The Best Crib Sheets for Safe Baby Sleep

Your baby spends a majority of their time in their bed in the first years of their life. From day one to one-month-old, your baby will sleep on average for 14-18 hours each day. With that in mind, it’s important that they are sleeping on the best sheets for their comfort and safety.  

Crib sheets serve as your baby’s primary bedding and helps showcase the overall design of your baby’s nursery. Read along to discover our top picks for the best crib sheets and what to look for when shopping for your own.

The Best Crib Sheets

• Best Fitted Crib Sheets – American Baby Company
• Best Soft Crib Sheets – Kids N’ Such
• Best Organic Crib Sheets – Burt’s Bees Baby
• Best Overall – Stretchy Fitted

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How to Find the Best Crib Sheets 

There are a few things to consider when shopping for the best crib sheets. Here’s what to look for to ensure your little one gets the best night’s sleep in their crib. 

Fit

Before your purchase any standard-sized sheets (which is what you’ll typically see), confirm the measurements with your baby’s crib mattress to ensure it’s the proper fit. Your baby’s sheets should fit snug around the mattress with no baggage to prevent any unanticipated accidents from happening. 

Materials

Natural, organic fibers and 100 percent cotton material is best for your baby’s crib sheets. When you have a newborn, their skin is extremely delicate. It’s most important to ensure that the materials that make up your baby’s sheets are safe and ultra soft.

Related: Best organic sheets

Style

Although safety and comfort should come first, the style of your baby’s crib sheets matters, too. Since it’s the only bedding being showcased, it deserves to be filled with cute patterns and colors that match the overall aesthetic that you’ve created in their nursery. There are a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from- just be sure it’s safe and soft for baby.

Timeline

Consider the length of time your child will be using their crib and need crib sheets. This will help determine whether you purchase a long-lasting, luxury sheet set or a temporary, more affordable set. 

Tips for Buying Crib Sheets

Buying crib sheets can be fun because they’re so cute, but it can also be stressful due to the pressure to choose the “right” one. So here are a few tips to help you through the process.

• Be sure to check the reviews. Positive reviews are a good sign, whereas mixed reviews or lots of negative reviews are a red flag.
• Make sure the fitted sheet is well-fitted. If the fitted sheet comes loose in the middle of the night, it could cause suffocation, so it’s a major safety hazard.
• Remember that soft sheets are best for crib sheets because baby skin is so incredibly sensitive.
• To ensure softness and safety, it may be easier to shop for crib sheets in person, but it is possible to find crib sheets online as well. Just make sure you check the reviews and make sure the product comes with free returns, just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered some frequently asked questions regarding crib sheets so you can make the best buying decision for your little one. 

How many crib sheets should I have? 

It’s best to have a minimum of two sets of crib sheets, so you always have a spare handy when the other is washing. 

Are crib sheets safe?

Pediatricians recommend that babies sleep in their crib with only a quality fitted sheet for at least the first 12 months of thier life. A fitted sheet that stays put on the crib mattress is perfectly safe, but an additional sheet or blanket for covering the blanket is not recommended for the first year due to suffocation concerns.

What is the best fabric for crib sheets?

The best fabric is one that is soft and comfortable for your baby. There are plenty of soft options, like cotton, jersey, microfiber, flannel, and more. If you have very sensitive skin yourself, you may want to look for extra soft sheets, since your baby could inherit your sensitivity.

Do I need a waterproof sheet for a crib?

A fitted waterproof crib mattress protector can be very helpful because if your baby’s diaper leaks in the night, the mattress itself won’t get soaked. Mattresses can only be spot cleaned, while a mattress protector can be thrown in the washing machine and washed completely, making it the more sanitary option.

How often should I wash my crib sheets?  

For starters, you should always wash brand new crib sheets before placing them on your baby’s mattress. Also, whenever your baby is sick, it’s suggested that you wash the sheets to prevent lingering germs. In terms of general washes, it’s recommended to wash your crib sheets every week. Be sure to follow the washing and drying instructions correctly to keep the same feel and quality throughout your time of use. 

What does standard size mean?

You’ll come across this term a lot when browsing crib sheets. Standard size crib sheets are referring to the fit of a standard crib mattress. Typically, crib mattresses are 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Not all baby sheets and mattresses are standard-size, so be sure to measure your crib mattress to ensure you are purchasing the right size sheets.

Summary

Here’s a summary where you can compare our top-rated crib sheets:

Crib sheets	Material	Best for	Rating
American Baby Company	100% Polyester	Best Fitted Crib Sheets	4.8/5
Kids N’ Such	100% Jersey Cotton	Best Soft Crib Sheets	4.8/5
Burt’s Bees Baby	100% Organic Cotton	Best Organic Crib Sheets	4.8/5
Stretchy Fitted	Jersey Knit Cotton	Best Overall	4.9/5

Crib sheets are one of the essential sleep items for your baby’s bedding. It’s important to consider the fit and materials when deciding which crib sheets are best.