Let’s be real, traveling with kids is already a wild ride. Add in a tired child with a sore neck on a long flight or bumpy road trip? No thanks.
That’s why we never travel without a proper kids’ travel pillow anymore.
But finding the right one? Not easy. Some are too big, some are too fluffy, and some are basically plush toys pretending to be pillows.
After six years of full-time family travel, I’ve put together this guide to the best travel pillows for kids in 2025. Let’s start!
What Is the Best Travel Pillow for Kids in 2025?
The overall best travel pillow for kids in 2025 is the Trtl Pillow Junior. It’s soft, easy to carry, and actually supports your child’s neck. For younger kids who need to sleep flat on a plane, the 1st Class Kid Travel Pillow is a total game-changer.
And if you’re on a budget? Wolf Essentials Kids Neck Pillow is a great, affordable option. Here’s a quick table before we go into the details:
Why Your Kid Needs a Travel Pillow
We didn’t think we needed one either. Until Lila, my eldest, saw other kids having neck pillows and wanted to have one, too. Then we tried it out, bought one for her, and it completely changed our travel experience. She slept better, complained less, and suddenly long flights were way more manageable.
Here’s what the right pillow can do:
- Support tiny necks in big seats
- Help your kid fall asleep faster (and stay asleep!)
- Reduce grumpiness during long travel days
- Save your arm from becoming a human pillow
1. Trtl Pillow Junior – Best Travel Pillow for Neck Support
This one’s our top overall pick. The Trtl Pillow Junior looks a bit weird at first—more like a scarf than a pillow—but it works like magic.
Material: Fleece cover with an internal plastic support frame wrapped in foam
Size: 3.07 x 6.45 x 3.54 inches (unfolded)
Weight: 4.5 oz (127 g)
Price: $59.99 (€56)
Why it’s great
Instead of letting your kid’s head flop around, the Trtl wraps gently around the neck and gives real support. It has a hidden structure inside that keeps their head upright while still being super soft.
It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. No bulky U-shapes here. Just roll it up and stuff it in your bag. I also love the fact that it has fancy designs, such as zebra print.
Pros
- Provides real neck support (not just fluff)
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to roll up and pack
- Super soft fleece material
- Adjustable fit with Velcro
- Comes in fun, kid-friendly prints
- Machine washable
Cons
- Wrap-around style can feel a bit restrictive for some kids
- Not great for kids who lean forward when sleeping
- Can be tricky to re-adjust mid-nap
What age is it for?
It’s designed for kids 8 and up, but smaller kids might love it too, just make sure it fits snugly. The Velcro strap is adjustable, which helps a lot. Take a look at the video on their website, where a young girl demonstrates how to wrap it around her neck.
Best for:
Long flights, upright sleeping, and kids who hate traditional neck pillows.
👉 Check out the Trtl Pillow Junior here.
2. Maliton Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow – Best for Sleeping Flat on Planes
This isn’t your typical neck pillow. It’s an inflatable footrest that fills the legroom space in front of your child’s seat, basically turning an economy seat into a cozy little bed.
Material: Soft PVC flocking
Size (inflated): 17 x 12 x 18 inches (adjustable 1–3 layers)
Weight: 0.8 lb (360 g)
Price: $24.99 (€23)
Why It’s Great
If you’ve ever watched your kid try to nap twisted like a pretzel on a long flight, this is the fix. Inflate the Maliton Foot Rest after takeoff, pop it between the seat and their legs, and boom: instant sleep setup. It also keeps toys, snacks, and tiny socks from falling on the floor.
Pros
- Lets younger kids lie flat across the seat
- Super lightweight (under 1 lb)
- Packs down into a tiny bag
- Soft, comfy surface for naps
- Works on planes, trains, cars, and even on the sofa
- Just takes a minute to blow up
Cons
- Not allowed on every airline (check before you fly)
- Takes up some legroom
- Must be inflated manually
- Can’t be used during takeoff or landing
What Age Is It For?
Perfect for toddlers and kids up to around 8. After that, most kids are just too long to fully stretch out.
Best For:
Long flights, red-eyes, and overnight travel where sleep matters.
3. Cabeau Evolution Kids – Best Ergonomic Neck Pillow
If your kid loves the classic neck pillow shape but actually needs support (not just fluff), the Cabeau Evolution Kids is a solid choice.
