Dream or Nightmare holiday? Why a Kids Travel Pillow might just save you on your next long trip

Whether you are on a long flight or cooped up in a car , take it from a mom who has traveled with a little one, you have to invest in a kids travel pillow. Do not let this be you!

There are many varieties suitable for both laying and sitting. Before you embark on a trip that requires your kids to sleep, take a look at our comprehensive list and choose your fave. We might just save you from a nightmare trip.

Critter Piller Kids Neck Pillow

These kid travel pillow is suitable for kids between 3 and 8 years old, as its quite a small pillow.

With its super cute design available in a few options like a leopard, alligator, bear, dog, cow and much more, you are spoilt for choice here. Besides looking great, it is filled with environmentally friendly, soft microfibers, making for a real comfortable feel.

As we all know kids can be messy and they drool a lot, so you will be happy to know this baby is machine washable. For under $10, you cannot go wrong.

Kikkerland TT23 Zip Flip Travel Pillow

We love this little guy. Not only is he filled with soft contouring microbeads and a silky spandex cover, but he also unzips and converts into a u-shaped neck pillow silky spandex cover, but he also unzips and converts into a u-shaped neck pillow.

While he cannot be machine washed because of the microbeads, you can spot clean it with a damp cloth. Further, cute designs include the black bear, brown bear, and blue whale.

To add to your kid’s travel experience we highly recommend these kids travel pillow, not only for the I-just-want-to-squeeze-you factor but that it’s also very comfy. But note that while you may be tempted, this is not ideal for adult use, as it is not a firm pillow. With a fair price of $25 and hours of fun for the kids, we give it 2 thumbs up.

Trunki Yondi Travel Pillow

This pillow has a real nice design. It has soft fabric filled with microbeads, but a little firmer than the Kikkerland option.

All you do is neatly fit it around the child’s neck, “feet” part in the front, and secure the little-hidden magnets to keep it secure.

Mixed views on this one, as it is marketed for 2 years plus, but as its quite small, you need to check out the dimensions and measure you child’s neck before you purchase. Dimensions are 8.6 x 6.2 x 4.7 inches (approx).

Having said that, when it fits perfectly it is a comfortable rest for your little one. It does have an added feature where you can attach a comforter or blanket to the little plastic grip. Just beware of your child sticking their finger into the pinching hole. With bright, engaging characters to choose from, a cat, lion, dragon, and monkey, it is a steal at $15.

Lunex Universal Super Soft Car Seatbelt Pillow

Specifically for car travel, this nifty guy fits around any seatbelt with its Velcro design. Soft, micro fleece fabric make it super comfortable.

While it only comes in a few colors and is not the prettiest thing, it does the job nicely. Again, kids can be messy and “dribbly“, so no fret as you can hand wash this pillow.

A very good feature, which almost supersedes the basic use of the item, is that it increases the seatbelt width, making the whole seatbelt experience for a child a much more comfortable one. I know, up to the age of 7 or 8, the seat belt sits too high and cuts into their little necks. With this pillow, it eliminates that problem.

Further, on the safety side, it provides further cushioning when harsh braking is experienced. We have saved the best for last and this is the price. At a low $3.98, we recommend that you buy a few.

Mother’s Hand Headrest Head Support for Kids

While the other pillows here have all been about supporting the neck, this sweet design is focused on the chin area.

I don’t know about you, but I invariably drop my head forward when I sleep and depending on the backrest, most kids do too, which is not good for the back of their necks.

This little worm-like gadget, which is mimicked on human hands, supports the child’s jaw and allows for their head to loll forward, but at a comfortable angle. The material is also quite soft and supportive.

You simply stick the little arms, which have Velcro adhesives to the headrest strap or car seat (which are provided) and “walla”, you buddy is set up. The suggestion is that you secure the pillow to your child once they are just falling asleep or already deep under. Available in a variety of colors, all with adorable little animals on each end, it can dual up as a play thing when your honey is awake.

Skyrest Travel Pillow

We are including this innovative travel pillow, although marketed to adults, it can be suitable for a slightly older child. i.e. 6 years and up.

Because it is inflatable, it’s completely portable and although it blows up to quite a decent size, you just deflate and pack away.

As you can see by the picture here, you can lay forward on this pillow, preventing those awkward neck angles that sitting up straight brings.

In addition, you can link your arms into the little side pockets to add to you comfortable experience or even put it on the floor to rest you tired, swollen legs on. We think the price is pretty decent for the value you are getting at $29.

So, whether you are a parent with one, two or three children, a kids travel pillow is a must on your shopping list.  And while you are at it check out the adult varieties or you may find yourself stealing your kid’s new friend.