Are you searching for how to prepare your baby’s nursery or crib? You may have seen the different baby registry guides out there. Some telling you to buy 1-2 things and others telling you to have 10. And then you’re left wondering, so how many crib sheets do I need?
In this post, we’ll go over real life examples to help you decide how many crib sheets you will need. And things to consider when purchasing crib sheets for your baby’s bed!
Why You Need a Crib Sheet
Unless you purchase a crib mattress that doesn’t require a crib sheet (like the Newton Baby Crib Mattress), your mattress will need a crib sheet to cover it. This will allow you to choose something soft and comfortable for your baby’s sensitive skin. As well as be able to quickly change it and wash it if your baby has any diaper leaks or spit-up.
A crib sheet will help to cover and protect your baby’s mattress so that it lasts all the way through to their toddler bed.
How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need?
This all depends on how often you plan to change your baby’s crib sheet! Crib sheets should be changed frequently just like you would change your own bedsheets. Baby’s not only drool, spit-up, have diaper blowouts, and sweat, but dust will settle on the sheets so it’s important to change them often.
If you plan to change your baby’s crib sheets once a week, you should have at least 2-3 sets of crib sheets. This ensures that if you’re baby soils the sheet, you have a clean backup you can change it out with. There were a handful of times when my daughter was a baby that I would change her sheet 3 times in a day. So I always liked to have at least 3 crib sheets on hand.
If you plan to change your baby’s crib sheets more frequently, such as every day or every other day, then you will want to have at least 6-7 spare crib sheets. This is not totally necessary though! Mostly personal preference. Or if you have a baby with reflux that spits up a lot.
Some parents also like to match their crib sheets to their nursery. And there are so many cute options out there now! I’ve included a few of the best crib sheets below! I love Copper Pearl and used them for both of my baby’s cribs. They are soft, breathable, and fit the cribs so well! And they have SO many beautiful designs.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Crib Sheets
It’s important to choose high-quality sheets that will not only be nice on your baby’s skin but will also keep them safe while sleeping. Here are some things to consider when purchasing crib sheets for your baby’s bed.
Breathability
It’s best to purchase crib sheets made from breathable materials. Some baby’s sweat a lot while they sleep, so a lightweight breathable sheet will ensure the sheets don’t stay soaking wet. An organic cotton or lightweight knit fabric are good options.
They are also best for baby sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing baby flat on their backs for sleep in their own space with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
When your baby starts to roll over on their own and can lay face down, you want to make sure you have a thin, breathable fitted crib sheet.
Allergens
When choosing a fitted crib sheet, try finding something labeled as “hypoallergenic” or with specific details about their fabric. Hypoallergenic typically means the fabric is made with fewer substances considered allergens. Since your baby will be laying on the sheet for multiple hours a day, it’s best for it to contain as few allergens as possible.
It’s also great if the fitted sheet is easy to wash, which can further reduce dust and allergens that cling to the sheets.
Fit
The fit is really important in ensuring your baby’s crib sheets are safe. You want to have a crib sheet with a high-quality elastic that provides a tight fit around the entire mattress. If the fitted sheet is loose at all or has any risk of bunching, this could be very dangerous for your baby.
Durability
Durability is of course important in anything you choose to purchase – you want it to last as long as possible! However, this will be especially important if you’re choosing to not purchase as many sheets and plan on throwing them in the washing machine more often. The more you plan to wash your crib sheets, the more durable they will need to be to hold up.
So choose a high-quality brand so you don’t end up buying more sheets anyway if they fall apart.
Comfort
Your baby’s skin is quite sensitive, so choosing a crib sheet that is soft will not only be more comfortable but also better for their delicate skin. Your baby may spend many hours sleeping on these crib sheets for the next few years, so comfort is a must!
Organic
If organic fabric is important to you, there are many different options out there for organic crib sheets.
Some of my favorites are the Burt’s Bees fitted crib sheets made from 100% organic cotton. They are made from a really breathable fabric, come in standard crib size and mini crib size, and are really affordable!
They also have a lot of really adorable options to choose from plus lots of solid color options.
Tip
This tip is an absolute game changer and a must know for every new parent! When making your baby’s bed, start with a waterproof mattress cover and then put your favorite fitted crib sheet on top. The mattress cover will protect your baby’s crib mattress in case of any diaper leaks or other messes.
THEN, put another mattress cover on top of the fitted sheet. And then another fitted crib sheet. You will now have two sets of mattress covers and fitted sheets.
Now, if your baby spits up or has a major diaper blowout in the middle of the night, all you have to do is pull the top fitted sheet and mattress cover off. And you have a perfect set of fresh sheets already ready to go on your baby’s bed.
You will be so thankful you did this the first time your baby has one of these middle of the night incidents and you’re exhausted.
What Size Crib Sheet Do I Need?
There are two main types of crib mattresses: a standard crib mattress and a mini crib mattress. It’s important when choosing a fitted crib sheet for your baby’s mattress that you know what size to purchase. This is so you can ensure there is a tight fit and it safely fits the mattress.
Standard Crib Sheet
A standard crib sheet measures 52 inches by 28 inches. Make sure when buying for your standard crib mattress that you check the dimensions to ensure it’s the proper size.
Mini Crib Sheet
A mini crib sheet typically measures 24 inches by 38 inches. When purchasing a crib sheet for a mini crib mattress, be sure to buy a mini crib sheet and not a standard crib sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many crib sheets to put on registry?
I think it depends on how many you plan to use! If you plan to change them frequently, 3-5 crib sheets is a good range. Especially because you can pick different patterns and colors to match the nursery. People love buying the cute stuff!
How often to change crib sheets?
At least once a week! And any time your baby soils their sheets with spit up, drool, sweat, or diaper leaks!
Just know that whatever you choose, there is no right or wrong answer to how many crib sheets you should have. You can start with a few and decide from there if you’d like to have more on hand from your personal experiences! You can always purchase additional sheets later! Hopefully, after reading this post you will have a better idea of what will fit your family!
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