Many millennia ago, when the human brain was still developing, we did not use any bedding at all. As such humans would simply sleep on the floor of a cave. As the brain developed humans began to realise that they could use the materials around them to improve the comfort of their sleeping conditions. This article examines how the use of bedding in humans developed into the items that we are familiar with today.

The first branch

The use of small twigs and leaves was the first step in the bedding process. In the same way that animals use them to build nests and dens; humans began putting twigs and leaves on the ground to provide comfort on the hard ground.

Providing a cover

The next step in the development of human bedding focussed on cover as we sought to protect ourselves from the cold nights. Due to the fact that humans were hunter-gatherers at this time; most of their food came from animals which they killed. It soon dawned on them that the fur of the animals was a great provider of warmth and so they began skinning them and using their pelts as covers and blankets.

First sleeping bags and mattresses

As man developed further, more complex tools were invented, such as the needle. The needle provided the means by which to sew animal pelts together; creating the first sleeping bag. The concept was then taken further by stuffing it with materials such as feathers, twigs and grass to produce a mattress that provided both warmth and comfort.

Learning from animals

The final step in the bedding evolution process saw the creation of bed frames. It is thought that humans observed how animals such as apes, slept in trees to stay off the cold and wet floor and safe from predators. By following this example humans began creating bed frames from vines and branches to provide more elevation for their mattresses.

You are more likely to see bunk beds in a home today than at any time in the past. This is primarily down to parents seeking to make best use of the space available. They are also seen by children as being more fun than normal beds and allow them to be closer to their siblings, thus feeling more secure during the night. But in order to get the most out of your bunk beds and to avoid them becoming a hindrance you have to make sure that you get the right bedding.

Fun with themes

The most exciting thing about having bunk beds is that they offer a great opportunity to have some fun with the themes of your bedding. If the bunk beds are used by mixed sex children then you may wish to go for different themes but from the same area. For example you could go for an animal theme with a tiger print duvet for the boy and a cute puppy one for the girl. Alternatively, whether you have children of the same or differing sex, you could try cartoon themed bedding with each bed being dedicated to a specific character.

Changing problems

Opting for sheets that can be easily fitted is an important consideration when buying for bunk beds. The awkwardness of having to reach across the top bunk and the lack of space on the bottom bunk make changing bed linen time consuming. This means that choosing a bedding set with an elasticated bottom sheet is a must as they are far easier to change.

An opportunity to save

Buying bedding for bunk beds provides the opportunity to save some money. This can be done by purchasing many sets at the same time rather than just one. Doing so should mean a discount for ordering in bulk and save on any delivery costs.

The comfort and safety aspects are of particular importance to parents when choosing their baby’s bedding. This makes perfect sense, but there is also a third area that needs to be considered. Here we look at how making the right choices in your baby’s bed linen can help assist in their development.

Visual stimulation

Research has demonstrated that babies’ visual development can be helped greatly through the correct kind of stimulation. This can be achieved by providing them with exciting designs and patterns to look at. As we age our eyes advance and are able to make out millions of shades of colours and light. However, as babies we are only able to make out real contrast between light or dark, or black and white. Therefore designs like a chequered grid or swirly lines offer babies great stimulation.

Applying the theory to the nursery

Your baby is likely to spend long periods in their cot, so having a bedding set with a pattern that stimulates them is a good idea. Whilst black and white are the most obvious colours to use, you can also opt for other colours as long as they provide a real contrast.

Making changes

Buying a few different bedding sets with varying designs that you can change frequently is a good idea. This rotation avoids your baby getting bored of the same pattern and provides further stimulation.

Beyond bed linen

Placing patterns in other areas so that they are visible to your baby and where they will spend time is a good idea. Good examples of such places are on the bottom of their mobile, in the bathroom or in front of their car seat.