16 Best Kids Travel Pillows for Toddlers to Teenagers (2024)
Looking for the best kids’ travel pillows for your little one?
Few things tend to be as uncomfortable as having to sleep upright on a plane or a bus.
Having travelled with our kids, it pains us to see them struggling to sleep in transit.
Yes, children are more flexible than adults, but giving them a neck or foot pillow can make a huge difference!
The best kids’ travel pillows make a trip a lot more comfortable. While she rarely uses them, we’ve seen our daughter find a balance between making the most of our adventures and finding time to recharge herself with the help of these!
We figured you’d want the same experience for your little ones, too. Hence, we made a list of the best travel pillows for kids.
We’ve separated them into three age groups: toddlers, children aged 4-10, and tweens & teens (and adults, if you like).
There is a top picks list at the beginning of this article, which features the best travel pillows for kids and the age for which they are suitable. There are reviews for each product and comparison tables under the respective age groups.
If you are looking for a kid’s car pillow, you have come to the right website as well! Take a look at our car pillows for toddlers and older children section.
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The Best Kids Travel Pillows Top Picks
Best toddler travel pillow: Little Sleepyhead
Best travel pillow for preschoolers: Bcozzy Child
Best travel pillow for kids (age 5-10): Bcozzy Child
Best travel pillow for (young) adults: Bcozzy Adult
Best memory foam travel pillow: Dot & Dot
The Best Kids Travel Pillows Reviews and Comparison Charts
🚗 The best car Travel pillow for kids
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | AGE | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Barelove Car Seat Pillow
|
3y + | CHECK PRICE |
 |
YR Seat Belt Cover
|
3y + | CHECK PRICE |
 |
CoolBebe Car Seat Straps
|
infants and babies | CHECK PRICE |
 |
Farochy Unicorn Seatbelt Pillow
|
3y + | CHECK PRICE |
Before we head onto the best kids’ travel pillow products, let’s talk about car seat neck support for toddlers, infants, and bigger kids.
We’ve all seen it, right? When your kiddo falls asleep in the car, their head falls to the side or the front. It looks so very uncomfortable, especially for a toddler.
Without buying a car seat pillow for toddler, the car ride will not be a comfortable experience for them. Also, as parents ourselves, we want our kids to be safe.
When they are still in a 5-point harness, we’re only talking about their neck, but when they get bigger and move onto a booster, things become even more straining and dangerous (when in an accident)!
However, if you’re looking for the best toddler neck pillow for car seat or the best toddler car seat head support pillow, we recommend you read this article and also this one. In short: it is dangerous to put anything between a child and their car seat! Therefore we will advise against a neck pillow for car use.
A car seat for a newborn is developed in such a way that it won’t require an infant head support for a car seat. A baby will turn their head to the side naturally as this allows them enough space to breathe.
This means you don’t need to buy any kids’ travel pillows to keep their heads looking forward. So scratch that cushion for a baby car seat, baby neck pillow, or any baby travel pillow.
For toddlers, the same rules apply. Don’t use any toddler pillows for the car seat, as putting something between the child and the seat may cause it to become unsafe.
Once your baby is almost a year old, it will transfer to a bigger chair that sits much more upright. This will cause their head to drop forward.
If it’s possible, pick a car seat and kids neck pillow, which you can tilt from a sitting to a sleeping position. This will prevent the head from dropping as well. Do not use a toddler neck pillow for a car seat, or a headband strap.
SUMMARY: As long as your child is in a car seat, do NOT use a car seat neck pillow or any toddler travel pillow to keep their head or neck in place. They are not compatible with a car seat and may even be deadly in case of an accident.
Once a child is big enough to use a booster seat, a regular seat belt might hurt their neck. Therefore, a kid’s seat belt pillow is a great acquisition! They usually come as large stuffed animals as well, so that’s a win-win.
Out of the car seat, you don’t have to worry about safety compatibility (or lack thereof) anymore. Quite a lot of car pillows for kids, teenagers, and adults are available. Read more about them below!
1. Barelove CAR SEAT STRAP BELT CUSHION COVER
How cute is this fluffy dinosaur? It functions both as a giant teddy bear and as a car pillow for toddlers and bigger kids.
The dinosaur kids’ car pillow covers the seatbelt, which prevents your child from becoming uncomfortable.
The velcro closure makes it very easy to pop it into the right position.
Travelwise it might not be the best companion as it is HUGE.
Yet, children love this seat belt pillow for kids, and they get to choose from a whole variety of cute animals.
2. YR SEAT BELT COVER
This seat belt cover for kids makes car rides comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable!
