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14 best kids’ duvets that will keep them snug all night long

Cool in the summer, cosy in the winter – we’ve found the comfiest covers for your little one

Zoe Phillimore
Thursday 22 February 2024 16:27 GMT
Little ones are as messy in their sleep as they are awake, so we appreciated options that were easy to clean
Little ones are as messy in their sleep as they are awake, so we appreciated options that were easy to clean ( The Independent)
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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.

How we tested

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.

The best kids’ duvets for 2023 are:

  • Best overall kids’ duvet – Panda kids cloud duvet: £59.95, Mypandalife.com
  • Best budget buy – Little Slumbers anti-allergy single bedset: £19.99, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best hypoallergenic kids’ duvet – The White Company hypoallergenic soft and light breathable duvet: £45, Thewhitecompany.com
  • Best weighted kids’ duvet – Silentnight healthy growth calming duvet: £2, Silentnight.co.uk

Panda kids cloud duvet

Panda kids cloud duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Overall
  • Sizes: 150cm x 120cm
  • Tog rating: 4.5
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Great temperature regulation
    • Eco-friendly
    • Machine washable

Weighty and satisfyingly thick, this duvet feels really luxurious. The cloud’s outer cover is made from bamboo and feels gorgeously silky – it’s almost a shame to encase it in a duvet cover. It also has a smart black trim around the edge and a cute, embroidered panda on the corner. The filling is meant to recreate the down-feather feeling but uses bamboo and nano microfibre fabrics instead (50/50 of each). It definitely feels plush without being hugely thick.

This duvet was one of our mini tester’s favourites. He was cosy going off to sleep but didn’t wake up in a sweaty mess. We liked that it’s hypoallergenic – perfect for our little one’s eczema. The cloud is also machine washable and claims to dry in half the time of normal duvets. You can even tumble dry it on a low heat, which is a bonus during the winter months.

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Little Slumbers anti-allergy single bedset

slumberdown-indybest-kids-duvet-review.jpg
  • Best: Budget buy
  • Sizes: Single
  • Tog rating: 4.5, 7.5
  • Why we love it
    • Great for allergy sufferers
    • Fantastic value
    • Easy care

At 7.5 togs, this duvet is great for pretty much every season except maybe very hot nights but there is also a 4.5 tog version for this. The filling is made from anti-allergy recycled polyester and is designed in collaboration with Allergy UK to ensure it’s allergy proof. The fact that it can also be machine washed at 40º and tumble dried is also great for allergy sufferers and messy kids alike.

Our tester reported that this duvet felt light in comparison to most other duvets in this roundup, which they liked as they could kick it off easily. During our late-night checks, we noticed our child was perhaps on the warm side under it, and our tester had chosen to half kick it off even on chilly nights. That said, it’s incredible value, and as it comes with a pillow included it’s an easy win if you’re kitting out a kids’ bedroom afresh.

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Soak & Sleep 100% New Zealand Mitchell wool duvet

Soak & Sleep 100% New Zealand Mitchell wool duvet.png
  • Best: Summer duvet
  • Size: Single, double, king, superking
  • Tog rating: N/A
  • Why we love it
    • Chemical free
    • Great temperature regulation
    • Hypoallergenic
  • Take note
    • Too light for winter months
    • Might be too heavy for some children

In warmer months, this duvet provides plenty of comfort without overheating. Unfortunately, it comes in single size, but not smaller. For older kids, though, it’s a great option. The filling is 100 per cent wool for all those lovely temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic features, as well as being excellent at wicking away sweat. Grim, but a necessity.

Despite being a lighter duvet, it’s not necessarily lightweight. Something our tester liked, as they find the weight and drape helps them sleep. The unbleached cotton casing does have a slight crinkle to it. Our tester was thrilled to find they could sleep comfortably underneath it on the warmer nights (admittedly, we didn’t test it during the heatwave), without having to kick off the covers.

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Silentnight healthy growth calming duvet

Silentnight healthy growth calming duvet.png
  • Best: Weighted duvet
  • Size: Single, double
  • Tog rating: 10.5
  • Why we love it
    • Budget friendly
    • Good for anxiety
    • Antibacterial filling
    • Machine washable

This duvet is ideal for children who are prone to anxiety or sleep issues. It’s gently weighted with a heavier filling. The extra pressure from weighted blankets is thought to ease anxiety and promote better sleep (some children with ASD and ADHD have reported it helps with restlessness). Our tester enjoyed the extra security of the weight of this blanket, and seemed to sleep well under it.

Despite the filling being polyester, Silentnight says this particular duvet shouldn’t get too hot for your child. But at 10.5 togs, it’s better used on cooler nights and for slightly older children. Having said that, our tester, who is prone to overheating, didn’t get too sweaty under it, even on mild evenings.

