There’s Nothing Sweeter Than a Sleeping Baby

There’s nothing more heart-warming than seeing your baby snuggled up and fast asleep. But while soft duvets and tiny pillows look adorable, they can actually be dangerous for newborns. So, when is it safe for your little one to start using a duvet?

If you’re preparing your baby’s nursery, an infant duvet shouldn’t be high on your shopping list. While duvets are great for toddlers, they’re not suitable for babies under 12 months. Here’s what parents need to know about baby bedding safety — and how to choose the perfect duvet when the time comes.

💤 What Age Can a Baby Have a Duvet?

Most experts recommend waiting until your child is around 18 months to 2 years old before introducing a duvet or pillow.

Before this age, babies sleep safest when:

• Wrapped in a swaddling blanket

• Placed on their back on a firm, flat mattress

• In a cot or bassinet free from loose bedding

These precautions reduce the risk of suffocation and keep your baby’s airway clear. It’s also why most newborn cots are designed to be simple, snug, and hazard-free.

⚠️ Why Babies Under 1 Shouldn’t Have a Duvet

Children under one year old don’t yet have full control over their movements. They can’t easily push a duvet away if it covers their face, and that makes duvets, pillows, and loose blankets unsafe for infants.

Heavy bedding items can pose several risks:

• Suffocation: Babies can’t always move or lift their heads to clear their airway.

• Overheating: Thick duvets can trap heat, raising the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

• Entanglement: Little hands and feet can become caught in bulky fabric.

According to the Lullaby Trust, most SIDS cases occur before six months old, but risk remains elevated throughout the first year. Keeping your baby’s sleep area clear and simple is one of the most effective ways to help prevent SIDS.

If someone gifts you a baby duvet or blanket, simply store it away — you’ll be able to use it once your child is older.

🌙 When Your Toddler Is Ready for a Duvet

Once your little one reaches 18–24 months and moves into a cot bed or toddler bed, it’s safe to introduce a lightweight duvet designed specifically for young children.

At this stage, a duvet can help your toddler feel snug and secure, supporting a restful night’s sleep.

🧸 How to Choose the Right Duvet for Your Toddler

When it’s time to buy your child’s first duvet, look for one that’s lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Here’s what to consider:

1. Material

Opt for natural or hypoallergenic fibres such as cotton or soft-touch microfibre. These are gentle on delicate skin and help prevent irritation or allergic reactions.

2. Tog Rating (Warmth Level)

Tog ratings measure warmth — the higher the tog, the warmer the duvet.

• For toddlers, choose a low tog rating (around 4.5 tog) to avoid overheating.

• If your child’s room is particularly cool, a 7 tog duvet may be appropriate in winter.

3. Softness & Comfort

Select a duvet that feels soft and cosy, but not heavy. A lightweight fill allows freedom of movement and helps your child settle comfortably.

4. Washability

Accidents happen! Choose a machine-washable duvet that’s easy to keep clean. Quick-drying fabrics are ideal for busy parents.

5. Safety First

Always use the correct cot bed or toddler bed size duvet, and ensure the cover fits securely. Avoid adult-sized bedding, which can bunch up or cover your child’s face.

💖 Safe Sleep, Sweet Dreams

Keeping your baby’s sleep space safe doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. In the early months, a soft swaddle or sleeping bag provides all the warmth your baby needs.

When they’re ready for their first duvet, choose one made with hypoallergenic, breathable materials to keep them comfortable through every season.

Remember — safety always comes first. With the right bedding at the right time, your little one can sleep soundly and safely every night.

✅ Quick Summary: When Can a Baby Have a Duvet?