Choosing the right bedding for your little one can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and when it comes to your child's sleep, you want to get it right. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. This guide walks you through everything, from the mattress up, so you can make confident choices for your baby or toddler.
Whether you are setting up a cot for a newborn or moving your toddler into a bigger bed, we’ve got you covered.
Start With the Mattress
Everything builds on the mattress, so it makes sense to get this part right first. One of the questions we hear most often is: what is the difference between a cot mattress and a cot bed mattress?
A standard cot mattress is typically 120 x 60cm. A cot bed mattress is slightly larger at 140 x 70cm, giving your child more room as they grow and usually lasting until they are around four years old.
When it comes to materials, airflow fibre is one of the most popular choices among parents right now, and it is easy to see why. It allows air to circulate through the mattress, which helps regulate your baby's temperature through the night. You will also want to think about depth. A 10cm mattress gives a bit more support and comfort than a 7.5cm version, though both do the job well.
Explore our Cot & Cot Bed Mattresses
Protect the Mattress
A good mattress protector is one of those things parents wish they had bought sooner. Babies and toddlers are unpredictable, and nappy leaks, spills, and night sweats are all part of the territory. A waterproof protector keeps the mattress fresh and extends its life considerably.
Parents often ask us whether they need both a mattress protector and a pillow protector. The short answer is yes. Your child's pillow takes just as much wear as the mattress, and having a waterproof cover on it makes laundry much simpler.
Look for something that is both waterproof and quilted. The quilted layer adds a little extra softness, while the waterproof backing does the hard work of keeping moisture out. Anti-allergy options are also worth considering, especially if your family has a history of allergies or sensitive skin.
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Choosing the Right Duvet and TOG Rating
TOG is simply a measure of warmth. The higher the number, the warmer the duvet. Getting this right matters more than most parents realise. An overheated baby is uncomfortable and, more importantly, it can affect their safety. A duvet that is too light means a restless, cold child waking you up at 2am.
Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right TOG for the time of year:
|
TOG Rating |
Season |
Best For |
Room Temp |
|
4.5 TOG |
Summer |
Warm nights |
Above 21°C |
|
7.5 TOG |
Spring and Autumn |
All-rounder |
16 to 20°C |
|
9 TOG |
Winter |
Cold nights |
Below 16°C |
The most asked question we get from parents is which TOG to buy first. If you are only buying one duvet, a 7.5 TOG is the most versatile. It works across spring, autumn, and mild winter nights in most UK homes.
All our duvets are anti-allergy, which is something many parents specifically look for. Allergens like dust mites tend to build up in bedding over time, and anti-allergy filling helps keep that in check. It is especially helpful for babies with eczema or respiratory sensitivities.
- Anti-Allergy Cot Bed Duvet 4.5 TOG
- Slumber Comfort Anti-Allergy Cot Bed Duvet 7.5 TOG
-
Slumber Comfort Anti-Allergy Cot Bed Duvet 9 TOG, all 120 x 150cm.
Explore our Cot Bed Duvets & Pillows
Pillows for Cot Beds
This is an important point. Babies under 12 months should not use a pillow at all. Loose bedding, including pillows, poses a safety risk for infants. Once your child reaches around 12 months and moves into a cot bed, a toddler pillow becomes appropriate.
When parents ask us what to look for in a toddler pillow, we always say: start with safety, then think about comfort. A good toddler pillow should be firm enough to provide support without being so thick that it tilts the head forward.
You have two main options here:
Anti-Allergy Pillow
A soft-touch, anti-allergy pillow is the go-to choice for most families. It is hygienic, easy to wash, and well suited to children with sensitive skin or allergies. Many parents tell us this is the first pillow they buy, and it tends to stay in use for years.
Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
For children who tend to move around a lot at night, a bamboo memory foam pillow is worth considering. It moulds gently to the shape of your child's head, which can help with comfort and reduce restlessness. Bamboo fibre is also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a good choice for children who sleep warm.
Sheets and Duvet Covers
Once you have the mattress, protector, duvet, and pillow sorted, the final layer is the sheets and duvet cover. This is where practicality really matters. Kids' bedding gets washed a lot, so you need fabric that holds up.
Cotton is the clear winner for most parents. It is breathable, gets softer with every wash, and is gentle on delicate skin. Thread count is a helpful guide here. A 200 thread count is the sweet spot for children's bedding. It is soft enough to feel comfortable but durable enough to survive regular washing at higher temperatures.
Egyptian cotton is a step up in quality. It has a slightly longer fibre, which means it is softer and more durable than standard cotton. If you want bedding that lasts and stays looking good over time, it is worth the small extra cost.
One practical tip from parents who have been through it: buy at least two sets of sheets and duvet covers. When one set is in the wash, you always have a clean one ready. It sounds obvious, but it makes a real difference on busy mornings or after a night-time accident.
Final Thoughts
Getting your child's bedding right does not need to be stressful. Start with a good mattress, protect it properly, pick a duvet TOG suited to the season, and choose soft, washable cotton for your sheets and covers. Add a pillow once your child is 12 months or older, and you are set.
If you are not sure where to start, the most popular combination among our customers is the Eco Comfort mattress, a waterproof quilted protector, a 7.5 TOG anti-allergy duvet, and a fitted sheet and duvet cover set. It covers all the bases and gives your child a comfortable, safe sleeping space all year round.
