These Are the Best Crib Sheets for a Safe and Comfortable Baby

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When decorating a new baby’s nursery, it’s imperative to focus on safety, particularly when choosing bedding for your infant. The safest sleeping setup is a fitted sheet on a firm crib mattress without any other bedding, stuffed animals, or decorations in the crib. It's important to have nothing else in the crib beyond the fitted sheet, and making sure it is indeed the right size for your specific crib, to reduce the risks of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

With those considerations in mind, there are many adorable (and safe) crib sheets available that match any style, budget, and preference. Whatever crib sheet you choose, aim to have a few extra for the inevitable middle-of-the-night sheet changes. Adding at least four crib sheets to a baby registry is a good start.

Here are the best crib sheets that put your baby's safety and comfort first.

Best Overall

Aden + Anais Essentials Classic Crib Sheet

4.6
aden + anais Essentials Classic Crib Sheet

Amazon

Pros
  • Made from 100% cotton muslin

  • Cute patterns

Cons
  • Not designed for mini cribs

We named 100% cotton muslin crib sheets our best overall because they are breathable and cozy. The open weave allows air to flow, keeping the baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This brand, which also makes popular cotton muslin swaddles, is known for its soft fabric and a wide variety of cute patterns, including unisex options.

Beyond the aesthetic, the sheets have substance. The crib bedding fits cots and mattresses up to 52" x 28" x 8", so security is top in mind. Furthermore, this Aden + Anais creation has consistent praise regarding its light weight yet durability. This means you'll be making a worthwhile, safe purchase.

Price at time of publication: $19

Best Organic

Burt's Bees Baby Organic Crib Sheet

Burt's Bees Baby Organic Crib Sheet

 Amazon

Pros
  • 24 different colors/patterns

  • Organic cotton

Cons
  • Only comes with one sheet

Sure to bring on sweet dreams, this 100% organic cotton fitted crib sheet is available in 24 different colors and patterns that’ll complement any nursery. Fully elasticized for a snug fit, this sheet will fit mattresses up to 6 inches deep. The jersey knit fabric has a warmer feel than woven cotton, making it a great choice for colder months of the year.

Price at time of publication: $20

Best Design

Brooklinen Crib Sheet Set

Crib Sheet Set

Brooklinen

Pros
  • 300-count cotton

  • Gentle for sensitive skin

Cons
  • Costly

A great option for design-minded parents, this set includes two sheets that you can mix and match as you please—or choose two of the same style. These Brooklinen sheets are made from 300-count cotton and feature a sateen weave, which makes them gentle enough for sensitive skin. The deep pockets help ensure a snug, smooth fit around your crib mattress.

Price at time of publication: $52

Best Splurge

Lovevery Organic Crib Sheets

Organic Crib Sheets

Lovevery

Pros
  • Hand-painted print

  • OEKO-TEX® certified

Cons
  • Costly

So you've found the perfect crib, now you need the perfect sheets. Your baby will sleep in style on these sheets that feature hand-painted prints specially made to provide them with visual stimulation. Made of 100% organic cotton, these crib sheets are OEKO-TEX® certified, so you know your baby will be safe from harmful chemicals and other irritants.

Best Bamboo

Loulou Lollipop Luxe Fitted Crib Sheet

Loulou Lollipop Luxe Fitted Crib Sheet

albeebaby

Pros
  • Soft

  • Cute design

Cons
  • Wash in cold water only

For a soft style and beautiful print, look no further than these crib sheets. Made of 70% rayon bamboo and 30% cotton, these silky smooth sheets look as good as they feel. The brand recommends washing in cold water only, so if the extra laundry instructions are too much to handle, you may want to choose a different crib sheet.

Price at time of publication: $28

Best Fitting

QuickZip Easy Change Crib Sheet

QuickZip Crib Sheet Set

Amazon

Pros
  • Concealed zipper

  • Allows for quick changing of sheets

Cons
  • Costly

  • Not designed for mini cribs or play yards

If changing sheets in the middle of the night is a regular occurrence, try these innovative quick-zip sheets. The patented design has a wraparound base that covers the bottom and sides of the mattress, so it holds the crib sheet in place with a concealed zipper. This innovative design fits standard crib mattresses and is compatible with mattress pads.