Material: Polyester, Birds Eye Mesh, Microsuede
Size: 8 x 8 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 0.7 lb (317 g)
Price: $24.99 (€23)
Why It’s Great
This one is made from soft plush fill and gives 360° support around the neck. It’s soft, hugs the chin, and stays in place, even if your child moves around a lot. The raised sides and slim back help keep the head upright without straining the spine. Plus, the designs are cute (pandas, puppies, and kittens).
Pros
- 360° ergonomic neck and chin support
- Soft poly-fill offers real comfort
- Fun animal designs kids love
- Velcro strap keeps it in place
- Comes with a travel pouch and clip
Cons
- Bulkier than other travel pillows
- Not as compact as inflatable options
- May feel too snug for older kids
- Slightly more expensive than basic pillows
What Age Is It For?
It’s designed for kids ages 3 and up. The snug fit and curved shape work best for younger children between 3 to 8 years old.
Best For:
Plane naps, car rides, and upright sleeping.
4. Wolf Essentials Kids Cozy Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow – Best Budget Kids Neck Pillow
This is the pillow to grab when you just want something simple, soft, and affordable. No stiff clips. Wolf Essentials Neck Pillow is just a cozy, kid-sized U-shaped pillow that works.
Material: Polyester microfiber shell, poly fiberfill
Size: 11 x 10 x 3 inches
Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Price: $12.99 (€12)
Why It’s Great
It’s made from super soft microfiber that feels like your child’s favorite plush toy. It gives just enough support for car naps or short flights. And unlike adult-sized pillows, this one actually fits small necks. Bonus: it’s machine washable. Because, snacks.
Pros
- Soft, cuddly microfiber cover
- Lightweight and easy for kids to carry
- Sized just right for smaller necks
- Machine washable
- Comes in fun, kid-approved colors
Cons
- Less support than structured pillows like Trtl
- Doesn’t stop the head from tilting forward
- One size only – no adjustability
- May be too soft for upright sleeping on longer trips
What Age Is It For?
Best for kids around 3 to 10 years old. It’s compact enough for toddlers and big enough for early school-age travelers.
Best For:
Road trips, short flights, naps in the car seat, and budget-conscious families who just want something that works.
5. Cloudz Kids Animal Neck Pillow – Best for Cute, Kid-Approved Designs
If your little one cares more about cuddles and colors than posture and angles, this one’s a winner. The Cloudz Kids Animal Neck Pillow is basically a stuffed animal that supports your child’s neck.
Material: 100% Polyester with premium poly-fill
Size: Approx. 11 x 10 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 5 oz (142 g)
Price: $15.95 (€15)
Why It’s Great
It’s soft, lightweight, and doubles as a travel buddy. With options like unicorns, pandas, dinosaurs, and foxes, your child can choose their favorite. It’s also filled with premium poly-fill for a nice mix of softness and support. And it’s machine washable.
Pros
- Tons of cute animal designs to choose from
- Soft, plush surface feels like a cuddle toy
- Lightweight and easy for kids to carry
- Machine washable
- Great price for the quality
Cons
- Limited neck support, more snuggly than structured
- Not adjustable
- Some kids may outgrow the novelty quickly
- Not ideal for longer flights or upright sleep
What Age Is It For?
Best for toddlers and younger kids, around 3–9 years old. Slightly older kids may still enjoy it if they love plush toys.
Best For:
Road trips, short flights, sleepovers, or just chilling at home with a soft buddy.
How to Pick the Perfect Travel Pillow for Your Child
Here’s what actually matters when picking the right one:
1. Age (and size!) really matters
A pillow that’s perfect for your 10-year-old might totally overwhelm your toddler. Look for travel pillows made specifically for kids, not just smaller adult versions. Check the brand’s recommended age range, and if possible, test it out before your trip.
2. Think about how your kid sleeps
Some kids nod off sitting up with no problem. Others, like my eldest, need to curl up, lean on something, or lie down flat. If your child sleeps sitting upright (especially on planes), go for something with real neck support, like structured wrap-around pillows.
3. Can you wash it easily?
This one’s huge. Sticky hands, spilled juice, airport floors… the pillow’s going to take a hit. I always check if the cover comes off or if the whole thing is washable.
In this article, I mostly recommend pillows that are at least partly washable. Only the Maliton Foot Rest isn’t machine washable.
