You’ve got the crib or bassinet and now you’re figuring out how many crib or bassinet sheets you need. Crib and bassinet bedding is essential if you want to keep your baby snug and cosy while sleeping. The type of bedding you need is one challenge but the next challenge is deciding how many sheets to keep in the nursery.
I’m not only talking about how many crib or bassinet sheets you need but I’m also going to explain why these sheets are a must-have. I’ll help you decide which ones are best for you and why having more than less comes in handy in some situations.
How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? Why SO Many?
If you’re planning to change your baby’s bedding every day, then you’ll need more than five crib or bassinet sheets. Most parents find they only need to change their baby’s linen every second or third day. If you fall in this camp, then you’re safe with up to two or three crib sheets.
Deciding how many crib sheets you need really depends on how often you like to wash bedding. If you’re changing your baby’s crib twice a week then two to three sets of crib sheets will be enough.
But, if you’re big on changing your baby’s crib every day, then you’ll need to have five to seven crib sheets on hand. This allows you to still only do one or two washes a week, knowing you have spare sheets in the cupboard.
Sleep experts will tell you changing your sheets once a week is a good idea. You’ll be amazed what gathers in your bedding (think dust, pollen, dust mites, sweat, pet hairs, need I say more?). It’s advisable to have at least two sets of bed sheets for adults.
So, why should it be any different for your baby? Just because they’re way smaller than you, it doesn’t mean they need less items! In fact, babies can be quite messy so having more bedding for their cribs is a good idea
Why SO Many?
Anything between three to seven crib sheets may sound a bit extravagant. But, I’m serious about keeping it simple as a parent and having more than less makes sense. Plus, the more you wash fabric items, the more wear and tear you get. So, alternating the number of times you wash a sheet will keep them in good nick for longer.
You also need to consider the age of your baby. Younger babies may have more blow-outs while toddlers may be starting to potty train. All of these factors impact how many times you’ll be changing your baby’s crib sheets.
If your baby is a heavy wetter there may be more leakage during the night. Have you noticed how much your baby drools or spits up while lying in their crib? Your dimpling darling can be quite a messy creature! All the more reason why more than one crib sheet is vital in every nursery’s linen cupboard.
How Many Bassinet Sheets Do I Need?
When asking how many bassinet sheets you need, you may think you can get away with one sheet. Bassinets are often used for newborn and smaller babies. You may think your newborn stays clean but they do sweat a lot. This is because their first months are spent, a lot of the time, lying on their backs.
Having two to three bassinet sheets won’t go amiss. You could bring the number up to five but remember, your baby may transition to a crib at around six months old. So, if you’re wanting to save some money, don’t splurge out on too many bassinet sheets for the first six months.
Why Do I Need Crib or Bassinet Sheets?
Are you wondering if crib or bassinet sheets are even necessary? Especially if your baby is wrapped in a swaddle blanket or the mattress has a soft, fabric lining.
Mattress Protection
The first thing you need to know about crib and bassinet sheets is they’re designed to protect the crib or bassinet mattress. This means the mattress will last longer. Some crib and bassinet sheets come with a waterproof lining sewn in at the bottom of the sheet. Try out Ely’s & Co Bassinet Waterproof Bassinet Sheet as an option for your baby’s bassinet.
Less Sweating
The materials used to make crib sheets often give your baby more breathability. In other words, they’ll help keep your baby cool and minimize the amount of sweating they do. The Pobi Baby Fitted Crib Sheets for Standard Crib Mattress allow for breathability with its ultra-soft cotton blend.
Safer Fit
Crib and bassinet sheets are often made with a fitted style. This means they have an elastic bottom (and sometimes, straps) for fitting the sheet snugly over the mattress. This keeps the sheet tight and prevents it from bundling up every time your baby moves. Fitted crib or bassinet sheets are safer for your baby.
The American Baby Company Cotton Value Jersey Knitted Standard Crib Sheet is a good option for standard cribs with its well-fitting features.
Watch this video to find out how you can keep your baby safe while they’re in the crib or bassinet.
Crib and Bassinet Sheets: How to Pick the Best One
Use this features guideline to help you pick the best crib or bassinet sheet for your baby’s bed.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Comfort/material type | - Breathability and comfort is important. - 100% cotton will keep your baby cool and dry during summer months. It’s also hypoallergenic. - Polyester is good for heat retention and no wrinkling but has less breathability. - Flannel or fleece type fabrics are great for the colder months. |
| Absorbency | - Cotton sheets offer more absorbency than any other type of material |
| Size | - Measure your crib or bassinet mattress before buying sheets. - Standard crib sheets measure around 52 inches x 28 inches. - Mini crib sheets measure around 38 inches x 24 inches. |
| Safety | - Fitted sheets are safer than non-fitting sheets. |
| Waterproof | - Some crib sheets come with a waterproof lining on the bottom of the sheet. - Offers extra protection to the mattress - Saves money on buying a separate mattress protector |
| Organic | - Look for the OEKO-Tex or GOTS label to confirm you’re getting an organic textile product - No harmful chemicals are using in making these sheets - They’re eco-friendly |
Crib Sheets and Sick Babies
Having more than two crib sheets will come in handy when your baby is sick. While we don’t like to think of this possibility, our babies are prone to infections and other illnesses. To help your baby heal and to stay healthy, you’ll need to change their bedding often during sick periods.
Having more crib or bassinet sheets will help ease your anxiety while dealing with a sick baby.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on how many crib sheets or bassinet sheets you need depends on a number of factors.
If you’re changing your baby’s bedding two times a week, then two to three crib sheets are perfect. But, if you’re changing bedding every day, you’ll need five to seven sheets.
Let me know how many crib sheets you keep in your home. Please feel free to add your comments or thoughts in my comments section below.