This will protect your child’s neck from getting cut from pulling the seatbelt.
Aside from being made with premium velcro, this is stretchy and adjustable and is adaptable to all car brands.
While it has a good sweat absorption feature, it is washable, too, making it easy to clean!
Available in various cute cartoon patterns, there is a design that boys and girls will surely like!
3. Coolbebe Car Seat Straps
These Coolbebe car seat straps do not only prevent the harsh rubbing of the seat straps against the skin.
These are also made with super plush velvet fabric, making them very soft to the touch.
Versatile, these seat straps are not only made for cars, but also suit strollers, pushchairs, and high chairs!
The velcro material makes them easy to attach and stay put.
These are easy to clean and machine washable, too.
4. Farochy Unicorn PILLOW FOR CAR SEATBELT
If your child likes unicorns, this seatbelt pillow will provide joy and comfort.
This seat belt pillow is made of polyester and fluffy material. It’s soft, yet durable.
It suits all sizes of car seat belts. Plus, with a velcro design, it’s easy to install, remove, and adjust.
Lastly, this cute seat belt travel pillow is also machine washable, but hand washing is recommended.
👶 The best travel pillow for toddler
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | AGE | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Trunki Neck Pillow Small
|
small: 18m-4y / medium: 3-5y | CHECK PRICE |
 |
Little Sleepyhead
|
toddlers + | CHECK PRICE |
 |
Squishmallow
|
toddlers + | CHECK PRICE |
 |
Inflatable foot rest
|
toddlers + | CHECK PRICE |
When it comes to a neck pillow for toddlers, think really hard about what your little one might benefit from. It’s no use tagging something that you won’t use.
Our daughter, for example, wouldn’t dream of keeping a neck pillow on. She’d rather use her mommies as her personal pillow.
A lot of toddlers might prefer a small square pillow over a U-shaped one.
Opt for the same type of neck support as at home: a soft travel pillow if they use a soft one in their bed or a firmer toddler airplane pillow if they are used to that.
If you aren’t too keen on a toddler napping on your lap, a travel leg rest is a great travel accessory! We believe that, in most cases, this will bring better use than a travel pillow toddler.
5. TRUNKI YONDI
The Trunki Yondi child neck pillow, small or medium, is one of the only U-shaped kid neck pillows that is suitable for toddlers.
It’s perfect for snoozes on the go. The neck pillow toddler connects under the chin with hidden magnets which makes for a very comfortable pillow.
The filling of microbeads and the plush fabric add to the comfort level.
A double fabric liner makes sure that even in case of rupture, the microbeads stay safely inside.
These neck pillows for toddlers come with the Trunki Grip, to which you can attach your child’s favourite blanket. Oh, and with 0.18 lbs (82 g), it’s super lightweight!
The Trunki Yondi travel pillows for toddlers are suitable for children from 18 months and up (small: 18m-4y / medium: 3-5y) and come in 6 funky colours and designs.
6. LITTLE SLEEPYHEAD TODDLER PILLOW
The Little Sleepyhead toddler travel pillows are a perfect travel companion when your toddler doesn’t like to put on a U-shaped neck pillow.
It’s a small rectangular travel pillow with the perfect size and softness for a toddler.
This can be used at your destination as well as on your way there.
This toddler travel neck pillow is 100% hypoallergenic and machine washable. It measures 13 x 18 inches (33 x 45 cm).
TIP: you have to buy the pillowcase separately, but they come in a couple of nice designs!
7. SQUISHMALLOW
These cute little stuffed animals are perfect small pillows for toddlers.
Although they are not necessarily travel pillows, they can function as one for sure.
The Squishmallow animal neck pillow comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Make sure to check them all!
We believe the smaller size is big enough for a toddler to sleep on and easier to drag along on a trip than the larger one.
Bringing animal pillows for kids is like killing two birds with one stone, as your little one gets to play with a soft toy and sleep on it when tired.
8. INFLATABLE TRAVEL FOOTREST
The Wandering Tot travel footrest pillow was created by a travelling family and, therefore, alone deserves a place on this list.
The Wandering Tot travel footrest pillow was created by a travelling family and, therefore, alone, deserves a place on this list.
Sleeping upright in a plane will be very hard for toddlers, and you’ll most likely end up with a sticky body like yours.
To ensure that you can get some sleep as well, this travel hack lets your kids sleep with their legs up.
Such an inflatable leg rest for flights is completely safe, and you tuck it into the usually rather cramped space between the chairs. Your child now has a bed!
