Everything Parents Need to Know About Kids Bedding

Let’s be real—choosing the right bedding for your child isn’t as simple as grabbing the cutest set off the shelf. Kids can be pretty opinionated, and somehow always either too hot or too cold (sometimes both in the same night). And don’t even get us started on bunk beds, because making one with traditional bedding? Basically a workout.

But here’s the thing: bedding actually plays a huge role in how well your child sleeps. The right bedding can keep them cozy and comfy all night long. Plus, the easier it is for kids to actually make their bed in the morning, the less likely their room will look like a tornado hit it.

That’s why we’re covering everything you need to know about kids’ bedding!

Whether you're shopping for a toddler moving to their first big-kid bed, a restless sleeper who turns their sheets into a tangled mess, or a bunk bed code that you can’t quite crack, we’ve got the answers for you. Let’s dive in!

A boys bedroom decorated with airplanes and neutral tones, featuring a twin bed made with gray zipper bedding and an open window letting in natural light.

What is Classified as Kids Bedding?

Kids’ bedding refers to any bedding specifically designed for little ones! Kids' bedding is made with their comfort, safety, and convenience in mind. Bedding for kids is typically available only in smaller bed sizes, typically toddler, twin, and full. Ideally, kids' bedding should also feature softer materials that are gentle on sensitive skin.

Many kids’ bedding options incorporate fun, playful designs intended to make them excited about going to bed each night. What child wouldn’t love getting tucked into a bed that looks like outer space or a flower garden?!

Beyond aesthetics, kids' bedding is designed with practical features that accommodate both children and parents, such as being machine washable, or incorporating zippers to help little ones make their bed all on their own.

Bedding for kids can include a variety of pieces, such as fitted and flat sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and even duvets. Some bedding sets offer all-in-one solutions, like zipper bedding, which simplifies bed-making and ensures blankets stay in place—perfect for bunk beds, loft beds, and active sleepers.

Mattress protectors are another common feature in kids' bedding, helping to guard against spills and nighttime accidents!

Bedding For Types of Beds

Making your child’s sleep space inviting and cozy is a huge part of making it comfortable for them, and it starts with the right bed.

When your little one makes that big transition from a crib to a toddler bed, you won’t only find yourself in need of a bed upgrade, but also of a bedding adjustment! Children sleeping in a crib won’t have pillows or comforters with them, so when the time comes to move them to a new bed, this will be one of your first orders of business.

A little girl's room with floral and scalloped wallpaper and a toddler size bed made with floral zipper bedding. A small wicker basket sits beside the bed holding stuffed animals,

Toddler Beds

Whether it’s a crib that converts into a toddler bed or you’re purchasing a brand new toddler bed frame, you’ll need to be sure to find the right bedding.

Zipper bedding is a great option for kiddos transitioning from a crib. Along with getting used to sleeping with a little more free access to their room, you can also encourage them to make their bed all on their own!

The best part of getting your kids started young with zipper bedding is that it makes it super simple for them to complete the task, and helps them get into the habit early!

It’s important to note that zipper bedding is not intended for children under the age of three. For kiddos between the ages of three and five, they must sleep with at least one side of their zipper bedding fully unzipped.

A young boy in blue pajamas sitting on the edge of a twin bed made with tan zipper bedding.

Big Kid Beds

Once your child has transitioned to a big kid bed, they can anticipate being in that stage for the next little while. “Big Kid Beds” can range from Twin to Full size beds, sometimes moving to a Queen size bed once they get a bit older.

When your children are especially young, they are likely cycling through their preferences and favorites at a high speed. One minute they’re all about dinosaurs, and the next they’re dreaming of launching into outer space!

However, once they’re a bit older, they likely have something they love that is going to stay around for a while. Use this to your advantage and get them a bedding set that helps them dream big! Whether it’s an obsession with trucks or a deep love for unicorns, you can get them a bedding set that will have them excited for bed each night.

A bunk bed where both beds are made with gray zipper bedding, a boy on the top bunk looking down at his brother who is laying on the bottom bunk.

Bunk Beds and Loft Beds

Do you remember being a kid and thinking if you had a bunk bed or a loft bed, you would have arrived? You’d go to your friend’s house who had one and you would daydream of what your own bedroom would look like if you had one of these amazing beds.

Bunk and loft beds are super fun options for kids! Generally, children under the age of six should not sleep on the top bunk of a bunk or loft bed, so this is a great option for elementary age kids and older.

Beddy’s zipper bedding was literally made for bunk beds! It became apparent pretty quickly that it is really, really hard to make a bunk bed well and leave it looking neat and put together.

Zipper bedding solves that.

All you have to do is line up the pieces and zip it shut. Whether you do this while sitting on top of the bunk bed or standing beside it, this task is easier than ever to complete.

Kids Bedding Maintenance

We get it; once you make that investment for your child’s new bedding, you want to take care of it and help it to last as long as possible. Properly maintaining kids bedding is the best way to keep it fresh and help it last!

The best thing you can do for yourself here is find kids bedding that is super easy to maintain.

Most people don’t have time to deal with a super high maintenance bedding washing process for my own bed, let alone for their child who is likely sneaking juice boxes and animal crackers into bed.

Look for kids bedding that is machine washable. It will save you loads of time (and your sanity!) in the long run!

