How to prep your kid’s bed for summer, with May Gibbs

May Gibbs characters are a treasured part of any Australian childhood. From Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and their gumnut baby friends to the cute native flora and fauna who populate her tales: butterflies, kookaburras, and even the odd cheeky goanna!

So what better inspiration for summertime children's bedroom ideas than our most beloved author and illustrator? Whether you're in the market for some new throw cushions, a fresh summer quilt, May Gibbs craft inspiration, or all of the above, we've got you (and your little one's room) covered.

Bed styling is a cinch once you follow our steps here, and with bush fairies for company, it's all good fun too!

1. Build up a base

No matter how creative you want to get with your children's bedroom ideas, it pays to start with the practical stuff. A comfy bed is a must-have all year round, so begin your fresh summer look with a mattress topper or protector. As well as helping your child's bed feel more cushy and protected, and extending the life of the mattress, a quality topper or protector can help regulate body heat for a good night's sleep.

2. Fresh May Gibbs Sheets

Time to swap out winter-weight sheets for cool summer alternatives. Our May Gibbs range is made with 100% cotton, making it comfy and breathable for warm nights (and restless sleepers) in cots and big-kid beds alike. Little ones will love snuggling up with their favourite storybook characters and adorable Aussie flora and fauna on printed sheet sets. It's the perfect setting for a bit of reading in bed (solo or with Mum or Dad), so try some Australian classics like Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, The Magic Pudding or Possum Magic. Make it easy for little bookworms with a bedside lamp and glass of water in easy reach. All that reading is thirsty work!

3. Summer Quilts

With our changeable weather, parts of Australia enjoy cool nights even during summer - which is where summer quilts come in. Lighter and more breathable than their winter counterparts, they'll keep out chills without leaving the kids sweaty or uncomfortable. Complete the look with pretty May Gibbs quilt cover sets, featuring kookaburras, koalas or gumnut babies. These happy prints were meant for adventuring, so drag them into the family room for movie marathons, pop them on the floor of your indoor cubby house, or drape them over shoulders for night-time activities on the veranda or backyard.

4. Plump up the pillows

Since it's the change of season, take the opportunity to inspect everyone's pillows, chuck out any that are stained or lumpy, and invest in some fresh ones if needs be. This is where your little one will lay their head each night, so make it as magical as can be with pillowcases featuring their favourite bush fairy characters. For extra relaxation, mix a few drops of lavender oil with cold water in a small spray bottle and lightly spritz your child's room before bedtime. Anything that helps kids snooze a little easier has got to be good!

5. Bed Styling

Once the needful bits are in place, now's the time to go all in with styling for an extra pop of fun. A pretty May Gibbs cushion or two will add colour to any kid's room and provide an extra friend to snuggle with whenever the need arises (or use it as ammunition in pillow fights). Crafty parents might also want to try their hands at this May Gibbs quilt project - or at least request one from nanna. It makes the most of our adorable gumnut baby fabrics, and it's an heirloom piece they'll cherish for years to come. It looks fab tossed over the foot of a bed or folded neatly from the top down to show off both sides.

6. Pretty finishing touches

Once your tiny May Gibbs fan is all tucked up in bed, make sure there's something lovely for them to look at while they fall asleep. May Gibbs framed prints feature friendly bush friends with Gumnut Babies frolicking alongside native birds and flora. They might even inspire a new story or two if you have an aspiring author in the house. For more bedroom fun, maybe as part of a pillow fort, or a reading nook, or an indoor camping sleepover, have a look at this easy May Gibbs Teepee Project. Kids will love crawling inside for story time (or just a play or a nap). Sweet dreams!

Shop the full May Gibbs range here.