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How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? (Advice From a Mom)

How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? (Advice From a Mom)

Crib sheets are just one of the many things on any new mom’s registry list and they often get lost in the shuffle of nursery decor, diapers, and cute onesies. But they are practical and you won’t want to bring home your sweet new baby without having some crib sheets on hand. So here’s the real question – how many crib sheets does a new mom really need?

Here’s the short answer: The rule of thumb is that parents should get three to five fitted crib sheets in the event of an accident during the night. Crib sheets should be changed once or twice weekly for hygienic reasons and immediately for spit-ups or leaks. Crib sheets should comply with AAP regulations, fit snugly, and be breathable.

How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need?

The excitement of getting your new bundle of joy’s crib and room ready is part of the new mom experience. Your heart swells as you imagine your new precious baby lying in the crib. Let’s get into all the details related to crib sheets so you can be confident knowing how many crib sheets you need, when they need to be changed, and for what reasons. 

When you search parenting forums and look at what they recommend around crib sheets, you will get many different answers and many people say it all comes down to preference.

Although this is true, there are a certain number of sheets you must have when preparing for a newborn. The ideal number of crib sheets we recommend to new moms is between 3 and 5. 

Others might say that is way too many, but let’s look at why you need to change your crib sheets and why 3 to 5 is the perfect number to keep your baby safe and your laundry duties to a minimum.

Reasons To Change Crib Sheets

Why would you need three to five crib sheets? It’s the perfect number for four specific reasons.

Reason #1: General Hygiene

Hygiene is the first and most important reason to change crib sheets. Not only visible stains but those micro bacteria on your baby’s clothes from hands picking them up or milk stains on their clothes.

Replacing the crib sheet twice a week ensures your crib’s hygiene meets the standard and protects the mattress from the same germs. Reason number 1 might have you thinking, but shouldn’t two sheets be enough? But then comes the other reasons for sheet changes.

Reason #2: Soiling The Crib Sheets

Newborns are cute and tiny but their bowels and digestive system aren’t yet fully developed and accidents are plenty. As a new mom, you must remember that your baby was in the womb, never having to eat or drink and never feeling the need to burp.

Now comes the big world, full of gas, hunger, and cramps – things that weren’t there before, and they still need to learn to control these reflexes.

Reason number two for sheet changes will obviously be milk burps or the struggle to keep the milk in because there is one hidden burp event the most skilled burper couldn’t get out. You won’t have to worry about having enough sheets in the middle of the night if you have three to five in the cupboard—one less thing to worry about when you want to get back to bed ASAP. 

Reason #3: Washing Capacity

Not all moms have the time, energy, and capacity to wash a crib sheet daily. Besides that, the quality and feel of a crib sheet does degrade a little after every wash. However, if you have three to five crib sheets, you can wash bedding once a week and be sure to have enough in the cupboard for your changing needs.

The correct washing liquid is also essential when washing your baby’s sheet. The same goes for crib sheets as with baby clothes – a delicate detergent that is perfect for sensitive skin is recommended and can be expensive. Thus, washing once a week can save you in the long run.

Reason #4: Traveling With A Baby

Traveling with a baby feels like going away for a month, even though it is only for a weekend. The pack-n-play needs to go, seating, carriers, bathing equipment, and the sheets. 

A scenario that can happen quite too often – even in the midst of a trip – is the dreaded tummy bug. When this happens, every single extra sheet and pillow case comes in handy.

Addition, the place where you stay during your travels won’t always have access to a washer and dryer. Packing enough crib sheets will keep your baby comfortable and give you time to find a place to wash the dirty ones. 

The point is: you never know what will happen when traveling, especially with babies. Play it safe by packing more sheets and pillowcases than you think you will need.

How To Choose The Best Crib Sheets

With the many different crib sheet options available on the market, choosing the best crib sheet for your baby can be tricky. You can get one that tucks in under the mattress and you can also get fitted sheets. Additionally, all sheets come in different custom sizes for the different mattresses available. 

Thankfully guidance provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides clarity on what you really need. According to the newly updated regulations by the AAP, a fitted sheet is recommended for a crib. Loose-fitting sheets or oversized sheets are not recommended as these can cause breathing obstructions for the baby.