Price at time of publication: $55

Best Personalized

PipsyShop Personalized Fitted Crib Sheet

Personalized Fitted Crib Sheet

Etsy

Pros
  • Customizable

  • Handmade

Cons
  • Only fits standard U.S. crib mattresses

When it's time to set up the nursery or give a thoughtful gift, go with this beautiful, handmade, personalized fitted crib sheet. Made of a jersey knit and polyester blend, this sheet fits a standard crib mattress.

Simply order and provide the baby’s name and any special font or color requests and the sheet will be shipped in about a week. For a full gift set, there’s a matching milestone blanket and Christmas ornament from the same Etsy seller.

Price at time of publication: $68

Best Flannel

Trend Lab Scandi Forest Deluxe Flannel Fitted Crib Sheet

Trend Lab Scandi Forest Deluxe Flannel Fitted Crib Sheet

Kohl's

Pros
  • Great for cold nights

  • Fully elasticized

Cons
  • May be too warm for hot nights

Made from 100% cotton flannel, this crib sheet is soft, comfortable, and perfect for nights you need a little extra warmth for your little one. It’s machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about any special cleaning instructions. You’ll also see it’s fully elasticized, giving it a secure fit on a standard crib mattress. 

Price at time of publication: $20

Final Verdict

For breathable and cozy sheets, check out Aden + Anais Essentials Classic Crib Sheet (view at Amazon). The open weave allows air to flow, keeping the baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For crib sheets perfect for photo opportunities, consider PipsyShop Personalized Fitted Crib Sheet (view at Etsy). Simply order this customizable crib sheet and provide the baby’s name and any special font or color requests.

What to Look for in Crib Sheets

Fit

Before purchasing a crib sheet, you want to ensure it will fit the baby’s crib mattress. The size of crib sheets will depend on what type of sleep space your child has, such as a standard crib, mini crib, or play yard (such as a Pack 'N Play). Each of these three types of sleep spaces has different dimensions, and it's important to ensure the crib sheet will fit snugly. 

Crib sheets that don’t fit properly on a crib mattress pose a suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment risk and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is why it’s vital you get the correct measurements from your crib mattress before buying sheets. Having the proper fit will ensure your baby is safe during any nap or nighttime sleep.

Material

The type of material you prefer for a crib sheet will depend on the climate where you live. Some sheets are designed with fabric meant for colder nights while others have material that is more breathable for warm nights. You'll also need fabric that stands up to repeat washing and is easy to care for.

Quality

Your little one will be sleeping on a crib mattress for two to three years, so finding crib sheets that last will save you money in the long run. You may even be able to use the sheets again with a younger sibling. 

Look for crib sheets that are sturdy, stain-resistant, and machine-washable. These will make your life easier when it comes to maintenance. Following the manufacturer's care instructions will help keep the sheets in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many crib sheets do I need?

    The number of crib sheets you need largely depends on your personal choice and how much you value the convenience of having multiple sheets. Ideally, you may want to have at least three sheets so that one can be in the wash, one can be on the crib, and you'll still have one spare in case the one you're using gets dirty.

  • How often should I change crib sheets?

    Just like your own sheets, you'll want to change crib sheets when they get dirty. Babies don't tend to get very dirty, so you might not need to change them very often. Every week or so is a good rule. However, if your baby spits up or has a diaper accident in the crib, you'll need to change the sheets more often.

  • Will crib sheets work in a Pack 'N Play?

    Use sheets that fit the dimensions of the Pack 'N Play you are using. Some crib sheets may work in a play yard, but you'll need to ensure that the sheet fits snugly with no excess material that could bunch up. Excess material is not safe in a baby's sleeping space as it increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation.

  • Do crib sheets fit all cribs?

    No, all crib sheets do not fit all cribs. Cribs and crib sheets come in a variety of dimensions. So, be sure the measurements of your sheets match the dimensions of your crib and crib mattress before purchasing them.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Beautiful crib sheets can liven up a baby’s nursery and her only tip is to make sure you have plenty on hand in an easy-to-grab spot since almost all parents are likely to find themselves changing crib sheets in the middle of the night.

1 Source
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.