillow can lead to suffocation, head deformities, reflux, and even impact height. So, which pillow is appropriate for newborns? Let’s explore this topic with AVAKids!

Should newborns use pillows?

Pillows can distort a newborn’s head and neck because their spine isn’t yet curved. Medical experts advise against using pillows for the first few weeks. Only when the baby reaches 3 months old and the physiological curve of the neck and nape has formed should a parent consider using a pillow, specifically one designed to prevent flat head syndrome.

Unlike adult pillows, infant pillows come in various designs and thicknesses tailored to different ages. Some products are only suitable for babies 6 months and older, so parents should carefully check product information before purchasing to ensure their child’s safety.

KuKu Anti-Suffocation Pillow KU2046 43x29.5x2.5 cm

KuKu Anti-Suffocation Pillow KU2046 43×29.5×2.5 cm

Criteria for choosing a newborn pillow

Firmness

Pillows that are too hard or too soft are not good for babies. According to experts, hard pillows can cause head and neck pain, while soft pillows pose a suffocation risk. Therefore, when choosing a pillow, parents should opt for one with moderate bounce and resilience. You can check this by pressing your hand into the pillow.

Size

To protect the baby’s spine, the pillow size should be appropriate for their age and shoulder width. Experts recommend a pillow thickness of 1-2cm for 3-month-olds, 3-4cm for 6-month-olds, and 3-9cm for children aged 12 months to 3 years. Pillow width is typically between 30 and 40cm, depending on the child’s shoulder width.

Note: Parents should carefully consider pillow size, as a pillow that is too large or too high can strain the baby’s neck, causing pain and affecting skeletal development.

Material

Pillow material affects a newborn’s health and skin. Choose a pillow made of safe, breathable, absorbent, and soft materials. Natural latex and foam pillows are good choices. Avoid feather pillows and polyester pillowcases, as they can cause overheating, stuffiness, and suffocation.

Galena Pillow GH-LDJP1 31x22x3 cm

Galena Pillow GH-LDJP1 31x22x3 cm made of memory foam effectively prevents flat head syndrome

Top 10 best newborn pillows currently available

The following list of the best newborn pillows is compiled and ranked according to the most popular searches on Google, updated in January 2024, and subject to change over time.

1. Bessla Anti-Reflux Pillow

 

Bessla Polyester Anti-Reflux Pillow - Bear

Bessla is a well-known Vietnamese brand specializing in sleep and feeding support products for families and young children, such as pillows, blankets, bath towels, and face towels. Each product is carefully researched and uses high-quality materials like bamboo fiber and cotton, offering softness and durability at reasonable prices. As a result, Bessla products are consistently trusted by mothers for their babies.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.

Key Features:

  • Uses super breathable cotton fabric for excellent sweat absorption.
  • The pillow core features a compact and safe 3D design made from natural memory foam, providing a comfortable sleeping experience and promoting sound sleep.
  • The pillow not only has a concave center that fits the head circumference of Vietnamese children but also features 4 smart bumpers to prevent shifting and promote straight back sleeping posture.

2. Kuku Anti-Suffocation Latex Pillow

KuKu KU2026 Anti-Suffocation Latex Pillow - Random Color
Kuku Duckbill is a Taiwanese mother and baby care brand established in 2002. The brand specializes in manufacturing a variety of high-quality, safe, and convenient products that meet European quality standards. Among them, the Kuku anti-suffocation latex pillow is a prominent product from Kuku Duckbill, ensuring a good night’s sleep for babies.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Taiwan.
  • Made in: Taiwan.
KuKu Anti-Suffocation Pillow KU2046 43x29.5x2.5 cm (From 0 months)

KuKu Anti-Suffocation Pillow KU2046 43×29.5×2.5 cm (From 0 months)

Key Features:

  • Available in blue and pink with fun, cute printed patterns that stimulate babies’ interest.
  • Soft pillowcase that protects against bacteria harmful to babies’ skin.
  • Helps prevent spinal and cranial problems, especially effective in preventing flat head syndrome.

3. Kuku Cotton Pillow

The Kuku pillow is a product of the popular Taiwanese brand Jini Baby, which has 20 years of experience specializing in research and production of various mother and baby care products. Thanks to continuous development, Jini Baby is confident that the Kuku pillow has become a top choice for many mothers.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Taiwan.
  • Made in: Taiwan.
KuKu Pillow KU2073 28x21x5.5 cm (From 0 months)

KuKu Pillow KU2073 28x21x5.5 cm (From 0 months)

Key Features:

  • The pillow has a central groove to secure and support the baby’s head while sleeping.
  • Made entirely of cotton fabric that absorbs sweat well and provides a certain softness, promoting better sleep.
  • The inner cotton lining provides just the right thickness, so babies won’t feel uncomfortable while lying down, reducing aches and pains for a more comfortable and restful sleep.

