How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need?
Setting up your little one's crib can be emotional, especially if it's for your first child. You shouldn't overlook any aspect of your child's sleep environment, including the crib sheets. One question new parents can find themselves asking is, how many crib sheets will I need?
You should have at least 2-3 crib sheets on hand from the day you bring your baby home. That way, you'll always be ready for accidents with clean sheets.
Aside from deciding how many crib sheets to get, choosing the right ones can also get confusing. There are many options online and in stores. We're here to help you choose high-quality crib sheets that'll serve you through the early stages of parenting and on to toddlerhood. Read on to learn more about how many crib sheets you'll need and how to find the best ones for your baby.
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What Factors to Consider When Buying Crib Sheets
Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping in direct contact with their crib sheets (which can go on to fit their toddler mattress in the future). Getting the right crib sheets is an important investment in your little one's comfort and health. Here are a few factors to consider when buying crib sheets for your little one:
Non-Toxic and Free from Harmful Substances
Much like other baby products, picking crib sheets that are certified non-toxic ensures your child's safety. Look for crib sheets that are explicitly promoted as natural and hypoallergenic, ideally with additional safety certification For example, all WildBird Fitted Crib Sheets are OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning they're free from any hazardous substances and guaranteed safe for your little one.
Fabric Breathability for Temperature Regulation
Breathable natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or modal will help keep your baby cool and comfortable. Making sure your child's temperature is well-regulated can greatly reduce the risk of SIDS.
Choosing crib sheets made from hypoallergenic, natural textiles is important to prevent irritation to your baby's sensitive skin. All WildBird Crib Sheets are soft, comfortable, and made of hypoallergenic materials to protect your child as they sleep.
Fitted and Snug Fit
Loose sheets increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using fitted crib sheets. WildBird Fitted Crib Sheets feature sturdy seams and are designed to fit tightly over your baby's crib mattress, with a standard 28 by 52-inch design to fit most crib and toddler mattresses.
Visually Appealing Designs
If you want to maintain a cohesive theme in your home, picking stylish crib sheets is one thing to consider. Opt for gentle colors that'll help your child relax at bedtime.
How Many Crib Sheets Do I Really Need?
Depending on how you clothe your baby at bedtime and just how messy they are, the number of crib sheets you'll need can vary. Most parents find that having at least 2-3 sheets is ideal.
That said, you can't go wrong if you err on the side of caution. With more crib sheets, you'll be able to swap out bedding on a rotation and do laundry a little less often.
Here are a few more questions you may want to ask yourself when deciding how many sheets you will need:
- How often do you plan on changing the crib sheets? Some parents change their baby's sheets just once a week (especially if their babies are sleeping wearing full-coverage sleep sacks). Others change sheets every other day. The more often you want to change the sheets, the more of them you should have on hand, especially if you'd like to minimize how often you do the laundry.
- How messy does your baby get? Keeping your baby's sleeping area clean and hygienic is essential for their health. Some babies spit a lot or are prone to diaper leaks. This means more sheet changes.
- Does your baby have sensitive skin? If your baby has skin conditions like eczema, you may need to change out their sheets more often to avoid the build-up of potential irritants.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the number of crib sheets you'll need to get depends a lot on your baby and your personal preferences. Start with at least 2-3 sheets, so you always have a replacement for laundry days and messy accidents.
Make sure to choose hypoallergenic crib sheets made of safe, natural materials that won't irritate your little one's skin. All WildBird Crib Sheets are created of natural, baby-safe fabrics like our breathable trademarked CloudBlend or a linen-cotton blend. They'll help your baby sleep comfortably whether it's summer or winter, and come in classic patterns that'll elevate your home.
FAQ
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What Size Crib Sheet Do I Need?
Standard crib sheets come in a universal size. These dimensions are typically 28” wide and 52” long. Since toddler beds are usually the same size as standard crib mattresses, you can choose to reuse your baby's crib sheets. If you have a mini crib mattress, you may need 24” x 38” sheets instead.
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How do I know if a crib sheet is truly organic and certified?
When shopping for crib sheets, check the product descriptions for reputable certifications and materials. Look for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification to confirm that sustainably sourced organic cotton was used in the crib sheets. The OEKO-TEX Standard is another recognized certification that ensures the fabric used is free from any harmful substances.
Sheets made from natural fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or linen can be something you look for.
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Can I use organic crib sheets with any type of crib mattress?
Yes, as long as your crib sheets are the right size for your crib mattress.
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How often should crib sheets be changed?
Whenever your baby's crib sheets get dirty from diaper leaks or drool, you should probably change them out . Some parents swap out crib sheets at least once a week if their baby doesn't have skin conditions and isn't prone to mess.
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What's the best material for crib sheets?
Natural fabrics that promote airflow and regulate your baby's temperature are recommended. Cotton and linen are especially great for keeping your baby cool in summer and cozy in winter. In warmer climates, Tencel and Modal fabric are moisture-wicking, incredibly soft, and hypoallergenic.
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Should I buy fitted or flat crib sheets?
Fitted crib sheets have elastic corners that make them easy to change out. They also fit snugly on your baby's crib mattress, minimizing any risk of entanglement. Flat crib sheets are a simple rectangular fabric that is usually folded over the mattress. Because flat sheets can become loose more easily, they're best avoided.