For parents, having your baby get a good night of sleep can seem like a dream. While no bed or sheet can guarantee that your child sleeps soundly through the night, well-fitted, comfortable crib sheets can make a difference in helping your baby fall softly to sleep and stay comfortable throughout the night.
The best sheets should fit your child’s individual sleeping pattern and needs. For instance, if you want organic, super-soft sheets to nuzzle your baby to sleep, Burt’s Bees Baby Solid Fitted Crib Sheet is a comfortable and quality choice.
What to know before you buy crib sheets
What is a crib sheet?
As with any bed, you can’t just have your baby sleeping on a mattress without some sort of covering. Crib sheets are light, fitted sheets that cover the mattress without adding bulk or weight to your child’s sleeping area. They also help keep it more sanitary, since you can remove and wash them without dirtying the mattress underneath.
Material
The material of the crib sheet determines its softness, breathability and ease to clean. Cotton is a popular option and is often available from sourced organic cotton. Polyester and other materials offer a cheaper and less delicate, if less soft and natural, feel for your baby. Some crib sheets consist of a combination material of synthetic and natural fibers.
Thread count
The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets, as the saying goes, though you’ll likely pay a premium price for a high thread count.
Size and fit
Be sure to check the sizing of your baby’s crib to ensure that you’re buying the proper size sheet. Some crib sheets are available in sizes for playards, bassinets and changing pads, so if that’s something you’re interested in, be aware that it’ll likely be listed in the sizing section.
Crib sheets features
Colors and patterns
Manufacturers make crib sheets in all sorts of colors and patterns, including pastel colors, bright colors or even fabrics with popular children’s show characters. You might be looking to color-coordinate with a themed room, in which case having more options can help you make a perfect match with your child’s bedding.
Allergies
If you’re worried your child might have allergies, there are hypoallergenic models for crib sheets on the market to help them sleep well at night. That said, you may have to pay extra for them.
Waterproof
Some crib sheets come with an extra feature: they’re made to be either water-resistant or waterproof, meaning if your baby wets the bed during the middle of the night, the mattress underneath will be spared. Not all crib sheets offer this feature.
Crib sheets cost
Depending on the sizing, fabric and whether the material is organic, hypoallergenic or waterproof, crib sheets cost $10-$30.
Crib sheets FAQ
Do I need to put pillows and blankets or a top sheet on top of my baby’s crib sheet?
A. Babies don’t really need all those extras. As long as their room is at a safe temperature (not too cold) and they’re properly clothed in comfortable pajamas, they actually benefit from just sleeping on a crib sheet. Pillows, blankets and such also present a suffocation risk, so the safe choice is to keep your baby’s sleeping area clear of obstructions.
Should my crib sheets be fitted or can they be loose?
A. For your baby’s sake, avoid any loose sheets that they could get wrapped in and strangle them around the neck or otherwise cut off blood flow.
Which crib sheets should I get?
Best of the best crib sheets
Burt’s Bees Baby Solid Fitted Crib Sheet: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: These organic sheets make for a soft, soothing option for babies with sensitive skin.
What we like: These sheets are 100% cotton jersey knit made with all organic fiber. It comes with elastic fitting so it fits snugly on your baby’s mattress. You can wash it by hand or in the washer. They’re available in over 10 colors, including navy, sky blue and pastel pink.
What we dislike: These sheets fit quite tightly, which might make them hard to put on.
Best bang for your buck crib sheets
Jomolly 2-Pack Fitted Soft Jersey Cotton Sheet: available at Amazon
Our take: These soft jersey sheets come in cute patterns and a two-pack for a bargain price.
What we like: These sheets are machine-washable, highly sturdy and still great for babies with sensitive skin. The material is well-made, soft but thick and will last no matter what you throw at it. The price point is great and comes in some fun patterns to liven up your baby’s room.
What we dislike: Some parents complain that when you first open these sheets, they have a strange chemical smell, but this goes away immediately when they’re washed for the first time.
Honorable mention crib sheets
Cuddly Cubs Fitted Crib Sheets Set: available at Amazon
Our take: For parents who don’t want anything too complicated, these soft jersey sheets do it all.
What we like: These pre-washed, wrinkle-resistant sheets are pesticide-free, easy to fit to your baby’s mattress and wash well. They come in plenty of cute patterns to match with whatever color or theme you have going on in your baby’s room. They come two-for-one for a great price.
What we dislike: These sheets may have a slight smell when they first arrive that can be eliminated with the first wash.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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