A woman transferring her zipper bedding from the washer to the dryer in her laundry room.

How Often Should I Wash Kids Bedding?

A good rule of thumb is to wash your little one’s bedding at least once a week. Be sure to check the washing instructions on their bedding set, such as water temperature and drying recommendations.

Of course, you may find yourself washing their bedding more frequently than this. Playtime spills, middle of the night accidents, and more may cause an impromptu toss in the wash.

What To Do About Bed Wetting

At some point in your little one’s life, you’re going to be tackling the challenge of bed wetting and potty training. The prospect of getting up in the middle of the night to change your child’s pajamas, clean them up, strip the bed, and put new bedding on, well, I’m tired just thinking about it.

The first thing you’ll want to do is get a good waterproof mattress protector. This will make it easy to wipe off anything that bled through the bedding, and you don’t have to worry about deep cleaning your mattress, which lets be honest, who has time for that anyway?

Another bedding solution you can look into is a ZipBae Beddy’s set. With a ZipBase set, the top of the fitted piece of your bedding is removable, so when your little one needs their bedding changed, all you need to do is unzip that top portion and throw it in the wash.

Each ZipBase set comes with an extra top zipper sheet, so you can put the new one on and get them tucked into bed right away. It really is that easy.

You could also look into the Beddy’s ZipClean Mattress, the first mattress ever made with moms in mind! This mattress features a fully unzippable top layer that is machine washable and moisture resistant. So if your child has an accident, all you need to do is unzip the top, throw it in the wash, and that’s that. Their mattress stays incredibly clean and you get to enjoy some well-deserved peace of mind.

A young boy standing beside a twin bed made with space themed zipper bedding, pulling the zipper to make his bed.

Storing Solutions for Extra Kids Bedding

It’s always a good idea to have a few extra sets of kids bedding on hand for emergencies and laundry days. Here are some ideas for you to consider:

Stash the extra bedding in a tote that can slide underneath your child’s bed.
Use vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
Dedicate a shelf in their closet or another linen closet to the extra bedding sets.
Use fabric storage bags to stow them away. Many have clear windows on them so you can easily see inside and identify what is in each bag.
In your garage or attic, dedicate a large tote to store your extra bedding. This is especially helpful with seasonal bedding.

Creating The Perfect Sleep Space For Your Child

Creating the perfect sleep space for your little one requires an even combination of making it inviting and unique to them, their preferences, and their interests.

On the one hand, you’ll want their room to be a place where they want to spend their time, where they feel comfortable and have touches of who they are and what they’re interested in. On the other hand, you’ll also want to be sure to include items and routines that lend to a good night’s sleep.

Here are a few things you can consider when putting together an ideal sleep space for your child:

Set a bedtime routine: Whether it’s singing a song together, reading a book, or having a dance party before bed, children thrive off of routine and knowing what to expect. Put together a bedtime routine that helps them anticipate when it’s time for bed.
Adjust lighting before bed: Let them choose a nightlight they love from the store, or let them sleep with a small flashlight or lantern.
Monitor the noise level: Depending on what your child prefers, they may want things as quiet as possible, or they might want some white noise to help lull them to sleep.
Use a bedtime reward system: If your child is struggling to go to sleep, consider rewarding them for the times they do well! It could be as simple as putting stickers on a chart, links on a paper chain, or a small treat.
Comfortable, high quality bedding: The most important thing your child can do in their room is sleep and sleep well. Investing in good bedding helps this dream come true. Getting the right kids blankets and accessories is a huge must as well!

A young child jumping on a bed made with zipper bedding in a brightly lit room decorated in shades of green.

The Benefit of Zipper Bedding for Kids

When it comes to quality kids bedding, you can’t beat zipper bedding.

While it benefits all age groups, zipper bedding was originally made for children. Getting into the habit of making your own bed is so valuable, and zipper bedding makes it so incredibly easy for little ones to make their own bed.

Lots of kids are pretty active in their sleep. You lay them down to go to sleep, and the next morning when you go to wake them up, their feet are dangling off the edge and their comforter is on the floor. Zipper bedding stays in place, no matter what.

Zipper bedding also helps to reduce the chaos that can come in the mornings. Getting ready for school, eating breakfast, and possibly catching up on that forgotten homework assignment can make for some crazy mornings!

With zipper bedding, you can take making the bed off your list of worries. Within seconds, your child can easily make their bed all on their own, freeing up time for the other morning checklist items.

A young girl playing by her bed, which is made with zipper bedding and decorated with pink floral pillows and blankets.

Beddy’s: The Ultimate Kids Bedding Solution

Here at Beddy’s, we are all about simple solutions that make a big impact. Our zipper bedding is simple, but it packs a punch. With a quick zip, your child’s bed is made.

Whether you’re looking for a way to help encourage your child to make their bed on their own or you’re wanting a well-made bed every morning, Beddy’s is the perfect solution!

Choose from our classic line of Beddy’s, the original zipper bedding! You’ll find a wide assortment of zipper bedding, offering a variety of different colors and textures, as well as accompanying accessories for the perfect cherry on top!

You can also explore our children’s line, Nod & Winks! The perfect starter zipper bedding set, these are available in adorable prints that little ones are bound to love.

Make your bed, make your day. Grab a set of zipper bedding today!

The Beddy's Blog / Bedding for Every Sleeper