1. Make sure they are ready:
Current NHS guidance is to avoid using pillows and duvets before the age of 1. If your baby is over the age of 1 and is showing some signs of being ready for a pillow or duvet it could be time to transition. Signs are:
Enjoys resting head on pillows when playing/in a bed
Shows signs that arms are cold i.e. tucking arms underneath them when sleeping
Seems uncomfortable during the night
Takes sleeping bag off themsleves
2. Start with the pillow first:
The pillow should be a toddler specific one as these are made flatter and firmer and specific for toddler needs.
Start with nap times - let your child experiment with using the pillow during their nap before introducing it at night time.
Once little one is happily using the pillow during their nap, add it in at night.
3. Choose the right duvet:
A toddler duvet should be small, lightweight and breathable.
Again, start with nap times so you can closely monitor how your child is getting on with their duvet. Once they are comfortably sleeping with the duvet at nap times, go ahead and introduce it at night.
Keep the cot clear of other items like toys or extra blankets. You can tuck the bottom of the duvet under the mattress while little one gets used to the duvet
What to expect:
Don’t expect little one to get the hang of it right away! There will be lots of times you see your child on the opposite end of the cot/bed to their pillow or lying on top of the duvet instead of under - but this is totally normal.
Allow little one the space and time to get used to this transition.
The first few nights might be more disrupted than usual, but beyond this if your child is sleeping worse than before, they might not be ready for a pillow and duvet so you can reset and try again at a later date
Things to avoid:
If your child is sleeping well without, there’s no reason to introduce a pillow and duvet at any specific age.
Avoid any weighted duvets or blankets - these are not recommended for safe sleep.
Avoid makes lots of changes at once - a more gradual approach to introducing changes usually works best.
Don’t layer - you might be worried that little one will kick off their duvet and get cold, but don’t be tempted to overdress your child for bedtime as overheating is still a risk at toddlerhood.
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