While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is very clear about no blankets or pillows in bed with babies under age 1 due to the risk of SIDS, the jury still seems to be out on when to introduce a pillow. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you should wait until at least 18 months. However, pediatric sleep experts tend to recommend waiting until the transition to a toddler bed (usually around 3 years old) since it can be overwhelming or cramped with a pillow in the crib. Toddlers also sometimes use the pillow as climbing leverage.