But you can use it as a footrest for a car seat while driving as well. Furthermore, it’s a great toy or table at your destination as well!
It is very lightweight (under 1 lb or 454 g when inflated), and it comes with a small storage bag to carry it around when you’re not using it.
The portable footrest can be adjusted to 3 heights, and you can inflate it in 1 to 2 minutes with your mouth.
Thanks to the 2 large valves, it inflates quickly and easily, so you won’t look like a tomato after doing so.
Deflation happens in about 30 seconds.
👧 The best neck pillow for kids age 4-10
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Bcozzy Kids
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
Squishmallow
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
SNUGL Travel Pillow
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
INFANZIA Travel Pillow
|
CHECK PRICE |
Children between the ages of 4 and 10 are very active. Most kids will make your adventures more exciting in their fun little ways.
When their energy gets depleted, they will need to rest and you want nothing for them but the best travel neck pillow.
Below are the best travel pillows for this age group. Most of these can be worn in different positions and serve as a toy.
Regardless of which you pick, they will support your child all the same.
9. BCOZZY KIDS
The Bcozzy travel pillow is the most popular (kids) neck pillow travel that you can find.
You can twist it into several positions and control how tight you want it around your neck.
The airplane pillow for kids prevents the head from falling forward and offers support for your head, neck,
The travel pillow child version only weighs 7.4 ounces (210 g) and comes with a snap strap for easy storage of your luggage.
Furthermore, it is fully machine washable and can be compressed.
The Bcozzy kids airplane pillow is available in a lot of funky colours and comes in adult sizes as well.
The Bcozzy children’s neck cushion is one of the very best neck pillows for kids when travelling!
10. SQUISHMALLOW
These cute little stuffed animals are perfect small pillows for kids.
Although they are not necessarily a travel pillow, they can function as one for sure.
The Squishmallow animal neck pillow kids come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Make sure to check them all!
Pick the small one for younger kids and the bigger one for older kids!
Bringing animal pillows for kids is like killing two birds with one stone, as your little one gets to play with a soft toy and sleep on it when tired.
11. SNUGL Travel Pillow
This SNUGL memory foam neck travel pillow for kids has different kinds of sleepers in mind!
With a reversible design, it adjusts to your children’s neck and shoulders.
Its versatile design allows you to wear it in four ways: conventional, over-the-shoulder, front position and reversed.
Made with breathable material, it prevents overheating and excessive sweating.
This travel neck pillow for children is also lightweight and comes with a storage bag, making it portable.
Not only does it have dual adjustable straps, it is machine washable, too!
With this, your kid will have lengthier sleep in transit!
12. INFANZIA Travel Pillow
This INFANZIA travel pillow is for toddlers and older kids alike!
This product is unique because its back is thinner than the rest of its body. This way, there’s no pushing of the child’s head forward.
It provides ultimate head, chin, and neck support.
While soft, it is not to the extent that your little one’s head would sink!
Made of breathable fabric, this travel neck pillow for kids is gentle to the skin and machine washable!
🧑🦰 The best travel pillow kids for tweens & teens
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Bcozzy Adults
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
Dot & Dot
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
Cabeau
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
Kmall
|
CHECK PRICE |
Whether your tween or teen will be travelling by themselves or accompanying you on your family holiday, getting there and away is usually not all too comfortable.
By car, plane, or public transport, chances are that they will be sitting upright for a rather long time. This makes travel pillows for kids necessary to experience a comfortable ride.
Most children’s neck pillows focus on the age group of 3 to 10. This means tweens and teenagers are big enough to pick a regular-size travel cushion.
So, if you’re looking for an adult travel pillow for yourself as well, feel free to pick your favourite one!
13. BCOZZY ADULT
The Bcozzy pillow is a travel pillow that you can wrap around your neck.
You can twist it into several positions and control how tight you want the kids travel neck pillow around your neck.
It prevents the head from falling forward and offers support for your head, neck,
The travel pillow only weighs 7.4 ounces (210 g) and comes with a snap strap for easy storage of your luggage.
Furthermore, the children’s travel pillow is fully machine washable and can be compressed.
The Bcozzy is available in a lot of funky colours and comes in both adult and child sizes.
14. DOT & DOT TRAVEL PILLOW
The Dot&Dot is a small travel pillow that – unlike most neck pillows that are U-shaped – is twistable into almost any shape.
The memory foam provides personalized support in any position you’d like to rest or sleep in.
This neckrest pillow is machine washable and comes with a snap closure so you can secure it in your suitcase.
This way, you can also close it around your neck or around the car headrest.
