The decision of whether to invest in a good quality play mat for your newborn is a common dilemma for many parents. While it might seem like a simple accessory, is it really worth the investment? Does it really matter? Aren't all playmats the same?

Bedding is the underrated workhorse in every bedroom, with the ability to elevate a space and create a comfortable environment to promote good sleep. But the market for bed linens is saturated, making it difficult to know where to find the best places to buy bedding. While budget is always a factor, experts say it’s important to invest in your sheets and duvet. “Always buy the best quality that you can afford,” says home decor expert Carla Bethany Hayden. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune, though: It’s possible to buy great bedding at a range of retailers and price points.U.S. News editors analyzed the market and consulted experts in the home decor industry to track down the best places to purchase bedding. Start your search for elevated sheets and more here.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.The joy of getting into a freshly made bed with soft, comfortable bedding can make all the difference in getting a good night’s rest. In addition, buying bed linens is also a way to transition and decorate your bedrooms and guest rooms from season to season. With so many bedding companies selling everything from bamboo sheets to hand-made quilts, though, it can be overwhelming to decide where to shop for your next favorite set of sheets or the perfect winter blanket. 

Although bedding takes longer to dry than a regular load of clothes, leaving them in the dryer for too long causes them to shrink. Tumble dry sheets on a low setting for a short amount of time. This minimizes the risk of shrinking and reduces wrinkles. Additionally, avoid drying bed sheets with towels to prevent over-drying. Sheets dry faster than towels so when the sheets are done, the towels will still be wet.  

Laundry room ideas you love will make keeping up with the task easy, and most bed sheets can go into a regular washing machine, but it’s worth taking a little time to get to know the best wash program and heat setting for each material. Cotton bed sheets are easy to wash, as are linen, but the latter are prone to shrinking in a hot tumble dryer. Tencel and bamboo sheets, made from sustainably sourced fibers, are fairly robust but benefit from cooler wash temperatures. Silk and satin sheets are a touch more temperamental and the laundry symbols on their tags will show you should use low wash temperatures and slower spin cycles plus specialist detergent. 

Using the proper laundry cycle can help keep your bed sheets in the best condition. In general, the bulky/sheets washer cycle uses warm water, a low spin speed, more water and is designed to help keep sheets from tangling up. The ideal dryer setting is low to medium heat due to the fabric weight.These washer and dryer settings may vary depending on the fabric. Some bed sheet fibers are more delicate than others and require gentle laundry care. Always check the care label for your sheets before washing and drying them.

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