Back in the good ol’ days, our grandparents used to make their own baby crib sheets from the comfort of their homes. Modern parents, while having the luxury of modern advances at their fingertips, also understand the importance of having an exceptional crib sheet to ensure their children are kept safe and comfortable.
Baby cribs can never be complete without a comfortable and stylish crib sheet. These sheets come in multiple colors, fabrics, designs, and styles, including organic crib sheet options for kids with allergic reactions to synthetic fabrics. Just like bed sheets for adults, crib sheets are available in both premium styles and ordinary cotton blends.
Safety is paramount for any baby crib, which is why crib sheets should be in a format of bottom-fitted sheets since top sheets can easily bunch out and suffocate or strangle your little one. Again, avoid keeping any loose beddings or toys in the crib. Even
crib bumpers should never be loosely placed in the crib. Ensure that the bumpers are safely secured to the crib walls to avoid suffocation hazards.
Nowadays you can find crib sheets with quick zips so you don’t have to wrestle with the
crib mattress every time you change the sheets. The mattress is placed on the zipper base and you only have to do it once. Afterwards, you simply need to unzip the top of the crib sheet from the base whenever you need to change your sheets. Still, there are other easy crib sheets that use elastic ties or Velcro for securing the sheet, but some curious babies can still manage to detach them.
It’s now time to delve deeper into the features to look for in a crib sheet, and then you’ll be ready to jump straight to our individual reviews for the best crib sheets around.
Price
Crib sheets are by far the most affordable pieces among the myriad of crib bedding solutions you’ll have to purchase. The prices too don’t vary widely, which means you can get a decent crib sheet from between $10 and $20. It’s a good idea to consider models that come in a set of two or more for convenience and cost-saving. That way they’ll last longer as you’ll minimize the level and frequency of washing you subject them to. The material is the main determinant of price. Polyester and cotton blends are the commonest and most affordable options of crib sheets while flannel can be a little bit more expensive.
Features
There’s so much that goes into baby crib sheets, but the primary focus has to be on safety and comfort. A newborn baby’s skin is very delicate and you don’t want sheets made of low quality fabrics and poor workmanship that can cause scratches or irritations on their skin. Here are some of the key features to look for in a crib sheet:
- Material – Baby beddings can be made from woven cotton, polyester/cotton blends, or lightweight flannel. Cotton crib sheets are the commonest option since they’re safe, breathable, and soft on the baby’s skin. If your baby is allergic to other synthetic fabrics, pure cotton is hypoallergenic and provides a durable and easy-to-wash fabric, though it can easily shrink and wrinkle – you might need to do regular ironing. Polyester/cotton blends are much more affordable, shrink less, and are more resistant to tears and wrinkles. However, they’re not as breathable as cotton. Flannel is good crib sheet material due to lightweight and super-softness, making them safe for use in the crib.
- Set/Single – Crib sheets can come as a set or as single sheets. The sets will include other items such as bumpers, comforters, and crib decorations. While the prices may seem like a perfect deal, in their efforts to keep prices down many manufacturers often use low-quality materials on the extra items contained within the set. If you’re concerned about quality, consider crib sheets that come separately from bedding sets.
- Thread Count – This is the amount of thread utilized in a square inch of the sheet fabric. The higher the count, the heavier and silkier the crib sheet will be. A count of 200+ is good enough, 300+ is better, while 400+ is the best you can find in the market. Keep away from anything below 200.
- Size – Most crib sheets are labeled standard size, which means they’re designed for crib mattresses that measure 51 5/8 inches long, 27 ¼ inches wide, and 5 ½ inches thick. However, some cribs sheets aren’t for standard mattress sizes and you may have to measure your crib mattress to find the exact fit. If you don’t get the right size, the sheet can bunch up as your little one sleeps, posing suffocation hazards.
