Best Baby Bedding Reviews 2021

Baby bedding varies widely in price because the category encompasses everything from a simple crib blanket to a high-end organic baby bedding set. A decent crib sheet can be purchased for as little as $12, while sophisticated bedding sets with crib bumpers, a comforter, and a sleeping sack may cost up to $280.

If you’re worried that this sounds too expensive, all you need to do is make a list of what’s important to you before you shop. That way, you can choose a product that best matches your needs and budget. On the other hand, if you can afford to splurge, why not spoil your little one with a custom embroidered set?

Now, what should you look for in a baby bedding? The main focus is always comfort and safety. Newborn babies’ skin is quite delicate, so you don’t want poor edge finishing or rough threads to scratch or irritate them. Here is a list of features to consider in further detail:

Thread Count

Thread count is the number of threads in each square foot of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer the fabric is and the longer it will last. As a general rule of thumb, any thread count of 300+ is a good quality while 200+ is acceptable. Stay clear of fabric with a thread count below 200, apart from flannel fabrics that must keep a lower thread count to maintain softness.

Material

Baby beddings can be made from cotton, polyester, or flannel. Cotton crib sheets are the most popular option because they are safe, breathable, and soft on skin. Pure cotton fabrics keep babies warm in cooler months and cool in warmer months. If your baby is allergic to other fabrics, cotton is also hypoallergenic and easy to wash. The only downside is that it can shrink and wrinkle easily.

Polyester is a synthetic material that is much more affordable, shrinks less, and is resistant to tears and wrinkles. However, polyester is not as breathable as cotton and quality varies widely. Flannel is both warm and lightweight, making it perfect for winter. While flannel is a superior choice in areas with colder climates, it is not suitable for use in warm temperatures.

Size

Baby crib sheets or blankets should be fitted to the size of the crib mattress. It’s a good idea to take the measurements of your crib before you decide on the size of the beddings. A loose sheet can be hazardous if it bunches up or comes off, so you should resist the temptation to purchase big beddings that your baby can grow into.

Baby beddings are comprised of several components that you can either purchase individually or as a single set. If you’re hoping to save some money, we recommend purchasing individual items that are most needed immediately and upgrading your collection over time. Here are our other recommendations for what to look for:

Mattress Pad

Mattress pads come in the same size as fitted crib sheets and have elastic edges to completely fit over the mattress. Most models have cotton covers for ultimate comfort are 100% waterproof. Some are designed to be multi-use and can simply be tossed in the washing machine as needed. As a precautionary note, never use a plastic bag as a mattress cover because they can be suffocation hazards.

Fitted Sheet

Most crib sheets are designed with fitted corners to keep them secure on the mattress. They are made from different fabrics including woven cotton, blended cotton, or lightweight flannel. Avoid loose or bunchy fitted sheets – they should accurately fit your crib mattress.

Swaddle Wrap

Unless you’re swaddling the baby, you should avoid using any kind of blanket for tucking in your newborn. If you want to use a beautiful quilt you received as a gift, use it on the floor during tummy time or hang it on the wall for decoration. A swaddle wrap is a safe alternative to blankets and can be used as a conventional blanket when the baby no longer needs swaddling.

Wearable Blanket

Just like a swaddle, a wearable blanket goes over the baby sleeper or diaper, leaving a lot of leg room for kicking and stretching. The only difference is that a wearable blanket won’t wrap your baby’s arms. As a further suggestion, consider models made with flame-resistant fabrics.

Not all crib sheets are weather appropriate; different materials may be preferable depending on the climate where you live. Flannel is the best fabric for colder temperatures but may be too hot for warm summer months. Cotton is great for warmer nights, but won’t retain as much heat as flannel for the winter. All in all, it may be a good idea to purchase a set of each material for optimal comfort throughout the year.

Crib bedding is also meant to accurately fit your crib mattress. Check whether the manufacturer’s washing instructions to prevent shrinkage, and ensure that the sheet’s elastic edges always securely clutch the mattress. The baby bedding should be a high thread count to avoid prickly or itchy fabrics.

Ruffles should be folded with double thickness rather than single thickness and hemmed edges. If you choose a patterned design, make sure it’s woven or printed into the fabric and not just stamped on. The pieces should be sewn with poly/cotton thread and not nylon that can easily melt and break. Finally, check for tight, smooth stitching on every baby product.