Dip & Doze Organic Cotton Bedding Sets
When times comes to replace your bedding, look for natural (ideally organic) cotton, linen or hemp. Not only are these better for the planet, but you’ll feel more comfortable, as they stay cool in summer and warm in winter, and let your skin breathe through the night (so you won’t wake up feeling sweaty and clammy!)
These materials cost a little more, but as the fibres aren’t treated by chemicals, they should last longer. And they safely launder without releasing microplastics from machines. For synthetic bedding (polyester etc), launder in a microfiber filter.
Bedding can be made (a bit like measuring for bras!) to feel very complicated, with different kinds of sheets and pillowcases (Oxford etc). And then all the tog ratings. Then there are different kinds of mattresses (the ‘natural ones’ tend to use wool so are no good for vegans, but then you don’t want toxic fire retardants). But obviously need to keep safe. So what are the options? Let’s find out!
Natural Bedding Sets
If you are going to buy bedding, it makes far more sense to buy a complete set, rather than individual sheets or pillowcases, as this just makes things more expensive.
- Babies need a fitted sheet (to avoid it bunching up). But as adults, choosing a flat or fitted sheet is your choice, but it doesn’t need to be complicated, just go with what you prefer. Then choose matching pillowcases and a duvet cover (buy two sets if preferred, so one can be in the wash).
- The two main types of pillowcases are housewife (a plain sewn edge) and Oxford (a border decorative frame around the edge).
- Thread count for sheets simply means the number of threads woven into one square inch (higher threads are more durable, but tend to also be heavier). The quality is more to do with the fabric than a number.
Wash natural bedding with mild laundry powder (unscented for pregnancy/nursing and if pets sleep on your bed. Avoid fabric conditioner (reduces absorbency) and line dry bedding where possible, smoothing by hand or ironing while a little damp.
Dip & Doze (quality affordable organic cotton bedding)
Dip & Doze offers quality organic cotton bedding sets to treat the planet and your skin kindly, helping to regulate temperature as you sleep. In a range of muted colours to match any bedroom design.
These sets include a duvet cover and two pillowcases, you buy the sheets separately. Everything is sold with a 30-day sleep trial and a tree is planted for every order.
The duvet covers (and pillow cases) feature deep inner stop pockets, to prevent duvets poking out between the buttons (made from plastic-free corozo nuts) and the hand size labels prevents putting bedding on the wrong way or on the wrong size bed.
Ethically made in India, the sets are sold in drawstring bags made from fabric waste. After purchase, these are great as bags to store shoes, toys or sewing kits.
Sustainable bedding and fire regulations
First, let’s get the most important information out of the way. Organic bedding (and pyjamas) are free from chemical fire retardants. They still have to (legally) comply with fire regulations, but as with all bedrooms, use common sense to keep safe in the bedroom:
- Don’t smoke in bedrooms (or indoors – use a personal ashtray outside).
- Avoid overloaded plugs
- Choose oil radiators over convector heaters (these give off hot air through fans, and cause heatstroke in people and pets, as well as being very expensive to run).
- Don’t leave warm laptops or phones on beds.
- Test smoke alarms weekly
- Avoid fabric conditioners (these can increase flammability in fabrics). You can soften clothes naturally by adding half a cup of cleaning vinegar to the rinse cycle (or half a cup of bicarbonate-of-soda to the wash cycle).
Avoid perfumes, essential oils or scented candles in bedrooms near babies or pets. Avoid pet-toxic indoor plants (including sago palm and lilies).
Bedding safety for babies and children
Buy new mattresses (used ones could contain mould), and avoid cot bumpers (they should be illegal to sell). NHS and The Lullaby Trust say to avoid any ‘clutter’ in cots (toys or soft bedding), just use a firm flat mattress and a fitted (not flat) sheet (with no pillows until at least 2 years old). To avoid ‘flat head syndrome’, just give babies plenty of ‘supervised tummy time’ while awake.
The Lullaby Trust recommends against co-sleeping with babies in the same bed, but to be in the same room for at least the first six months). And never let babies fall asleep on sofas/armchairs. Read more on safe sleeping for babies. It’s important that babies don’t overheat (remove hats, socks and cardigans in warmer temperatures and don’t let babies sleep in car seats).
