Help Your Little One Sleep Like a Baby With Super Soft Crib Sheets

We’re still not sure why ‘sleeping like a baby’ is supposed to mean someone slept well, since new parents know that no one is sleeping well for the first (insert timeline here). Weeks, months … years? It can be a struggle. But one thing that shouldn’t be a struggle is finding a sheet that not only fits the mattress in your child’s crib but is also gentle on their skin and easy for you to get on and off.

When looking at crib sheets, there are a few things to note. Consider these our crib sheets for crib sheets.

Terminology – You want a sheet for a crib mattress, not a playard mattress or a travel crib. These are different things and are typically much smaller than crib mattress sheets.

Sizing – A standard crib mattress is 27 1/4 inches x 51 5/8 inches, so be sure to check the dimensions of the sheet you’re buying. That includes depth too, since putting a fitted sheet on a crib mattress can be just as frustrating as putting a fitted sheet on a full-sized mattress. You may see some crib sheets listed as toddler sheets as well. Many toddler mattresses are the same size as crib mattresses now that baby furniture makers are creating cribs that can be converted into toddler beds. Some toddler mattresses are slightly bigger, so again, check your sizing.

Material – Most crib sheets are made from cotton and can be machine washed, but pay attention to washing instructions (warm vs. cold, dryer vs. no dryer) since a shrunken sheet means more fighting with your mattress. Muslin sheets are ideal for hot climates, while flannel can help provide some warmth during cold months.

Fit – New parents have likely been shellshocked by the amount of safety information around sleep and it’s important to take it all in and implement safe sleeping habits. One of those safety factors is ensuring your baby or toddler’s crib has a sheet that fits tightly to their mattress without any excess material. For this reason, opt for a sheet that has an elasticized bottom to help keep it in place. And remember, no B’s – blankets, bumpers, bears (stuffed animals) until your little one is at least 12 months old.

Quantity – You definitely want more than one crib sheet since leaks happen, sometimes twice in one night, so three sheets is an ideal number.

Parenting comes with lots of tough decisions, but crib sheets shouldn’t be one of them. Let us remove out the leg work with a list of the best crib sheets available today.

1. Cloud Island Pink Fitted Crib Sheet Floral

BEST OVERALL

Target’s Cloud Island line has no shortage of cute nursery sets and one of our favorites is their Pink Fitted Crib Sheet in Floral. The sweet design can be matched with a blanket, crib skirt, quilt, and even a onesie (don’t lose the baby in the crib!). The 100% cotton crib sheet is brushed for extra softness that is gentle on a baby’s skin and the sheet is made under OEKO-TEX Certification standards. We’ve had this sheet for three years, washed it weekly, and it still looks great. We look slightly older.

2. Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Fitted Crib Sheet

BEST ORGANIC SHEET

If your little one has sensitive skin, opting for organic products can help cut down on ingredients that may aggravate them. The Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Fitted Crib Sheet is an affordable sheet that is made from 100% organic ingredients and has a soft, jersey-knit finish that softens with each wash. The breathable, ring-spun cotton has extra stretch and we find it very easy to get on and off a standard crib mattress quickly, which is especially good if it’s been a wet sleep. If you know, you know.

3. Sammy & Lou Baby 2 Pack Fitted Crib Sheet

BEST GENDER NEUTRAL PATTERN

Are you one of those wild parents that opted to not find out their baby’s sex (raises hand — twice)? Contrary to popular belief, you can still be completely ready for your baby’s arrival even if you don’t know whether you’re having a girl or boy. We like the Sammy & Lou Baby 2 Pack Fitted Crib Sheet in light grey, which includes a sweet white design with ‘twinkle twinkle’ in cursive and a light grey sheet with moon and stars. Also a great option if you plan on having more than one kid and want to reuse the sheets, the two-pack of microfiber sheets fit a standard 8” crib mattress and can be machine washed.

4. Oilo Changing Pad Cover & Jersey Crib Sheet Set

BEST SET

For a nursery that is Pinterest-worthy, or at least makes it look like you kinda have your stuff together, we like the Oilo Changing Pad Cover & Jersey Crib Sheet Set. Available in several dreamy and sweet designs, the set includes a 100 % cotton sheet and a changing pad cover that are both made with a 300 thread count that your baby and their bottom (changing pad!) will love. The jersey knit finish is super soft and both items are machine washable.

5. Ely’s & Co. Waterproof Crib Sheet

BEST WATERPROOF OPTION

Parents have a lot to remember and they’re usually trying to remember things while very sleep deprived. Skip a step with Ely’s & Co. Waterproof Crib Sheet, which eliminates the need for a mattress cover. The sheets are lined with a TPU material that makes them waterproof, which helps to protect your baby’s mattress when (not if) things get wet. Available in several colors and patterns, the top of the sheets are finished with soft and high-quality jersey-knit cotton. The machine-washable sheet has an elastic band finish to keep a secure hold on the mattress and stay in place all night or naptime long.

6. Everyday Kids Two Pack Fitted Crib Sheet Set of 2

BEST BARGAIN

Whether you need extra sheets for daycare, grandma’s house, travel or you’re simply in the market for an affordable piece of bedding, we’ve got a set of sheets that hit the mark. The Everyday Kids Two Pack Fitted Crib Sheet Set of two is one of the best baby bargains around. Available in several fun designs and solid colors and with the option to get a matching changing pad cover and playard cover, the microfiber sheets are soft, fade-resistant, and have a full elastic trim to ensure the sheets stay in place.

7. SwaddleDesigns Cotton Muslin Fitted Crib Sheet

BEST FOR WARM WEATHER

For a sheet that will keep your little one comfortable year-round, we like the SwaddleDesigns Cotton Muslin Fitted Crib Sheet. The super-soft muslin fabric is one of the most breathable options available a keeps little ones cooler in warm weather. The pre-washed sheet has an elastic edge that keeps it in place and for those who like to match, SwaddleDesigns makes several muslin products, including a matching sleep sack, changing pad cover and blanket.

8. TILLYOU Flannel Cotton Fitted Crib Sheets

BEST FOR COOL WEATHER

It’s a good idea for babies and toddlers to always be a bit cool when sleeping, but if you live in a cold climate, create a safe and snuggling sleep environment that helps little ones rest easy. The TILLYOU Flannel Cotton Fitted Crib Sheets are 100% cotton, available in several solid colors, and boasts more warmth and softness than a typical cotton mattress thanks to their flannel finish. Gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin, the sheets are hypoallergenic and have an elastic bottom to help keep them in place.

9. QuickZip Crib Sheet System

FAST CHANGING DESIGN

There’s a lot of sheet changing that happens in the middle of the night and the faster parents can get baby into a clean diaper, set of clothes and sheets, the better chance everyone has of getting some sleep. The QuickZip Crib Sheet System features an innovative design that includes a sheet base that goes under the bottom of the mattress. The top of the sheet zips around the edge of the top of the mattress and the zipper is hidden from the baby. The old sheet can quickly be zipped off and replaced with a fresh, clean sheet in seconds without parents having to lift the mattress out of the crib to remove and replace a sheet.

10. Sweet Jojo Designs Watercolor Floral Corner Floral Crib Sheet

BEST FOR PICTURES

Taking growth pics of babies and toddlers is a fun way to see how quickly your little one is growing. One of the easiest ways to do that is with the Sweet Jojo Designs Watercolor Floral Corner Floral Crib Sheet, which creates a beautiful frame for your little one on picture day. The super-soft fitted sheet is made with 100% brushed microfiber and boasts a 200-thread count. The fully elasticized sheet is safe for the washing machine and fits standard mattresses up to 8” deep.

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