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Cool in the summer, cosy in the winter – we’ve found the comfiest covers for your little one
There are few finer pleasures in life than snuggling under a cosy, just-right duvet. And this luxury doesn’t have to be the preserve of adults – kids’ appreciate a snuggly duvet just as much.
Children’s duvets are designed for their particular needs. They’re often a lower-tog rating than adult duvets, as little ones aren’t as good at regulating their temperatures as grown-ups are. Ever gone into your child once they’re asleep to find a hot, sweaty mess? Exactly. Kids’ duvets should help keep them at just the right temp. That said, as they mature, so will their temperature-regulating skills, and you might find that older kids are able to go for a higher tog rating. So make sure the duvet you choose is appropriate for your child’s age.
Many duvets for children are made with natural fibres, such as wool, cotton, bamboo and silk. Natural-fibre duvets are great at helping to regulate body temperature, and they’re also hypoallergenic. Add to the mix that they’re chemical-free and a more sustainable choice, and it’s easy to see why so many people plump for natural fibres in kids’ duvets.
You’ll also want to think about the physical weight of a duvet. Bamboo and synthetic fibres are lightweight, making them a good option for kids who like to feel free. Wool and silk are heavier, which is something that children – particularly those prone to anxiety – might find comforting. You can even find duvets that are weighted.
It’s recommended that kids upgrade from their sleeping bag etc to a duvet no earlier than their first birthday. Babies are at risk of becoming tangled in duvets, so it’s best to avoid them until they hit 12 months.
We have spent three months testing duvets with our children. A band of merry child testers signed up to snooze their hours away under duvets for us. We’ve used the duvets during cold nights and warm nights to see how they fare, and if they keep our children snug but not sweaty. Duvets that have easy care – can be thrown in the washing machine – were appreciated. And of course we kept an eye on price, and considered duvets to suit all budgets.
Yet again Panda London is our best buy. It’s soft and snug, lightweight and hypoallergic. Plus, you can even chuck it into the washing machine. Yes, it’s slightly pricier than some others on this list but it’ll last you years and comes with a five-year guarantee. We were also hugely impressed with Marks and Spencer’s wool duvet, which is incredible value for the materials and quality.
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