How to Layer Kids’ Beds by Season
A simple guide for toddlers (ready for light layers) and big kids - using breathable natural cotton and playful patterns.
Layering is the secret to comfy, calm bedtimes: natural cottons and lighter layers you can add or remove, and a sprinkle of pattern to make it fun. Here’s exactly how we build a child’s bed for summer, autumn/spring, and winter - first for toddlers who are ready for layers, then for big kids in “proper” beds.
Safety First (always read this part)
- Only introduce bedding when your child is developmentally ready for layers.
- Follow your local safe-sleep guidance (e.g.Red Nose in Australia) and your health professional’s advice - especially for children still sleeping in a cot.
- Use lightweight, breathable layers. Tuck blankets securely below the shoulders and keep faces and heads uncovered.
- Remove loose cushions/throws from the sleep space at bedtime; use them for styling only.
Part 1: Toddlers (old enough for layers)
Core pieces we use
- Cot fitted sheet (muslin or jersey)
- Muslin wrap used as a flat sheet (light, breathable, easy to launder)
- Heirloom blanket (two light layers of muslin, reversible)
- Quilted blanket (our story print with gentle quilting for extra warmth)
Summer
- Base: Cot fitted sheet (muslin)
- Top sheet: Muslin wrap, lightly tucked on sides
- Light layer: Heirloom blanket at the foot; pull up if the night cools
- Why: Airy muslin lets heat escape; the heirloom blanket adds just-enough warmth
Autumn / Spring
- Base: Cot fitted sheet (muslin or jersey)
- Top sheet: Muslin wrap
- Main layer: Heirloom blanket (fully tucked)
- Optional: Quilted blanket or knitted cotton blanket folded at the foot for cooler mornings
- Why: Easy to add/remove one layer as temps change
Winter
- Base: Cot fitted sheet (jersey cotton)
- Top sheet: Heirloom blanket (tucked)
- Main layer: Quilted blanket on top; keep it flat, edges tucked neatly
- Warmth layer: Quilted blanket or knitted cotton blanket
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Styling tip: Add a small cushion for daytime and remove at sleep time. Mix 1 patterns or have a co-ordinated look for balanced colour and scale.
Part 2: Big Kids (“big bed” setup)
Core pieces we use
- Muslin fitted sheet (natural cotton, breathable)
- Muslin flat sheet
- Quilt cover set (To suit your palette)
- Natural quilt inner (choose one: Australian wool, down/feather, or cotton/hemp blend)
- Layered blanket on top (lightweight knitted throw)
Choosing a natural quilt inner
- Wool: Breathable, moisture-balancing, great across seasons
- Down/feather (light–medium loft): Warm with less weight; look for ethically sourced fills
- Cotton/hemp blends: Lightweight, cool sleepers love these
(These inners are general suggestions; adjust to your home’s climate and your child’s preferences.)
Summer
- Base: Muslin fitted sheet
- Top: Muslin flat sheet only, plus knitted throw folded at the foot
- Quilt: Keep the quilt off the bed or swap to a very light inner
- Why: Maximum airflow; a light blanket for early-hours coolness
Autumn / Spring
- Base: Muslin fitted + flat sheet
- Quilt: Quilt cover with a light–medium natural inner
- Top layer: Knitted throw folded at the end for cool snaps
- Why: Quick, one-layer changes as temps change
Winter
- Base: Muslin fitted + flat sheet
- Quilt: Quilt cover with a medium–warm natural inner
- Top layer: Knitted cotton blanket across the lower third for extra cosiness
- Why: Warmth you can fine-tune without overheating
- Styling tip: Pick a 2–3-colour palette and repeat it: hero pattern on the quilt cover, stripe on the flat sheet, plain pillowcases, and a small-scale print on a daytime cushion (remove for sleep).
- Care & practicality (because laundry is real)
- Wash muslin and quilt covers on a gentle, cool cycle; line-dry where possible
- Give muslin a light shake to keep the soft, crinkled texture
- Spot-clean quickly; dab, don’t rub
- Rotate layers seasonally - muslin stays, heavy warmth comes and goes
Shop the pieces mentioned
- Muslin Bed Sheets (fitted + flat)
- Muslin Wraps (use as a toddler top sheet)
- Heirloom Muslin Blankets (reversible, two light layers)
- Quilted Blankets / Quilt Cover Sets
- Layering Cushions (for daytime styling)
Many of our prints have matching bedtime tales in our Audio Story Library. Pop the QR card (you get with your order) on the nightstand so you can press play while your child snuggles under their new layers - dreams start faster when their bedding tells a story.
