How to Layer a Comfy Bed for Kids

How to make a kid’s bed comes down to cozy bedding layers that are comfortable, breathable, and washable for snuggled-up sleep and cheery mornings. Blankets and sheets do more than keep kids warm—they’re also perfect for creating fun spaces filled with personality. Explore these kids’ bedding ideas, from what sheets kids like best to how to layer a bed for warmth and comfort.

Start With a Protective Foundation Layer

With kids, messes happen. Protect the mattress—and make any middle-of-the-night accidents easier to clean up—with a waterproof mattress pad. This protective layer will block spills to extend the life of the mattress. Our breathable waterproof mattress pads are made from soft-to-the-touch materials that don't crinkle. Even better, they're machine-washable for easy care.

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Choose Soft and Breathable Sheets

Sheets are a perfect opportunity to bring some personality to the bed. Comfort, breathability, and warmth are key for kids bedding, and cotton sheets offer all three. A complete sheet set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one pillowcase for Twin or two pillowcases for Full-size and up.

We love percale sheets because they’re easy to clean, kids love them because they feel soft and smooth—no scratchy material here. When winter rolls around and you’re looking for something a little cozier, choose flannel sheets for added warmth and fuzzy softness.

Fun Tip: Who says sheets have to match? Choose a few coordinating kids’ sheet sets, then mix and match the pieces to create a new bedding look every time you make the bed. Pair fairies and florals, jungle animals and solid colors, zig-zags and trucks, or classic prints like stripes and polka dots for a style that’s all their own.

Next Up, Cozy Layers

The secret to comfort in any season is layers. Choose bedding for kids based on whether they like to snuggle beneath mountains of blankets or are constantly kicking off the covers. No matter their preference, our kids’ bedding collection has cozy comforters, colorful duvet covers, and kid-friendly quilts to make their bed a relaxing place.

Let kids choose a comforter that suits their style. Solid-colored comforters pair with printed or solid bedding while pattern comforters can be the start of an exciting bedroom theme. For the kid who loves to change up their bedding throughout the year—or multiple times per season—pair an all-season duvet insert with a duvet cover that suits their mood. Swap it as often as they wish for a brand-new bedding look that changes up the whole space.

Our kids’ quilts are handcrafted of cotton and are an ideal weight for summer nights or to layer in winter for a little extra warmth. These quilts aren’t made for grown-ups—find prints and patterns to suit kids’ tastes, from whimsical scenes to out-of-this-world designs.

Add Pop With Bedding Accents

From patterned throw blankets to sleeping bags with exciting scenes (and attached pillows), our kids’ collection is filled with bedding accents that make the bedroom their own. Keep a soft, plush hooded throw blanket nearby—this bonus layer is ideal for those extra-chilly mornings when climbing out from under the covers is hard work. LoftAIRE™ down alternative throw blankets include a lofty, synthetic fill that’s perfect for snuggling up at bedtime or curling up for a family movie night. Let them choose their bedding extras and they’ll fill their space with personality to the moon and back.

Choose Pillows for Fun and Comfort

Go beyond the standard bed pillow. Bright patterned shams dress up extra pillows to create a cozy reading nook, and critter-shaped throw pillows are a fun alternative to stuffed animal toys. While their sleeping pillow is there for support, these bedding extras are all about fun.

Making a kids’ bed is all about cozy layers, kid-friendly materials, colorful pieces, and pops of personality. Create a space they’ll love with our kids’ bedding collection, and explore our other Guides for more decor tips and tricks.