When to use a duvet for your toddler

Knowing when to use a duvet for your toddler can be confusing.

In terms of wondering about when to use a duvet for your toddler, you may be questioning how old your toddler can be to use toddler bedding, or perhaps you’re worried that using toddler bedding will affect your toddler’s sleep.

If you’re questioning any of these things, here’s some information on what age a toddler can use a duvet, as well information on toddler duvet sizes, toddler bedding materials, duvet togs, and how to wash toddler bedding, that I hope answers any questions you have about this next stage in your toddler’s life.

When to use a duvet for your toddler

The NHS states that children under 1 shouldn’t use a duvet, because they don’t have the ability to push it off their face if it covers them while they’re asleep.

This means that the best age for your toddler to use a duvet is after the age of 1.

Using a toddler duvet after the age of 1 is also beneficial if your toddler has transitioned to a big bed or if they’re potty trained at night, which will make getting out of bed to go to the toilet easier.

When to time the introduction of toddler bedding

Introducing a duvet to your toddler is best done during the warmer months.

This is because it may take your toddler sometime to get used to pulling their duvet back over themselves if it comes off during the night, so if it’s warmer, they won’t stay cold for long.

However, this doesn’t mean that you have to time your move to a toddler duvet during the warmer months if you don’t want to.

You can start using a toddler duvet at any time of the year that suits you.

I introduced my toddler to a duvet during the cooler months, because living in the UK means it’s cooler more than it is not.

What size toddler duvet to use

Your toddler duvet needs to be the correct size for the bed your toddler sleeps in.

As a guide, if your toddler sleeps in a toddler bed, then a duvet that’s 120cm x 150cm will be needed.

If your toddler sleeps in a cot, then a cot-sized duvet should be used, and if they’re in a single bed, then a single bed duvet should be used.

A duvet cover the same size as the duvet will go over your toddler’s duvet, and a fitted sheet the same size as your duvet will go on your toddler’s mattress.

If you have potty trained your toddler, make sure you place a waterproof sheet the same size as your duvet underneath the fitted sheet.

What materials are suitable for a toddler duvet?

If your toddler has sensitive skin, a toddler duvet made from hypoallergenic material, or cotton is recommended.

For body regulation, duvets made from natural materials like cotton or wool will help to regulate your toddler’s body temperature throughout the night, so they’ll stay warm during cool nights, or cool during warm nights.

Toddler duvet togs

Tog is a number that measures a duvet’s thermal insulation, the higher the tog, the warmer your toddler will be, the lower the tog, the cooler your toddler will be.

When looking for a toddler duvet, a tog rating of 4.5 or lower is recommended for toddlers and babies.

As a guide, if your toddler’s bedroom is between 18°C-20°C at night, then a duvet with a 4.5 tog rating is suitable.

If your toddler’s room is hotter than 20°C at night, then a duvet with a tog between 2.5 – 4 is suitable.

Here’s a toddler duvet tog rating guide that will help you decide which toddler duvet to use during different times of the year.

How to wash a toddler duvet

One way to make washing a toddler duvet easier is to buy one that’s machine washable, and can be dried in a dryer, which helps you to quickly wash the duvet if your toddler has been sick, or had an accident on it.

When to use a duvet for your toddler can be confusing, but once you’ve decided to use one, there are some things to look out for to make the purchase decision easier.

This includes buying the right size toddler duvet, which means buying one that’s 120cm x 150cm if your toddler sleeps in a toddler bed, or buying one that fits a cot or single bed.

Choosing a toddler duvet that’s made from hypoallergenic material or cotton is best for toddler’s with sensitive skin, or buying one that’s made from cotton or wool if you’d like to regulate your toddler’s body temperature during the night.

In terms of togs, buy one that’s 4.5 tog or less, and to make cleaning and drying easier, look for a toddler duvet that’s machine washable and can be placed in a dryer.

What toddler bedding do you currently use?