Best Toddler Bedding

Every new step in a toddler’s journey is a big deal, and when that move onto bigger and better things includes a new toddler bed (buh-bye crib!), new toddler bedding is the next great adventure.

New bedding tailored for toddlers isn’t just about accommodating their miniaturized dimensions; it’s especially designed with their safety and comfort in mind. Unlike standard bedding, toddler bedding often features protective attributes like secure elastic edges, snug-fitting sheets and lightweight materials that reduce the risks of entanglement or general discomfort while they’re deep in sleep. Plus, once your little one is no longer behind bars (of their crib, of course), they’ll revel in their newfound freedom and have a ball picking out bedding that’s theirs and theirs alone.

Whether you’re hoping to snag your little snuggler the softest and coziest duvet, on the lookout for lightweight, breathable blankets or stocking up on a protector pad or two for when the time comes, investing in toddler bedding has its draws. Between keeping up with safe sleep practices and fostering your little one’s growing sense of independence and pride over bedtime, your bedding choices might even be what puts your tuck-in time struggles to bed.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Toddler Bedding

• Best Dinosaur Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids Embroidered Dino Toddler Bedding
• Best Zip-Up: Beddy’s Kennedy Zipper Bedding
• Best Bed Set: Brooklinen Toddler Bed Set
• Best Colorstay Comforter: Rookie Humans Jellyfish Toddler Comforter
• Best Protector Pad: Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad
• Most Breathable and Softest Bedding: Crate&kids Organic Cotton Gauze Toddler Duvet Cover
• Most Modern Bedding: West Elm Kids Build Your Own Platinum Half Moon Bundle
• Best Nap Mat: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Turquoise Rainbows Chenille Nap Mat

Best Bedding for Toddlers

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

We spoke with Aubrie DeBear, PsyD, a pediatric sleep consultant, doctor of clinical and forensic psychology and soon-to-be mom of three for some pointed, yet totally flexible direction on this exciting, yet still daunting milestone. Because let’s be honest, there’s no exact science to this toddler adventure.

As a general overview, most toddlers make the transition out of the crib between 18 months and three years old—but DeBear cautions parents to make the decision based on gut instinct, unless specific weight or height requirements or toddler escape artistry dictates otherwise. “It is always best to keep toddlers in their crib for as long as possible because their ‘readiness’ is really based on developmental ability and cognitive ability to understand why they should stay in their bed and room once given so much freedom,” notes DeBear. Once the transition happens, without a toddler railing to rein them in, your toddler has access to everything. So, babyproofing will need to happen full-scale, in-house, from top-to-bottom.

A child must be moved out of their crib regardless of age or ‘readiness’ if any of the following are true:

• They have reached the height limit according to the crib manufacturer
• They have reached the weight limit according to the crib manufacturer
• They have attempted or been successful in climbing out of their crib

You may hear your family or friends say that you should stop your child from climbing by turning their crib around to make it harder for them to maneuver or by attempting to drop the crib’s mattress somehow. But DeBear advises against these solutions as they are unsafe.

How to Transition from a Crib to a Toddler Bed

According to DeBear, if you have time to make a gradual transition, you definitely can spend time (days or weeks) talking about the upcoming changes. Give your toddler some authority in the process and even practice the transition if possible.

“Including them in choosing bedding or a new stuffed animal for their new bed, and even working on simply playing or only napping in their ‘big kid’ room and new bed” can make a big difference in helping your toddler acclimate to their new sleeping arrangement. Creating dialogue also helps. According to DeBear, talk through “what will be expected of them, what the boundaries will be and what your role will be in the change (where you will be in the night, how you will respond if they need you, etc.),” she says.

How to Get Your Toddler to Stay in Bed

Consistency matters most. If you want your child to sleep in their bed, in their own room, bringing them into your bed for comfort or even putting that into the universe as an option can be counterproductive. “It might be helpful in the moment, especially when everyone is exhausted, but it can take a long time to reverse these new habits,” shares DeBear. If you find your toddler struggling to stay in bed, a toddler alarm clock may help. Sometimes called“ready to wake” clocks, these clocks provide visual cues—in red, yellow or green lights—that guide when it’s appropriate timing for your toddler to get out of bed.

