There’s no doubt about it. Traveling with kids is easiest when they’re comfortable. And traveling while they sleep soundly without asking for a snack/drink/their sibling to stop looking at them every five seconds? Downright blissful. Whether you’re taking a twenty minute drive to grandma’s or a cross-country flight, a cozy kids’ travel pillow can be just the tool you need to keep everyone napping happily.
But before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to note that most infant and toddler car seats have built-in head rests and support that make using a travel pillow unsafe. Adding bulk can put their head into a less than optimal position and travel pillows on car rides should not be used until they’re in a booster.
What to look for in a kids’ travel pillow
When it comes to the best kids’ neck pillows, there are a couple things to consider. First, the shape. A traditional u-shaped pillow isn’t super helpful for little ones who already bob forward. They’re often bulky at the back and seem to make matters worse. Instead, opt for a style that’s thinner at the back. Another detail that’s important when kids are involved? Washability. Whether they’re a car puker or a sleep drooler, the ability to clean it is key.
If you’re about to set out on your first plane ride with kids in tow or gearing up for an epic summer road trip, we’ve rounded up the best travel pillows for kids to make it all a bit more peaceful. Hopefully.
Our favorite kids' travel pillows
BCOZZY
• $45.97
With 360 degree support and an overlapping design, this top-rated pillow is perfect for little ones who always seem to flop forward when they konk out. The flat back keeps their head from pushing forward while the stacked arms provide a cozy place to rest their chin. It’s soft and cozy with a curved surface that conforms to their neck and can be customized to the perfect fit with a touch of velcro. (There’s two sizes and a bunch of fun colors to choose from as well.) Got a carsick (or drooly) kiddo on your hands? No problem. It’s totally machine washable!
Infanzia
• $17.99
With bulk at the sides and only a thin piece at the back, the Infanzia Travel Pillow is another style that’s great for head-bobbing kiddos. The clever design won’t push their head forward and provides plenty of support under their chin. And whether they’re stealing a stroller nap in the shade or catching some zz’s on a chilly flight, the cotton exterior keeps them cool and comfy no matter the temps. It’s held together with a snap which makes it a touch less customizable than the BCOZZY, but should comfortably fit kids up to the age of 10, depending on their size.
Coolbebe
• $16.99
Another smart design, the colorful memory foam pillows from Coolbebe are thin at the back and wide at the front to comfortably support their head. The exterior fabric is made from a cotton blend honeycomb which is nice and breathable and easy to wash. In fact, one reviewer notes: “This has been washed 10 times so far and still looks exactly the same as the day it arrived.” A major plus when you’ve got a drooler on your hands!
Cabeau
• $24.99
Super cute and super comfy, the stuffie meets travel pillow design from Cabeau is great for a wide range of kids. Thanks to the open neck design and velcro strap, it offers a fully customizable fit to keep heads from bobbing. The raised sides provide plenty of support while the backside is just a tad slimmer to keep the spine in alignment. It’s filled with a lightweight poly which is firm enough to provide support but squishy enough to keep them comfortable. And honestly, there isn’t a cuter option out there.
Trtl
• $49.99
For kids ages 8+, the legendary Trtl pillow is a slam dunk. Like the super popular adult version, the Trtl Junior features an internal support hidden inside a cozy fleece scarf. The flexible and ergonomic design not only provides better support than traditional neck pillows, it’s also much easier to transport and tuck into their backpack when they’re done.
A version of this article was published April 11, 2022. It has been updated.