Here, we go over topics like whether crib sheets are actually necessary, how many you need, what to think about when buying crib sheets, and more.
You will require at least four crib sheets if you decide to abide by the recommendations of keeping at least three extra crib sheets on hand. As a result, they can be washed while still having a number of extra sets on hand (ideal for spitty days).
Do I Need Crib Sheets?
Because of their basic needs, infants require simple sleeping arrangements.
It’s important for your baby’s safety to avoid getting too fancy with the bedding, but you also shouldn’t just put your baby on a bare mattress and call it good.
It’s wise to follow the maxim that a boring crib is a safe crib. A firm mattress, waterproof mattress pad, and a fitted sheet are the only items for the crib that must be on the baby registry. The extra time is unnecessary and risky.
Use of blankets, pillows, or other soft objects in the crib with your newborn is strongly discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is greatly heightened by these items.
Before adding any bedding other than the fitted crib sheet, you should wait until your child is at least a year old.
In my post about the ABCs of Safe Sleep, I go into more detail about crib safety dos and don’ts.
How Many Fitted Sheets Do I Need for a Crib?
How frequently you intend to do laundry and change the crib sheet will determine a large portion of the answer to this question.
Let’s face it: your tiny human is about to add a lot of dirty clothes to your home. In those first months at home, you’ll be surprised at how many onesies and burp cloths you’ll use.
You probably wash a load of laundry for your newborn every few days or more because of the frequent spit-ups and diaper blow-outs. This gives you a few chances each week to wash their crib sheet.
Have three or more fitted crib sheets on hand if you’re planning a more straightforward baby registry. This enables one to be filthy, one to be being used on the crib, and one to be hidden in the linen closet as a backup in case of emergency.
There were plenty of fitted crib sheets because we had three sets. Despite this, my daughter didn’t often have leaks or blowouts in her crib.
If you want to be even more ready, I suggest adding 3-5 fitted crib sheets to your registry. If you’re aware that doing laundry isn’t a high priority task in your household or you’re worried your baby might have frequent leaks or blowouts, you might want to register for the higher number.
How Often Do You Change Crib Sheets?
I advise changing the crib sheet for your baby 1-2 times a week. The sheet should, of course, be replaced right away if they have any sort of accident that ruins it.
It won’t just be necessary to change the crib sheet. It’s crucial to spend money on waterproof mattress protectors as well.
Even if your crib mattress claims to be “waterproof,” it’s best to protect it with a mattress protector, too. It will only lengthen the mattress’ lifespan and make cleanups in the wee hours of the morning a little easier.
How many waterproof crib bumpers are required? I would recommend at least two so you have a backup in case things get messy, which they will!).
How Do I Choose the Best Crib Sheets to Buy?
Choosing the cutest crib sheets you can find is very tempting, I know. There are some adorably cute options available.
But crib sheets serve more purposes than just dressing up the nursery and making it look good on Instagram. Additionally, the comfort and safety aspects of your crib sheets must be fully functional.
It’s crucial to consider the fit and fabric type when choosing crib sheets for your child.
Newton crib linens, for instance, are breathable and made of organic cotton muslin. Muslin is a safer fabric for your baby because it reduces the risk of suffocation in addition to being a more temperate material.
The Newton crib sheets promote easier air flow by utilizing a more open fabric weave. They also feel incredibly soft to the touch and fit the mattress perfectly.
When your baby is sleeping, it’s crucial to have a tight-fitting crib sheet to ensure that there is no loose fabric close to their face. Your baby could suffocate if the crib sheet doesn’t fit the mattress properly because it could come loose.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Crib Sheets
Just as crucial as the mattress and crib of your choice are the crib sheets that you select. The welfare of your child should always come first.
Keeping this in mind, there are a few things you should think about before buying crib sheets.
Breathability
Babies perspire, and perspire frequently. Because they spend so much time on their backs unless they are being held, newborns have a greater problem with this. There is little air circulation because they don’t move around much.
To keep them cool and comfortable while they sleep, the sheets you buy should be made of a fabric that is naturally breathable.
