Crib sheets come in several sizes, fabrics, and styles. So how do you find the right style for your baby’s bed?
With many babies between us, our team of moms has plenty of experience shopping for crib sheets. We’ve learned how to shop for the correct size and avoid poor-quality sheets that pill, tear, or keep popping off the mattress.
We’ll explain the difference between standard and mini sizes and discuss which fabric options to choose from. We’ll review the best crib sheets we’ve found for every situation to help you find the perfect fit for your baby’s mattress.
- 100% organic cotton
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Deep pockets for staying put
- Super soft, velvety chenille
- May help baby self-soothe
- Choose from many colors and prints
- Deep 10-inch pockets
- Pre-shrunk
- Fully elasticized
- Beautiful design
- Machine washable
- Microfiber
- Jersey knit material
- Fit mini cribs of various depths
- Budget-friendly
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- 300 thread count
- Hypoallergenic
- Complies with CPSC requirements
- Soft sateen finish
- Two per pack
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we utilize a thorough analysis and hands-on experience to evaluate the best crib sheets, ensuring that our readers can trust our findings. Our research process includes comparing various products based on criteria such as material, comfort, safety, and durability. We measure the performance of each crib sheet through a series of tests, ranking them based on key decision-making factors. Our professional assessment also examines design choices and their effect on users. By providing first-hand evidence and quantitative measurements, we identify the top crib sheets that set themselves apart from competitors, ultimately helping you make the best choice for your little one.
The Best Baby Crib Sheets of 2024
Now that you know what materials to look for, let’s go through our top picks for crib sheets. These sheets are super cute, soft and cozy, and safe for your baby’s skin.
Pickle & Pumpkin Pack 'n Play Mattress Sheet
Best Organic Cotton Crib Sheets
These organic sheets, made for mini cribs or playpens, are ultra soft, making them great for your baby’s sensitive skin. They are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified and made from hypoallergenic 100% organic jersey cotton. They don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
With a tight weave and 6-inch pockets, the cut of these sheets makes them fit the mattress snugly, but you won’t have to struggle to change the bed.
Because they come prewashed, there won’t be any shrinking after you wash them for the first time. Plus, you can wash them in your washer and dryer. These sheets are an eco-friendly option and come with two to a pack.
The gender-neutral design is great if you want to pass on all your baby stuff later.
Pros
- 100% organic cotton.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Deep pockets for staying put.
- Cute design.
- Prewashed.
Cons
- Only for smaller cribs or play yards.
Our Ratings
User Experience
American Baby Company Chenille Fitted Crib Sheet
Best Winter Crib Sheets
American Baby Company has created a standard-size, cozy chenille sheet made from polyester. With this super-soft material that feels more like a stuffed animal than a crib sheet, your baby will be happy to snuggle up in their bed.
The softness of the fabric can help your baby self-soothe, especially if they’re inclined to rub soft items with their fingertips. My daughter was a thumb sucker and needed a “soft thing” at bedtime. These sheets fit the bill!
The material is durable and machine washable, and the deep 9-inch pockets are a good fit for most standard crib mattresses. There are many colors to choose from, making it easy to match a crib sheet to your nursery decor.
Pros
- Super soft, velvet-like material.
- May help your baby self-soothe.
- Deep 9-inch pockets.
- The company offers other linens to match.
Cons
- Must be washed on a cold cycle.
- May be too warm for some climates.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Trend Lab Deluxe Flannel Fitted Crib Sheet
Best Flannel Crib Sheets
These crib sheets are super soft and made from a high-quality 100% cotton flannel. Even though they’re flannel, there is minimal pilling, even after multiple washes.
They come pre-shrunk with an elasticized fitting to help them stay put. The 10-inch deep pockets will keep them securely fitted on a standard-size crib mattress.
Due to their thickness, they may be a good fit for those that live in chillier climates, but you might be able to use them all year round. Additional colors and prints are available, but these elephants are too sweet.
Pros
- Washes well.
- Super soft, 100% cotton.
- Deep 10-inch pockets.
- Pre-shrunk.
- Fully elasticized.
Cons
- Might be too big for thinner mattresses.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
The Peanutshell Aflutter Crib Bedding Set
Best Polyester Crib Sheets
These are super soft sheets made from 100% polyester fabric, which is easy to care for. They’re breathable and help wick moisture away from your baby’s skin. The floral pink color is perfect for any baby girl’s bedroom.
The material is sturdy and will hold up well to regular washing without pilling or tearing. This is important if you have kids like mine that had a habit of over-filling their diapers!
They’ll keep your baby warm in the cooler months without causing sweating.
Pros
- Pink and flowery.
- Machine washable.
- Full bedding set included.
Cons
- No gender-neutral print options.
- Included quilt is quite small.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Brolex Portable Mini Crib Sheets
Best Mini Crib Sheets
Made from a stretchy jersey knit, these mini crib sheets will go easy on your baby’s delicate skin. Plus, they fit most mini crib mattresses without bunching or pulling. The patterned designs are vibrant, sweet, and modern.
While the material is soft, it has enough stretch to fit a 3-inch or even a 5-inch deep mini crib mattress. The sheets are machine washable and hold up well after multiple rounds through the washing machine.
Many options for the mini crib sheets can often feel lower in quality; however, you won’t have this issue with these. Two colors are available, so these are worth checking out if you often travel or use a Pack’ n Play. Sold in a set of two.
Pros
- Variety of cute and unique prints.
- Fit mini cribs of various depths.
- Easy to care for.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- Only available in the smaller size.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Pure Bamboo Sheets
Best Bamboo Crib Sheets
These sheets, available in 12 beautiful colors, are made from organic pure bamboo. They’ve been tested for over 100 harmful chemicals, so you can rest assured they are a safe, healthy, and eco-friendly option.