4. Dokma Anti-Flat Head Pillow

The premium children’s fashion brand Dokma is manufactured by Dokma Vietnam Textile Co., Ltd. The brand offers various product lines for children, including newborns. With a focus on skin safety and all-day comfort, Dokma is gaining increasing attention and trust.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.
Dokma Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Dokma Anti-Flat Head Pillow with breathable design for effective sweat absorption

Key Features:

  • Breathable cover design for effective sweat absorption.
  • The inner cotton filling is produced with natural antibacterial technology, evenly distributed and non-clumping, promoting blood circulation and preventing suffocation during sleep.
  • Dokma bucket pillow features ventilation holes for better breathability and anti-suffocation, and is also made of memory foam for a soft and comfortable feel.

5. Bamboo Life Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Bamboo Life is a Vietnamese brand inspired by traditional bamboo, so most of its products utilize the prominent properties of this plant. The brand distributes a wide range of products for families, especially for newborns, including strollers, high chairs, baby carriers, pillows, etc.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.
Bamboo Life Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Bamboo Life Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Key Features:

  • Prevents flat head syndrome, which can affect brain development.
  • Scientifically designed and made of memory foam, the pillow offers excellent antibacterial properties, protecting the respiratory system, spine, and neck, preventing head deformities.
  • Memory foam pillow core with optimal antibacterial properties for easy cleaning.

6. Goodmama Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Goodmama Anti-Flat Head Pillow is manufactured by HMD Production and Trading Co., Ltd., specializing in baby products, especially for newborns, such as diapers, waterproof sheets, diaper pants, pillows, cloth diaper liners, baby clothes, etc. All products from the brand are of good quality and safe for babies.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.
Goodmama Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Goodmama Anti-Flat Head Pillow

Key Features:

  • The Goodmama Anti-Flat Head Pillow features a breathable bamboo fiber outer cover and a premium antibacterial sponge rubber inner core.
  • The head circumference is designed to fit Vietnamese children, with 3 bumpers (left, right, and top) to maintain position and prevent spinal misalignment.
  • The concave center gently cradles the baby’s head, simulating a mother’s hand for a more comfortable sleep.

7. Uala & Rogo Pillow

Uala & Rogo is a premium children’s fashion brand inspired by nature, established in 2016 by Truong Thinh Company. With the aim of providing care and protection for children’s skin with safe, natural materials, this brand has received much support and trust from mothers.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.
Uala & Rogo Pillow

Uala & Rogo Pillow with soft fabric, suitable for babies’ skin

Key Features:

  • Honeycomb-structured memory foam core promotes deeper sleep.
  • Soft, double-layered bamboo fiber cover, suitable for delicate skin.
  • Minimizes musty odors and has natural antibacterial properties.

8. Yorokobi Anti-Reflux Pillow

Established in 2019, Yorokobi is a Vietnamese health care pillow brand. With a mission to provide products with diverse designs, styles, and prices suitable for various customer segments, Yorokobi aims to offer the best experience for everyone. Yorokobi deserves even more support.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Vietnam.
  • Made in: Vietnam.
Yorokobi Anti-Reflux Pillow

Yorokobi Anti-Reflux Pillow

Key Features:

  • Smart design scientifically calculated to support optimal digestive and intestinal function during feeding and sleeping.
  • 11-degree incline supports the respiratory system, reducing reflux, spitting up, and choking.
  • Features modern breathable technology for a cool and comfortable feel.

9. Babyupp Memory Foam Pillow

The Babyupp memory foam pillow is the exclusive invention of pediatrician Dr. Manuel Maidenberg for the renowned Swedish brand Babyupp. It has become an essential product for newborns in Sweden for many years.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Sweden.
  • Made in: Sweden.
Babyupp Memory Foam Pillow

Babyupp Memory Foam Pillow

Key Features:

  • Compact design suitable for cribs, strollers, etc., with a central concave area that fits the head circumference of Vietnamese children.
  • Soft and comfortable memory foam core promotes sound sleep and prevents neck and back strain. The pillowcase is made of highly absorbent cotton fabric.
  • Uses highly absorbent cotton filling for a deeper and more restful sleep.

10. Papa Fabric Pillow

Papa is a well-known Thai brand that manufactures products using advanced technology at affordable prices. They distribute products such as pacifiers, baby bottles, etc., mostly made of high-quality, safe materials for newborns.

Product Information:

  • Brand: Thailand.
  • Made in: Thailand.
Papa Fabric Pillow with smart design to support the baby's head

Papa Fabric Pillow with smart design to support the baby’s head

Key Features: 

  • Available in various colors and designed for babies from 0 months old.
  • Safe and absorbent cotton cover.
  • Product of a reputable Thai brand with a smart design that supports the baby’s head during sleep.

Precautions when using pillows for newborns

To ensure the baby’s safety, parents should note the following when using pillows:

  • Wash the pillow thoroughly before use.
  • Placing the baby on their side can reduce spitting up, vomiting, and choking during sleep.
  • Ensure the top of the pillow is higher than the bottom and not curved.
  • Never squeeze or pull the pillow forcefully, as this can distort its shape.
  • Change the pillowcase regularly to maintain hygiene.
  • Flip and rotate the pillow regularly to ensure even wear.
Galena Pillow GH-LDJP2 36x20x3 cm

Galena Pillow GH-LDJP2 36x20x3 cm helps babies sleep better