It is one of the most unique travel pillows for children, teenagers, and adults.
15. CABEAU EVOLUTION MEMORY PILLOW
The Cabeau travel pillow is made of memory foam which offers 360-degree support.
Because of its comfort, the adult or older kid neck pillow makes for a great travel companion.
The soft velour cover is removable and washable and thus easy to keep clean.
Travelling is convenient with only 11.7 ounces (330gr) and the possibility to store it in a small storage bag at only 1/4th of the size.
The Cabeau Evolution memory foam neck pillow is available in a bunch of different colours.
16. Kmall inflatable pillow
The Kmall travel pillow for teenagers is an inflatable pillow with push-button inflation.
This way, it can be easily and quickly inflated and deflated, and it prevents bacteria from spreading because you don’t have to mouth-blow it.
A lot of adult & children’s neck pillows for travel tend to get hot, but the
It comes with a built-in pocket for your eye mask or smartphone, or other valuables that doubles as the (tiny, square-shaped) carry case when you’re not using your pillow.
As it only weighs 9.92 ounces (281 g), there really is no reason not to bring it on your trip.
The Kmall children’s neck pillow is available in various colours, and it might very well be the best inflatable pillow for travel!
Information Guide on the Best Travel Pillows for Kids
✅ How to find the best travel pillow for your child?
The size
When choosing the best kids’ travel pillow, don’t forget that children have smaller heads and necks. Make sure that you choose a pillow that fits your little one correctly to prevent the head from falling forward and, thus, your child from being uncomfortable.
This is especially important when you use the pillow as a car seat pillow for toddlers or bigger kids.
The material
While some kids love a snuggly animal pillow with hair, others might get irritated by it. The same works for harder plastic cushions that your baby might not find comfortable.
More of the same with a fleece cover that will feel wonderful when travelling on a plane or in colder circumstances. However, it will feel sticky and scratchy when it’s hot.
Choose your pillow with the type of journey and the weather conditions in mind.
Also, when it comes to children, you’ll want a travel headrest that is machine washable!
The shape
In general, when talking about travel pillows, people mean a U-shaped cushion that you can put around your neck for support when you have to sit upright for a long time (on planes, buses, or in the car).
However, there are other options. Your child might prefer a rectangular pillow. There is this travel neck cushion that you can fold into any shape to suit your needs best, or you may as well let your kid sleep with an inflatable footrest in the plane.
The filling
The 3 main types of filling are:
- Microbead: A microbead travel pillow is filled with small polystyrene beads, which makes it lightweight. You can change the shape of the cushion easily, but it is usually not that portable and doesn’t provide a lot of comfort.
- Inflatable: An inflatable travel pillow is meant to be blown up by mouth into the firmness of your liking. They are lightweight and very tiny to pack into your luggage. On the downside, one small leak and your pillow will deflate.
- Memory foam: A memory foam travel pillow shapes itself into your neck. It offers the most support but is, in general, the least lightweight. They can be decompressed for transport, which is convenient when you have limited storage space.
Best Kids Travel Pillows: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a toddler use a travel pillow?
They definitely can! Toddlers need to be comfy during travels too, not just adults. In this article, our top pick for the best travel pillow for a toddler is Little Sleepy Head’s Toddler Pillow.
Are travel pillows good for kids?
Yes, children’s travel pillows are good for kids. These allow them to have comfortable and restful breaks in between destinations.
Are travel pillows safe for toddlers?
Yes, children’s travel pillows are safe for toddlers to use as long as used correctly. For proper support, ensure that these suit their heads and necks.
How do I choose the perfect travel pillow for Children?
Which travel pillow is the most suitable for your child depends on several factors. Your kid’s age is an important one, but also a preference for the type (inflatable, memory foam, microbeads) as well as the outer material.
Can you use a travel pillow in the car?
The short answer is: no! At least, not when your child is still in a car seat because you can’t have anything between the seat and their neck. There are, however, some alternatives.
Are you allowed to use leg pillows for kids on an airplane?
Yes, you can use leg pillows for kids on an airplane. However, take note that every airline has different policies. Hence, do your research beforehand.
What can I use instead of a travel pillow?
You could never go wrong with fluffy squishmallow neck pillows. Stuffed animal plush toys are not only perfect companions during travels, but they serve as a great alternative to travel pillows too!
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Pillows for Children
Now that you have gone through our list of the best kids’ travel pillows, we hope that you found one that fits your child’s needs and wants.
With one, your child won’t struggle to sleep in transit. A well-rested kid will be able to face your travels with more joy and enthusiasm!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.
