Toddler duvets: what do the experts advise?
Experts advise that duvets should not be used with babies under 12 months as they increase the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“Soft or bulky bedding is not recommended for babies under 12 months because there is a risk of overheating and their head being covered,” says The Lullaby Trust.
The NHS agrees: “Do not use pillows or duvets with babies under the age of one, as they can suffocate if their face gets smothered. They won't be able to push the duvet away.”
Young children also struggle to regulate their body temperature, so in the UK it’s important to choose a lightweight duvet, with a maximum 4.5 tog rating, even in the cooler months.
When should a toddler start using a duvet?
A toddler can start using a duvet from the age of one and over, but there is no need to switch to a duvet if your child is happy in a sleep sack or with a cellular blanket. Most parents and carers start shopping for a toddler duvet when their child moves from a cot to a toddler bed.
What to consider when choosing the best toddler duvet:
Size: If your toddler is still in a cot or toddler bed, they’ll also need a smaller ‘cot bed size’ duvet, to avoid any suffocation risks. In the UK this is generally 150 x 120cm, but it’s always worth measuring your bed before buying.
Tog: A lightweight, low tog duvet is ideal for toddlers as they can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults.
Materials: Many parents choose hypoallergenic synthetic fillings as they’re lightweight, breathable, easy to clean and often more affordable. Natural fillings such as wool, cotton and bamboo are popular toddler duvet fillings as they are naturally breathable and soft. Wool-filled duvets go a step further by naturally regulating body temperature and wicking away moisture. However, natural fibres usually require more careful washing and tend to be on the more expensive side.
The best toddler duvets are those made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials with a low tog rating, wrapped in a soft natural cover. However, to find the right one for your toddler, you’ll need to consider your own personal needs and preferences.
What is the best tog for a toddler duvet?
Toddlers are unable to regulate their body temperatures in the same way as adults so they need a lightweight, lower tog duvet even in the colder months. It depends on the temperature of your home, but as a general guide children aged one to three should have a lightweight 3 to 4.5 tog duvet.
Once your child is over three years of age you can increase the duvet cosiness with a 7 tog duvet as the weather gets chillier.
What is the best duvet for a toddler?
Our top pick is the Fogarty Little Sleepers Soft Bamboo Blend Cot Bed Duvet & Pillow Set, which is a great option for parents who want a little more breathability without the faff of caring for wool.
If you're on a budget, the Silentnight Safe Nights Kids Duvet & Pillow Bedset is a great all-rounder, providing comfort, allergy protection, easy-wash guidelines and a pillow too – all for under £20!
Another good option is the Woolroom Deluxe Organic Washable Wool Kids Duvet. It's a beautiful choice for eco-conscious parents who want an all-natural duvet for their little one. However, it's one of the more expensive options.
About the author
Clemmie Millbank is a freelance writer specialising in parenting and women’s lifestyle. She is a mum to two boys and together they have tested hundreds of kids’ products and gadgets including everything from mud kitchens and paddling pools to changing bags and mattresses. She has penned a number of baby and toddler content pieces for Mumsnet, including our guide to the best toddler mattress and the best learning towers.
Her work has been published in The Independent, The Evening Standard, Stylist and MadeForMums.
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