Kids’ bedding should be comfortable, easy to wash and, above all, safe for their age. It’s also a chance to have fun with color and themes and to make a bedroom feel like their own space. This guide walks through bedding choices from the crib to the big-kid bed, with tips on fabrics, care and getting children excited about bedtime.
Babies: keep the crib simple
For babies, less is more. Safe-sleep guidance from pediatric organizations recommends that babies sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat mattress with a snug fitted sheet, and with nothing else in the crib: no pillows, bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys.
What to use instead
- A fitted crib sheet made for your mattress size.
- A wearable blanket or sleep sack to keep baby warm without loose fabric.
- Room temperature that’s comfortable for a lightly dressed adult.
Blankets for babies, outside the crib
Baby blankets are still useful for supervised time, like tummy time, cuddles on the sofa and outings. A fleece-lined winter stroller blanket keeps little ones warm on cold walks and attaches to the stroller so it doesn’t slip off. Always remove it before putting your baby down to sleep.
Read more in our post on the right bedding for your baby.
Toddlers: the first “real” bed
Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step. Toddler beds usually use a crib-size mattress, so crib sheets still fit.
- Choose a lightweight blanket or a small quilt once your child is old enough. Many parents wait until after age one, following their pediatrician’s advice.
- Use a small, flat toddler pillow when your child is ready.
- Add a guard rail for peace of mind.
- Pick a fun theme to make the new bed exciting.
Big kids: twin and full beds
Sheets
Cotton sheets are breathable, durable and easy to wash. Percale is cool for kids who run hot; flannel is cozy in winter.
Comforters and duvets
A duvet with a removable cover is easy to keep clean and lets you change the look as your child’s tastes change.
Pillows
Choose a pillow sized for kids. Our guide on finding the right pillow for your child covers what to look for.
Blankets and throws
A soft throw for reading in bed or building forts is always popular. A personalized blanket like the To My Daughter heirloom blanket makes a keepsake she’ll treasure for years.
Choosing fabrics for kids
- Cotton: breathable, gentle and easy to wash. Organic cotton is good for sensitive skin.
- Flannel: warm and cozy for winter.
- Jersey: soft and stretchy, like a favorite T-shirt.
- Microfiber: affordable and stain-resistant, but can be warm.
Avoid scratchy fabrics, and wash new bedding before the first use.
Themes, colors and growing with your child
Kids love themed bedding with dinosaurs, space, animals, unicorns or a favorite color. To keep things flexible:
- Keep the big pieces simple and add theme with pillowcases, throws and decorations.
- Choose a duvet cover that can be swapped as interests change.
- Let older kids help choose, which makes bedtime more appealing.
Making the bed easy for kids
Teaching kids to make their own beds builds good habits.
- Skip the flat sheet and use a duvet that’s easy to pull straight.
- Keep decorative pillows to a minimum.
- Use a zippered duvet cover, or try a zipper bedding set.
Keeping kids’ bedding clean
Kids’ bedding needs washing more often than adults’.
- Keep two or three sets so there’s always a clean one.
- Use a waterproof mattress protector for potty training and accidents.
- Wash sheets weekly, more often if your child is sick.
- Treat stains quickly with a gentle stain remover.
Bedding for sleepovers and camping
Sleeping bags and quilts are great for sleepovers and camping trips. For families who love the outdoors, a personalized camping quilt with the family’s names makes a fun gift for the whole household.
Gift ideas for kids
- A personalized blanket with their name or a message.
- A themed pillowcase or duvet cover.
- A cozy throw for reading in bed.
- A fun sleeping bag for sleepovers.
See our guide to bedding for children for more ideas.
Creating a calm bedtime routine
The right bedding is only part of a good night’s sleep. A consistent routine helps children wind down and fall asleep more easily. Try to keep bedtime at roughly the same time each night, including weekends, and follow the same simple steps: a bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, a story and lights out.
Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Blackout curtains help on light summer evenings and early winter mornings, and a soft night light can comfort children who don’t like the dark. Screens are best switched off at least an hour before bed.
Letting children choose a favorite blanket or pillowcase gives them a sense of ownership over their bed and can make the routine something they look forward to. A special blanket can also be a comfort when traveling or staying at a grandparent’s house, because it smells and feels like home.
Planning for growth
Children outgrow beds and tastes quickly. Buying good-quality basics, like sheets, a mattress protector and a duvet insert, in a size that will last means you only need to change the cover and accessories as they grow. A twin bed often lasts well into the teenage years, and a full-size bed leaves room for sleepovers and growth spurts.
FAQ
When can my child have a pillow and blanket?
Most safe-sleep guidance says to keep pillows and loose blankets out of the crib for the first year. Ask your pediatrician when your child is ready.
What size bedding does a toddler bed use?
Most toddler beds use a crib mattress, so crib sheets fit.
How often should I wash my kids’ bedding?
Once a week is a good rule, and more often after illness or accidents.
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