These sheets are cool and breathable. The fabric is thermo-regulating, so it keeps your baby cool while they sleep, no matter the season. It has moisture-wicking properties, and since bamboo is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, it’s great for babies with sensitive skin.
Overall, the Pure Bamboo Sheets can provide your baby a comfortable and blissful night of sleep. They’re lush and soft, so going to bed at night can be relaxing and dreamy.
Pros
- 100% organic.
- Hypoallergenic.
- 300 thread count.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking.
Cons
- They fit some cribs too tightly, and the elastic may break.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
TillYou Printed Hypoallergenic Sheets
Best Hypoallergenic Crib Sheets
These sheets are made with organic cotton and pass the CPSC’s test for children’s products (1). That means they’re safe and don’t include any harmful chemicals.
The company uses an exclusive weaving and brushing process to give the sheets a soft finish. They recommend washing the sheets on cold, followed by a tumble dry without heat as they tend to shrink if warm water or heat is used. The set includes a reusable storage bag to keep them safe when not in use.
If your little one has sensitive skin, you’ll really like that no pesticides were used while growing the cotton. The fabric is hypoallergenic, and the simple prints are cute enough without being overwhelming.
Pros
- 100% organic and hypoallergenic.
- Complies with CPSC requirements.
- Soft sateen finish.
- Simple designs.
- Two per pack.
Cons
- The dyes may run a little in the wash.
- They will likely shrink if washed on warm or heat dried.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Best Crib Sheet Materials
Crib sheets are usually made with one of four different types of fabric: cotton, polyester, bamboo, or flannel. Some sheets may be a blend of these fabrics or contain a little spandex for stretchiness.
Cotton
Cotton is the standard for crib sheets. It’s a soft, breathable fabric that won’t cause your little one to sweat too much. If the cotton is organic, even better. This means fewer chemicals are involved, thus preventing the likelihood of allergic reactions or skin irritations (2).
Cotton is a durable fabric that holds up well to repeated washing, and it doesn’t attract much lint, which keeps it looking fresh for longer. The one downside to cotton is that it tends to wrinkle easily. So if you want that perfect-looking crib with a smooth sheet, you may have to drag out the iron. However, most crib sheets fit so tightly on the mattress that wrinkles are not noticeable.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric used in all types of materials, clothing, and bedding sets. It’s generally a cheaper option than organic cotton or other natural fabrics. While polyester sheets might not sound like the epitome of comfort, you may be surprised at how soft they can be.
There are super-soft satin, microfiber, and chenille sheets made from polyester. These types of sheets won’t wrinkle as much as cotton, and they’re just as easy to clean. Plus, they hold up well with frequent washing.
The downside to polyester is that it isn’t quite as breathable as cotton. Polyester crib sheets work best as winter sheets if your baby gets hot easily.
Bamboo
For parents who want to stick with eco-friendly or natural fibers, bamboo may be the choice for you. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular alternatives to cotton. Bamboo has a relatively small environmental impact and can be farmed easily (3).
You can find these types of sheets in many colors and styles, and they’re soft. The downside to bamboo is that it may show wear a little quicker than polyester or cotton.
However, if you’re trying to maintain a green household, bamboo sheets are a good option as they’re both environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.
Flannel
While flannel can be made from cotton or polyester, it’s still worth mentioning here. There are plenty of flannel crib sheets available, and they’re a soft and cozy addition to the bedroom.
Even though it’s a warm material, it is also relatively lightweight. Durability won’t be an issue here, as flannel is known for staying strong. The biggest downside is that flannel sheets may be too warm for the warmer months.
Sizing Your Crib Sheets
When perusing baby linens, you’ll generally see crib sheets labeled as “standard” or “mini” sized. So, what’s the difference?
1. Standard Crib Mattress
“Standard” isn’t a marketing word thrown around by crib makers. There actually is a standard size: 28 inches wide by 52 inches long.
The federal government requires a standard crib mattress size for safety (4). This law reduces the risk of being trapped between the mattress and the crib. Any standard crib mattress will fit most cribs snugly and securely.
This standard for mattresses also means there’s a standard for crib sheets. This makes it much easier to find one that’s guaranteed to fit.
The depth of a standard mattress can vary slightly, so measure yours to find the optimal size. Sheets with deeper pockets will usually stay put a little better, especially if your mattress is on the thicker side.
2. Mini Crib Mattress
The mini crib mattress is another matter. They’re smaller than the standard-size mattress, by up to 20 inches. Mini crib mattresses will come in different depths, usually between five and six inches deep, so be sure to measure your mattress before purchasing sheets.
You won’t be able to use standard crib sheets on your mini crib mattress; having excess material in the crib can be a safety hazard.
Crib Sheets FAQs
How Many Sheets Do I Need for Bedside Crib?
For a bedside crib, having 2-3 sheets is typically enough. This allows for one in the crib, one in the wash, and a spare in case of nighttime accidents or spills.
Should I Wash Crib Sheets Before Use?
Yes, you should wash crib sheets before use. This helps remove any residual chemicals from manufacturing and makes them softer and gentler for your baby’s skin.
Do You Need Waterproof Crib Sheets?
It’s not essential, but waterproof crib sheets can be very convenient for parents. They protect the mattress from spills and accidents, making clean-up easier and extending the life of the mattress.
What Is the Safest Material for Crib Sheets?
The safest material for crib sheets is natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, which are breathable and free from chemicals. Organic materials are also a great choice for avoiding potential irritants.
Can You Reuse Crib Sheets?
Yes, you can always reuse crib sheets as long as they are in good condition, without tears or thinning fabric. Regular washing and proper care will extend their lifespan.
