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How to Introduce Your Child to a Duvet

How to Introduce Your Child to a Duvet

Top tips to help your little one transition smoothly

Transitioning your child from sleeping with blankets or a sleep sack to using a duvet is a major milestone and one that should be celebrated! After all, it’s a big step towards greater independence and comfort at bedtime as they grow. However, this transition should be approached with care to ensure your little one feels confident and happy as they adjust to their new sleep setup. Here, our resident Sleep Expert, Imogen, shares everything you need to know about introducing a duvet to your child, including the key factors to consider for a smooth transition.

“Introducing a duvet can be quite daunting for several reasons:

  1. Is this going to make everyone’s sleep worse?
  2. Are they going to be safe?
  3. How can I make sure they are warm enough if they kick it off?

I get it! This really is a big transition and makes those babies feel that bit bigger!


So, When Should You Introduce a Duvet to Your Child?

Just like everything in parenting, there is no particular age when a child should actually start using a duvet.

Generally speaking, the window falls somewhere between 1 and 2 years of age, but we must evaluate their mobility, development, and sleeping habits to decide if this is a good time. I often see families much later than this who still prefer well-fitted sleep sacks or dream pods. There really is no pressure if your setup is safe and working well for you!

Here are some readiness questions that could be helpful in assessing your own situation:

  •  Can your child move independently during sleep?
    This ensures they can reposition themselves if the duvet shifts or if they get too warm.
  • Has your child outgrown their current sleep setup? Are you thinking of transitioning them into a different sleep space?
    Signs include being too tall for a sleep sack or frequently kicking off blankets at night. If you are considering moving them into an open-sided cot or toddler/ single bed, this transition often coincides.
  • Is your child able to pull the duvet on and off themselves?
    This is important for comfort and safety, particularly if they get warm or tangled.
  • Is your child starting to show more independence in bedtime routines?
    This could include helping to make the bed, choosing sleepwear, or managing their blanket.
  • Can your child sleep comfortably without being tightly wrapped?
    Some toddlers rely on the snugness of sleep sacks, and adjusting to a looser duvet might take time. It may be that tucked blankets work best as an intermediate step for these sensory seekers.

The general advice from the NHS says that a child should not start using a duvet sooner than 1 year old.


How to introduce a Duvet

1. Timing Matters

Introduce the duvet during a period of stability in your child's routine, not when other big transitions are also going on, such as potty training, moving house, or the arrival of a new sibling. It, like many things, can take some adapting and can require some adjustments along the way!

2. Involve Your Child

When possible, let your child pick their own duvet cover. Choosing between designs -things they like, such as a favourite colour or a fun character - can help make the transition more exciting.

3. Begin at Nap Time

Start with nap times to let your child get accustomed to the duvet in a shorter sleeping period. This way, they will experience sleeping with it without disturbing their sleep at night.

4. Practice Together

Let your child practice getting under the duvet by pulling it over themselves or throwing it off so you can feel confident that they can manage it at night.

5. Layer Up for Comfort

You can start with a light duvet and initially continue dressing your child in their more familiar, heavier sleepwear to keep them warm if they get too hot or kick off the duvet.


What to Consider When Introducing a Duvet to Your Child

1. Size

Stick with a toddler-sized duvet if your child is still sleeping in a smaller bed. This is easier for them to handle and less likely to lead to overheating. For older toddlers who sleep in a bigger bed, use a single duvet. If your child is still in a cot with the sides on, you may find toddler duvets seem oversized and may cause overheating; getting one that is well-fitted will prevent this if you plan to introduce it while still in their cots.

2. Tog Rating

A duvet's tog rating relates to its warmth. The range of 4.5 to 7 tog is generally recommended for most toddlers based on the season and your house temperature. Avoid having heavy duvets, though, since it will impact their movement and, therefore, make them too hot.

3. Material

Use breathable, hypoallergenic materials, such as cotton, for the cover of the duvet and a light filling, such as natural fibres, feathers or wool. This base will help regulate temperature and reduce the chance of allergies.

Hack: I always recommend layering up the cot with bed-wetting pads (see our video here!)

4. Safety First

Ensure the duvet is safe, along with a pillow if using one, with no choking hazards, such as loose threads or buttons.

5. Room Temperature

Monitor the temperature of your child’s room. Aim for a sleep-friendly range of 16–20°C (60–68°F) and adjust the tog rating or room ventilation accordingly.


Troubleshooting

Restlessness: If your child struggles to stay under the duvet, give them time to adjust. You can layer a blanket on top for added warmth while they get used to the new setup.

Resistance: Some children cling to their sleep sack or blanket and may take some time to get used to the duvet. You can gradually introduce the duvet by letting them use it during playtime or over naptime or wait until it feels a better fit. There really is no major rush.

Overheating: Be aware of overheating signs such as sweating and flushed skin, and adjust bedding layers accordingly. Usually, manufacturers have some guidance on safe layering in accordance with their products.

Bringing a duvet in is both a sensitive and significant transition along your child's path of sleep. Choosing the right timing, involving them in the process, and safe, comfortable bedding makes this transition smooth and pleasant. And don't forget the patience required since every child is different and adjusts according to their preferences and needs.”


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