Construction and Design
Crib sheets are always fun and exciting to choose, but they’re not all made the same. There are safety concerns you must have in mind when shopping for a crib sheet. For instance, you don’t want sheets that’ll bunch up at the slightest provocation by the little one. This is a suffocation hazard that neither you nor your baby want to experience. Crib sheets may come with fitted corners to secure them to the crib mattress. Some models have elastic bands all round for a more secure grip, but for foolproof grip, crib sheets with zippers still stand out.
Weave Types
The weave is how the individual threads are sewn to form a crib sheet. Each style of weaving offers different levels of durability and softness. The common types of weaves are standard weave and sateen weave. The standard weave follows the pattern of a single stitch under and a single stitch over, which is repeated for the entire fabric. It provides a durable and long-lasting fabric. The sateen weave, on the other hand, follows four stitches over and a single stitch under pattern, which is repeated throughout the fabric. It offers a softer, silkier finish but will be less durable than the standard weave.
Fitted vs. Non-fitted Crib Sheets
A fitted crib sheet comes with an elastic band all around to make it easy to secure to the edges of the crib mattress. A non-fitted sheet is an ordinary sheet that you’ll have to tuck under the mattress. Some parents still buy non-fitted sheets but they usually pose additional hazards such as loosening up and entrapping the baby. For newborn babies, stick with fitted crib sheets.
Performance and Ease of Use
Technology hasn’t gone missing when it comes to baby products. Advancements have made it possible to design safer baby crib sheets while upholding standards of comfort and satisfying aesthetics. High-end crib sheets are made with flame-resistant measures to give parents some extra peace of mind. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic so you don’t have to worry about toxins and chemicals seeping through to the baby’s skin. Good quality sheets, especially those made from flannel, can keep the baby’s bed warm by naturally insulating heat all around.
Additionally, good crib sheets can naturally resist dust mites which could pile up and cause serious health complications such as allergy and asthma. Many parents are now turning to organic crib sheets and those with natural fibers to safeguard their little ones from the chemicals and dyes that come with synthetic fabrics.
Crib sheets should be diligently taken care of from the day they’re bought from the shop to the day they’re retired. Always wash brand new crib sheets before you fit them on the crib mattress. This removes excess dye and other harsh materials left from the manufacturing process. You don’t want your little angel to breathe in these manufacturing products and whatever they entail.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions as indicated on the label. These guidelines will vary from one manufacturer to the next, but generally you should clean your sheets at least once every week, unless you change it earlier due to diaper leaks. Depending on the instructions, use cold or warm water, but not water that’s too hot, since it can result in faster shrinking. Most crib sheets are tumble-dried and cabinet-stored to avoid any growth of mold.
For every parent, buying a decent crib and crib mattress is a primary priority, but the next step is to find a comfortable and stylish crib sheet to crown it. Babies can often soil beddings, so you’ll likely need a crib sheet that you can easily take off the crib and wash. More importantly, the sheet must be soft and comfortable on your baby’s skin to allow them to sleep for longer. Now that you’re adequately informed on what to look for in a crib sheet, it’s time to dive into our top picks and pick a crib sheet model that suits your style and budget.
Features
You won’t sacrifice comfort for sustainability or the other way round when you shop at Magnolia Organics. This family business has more than 10 years of experience working with organic cotton and a lifetime experience working in textiles. Its products include bed blankets, bed pillow pillowcases, throw pillow covers, crib sheets as well as diaper wipes and refills.
Thick and durable, the colorful and cozy Magnolia Organics Fitted Interlock Crib Sheets will give you great service for a long time. These crib sheets are made with 100% organic cotton, which is knitted into a soft and thick interlock fabric that’s then dyed in different bright colors using fiber-reactive, environmentally-friendly dyes. Moreover, for those truly concerned about the environment, you’ll be happy to know that these sheets as well as their packaging have been approved by the renowned Global Organic Textile Standards.
The Magnolia Organics Fitted Interlock Crib Sheets contain 400 gram interlock and come in 3 sizes and 9 colors.
