When can my child sleep with a pillow?

Though they're often sold with crib bedding sets, pillows are not recommended for children under 2. Kids that small can easily suffocate while using one.

Actually, older kids don't need pillows either. Parents often think a pillow will provide their child with extra comfort, not realizing that their child was doing fine without it.

If you want to introduce a pillow, it's best to wait until your toddler moves from a crib to a bed. But if you want to give him one while he's still sleeping in a crib, go with one that's small (the size of an airline pillow) and firm. Stay away from feather pillows, which are too soft, can set off allergies, and can smother a child if his head sinks into it while he's sleeping.