How To Choose the Best Comforter for Kids

Most parents shopping for a kids’ comforter will likely look at color or pattern first. But when it comes to finding the coziest comforters for children, there are two more important features to consider: 

• The comforter shell: the outside material that holds the fill in place 
• The fill: the down or down alternative fiber inside the comforter shell 

When shopping for kids’ bedding, first decide on your preferred comforter fill type and shell material. Patterns and colors are important for design, but shell and fill affect comfort and longevity. The higher the quality of the materials, the longer the comforter will last. 

Cotton is the best shell material for a kids’ comforter. The natural material is warm, soft, and breathable, so your kiddo stays cozy and comfortable all night, without overheating or sweating. Our kids' bedding collection uses T-shirt-soft jersey knit and crisp organic cotton percale. Adult comforters come in a variety of materials, but cotton is the best option for kids. 

While most of our kids’ comforters feature a synthetic down alternative fill, it’s not the only option for kid-friendly bedding. A down comforter can be a solid choice for kids, too, depending on your priorities. Let’s compare the two: 

• Kids’ down alternative comforters are comfortable, warm, great for layering, and available in several colors and patterns to appeal to kids’ varied interests. But there can be a downside to designs: If your child changes their mind—they hate trucks and want to be an astronaut now!—you’re out of luck unless you buy a new comforter or add a duvet cover.  
• A long-lasting down comforter is more expensive than down alternative, but might be a good choice if you are looking for bedding that grows with your child or prefer solid colors to patterns and prints. It’s also ideal in cold climates and for kids who need extra-warm bedding. Corner loops make it easy to add a kids’ duvet cover to update a solid down comforter as their tastes change. 

If you need more inspiration for choosing your kid’s comforter design, look no further. These ideas will help you narrow down your options to choose bedding that suits your style and makes your kids happy. 

You can find theme inspiration for your kid’s bedroom anywhere. Our kids’ comforter collection includes vibrant prints, classic patterns, and bold solid colors to make the bed of their dreams. Choose a comforter to coordinate with your kid’s bedroom theme—sparkling stars, forest critters, mythical creatures, and geometric patterns are colorful options that suit kids’ spaces. 

Extra pillows are perfect for a little extra support while reading, but can be set aside when it’s time to sleep. There’s no reason all of your child’s pillows have to match perfectly, but choosing pillowcases and shams that complement their bedding creates a cohesive look. 

A duvet cover acts as a barrier to keep spills off the comforter and can make laundry day easier—simply remove it and toss it in the wash. Kids enjoy more freedom with duvet covers, as well: With multiple prints or colors tucked away in the linen closet, kids can change up their bedding whenever the mood strikes. Do note: Our down alternative kids’ patterned comforters don’t come with corner loops, so adding a duvet cover may take some adult assistance. 

Kids’ bedding is not one size or style fits all. The best comforter for a toddler or preschooler will likely not work for a middle or high school student searching for a more grown-up aesthetic. The general process of choosing a comforter is the same no matter how big your kids may be, but here are some specific recommendations for narrowing down the best options for kids by age: 

No! The safest crib bedding is no loose bedding at all—only use a tight-fitting flat crib sheet and a protective layer beneath. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your nesting impulses by buying a comforter to match your nursery: Use a toddler comforter as a blanket for snuggling during storytime or as a soft mat while your little one is learning to sit, play, and crawl, and always keep it out of the crib. Once they’re ready to transition to a toddler bed, you can incorporate the comforter as another layer of bedding. 

For preschoolers, we recommend a cost-friendly down alternative comforter from our kids’ collection, as their interests may change as they get bigger. Then, narrow the options to what will work well with your vision for their room. Give them two choices—dinosaurs or superheroes, pink or orange, stripes or stars—and let them pick their favorite. It’s a win-win: The comforter suits your design, and they feel some ownership over their space. 

Elementary-aged kids may be excited about creating their own bedroom theme, so let them explore comforter options with you, then tailor their other decor to coordinate with the comforter they choose. You can even choose a solid-color down or down alternative comforter and let them pick a few duvet covers to switch as they see fit. Bonus: A versatile solid comforter will last kids well into their teens and possibly beyond, making even premium comforters a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers buying bedding for kids.  

Middle and high schoolers are growing up fast. When it’s time to trade kid-friendly bedding for something a little more grown up, err on the side of longevity, and try to choose a design that can last until they’re off to college or are ready for their first apartment. Middle schoolers might still love unicorns or spaceships, but may not want that interest on full display as they grow. Explore comforters in ageless designs—think mini prints, bright stripes, or solid colors. A decorative sham, patterned blanket, or themed throw pillow can bring a little whimsy to an otherwise mature bed. 

The right bedding can brighten a bedroom or anchor a theme, so follow these tips for choosing the best comforter for your child’s room. For more design advice, explore our other Guides.