Features
From its movies, videos, music, games, and more, Disney has captured the attention of every child. Now Disney Baby is here to give you a happy time shopping for your little one. The company offers baby bedding, apparel, toys, and all the other products that inspire every moment of your little one’s day.
The Disney’s Finding Nemo Crib Sheet is an all-print sheet that features baby Nemo swimming in a starfish and blue bubbles setting. This crib sheet coordinates with the bedding and décor of the Finding Nemo a Day at the Sea Kindergarten. Measuring 28" by 52", the crib sheet fits a standard-size crib mattress and is made from 100% polyester microfiber. Perfect for ages 0-24 months, this sheet is easy to care for; machine-wash in cold water with gentle cycle and tumble-dry on low heat for best results. When necessary, use only non-chlorine bleach. Do not dry clean!
Features
Ely’s & Co manufactures high quality, comfortable baby bedding including cradle sheets and bassinet sheets. Its products are made from high quality jersey cotton that’s lightweight as well as comfortable.
Made from 100% jersey cotton, the Ely’s & Co Toddler Crib Sheet Set comes in a beautiful baby blue color, combined with stylish blue and white chevron pattern, ready to charm your baby boy. Measuring 52 x 28 x 9 inches and built with a flexible fit, this sheet is able to snugly adapt to all standard toddler bed and crib mattresses. The doubly-reinforced tight elastic band gives it the highest durability and safety. You can always rest easy knowing that your baby is secure, snug and sound. And, seeing as it comes as a two-pack, you can always use one as you wash the other. The best part is that these sheets wash easily, with dirt and stains washing away beautifully and leaving your sheet in perfect condition.
Features
Lambs & Ivy is also known as Bedtime Originals, and its trademark is offering high quality baby products at affordable costs. Whether you’re looking for a swaddle blanket, nursery bedding, nursery storage solutions, or bandana bibs, Bedtime Originals has you covered. The company was recently voted #2 under the Best Infant Bedding in Reader's Favorites category for Baby & Children's Product News! If this is anything to go by, Bedtime Originals’ unrelenting effort for quality can never go unnoticed.
The Bedtime Originals Jungle Buddies Crib Sheet is designed to fit a standard 28"x52" size crib mattress. It’s made with cotton fabric with a polyester blend (specifically 55 percent cotton and 45 percent polyester). The manufacturer recommends machine wash cold, but just like colors in a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, do not bleach, and iron on the lowest settings possible.
Features
If you’re looking for high-quality, functional and stylish baby gear, Ziggy Baby has you covered. The online retailer values its customers and stocks a wide range of baby products that can be shipped to you wherever you are in the world. Ziggy Baby has everything any modern mom or dad requires to give their little ones the perfect care they deserve. You can find all the ultra-soft baby blankets, stylish nursery beddings as well as innovative storage solutions that the market has to offer. Above all, Ziggy Baby focuses on offering the best quality baby products at a competitive price.
The Ziggy Baby Chevron Fitted Crib Sheet is made from 100% jersey knitted cotton, which gives your baby a soft and comfortable surface to sleep on. This crib sheet fits any standard size crib mattress. The pack comes with 2 blue, grey and white crib sheets. It has 9-inch deep pockets to ensure a safe and secure fit. Besides being super breathable and lightweight, it’s extra soft on the baby’s skin. The crib sheets are machine-washable, so you can simply toss them into a wash machine to clean. The extra sheet ensures you always have a clean crib mattress sheet to use as you wash the other.
Crib sheets must snuggly fit onto the crib’s mattress without leaving any unnecessary loose fabric that can cause accidents to the little baby. We’re all different and we have different priorities. But as much as the graphics can change, the basic design standards for crib sheets should never be altered. Focus on softness, comfort, and safety before you settle on the best crib sheet to purchase. We’re glad to have played a role in your quest to find an ideal crib sheet for your little one. Remember that these same brands still have a whole host of fabulous options that you can sample as well.
