Did you know that massage therapy can benefit anyone starting from infancy to childhood, adulthood, and the elderly? Aside from relaxation and relief from pain and tension, massage also has specific benefits for children, especially those with sensory difficulties.
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The best way to provide appropriate stimulation for children is through massage pillows which are plush, small, and gentle. These can also be used during play or naps. Read this article for more information about choosing the best kids massage pillow!
Contents
- The Best Kids Massage Pillow Comparison Table
- Top Kids Massage Pillow Reviews
- The Benefits of Massage Pillows for Kids
- What to Consider in Choosing the Best Kids Massage Pillow
- Things to Remember When Choosing the Best Kids Massage Pillow
- Final Words: Which of these best kids massage pillow is most suited for you?
The Best Kids Massage Pillow Comparison Table
If you are on a hurry and do not have time to read through all these reviews, check out this comparison table for a quick and easy overview:
| Massage Pillow Brand/ Name | Size | Operation | Massage Type |
| HealthmateForever Pressure Activated Massage Pillow | 14” x 14” | Battery-operated | Gentle vibrations |
| Zyllion ZMA-20 Luxury Thermal Massage Pillow | 13.5” x 7” x 13.5” | Needs to be plugged in | Kneading Massage |
| Thera-P Shiatsu Massage Pillow by HoMedics | 12.6” x 3.5” x 8.5” | Needs to be plugged in | Kneading Massage |
Top Kids Massage Pillow Reviews
Below are the best kids massage pillow that you can find in the market today:
1. HealthmateForever Pressure Activated Massage Pillow
If you think your child needs a soft, foam-filled yet durable vibrating massage pillow, this one from HealthmateForever might be the perfect fit! It offers gentle and relaxing vibrations intended to relax and calm an overstimulated child or person.
Help your young one fall asleep with this battery-powered massage pillow that measures 14 inches by 14 inches. Because it is soft, it reduces the risk of injuries that are associated with other types of massager.
This massage pillow comes with bi-directional dual micro motors you can try: low speed and high speed. Just press a single button, and your kid can enjoy a gentle stimulation. You can also use it for yourself to relax your tense muscles by choosing a higher speed setting.
The HealthmateForever massage pillow is pressure activated and can be used on the foot, neck, and back. Simply remove pressure and the vibration stops. It does not come with any controller or cord.
Thanks to its beautiful appearance, you can also use it as a decorative pillow on your bed or couch.
Things We Liked:
● Recommended by child therapists
● Offers gentle, calming, and comforting vibrations
● Surprisingly long-lasting batteries
● Soft, durable cover
● Mild massage
● Compact size
● Auto shut off
● Easy to clean and operate
Things We Didn’t Like:
● Buzzing sound is a bit too loud for offices
● Takes a bit of pressure to activate
2. Zyllion ZMA-20 Luxury Thermal Massage Pillow
The Zyllion ZMA-20 is a luxury Shiatsu massager that comes with kneading massage nodes along with an advanced heating function. For most users, these serve to soothe and relax aching muscles.
What is notable about this product is that it follows the contours of the body, thanks to the V-Spring Suspension system, offering custom comfort for the whole family. This spring suspension allows the massager to flex or extend some sort of give where needed. The heat function is also easy to turn on or off.
If you want something that blends with your living room or bedroom decor, the Zyllion ZMA-20 is excellent because it has a cushioned pillow exterior. A protective button flap can also be put over the massage nodes as a buffer between your child’s body and the massager for a gentler massage.
This massager also comes with a safety timer that automatically turns the power off after 20 minutes to prevent damage and energy wastage. The overheat protection feature also adds a layer of safety in case the massager exceeds the safe operating temperature.
The company also offers an extended 90-day money back guarantee and a 1-year replacement warranty.
Things We Liked:
● Nice appearance
● Safety timer
● Overheat protection
● Appropriate massage intensity for the whole family
● Excellent deal
● Easy to store
● Light vibration and gentle massage
Things We Didn’t Like:
● Somewhat hard
● It becomes an issue to get into the right position because of the pillow’s awkward shape
● Heat is barely noticeable
3. Thera-P Shiatsu Massage Pillow by HoMedics
Provide the quality of life your child deserves with the Thera-P Shiatsu Massage Pillow by HoMedics! This pillow was specifically engineered to relieve strain, stress, and tension but also works well in calming and relaxing your little one.
It uses 4 rotating notes to effectively knead sore and tense muscles on the legs, back, neck, shoulders, and lumbar area. Whether your child is lying down or sitting on the couch, this device is perfect for an impromptu massage session.
The Thera-P Shiatsu massage pillow features a plush texture and an ergonomic design that follows the contours of the body. It also has integrated controls for a convenient way to customize your child’s or your massage. A comfort flap also offers extra cushioning to protect sensitive areas.
This pillow is also perfectly sized for portability and can be used in any place without causing too much distraction.
Things We Liked:
● Comfort flap tones down the massage for kids
● Has auto-reverse function
● Portable size and shape
● Ergonomic design
● Easy to operate
● Good quality product
Things We Didn’t Like:
● The pillow produces a loud humming sound after some time
● No auto shut off
● Tends to get hot
The Benefits of Massage Pillows for Kids
Children, especially sensory seekers in need of therapy, can immensely benefit from a nice massage at home. Massage pillows for kids are great for use in gyms, therapy centers, nurseries, home, and schools. For best results, they are often used along with similar devices like massage cushions.