Fit
The crib sheet’s fit must be perfect. You must make sure the mattress fits your crib correctly and that there are no gaps around it. This is crucial because your baby needs to be able to sleep and rest safely in their crib.
As they get older, babies start to move and wriggle a lot while they sleep. Your baby won’t work the sheet loose if you use one that snugly fits the mattress. It won’t bunch up and potentially harm them if they move around while they sleep.
It’s not a good idea to add any extra bedding to your crib, including bumper pads, stuffed animals, and pillows. This is so they can’t get away if something is pressed against their face when they are young.
They would be unable to move away once they wriggled up against the bumper pads, for example.
Babies Get Sick
You’ve determined that two crib sheets will do. One was in the laundry, the other was on the crib. Up until your baby becomes ill, this is sensible and well-thought-out. Every parent avoids having their child become ill.
It unfortunately does happen as our infants adjust to life outside the womb. There is a possibility that they will soil their bedding more than once in a night if this does occur. They might also perspire more than usual, necessitating more frequent sheet changes.
My suggestion is to err on the side of caution. For your sanity, purchase a few extra sheets!
You don’t want to be stressing out about whether you have enough crib sheets for your sick child or that you need to wash the crib sheets right away because there aren’t any clean ones.
Allergens
When buying things like bedding, we frequently forget how delicate a baby’s skin can be. It is best to look for bedding that is labeled as hypoallergenic if you are worried about allergens and how they might be affecting your baby’s skin.
By doing this, you can lessen the likelihood that your baby will be allergic to it or experience a reaction. Most babies will spend several hours a day sleeping in their cribs, so you should try to minimize things that might make them feel uncomfortable or aggravated.
What Size Crib Sheet Do I Need?
Your crib sheet’s fit is crucial. Ensure that the mattress you buy is the right size for the crib it will be used in.
Crib sheets come in two sizes:
- Standard crib sheet – the dimensions for this are 52 x 28 inches. This will accommodate both a toddler mattress and a typical crib mattress.
- Mini crib sheet – the dimensions for this are 38 x 24 inches. This will work with most common 39 x 27-inch Pack n Play mattresses as well as mini crib mattresses.
Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a great idea that will protect your baby’s crib mattress and your sanity. These are readily available in most stores and give parents a small amount of peace of mind.
Similar to how a regular crib sheet would fit over your crib mattress, the mattress protector does the same. It has a waterproof layer that prevents liquids from penetrating to your mattress. If they get soiled, you can throw them in the washing machine because they are completely detachable and washable.
I’m afraid your child might get sick or have a diaper leak, which would cause the crib sheet to rip. If you are using a crib mattress, you have the added security that the soiling won’t get onto your mattress.
The Verdict
You must take into account your financial situation and personal circumstances when deciding how many crib sheets to buy. There is no right or wrong response.
You should buy a number of crib sheets before your baby is born, as I would suggest as a parent. Having a few extra sheets on hand in case you need to change your sheets in the middle of the night is not harmful.
Children can do anything. They are untidy little beings. It should always be your top priority to give your child a secure sleeping environment, regardless of how many crib sheets you choose to buy. This includes their bedding, mattress, and crib.
FAQ – Baby Bedding Questions
How Many Bassinet Sheets Do I Need?
Two or three bassinet sheets will do if you want to change the linens on your baby’s crib once a week. But you’ll need at least five or six bassinet sheets if you’re going to change their linens every day.
Just keep in mind that babies do spit up, so it’s important to frequently check their sheets for any soiled areas you might have missed.
Do I Need as Many Crib Sheets?
Another factor that should be taken into account is this. Your sheets will stay cleaner longer if you swaddle your baby rather than leaving them unwrapped because your child isn’t in contact with them directly.
You should still have at least two sets of crib sheets because babies do spit up and drool.
How Many Crib Mattress Pads Do I Need
Mattress covers for cribs are easily cleaned and dryer-friendly. Parents should buy 2-4 crib mattress pads so that they have extras on-hand for late-night bedding changes.
How Many Crib Blankets Do I Need
We recommend at least one blanket for newborns but we know that over time, two or three may make life a little easier—one for the cot, the pram and one for outdoor adventures.