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Woolroom kids’ cot bed duvet

Woolroom Kids’ cot bed duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Easy-care wool duvet
  • Size: 120cm x 150cm
  • Top rating: Approximately 3-6
  • Why we love it
    • Low price point for wool duvet
    • Traceable wool
    • Machine washable
    • Breathable
  • Take note
    • No tumble drying

Woolroom prides itself on using only fully traceable British wool, and that’s no different in this cot-bed duvet. Tightly quilted and fairly weighty, this duvet created a cosy drape around our little one, making them feel snug and secure. And it doesn’t smell when taking it out of the box, like some other wool duvets might.

The temperature-regulating wool filling has been treated to ensure the duvet can be machine-washed. However, no residual harmful toxins or chemicals are left after the treatment, which gives peace of mind that children are snoozing safely.

The casing is made from 100 per cent unbleached 200 thread count organic cotton for extra breathability. Woolroom recommends you wash this duvet on a delicate 30C cycle and never tumble dry.

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Next kids junior duvet and pillow set

Next kids junior duvet and pillow set.png
  • Best: Kids’ duvet under £35
  • Size: Toddler, standard single
  • Tog rating: 4 and 7
  • Why we love it
    • Affordable price
    • Lightweight
    • Machine washable
  • Take note
    • Can get too warm

This duvet set comes in 4 tog and 7 tog, and in both single and toddler sizes. For this round-up, we tested the seven-tog single duvet, which is certainly cosy enough to see most kids through a long, chilly winter. It’s a well-made duvet, but as both its cover and filling are 100 per cent polyester, it’s very lightweight (the lower price tag takes into account this more affordable filling). That said, it feels wonderfully marshmallowy, and the casing is also very soft – when our tester wiggled about, there wasn’t a hint of a crinkling noise.

As polyester isn’t super breathable, this duvet is best for winter months and slightly older children. But for those with kids prone to accidents, rejoice – this duvet is fully machine washable.

  1.  £34 from Next.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Little Green Sheep organic wool duvet

Little Green Sheep organic wool duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Year-round duvet
  • Size: 120cm x 140cm
  • Tog rating: 4
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Great temperature regulation
    • Machine washable
    • Organic
  • Take note
    • Less “cosy” feeling

Another duvet made only from natural fibres, the casing is 100 per cent certified organic cotton. The organic British wool filling has natural temperature-regulating properties, which means it keeps little ones snug in winter and cool in summer. We liked this, as there were no worries about different winter and summer duvets.

This duvet isn’t at all bulky, but it quickly warms up to the perfect cosy temperature once a little body is underneath. It is possible to machine wash this duvet at 30C, but you can’t tumble dry it – which might be something to consider if you find you need to wash your kids’ duvets regularly.

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The White Company hypoallergenic soft and light breathable duvet

The White Company hypo-allergenic soft & light breathable duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Hypoallergenic duvet
  • Size: 120cm x 140cm
  • Tog rating: 4
  • Why we love it
    • Great quality for the price
    • Wicks away sweat
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Machine washable

We were pretty jealous of our mini tester when it came to this duvet. It feels super plush and snuggly, and has a soft casing made from 200-thread-count cotton jacquard. The filling is 80 per cent Smartfil polyester, which claims to offer the same thermal efficiency as down duvets but with finer fibres – the result is a lighter duvet. The other 20 per cent of the filling is Modal microfibre, which is 50 per cent more absorbent than cotton, wicking away any sweat. It’s also super durable yet dreamily soft – perfect for a lump-free duvet.

We found that this duvet really hit the mark. It had the right level of sumptuousness without it being heavy and making our child overheat. We liked that it’s hypoallergenic and that you can machine wash and tumble dry it to shed any mites and germs. A luxurious yet practical option. The single size is currently out of stock, but we hope it’ll be back soon.

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Naturalmat child organic wool spring/autumn duvet

Naturalmat child organic wool spring_autumn duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Chemical-free duvet
  • Size: 100cm x 135cm, 135cm x 200cm
  • Tog rating: 4 and 9
  • Why we love it
    • “Quiet” duvet
    • Handmade
    • Good drape
    • Chemical free
    • Good temperature regulation
  • Take note
    • Dry-clean only

This 9-tog wool duvet with cotton cambric cover is handmade in Devon, and you can feel the love and care that goes into it. Available in both single and cot bed sizes (we tested the latter), this duvet isn’t as puffy as other duvets, but it is still heavy and offers a snug drape. If your little one doesn’t like crinkly duvet noises, then this ticks that box. If you’re after a totally organic duvet, this is a great choice because there are no chemicals used in the production process, though that does mean that the duvet is dry clean only.

The wool filling is fantastic for temperature regulation – our mini tester (who can be quite sweaty) didn’t overheat, even on warmer evenings. If you’re after something lighter than this, Naturalmat does a 4-tog version for summer months.

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Devon Duvets little Lana cot bed wool duvet

Devon Duvets little lana cot bed wool duvet indybest.jpeg
  • Best: Ethical duvet
  • Size: 100cm x 135cm
  • Tog rating: Approximately 4-7
  • Why we love it
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Good temperature regulator
    • Chemical free
    • Eco-friendly
  • Take note
    • Additional care required

Made from 100 per cent British wool, this duvet is cosy without being too hot, due to its natural temperature-regulating properties – clever things, sheep. It’s also resistant to dust mites, so it gets another tick there.

