You have so many decisions to make as a parent. Whether you are a mom-to-be or a veteran of parenthood, it can be overwhelming. It’s a good idea to get organised early.
Don’t get me wrong – things are not going to go to plan. Being a parent is a beautiful mess, and you can’t control everything. The most important thing to focus on is that your baby is happy and safe.
With that in mind, we have done endless research on the safest baby products, so you don’t have to! We all know the holy trinity of products: a crib, a stroller, and a car seat. However, for newborns, it’s important to remember the details. Your baby’s bedding should meet the current safety standards and choosing the correct crib sheet is essential.
Here is your ultimate guide to the safest crib sheets to foster a comfortable sleep for your little one.
Guide to this post:
- Are crib sheets safe?
- Should you use sheets on a bassinet?
- What is the best material for crib sheets?
- Top 5 safest crib sheets sets
- Recommended safe bedding for bassinets
Are crib sheets safe?
When your design your baby’s nursery, you may be thinking of what looks good. Nesting and feeling excited is a joyous part of the process, but a pleasant design is the icing on the cake. It’s essential also to consider what is safe for your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that the safest crib sheets for a newborn are fitted sheets on a firm mattress, with no other bedding or soft toys in the crib [1]. Try to avoid deals that include crib bumpers, sleep positioners, or extra blankets for the crib. These can all contribute to sleep-related infant deaths.
The AAP [1] warns that unsafe bedding is still on sale across America. Some cheaper and poorly constructed products can increase the likelihood of accidental injury or death. In other words, crib sheets are safe – if you choose the correct one.
See more on safe crib environments here.
Should you use sheets on a bassinet?
Many parents think you cannot use sheets on a bassinet. This is simply untrue.
Sheets are an important part of the comfort and hygiene of your baby’s sleep routine. They act as a gentle barrier between the mattress and your baby’s skin. Sheets make cleaning up any leakage or spit-up quick and easy.
It is critical to know that bassinets are a different size to cribs. The safest crib sheets in the world are not safe for your baby if they don’t correctly fit the bassinet mattress. The Consumer Product Safety Commission lists mattress size recommendations that you can reference when buying your sheets [2].
If you are still unsure, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has comprehensive advice on safe sleep practices.
What is the best material for crib sheets?
The material of your chosen crib sheet is just as important as the size. Breathable crib sheets help prevent overheating at night, and certain fabrics hold up better after repeated washes. Choosing the appropriate material is essential to finding the safest crib sheets for your newborn.
So how do you know which fabric is best? Crib sheets generally come in four different types of fabric:
- Cotton is the most breathable fabric and helps keep your baby from sweating too much. It’s a durable fabric that holds up well to washing and is hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation. The drawback is it can be scratchy and itchy in the beginning and can wrinkle easily.
- Polyester is a more affordable choice if you are on a budget. It’s a synthetic fabric that is soft, easy to clean and doesn’t wrinkle easily. However, be careful using it during the summer as it’s not as breathable as cotton.
- Flannel is a cosy and robust fabric that is ideal if you live in a cold climate. It’s known to be one of the most durable fabrics. The drawback here is it’s not a year-round fabric and should be kept away for the winter months.
- Bamboo is becoming more popular for eco-friendly parents. It is a natural, chemical-free fabric that is both breathable and kind to the environment. Although it is a durable fabric, it may show wear and tear faster than cotton or polyester.
Top 5 safest crib sheet sets
Now for the real reason that you’re here! Here is our list of the top five safest crib sheets.
1. Best Overall: Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton Crib Sheet $18
You will find this organic cotton crib sheet on almost every list there is. That is because it is a great all-rounder.
The Burt’s Bees crib sheets are soft, hard-wearing, and stylish to boot. They are an affordable option that is perfect for parents on a budget. The essential stripe is suitable for all gender identities. It is fully elasticated and will fit snugly into your crib mattress. It is noted as one of the best crib sheets wirecutter recommends.
Purchase this crib sheet on buybuyBaby. Or, if you are looking for a gift set, try this organic muslin crib sheets bundle.
2. Best Organic: Goumi Crib Sheets in Abstract Floral $28.50
The Goumi crib sheets are made from bamboo and an organic cotton blend to ensure your newborn stays comfy and cool all night long.
They come in a range of modern prints and colours, but we love this abstract floral print. They are pre-washed and fit many standard-size cribs. The Goumi crib sheets keep your baby warm in the winter months and cool in the summer. The fabric is antimicrobial and chemical-free to help prevent any skin irritants or allergic reactions.
They are a great purchase if you are looking for an organic sheet that is still soft and comfortable.
3. Best Comfort: American Baby Company Cotton Jersey Crib Sheet $28
If you want your baby’s bed to be as comfortable as your own, then look no further than the American Baby Company.
These cribs sheets contain breathable polyester sandwiched between organic cotton. This design ensures the fabric is both soft and lightweight. It features a waterproof layer that keeps your baby’s skin safe from any leaks during the night.
Most importantly, these crib sheets come with elastic all the way around for a tight fit and safely snug corners that aren’t going to budge.
Purchase the grey stars and moon design on amazon now.
4. Best Bamboo: Pure Bamboo Crib Sheets $28
While muslin crib sheets are top-rated, you can’t discount bamboo. These crib sheets have been growing in popularity over the past several years. The Pure Bamboo crib sheets are made from 100% organic bamboo, a sweat-wicking fabric that helps keep your baby safe and dry.
The fabric is surprisingly soft and is suitable for both warm and cold climates. They are environmentally friendly and sustainable for those parents that want to invest in the zero-waste movement.
Buy this crib sheet over on amazon.
5. Best Luxury: Solly Baby Crib Sheets $38
If you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious crib sheet, solly baby crib sheets are perfect for you. These lightweight and silky-soft crib sheets come in a range of stylish colours and trendy prints.
These crib sheets are custom made with individual designs and an all-around elasticated stretch to suit most crib sizes. They consist of a slimmer fabric for temperature control and suitable for year-round use. Although they are on the expensive side, they are a worthy investment that will stand up to regular washing and look good while doing it! Find your style over on solly baby today.
Recommended safe bedding for bassinets
Pediatrics recommend the safest crib sheet for your bassinet is a fitted sheet that meets the shape and dimensions of the mattress [3]. The good news is you are not limited to where you can buy these. You can buy from any brand so long as it effortlessly fits your bassinet mattress.
Aim for a combination of durability and softness. Don’t forget to test the bassinet sheet if you’re buying from a brand you have never used before. Sheets not pre-washed are more likely to shrink. Wash the sheet according to the manufacture guidelines and check if it still fits the mattress with ease. This test can help ensure the corners will not pop off as soon as you leave the room.
The correct baby bedding sets the tone for your newborn’s sleep schedule. Don’t waste time second-guessing yourself. A parent’s intuition is strong, especially in the first few weeks after birth. Choose from our comprehensive list of the safest crib sheets, and you can’t go wrong.
Hopefully, it won’t only be the baby catching that much-needed Zzzs!
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References
[1] American Academy of Pediatrics (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Available at: < https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162938 >
[2] The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (2020) Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products Information Center. Available at: < https://www.cpsc.gov/SafeSleep >
[3] Pediatric Patient Education (2020) Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation. Available at: < https://patiented.solutions.aap.org/handout.aspx?gbosid=156543 >
About the author
Sinead Carey is a part-time freelance writer and full-time nurse in Ireland. She is passionate about women’s health and enjoys writing for wellness, travel, and lifestyle brands. When she doesn’t have her head in a book, she spends time cuddling her Frenchie and eating Mexican food. Follow her on Instagram @carey_creative