Here are some of the most important advantages of providing your child with a massage pillow:
● Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Massage has been proven to reduce the amount of cortisol or the stress hormone and increase dopamine or feel-good hormone levels in the body. This helps regulate the stress and anxiety levels of children brought about by imbalances due to academic, social, and family issues.
Maria Hernandez-Reif, a Touch Research Institute researcher, said that lower stress hormones and blood glucose levels after a massage not only reduce anxiety but also improve the health of the immune system. This is especially important for immunocompromised children who are at a higher risk of acquiring diseases from viruses, bacteria, toxins, and parasites.
The relaxing effect of massage has also been reported to reduce the symptoms of asthma in children and help them to manage and adapt better to painful diabetes treatment programs.
● Injury Prevention
Regular massage sessions help reduce muscle tension and increase the flexibility and range of motion in various body parts. This not only assists in the healing and recovery of injuries but help in preventing them as well.
Athletic children who participate in competitive sports typically get pains, muscle strains, and injuries. Massage helps ease these muscle pains and aches due to overuse or injury. It even increases circulation, flexibility, and joint and muscle function for better, injury-free sports performance.
● Improved Sleep Quality
Even children today face lifestyles of hectic schedules at home and in the school or even in doing extracurricular activities. As a result, they seldom get the chance to slow down and get quality rest, leading to poor sleeping patterns. This makes their sleeping time all the more crucial.
Based on recent studies, massage helps decrease stress levels in children just as it does for adults. Massage helps improve the quality of sleep by easing your kid into a relaxed and calm state before bedtime.
This not only helps in brain and body development but also results in higher energy levels and improved concentration. A good night’s sleep also helps reduce chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
● Relaxation of Muscles
Due to modern technology, children are prone to tech-necks which is a result of constantly looking down at a device. Facing a computer all day of craning their necks to look at their phone creates strain on the spine and neck resulting to poor posture, hunching, headaches, and chronic or long term pain.
Massage therapy helps relax these strained muscles to prevent long-term issues.
● Overcoming Disabilities
Cases of childhood disabilities, including structural or developmental issues and disorders, are now higher than ever. Many studies have proven that massage therapy for children has various benefits like:
○ Increased relaxation, better sleep, and energy levels as well as reduced disruptive behavior and touch sensitivity in autistic children
○ Reduced symptoms of ADHD and ADD in children characterized by improved on-task behavior and less hyperactivity
○ Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression in teenagers
○ Greater extension of formerly flexed muscles in children with cerebral palsy
○ Better school performance, less overactive behavior, and better naps for preschoolers.
○ Relief from various forms of childhood pain like early onset scoliosis
● Stimulates Motor and Cognitive development
By easing pain and tension in developing muscles, massage can improve the development of motor skills in children. It has also been shown to improve brain function and alertness as well as accuracy and speed in solving math problems for preschoolers.
What to Consider in Choosing the Best Kids Massage Pillow
Massage pillows come in all shapes, sizes, brands, and designs. When choosing something for our kids, it’s understandable to hold high standards. So, here are the most important considerations to make when selecting the best kids massage pillow:
● Size and Shape
Make sure to buy a massage pillow that is appropriately sized for your child and is shaped in a way to target the source of pain or body parts that need the most stimulation. Usually, you want something that is small enough to be portable but large enough to feel like a stuffed toy or a playing companion for your child.
● Massage Type
Consider also if your child needs a kneading massage or simply a vibrating stimulation. Massage nodes offer a deeper and more intense massage, while vibrating massage pillows are great for sensory stimulation and relaxation.
● Heat
Some children also benefit from the right level of heat to relieve the pain and increase comfort levels during a massage.
● Timer
While it is necessary to guide and monitor your kid’s use of a massage pillow, it’s nice to have a timer or an auto-shut-off feature for your peace of mind. This also increases safety since it prevents overheating. However, if the auto-shutdown is too short, this can cause frustration.
● Intensity and Speed Settings
Depending on the age, preferences, and needs of your child, he or she may require a different massage speed and intensity from other people. Therefore, look for something that offers a selection for both of these parameters to be able to provide whatever is right for your kid.
● Operation
Look for a massage pillow that is easy and simple to operate. Look for rechargeable units or battery-operated ones if you prefer to use it for your kid on the go.
Things to Remember When Choosing the Best Kids Massage Pillow
While it is clear that massage can be beneficial for children, make sure to consult your pediatrician or therapist before providing massage therapy to your child. Contraindications of massage therapy treatment for kids include: acute or staph infections, fever, active diabetes, open sores, and any swelling or inflammation. If your child has any one of these, do not give them a massage.
There is also an appropriate length of massage time for children of different age groups. For example, a 30-minute session may be too much for younger children who have shorter attention spans. For middle-aged kids to teenagers, 30 to 45-minute sessions are just about right.
Also, always keep your eyes on your child during a massage session. Watch out for signs of discomfort or pain to reduce any risks. It also helps to ask your child if he or she wants a massage or what feels great and what does not.
For more information on how to give proper massage to your kids, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdlxsw72vy4
Final Words: Which of these best kids massage pillow is most suited for you?
With the right kids massage pillow and knowledge about what to look for, you can drastically improve your child’s comfort and life.
Based on what we discovered, the Best Kids Massage Pillow is hands down the HealthmateForever Pressure Activated Massage Pillow! It is the most suitable for kids due to its soft exterior, mild stimulation, and nice appearance. It also comes with a safety timer and auto shut-off.
So, did you like this article? If you have any questions, suggestions, or reactions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!