Once toddlers are out of their crib they can sleep with a pillow and a blanket, but DeBear also encourages parents to keep in mind your toddler doesn’t yet know how to sleep with a blanket (or even just a pillow). “They tend to get easily tangled in sheets and blankets, so it’s best to keep it simple.”

Types of Toddler Bedding

There are several types of toddler bedding options available to cater to the comfort and safety needs of young children as they transition from cribs to more independent sleeping arrangements. Some common types of toddler bedding include:

• Toddler Bedding Sets. These sets often include a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase designed to fit a toddler mattress. They usually feature colorful designs, characters or themes that appeal to children.
• Toddler Comforter Sets. Similar to bedding sets, these include a comforter or quilt along with sheets and pillowcases. Bulkier comforters aren’t as frequently recommended, again, due to safety concerns.
• Toddler Duvet Covers. These covers are designed to fit over a toddler-sized duvet or comforter insert (take note of whether the duvet cover and comforter insert are sold together or separately). They can be easily removed and thrown into the wash when they need laundering!
• Toddler Bedding Separates. Instead of purchasing a complete ensemble, you can also buy individual components like fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases to align with your room aesthetic and their style preferences.
• Toddler Nap Mats. Portable and space-saving, nap mats are designed for nap times at preschool, daycare, during travel or even at home. They typically feature a thin mattress with an attached cover that includes a pillow and blanket section.

What to Look for When Choosing Toddler Bedding

When choosing toddler bedding, there are a few features you’ll want to consider to ensure safety, comfort and ultimate approval from your sometimes frustratingly discerning toddler. Here’s what to look for:

Material

When you’re shopping for toddler bedding, opt for breathable, hypoallergenic materials that are soft and gentle against delicate skin. Cotton is a popular choice as it’s naturally breathable and soft on the skin. Organic cotton is free from pesticides and chemicals and is another option. There’s also microfiber and jersey, both known for their durability and softness.

Safety

Safety is the most paramount qualifier when it comes to toddler bedding. Specific guidelines for toddlers aren’t as extensively covered by the APA, as safe sleep recommendations tend to be more focused on infants, but there are some general safe sleep considerations that can apply to toddlers as well. Always use a firm, flat mattress devoid of gaps, maintain a cool, comfortable room and opt for a securely-tucked light blanket to ensure both warmth and ease for toddlers to get in and out of bed safely. For very young toddlers (ones who have just transitioned out of their crib), you can even consider sleep sacks or wearable blankets as a safe alternative to loose, multilayered or overly-stifling bedding.

Ease of Care

Toddlers can be messy, so easy maintenance is a must. Choose bedding that is machine-washable and can withstand frequent washing without losing its quality. Bedding that retains its color, shape and softness after multiple washes will save you time and money. Pro tip: Sidestep bedding that requires special care instructions, as it’ll be a lot more inconvenient in the long run.

Design

The design of the bedding also plays a significant role in creating an inviting sleep space. Prioritize designs that resonate with your child’s interests and preferences. Whether it’s a favorite character, animal, pattern or color, bedding with aesthetics that enthuse your toddler can make bedtime a ton more appealing—not to mention, a lot less stressful for their grownups. Wink wink. DeBear does recognize that longevity plays a role here, though. “Buying bedding with your child’s favorite character on it certainly might get them excited about the move, but not last more than a year or two—and for some, that’s okay. Others might like finding something that grows with their child. It’s totally a matter of personal preference here,” she says.

Size

Most toddler beds use mattresses around 28 inches by 52 inches, slightly smaller than a twin mattress. If you’ve converted their crib into a toddler bed, you’ll still be using the standard crib mattress (with 27 ¼ inch by 51 ¼ inch dimensions, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission), so crib-sized bedding will still work for their toddler bed in addition to bed sheets marketed expressly as toddler-sized. Look for bedding sets tailored to these sizes, which typically include fitted and flat sheets, along with a toddler-sized pillowcase. For blankets or comforters, choose lightweight options suitable for their age and the climate, ensuring they don’t pose a suffocation risk. Consider mattress protectors for spills and accidents, and opt for toddler-sized pillows for proper support.