How do I choose the best duvet for my child?

When your little one is ready to move to a large cot, or even their first big bed, it’s important to find the right kind of soft filled bedding to go with it. Children have sensitive skin and are not able to regulate their body temperature in the same way that adults can. Therefore, it makes sense, when there are so many options available, to choose something that’s as natural as possible to ensure it is going to help them sleep as comfortably as they can.

Children do have different needs to adults and so the most important things to consider are the age of your child, room temperature, the size of the large cot or bed and the type of filling in the bedding. We’ve explained more in the tips below:

At what age is a duvet suitable for my child?

Duvets are not recommended for babies or children under the age of 12 months. The main reason for this is that a small child does not have the strength or mobility to move out of the way of a duvet if it covers their head or mouth whilst they move around in their sleep. A duvet can also become too hot for them. It is also advised that pillows are not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

What is the best bedroom temperature for my child?

For your little one to sleep comfortably, a consistent room temperature is important. Health professionals recommend maintaining a regular room temperature of 16°C -18°C and that a thermometer is kept in your child’s bedroom to monitor the room temperature.

What size duvet should I buy for my child?

Taking into consideration the point above, when your child is old enough for a duvet, you should always ensure it is the right size for the bed; in other words, the size of duvet should be in proportion to the size of the bed. So do take time to measure the bed and ensure that you buy a cot duvet for a cot, or a junior size duvet for a junior size bed. If your child is a little older and is already sleeping in a single bed, then a standard size single duvet can be used. Using a size larger than intended for the cot or bed can cause your child to overheat as the extra material and filling will surround them.

What kind of duvet filling is best for my child?

As your child’s body is not able to temperature regulate as efficiently as your body can, it is best to opt for natural fillings that are breathable and have temperature regulating properties. Whilst duvets filled with synthetic materials can be very light, it is worth bearing in mind that synthetic materials tend not to be breathable. This means they are not temperature regulating and can trap heat – not always ideal if your little one has a sudden temperature spike whilst they sleep. Feather duvets are natural as well as being soft and warm and have some breathability, but they are not moisture wicking or as flexible in terms of temperature regulation in the way that wool is.

What makes wool a great duvet filling?

Wool is a fantastic natural fibre that is breathable and temperature regulating. It is also moisture wicking, so is naturally resistant to dust mites and the build-up of micro bacteria, making it hypoallergenic and more hygienic. We would always recommend choosing a lightweight wool duvet, so that the wool can react more quickly in terms of temperature regulation but please also refer to our safety advice at the end of this blog. Do ensure that the duvet casing is made with 100% cotton, which is breathable and will work together with a natural filling such as wool, rather than a polycotton blend that won’t allow the wool to breathe.

What is Little Lana?

Little Lana is the award-winning children’s bedding range that’s been specially designed and created by the family owned and run Devon Duvets. Individually handcrafted by expert seamstresses in our workshops on the edge of Dartmoor, our Little Lana duvets and pillows are Beautifully British as well as being 100% natural, sustainable, and chemical-free. We gather our wool from British farmers who we know have the highest standards of animal husbandry, so our wool is 100% British and is traceable from farm to duvet. Our wool is also cleaned without chemicals in British mills and then needled into fluffy layers, ready for our seamstresses to work their magic. Our 100% cotton casings are made with cotton fabric, woven from cotton that’s certified by Better Cotton, a global organisation that supports better environmentally friendly cotton farming practices. This means your little one will be sleeping in bedding that’s as natural as possible.

We’ve also written a blog about our Little Lana wool pillows, but if you have any questions about our Little Lana range or would like to discuss options for your little one’s bedding, then call the team on 01752 345399 or get in touch via email. We’re here to help!

Safety advice: As with all bedding, we strongly advise that you monitor your child’s temperature and not allow your child to become overheated. Wool can assist in temperature regulation; however parental supervision is always required for young children. Duvets are only suitable for children from 12 months upwards.