What size pillow does a child need? A UK size guide

Start with centimetres, not the size name. LilPillo children’s pillows come in three rectangular sizes: Mini, 30 × 40 cm; Full Size, 42 × 55 cm; and Large, 50 × 75 cm. Compare both edges with the pillow you already have, then check the filling, height and matching pillowcase separately. A size name alone does not tell you whether a pillow will suit your child.

This guide compares the LilPillo range for children’s beds. It is not a guide to pillows for babies or cots.

LilPillo children’s pillow sizes at a glance

The measurements below are the pillow’s two outer dimensions. They do not describe its height or the measurements of a separate pillowcase.

How to measure a pillow you already own

1. Check its label first. A printed size is a useful starting point, especially if the pillow has changed shape with use.
2. Remove the pillowcase. You want the pillow’s measurements, not the extra fabric around it.
3. Lay it on a flat surface. Measure straight across from edge to edge in both directions, without stretching the fabric or wrapping the tape over the rounded top.
4. Write down both measurements in centimetres. Compare the pair with the table above. Use the label and product listing to resolve small differences caused by the filled shape.

If you are replacing a pillow, this helps you compare its footprint with the new one. It does not prove that the old or new pillow has the right height or feel.

Size and height are different decisions

A 42 × 55 cm measurement describes the space a pillow takes up when viewed from above. Its height, sometimes called loft, describes how high it sits. Two pillows with the same outer dimensions can have different fillings and constructions.

Choose the footprint you want to compare, then read the individual product details. Do not assume that Mini means low, Large means firm, or a larger size automatically means a better fit. The table is a size comparison, not an age chart.

Which pillowcase should you choose?

Look for a pillowcase explicitly listed for your pillow size or model. Check its own dimensions too: the flat fabric measurements can differ from those of the filled pillow, so the two numbers need not match exactly.

For example, LilPillo’s Full Size Cotton Pillowcase in Aqua Mist is listed for Full Size pillows, including Soft Full, Goose Down Full, Supreme Full and AdaptGo. The pillowcase is listed as 46 × 58 cm, while those Full Size pillows are 42 × 55 cm. This is why checking stated compatibility is more useful than choosing by the words “Full Size” alone.

Buying a spare? Browse the pillowcases by size and check the exact product page. A standalone pillowcase is sold without a pillow. Check the pillow listing separately to see whether a case is already included.

Common questions about children’s pillow sizes

What size is a 30 × 40 cm pillow?

In the LilPillo range, 30 × 40 cm is Mini. The shorter edge is 30 cm and the longer edge is 40 cm. Check the centimetres when comparing it with another brand’s size names.

Is LilPillo Full Size the same as Large?

No. LilPillo Full Size is 42 × 55 cm; Large is 50 × 75 cm. Large is 8 cm wider across the shorter edge and 20 cm longer across the longer edge.

Can I choose a pillow size just by my child’s age?

The size name alone cannot establish suitability. Check the individual pillow’s dimensions, construction, instructions and warnings; this guide does not assign a pillow size to an age.

Find their own proper little pillow

Start with the dimensions, compare the product details, then add a compatible case if you need one. Explore Mini 30 × 40 cm, Full Size 42 × 55 cm or Large 50 × 75 cm pillows.