Devon Duvets is the first bedding company to be accredited by British Wool, all thanks to its strict eco-credentials. No bleach or chemicals are used when the wool is cleaned, and the duvets are all handmade in Devon before being bundled up in reusable packaging. Even the casing, which is 100 per cent cotton, is made from Better Cotton Initiative cotton, which promotes better environmental and socio-economic farming.

The duvet itself has a nice drape to it, so little ones feel snug and secure. We will admit the care of this duvet is a bit high maintenance – you’re advised to air it (ideally outside) each time you wash the bed linen, at least every three to four weeks. Happily, you can machine wash it at 30C, though you can’t tumble dry it.

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Marks and Spencer pure wool and cotton 3-tog duvet

M&S-wool-duvet-indybest-kids-duvet-review.jpg
  • Best: Affordable wool duvet
  • Sizes: Cot bed
  • Tog rating: 3
  • Why we love it
    • Great value
    • Machine washable
    • Hypoallergenic

We were astounded at the price of this pure wool and cotton duvet. At under £40 you get something that feels far more expensive. Despite the natural fibre selling point of this duvet, it’s worth noting the lining is made from synthetic material. This duvet is fairly lightweight and thin, and at three togs it’s great for summer, spring and autumn. If your child likes to be especially warm in winter, you might need to invest in something thicker for very cold nights; otherwise this would serve you well all year round.

We love that it’s machine washable at 40º to blast off dust mites and whatever else comes its way. But you can’t tumble dry this one, and you might struggle to get it dry for the next night’s use. Our three-year-old tester reported it was “good, nice” – this might not sound like high praise, but rest assured this is as good as it gets from a three year old on the matter of duvets. Despite it being a lightweight duvet, our child seemed snug underneath it once their body temperature warmed it up. An overnight check on them reassured us that it didn’t turn them into a sweaty mess, either.

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The Fine Bedding Company night lark junior jungle adventure coverless duvet set

fine-bedding-indybest-kids-duvets-review.jpg
  • Best: Duvet for quick bed changes
  • Sizes: Toddler, single
  • Tog rating: 4, 4.5 and 7
  • Why we love it
    • Great designs
    • Comes in different tog ratings
    • Machine washable
    • Eco-friendly
    • Pillow included
  • Take note
    • Child might outgrow the print

This bedding set (pillow included) comes in a range of prints but we went for jungle adventure. While prints on duvets isn’t a standard feature, this one from The Fine Bedding Company is actually coverless. We thought this was hugely helpful during inevitable nighttime changes for younger children or for just having something ready to go for sleepovers and taking away with us on holidays.

The filling is synthetic, which is hypoallergenic and this one is made from 100 per cent recycled PET bottles. The fact it’s machine washable and can go in the tumble drier is also a big bonus for allergy sufferers. Is it the most breathable duvet on the market? No. But it’s cosy and takes the hassle out of faffing about at night with duvet covers.

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Dusk feels like down all-seasons duvet

Dusk-duvet-indybest-kids-review.jpg
  • Best: All-seasons duvet
  • Sizes: Single, double, king
  • Tog rating: 4.5, 9. 13.5, all seasons
  • Why we love it
    • Adjustable thickness
    • Machine washable
    • Can be tumble dried
  • Take note
    • Storing unused duvet requires space

For older children, as their temperature regulation matures, they might want a thicker duvet in the winter and something thinner in the summer. This duvet from Dusk comes in 4.5 and 9 togs, which can be clipped together to create a toasty 13.5-tog duvet. The filling in this is microfibre, which kept our tester “just so” temperature wise while wicking away any sweat too. This is a great fluffy duvet that is designed to feel like sought-after down but without any animal products used – or the hefty price tag of down.

  1.  £60 from Dusk.com
Prices may vary
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Richard Haworth tencel duvet

RichardH-duvet-indybest-kids-duvets-rview.jpg
  • Best: Winter duvet
  • Size: Single, double, king
  • Tog rating: 10.5
  • Why we love it
    • Vegan-friendly natural fibre
    • Good loft
    • Eco-friendly

This duvet is filled with tencel, which is an eco-friendly textile made from wood pulp. That doesn’t sound soft, we know, but don’t be put off, as it’s one of the most-favoured natural fibres for its softness. And it’s great for keeping your body temperature just so. Our tester certainly found the duvet snug but we didn’t detect any sweatiness.

This is great as the tog rating is 10.5, so more a cold-night warmth – which is why we’ve named it our best winter duvet for kids. It feels thick and luxurious, with a nice sink factor if your child likes lying on top of their bedding during the day.

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The verdict: Kids’ duvets

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.

Keep your little one warm this winter with our round-up of the best footmuffs

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