Now, if you thought a fitted sheet was just a fitted sheet, think again. You can buy soft ones, organic ones, temperature colored fitted sheets, luxurious crib sheets, and those with custom designs. All of these options make it hard to decide which one is best. 

If your crib sheets meet the following criteria, they will be perfect for your crib:

  • Fit the mattress perfectly
  • Breathable material

Different measurements should be taken into account when you buy crib sheets. Cribs, bassinets, camp cots, and Moses baskets have unique mattress sizes.

Pack n Play sheet size: 24 x 38 inches

Moses basket sheet size: 13 x 27 inches

Bassinet sheet size: 27 x 39 inches

Standard crib sheet size: 28 x 52 inches

Extra length large crib sheet size: 28 x 55 inches

What About Waterproof Crib Sheets/ Mattress Protectors?

A mattress protector is essential to the bedding you require for a crib. It protects your mattress from various liquids and spills that often happen inside a crib, making a bedding change fast and efficient.

Our recommendation is to plan and budget to purchase at least two mattress protectors. Usually, any stains stay clear from the mattress protector if you change the fitted sheet immediately. Still, if you run into a big problem, the protector keeps the liquid away from the mattress.

One warning here – some companies currently claim to sell waterproof crib sheets, not mattress protectors. Please be careful before buying these. While the crib sheets may indeed be waterproof, are they also breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic? When shopping for fitted crib sheets, these questions should be top of mind. 

Great Options For Crib Bedding

Here are some of our recommended options for fitted crib sheets which are the only type of sheet recommended for use in cribs by the AAP. Before buying, please ensure you buy the correct size for your mattress’ unique size and dimensions. 

1. Organic cotton crib sheets – 100% organic cotton, pretty color and design options, and a great price. These organic cotton sheets are perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin and with over 14,000 five star reviews, it’s a fan favorite of countless new moms. 

2. Most famous crib sheets – If you have searched for crib sheets, you would have found Newton Baby sheets somewhere on a recommendation list. These are from muslin material, which is much more breathable than cotton, and regulates temperature better. They have two packs with beautiful colors and patterns to choose from. 

3. Super soft crib sheets – Eucalypso took a twist to a regular fitted sheet and made it smooth and delicate, almost like a cloud to sleep on. The sheets are made from TENCEL Lyocell fibers that recycle 99% water and natural eucalyptus wood. The softness is something out of this world, and they are hypoallergenic and control temperature very well.

4. Zipping crib sheets – These crib sheets are the new technology for crib sheets. By zipping them closed under the mattress, you ensure no sheet lifts or snaps when changing a sheet in the middle of the night or extra material ruffling up under the baby.

5. Beautiful design crib sheets – These sheets are perfect if you need something different or striking. You will find almost every design here, from leopard print, pizza, and cacti, to florals and amazing colors. 

6. Best Moses basket sheets – Because Moses basket sheets should be in an oval form and still fit to prevent choking, it can be hard to find the perfect match for your style and pocket. These are made from 100% organic jersey, the right size for a Moses basket, and the price makes them a steal.

7. Best bassinet crib sheets – The package of three with different patterns to choose from will make your life easier already. You can get by with three bassinet fitted sheets, which are only $27 (sometimes on sale for $17), which is a great bargain.

8. Best pack-n-play sheets – These are adorable in patterns and prints, with over twenty combo options. The two-pack will cost you $16, and you can happily grab two of these deals. The soft jersey knit material is delicate and perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin.

9. Best extra-length crib sheets – These sheets will be the best option because extra-length mattresses can vary greatly in width and length. You can custom-make your sheets by choosing the dimensions of your mattress, and they have many different colors and patterns to choose from.

10. Best waterproof fitted sheets – These zip around the mattress, protecting the bed from spills or leaks. You can use these alone as a sheet, but they only come in white for mini or standard cribs. The best would be to cover it with a fitted sheet to suit the room’s theme and keep it on as a protector only.

Conclusion

Buying baby gear can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t always have to be. Get 3-5 fitted cribs and you’ll be good to go knowing that your bundle of love can sleep safely at night. Happy crib sheet shopping, moms!