4. Don’t forget about size and portability
You’ll be carrying it 90% of the time, so think lightweight and compact. Some pillows are cute but huge, and they just don’t fit in your daypack. Inflatable pillows are great for space-saving.
5. Let your kid have a say
If they like it, they’ll actually use it. Simple as that. Let them choose the color or the animal shape. Honestly, this is something we do for many decisions, like travel snacks or even destinations. If they are part of the decision, they will support it 100%.
Key Takeaways
- Trtl Pillow Junior: Best for older kids (8+) who need real neck support during upright sleep on flights
- Maliton Inflatable Foot Rest: Great for toddlers and younger kids (2–8) who want to sleep flat on long flights
- Cabeau Evolution Kids: Comfy memory foam support for car rides and plane naps (ages 3–8)
- Wolf Essentials Kids Pillow: Budget-friendly, soft, and simple for short trips (ages 3–10)
- Cloudz Kids Animal Pillow: Super cute plush designs for little ones who want a cuddle buddy while traveling (ages 3–9)
👉 You might also like:
– 40 Best Family Travel Tips from Digital Nomad Parents
– 31 Healthy Travel Snacks for Kids (100% Veggie)
– The 5 Best Airplane Beds for Toddlers and Babies 2025
– How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane: 30 Genius Hacks
– How to Travel With a Toddler
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Pillows for Kids
Kids don’t need much to be happy on a trip, just snacks, entertainment… and a way to nap without turning into a cranky pretzel.
If you’re traveling in 2025 with your little one, do yourself a favor and pack the right pillow. Your future self will thank you.
Got a favorite travel pillow I missed? Please let me know in the comments! I love hearing from other travel parents!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day. Yours, Lulu
FAQ: Kids Travel Pillows Explained
What is the best travel pillow for kids in 2025?
The Trtl Pillow Junior is the best kids travel pillow in 2025 if your child sleeps sitting upright. It offers real neck support thanks to its built-in structure, and it’s easy to pack. If your kid prefers to lie flat on planes, the Maliton Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow is a great option for turning their airplane seat into a cozy bed.
Do memory foam pillows work for kids?
Yes, memory foam travel pillows like the Cabeau Evolution Kids are perfect for kids who need soft but structured support. They’re especially good for long car rides and plane naps, offering 360-degree support around the neck. Just make sure the pillow is a smaller size made for children.
Are inflatable neck pillows a good option for small children?
Absolutely. Inflatable options like the Maliton Foot Rest are a game changer for long flights. They take up minimal space in your bag and can turn a cramped airplane seat into a mini bed. Just check airline policies. Most don’t allow them during takeoff or landing.
What age are travel pillows for kids designed for?
Most kids’ travel pillows are made for children ages 3 to 10. U-shaped pillows like Wolf Essentials work well for preschoolers and up. Older kids (8+) might prefer structured options like the Trtl travel pillow for better neck alignment.
Are kid’s neck pillows safe for toddlers?
Yes, if the pillow fits properly and offers enough side support. For toddlers, avoid bulky adult-sized pillows. Instead, look for pillows with ergonomic design, breathable fabric, and a secure fit around the neck. Lightweight options with a machine-washable cover are a great idea.
Can a travel pillow help with neck pain during long journeys?
Definitely. A good travel pillow helps keep the head and neck stable in an upright position, reducing strain and preventing neck pain.
Which travel pillows are washable?
All of the best kids’ travel pillows that I recommend in this article (except the Maliton Foot Rest) have a removable cover or are fully machine washable.
Can kids use travel pillows in car seats or infant car seats?
Yes, but only if the pillow doesn’t interfere with car seat safety. Use soft, U-shaped pillows for short naps during road trips. Avoid anything that pushes the head forward. Never use bulky or stiff pillows with infants in rear-facing seats.
Is the Trtl Pillow Junior better than traditional travel pillows?
For upright sleeping, yes. The Trtl travel pillow supports the side of your head and neck in a way that traditional U-shaped pillows can’t. Its unique design wraps like a scarf, offering better support during long flights or middle seat situations.
Where can I buy a good travel pillow for my child?
All of the pillows I recommend are available online through Amazon or Walmart. Look for the latest travel accessories section or try the brand’s official website. You can often choose between different colors, patterns, and materials like hypoallergenic fabric or memory foam.
Just a heads up: some links in “Best Travel Pillows for Kids” are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
