Crib sheets are important components of your baby’s crib, but purchasing the right number of crib sheets that fit your needs and your laundry schedule can be confusing.
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When you are getting ready to welcome new addition to your family, there are many things to think about. One of the most important is how you will keep your baby comfortable and safe while they sleep.
One of the most common items parents purchase for their newborns is crib sheets. And you ask yourself how many crib sheets do I need? Most parents start with just one sheet, but this turns out quickly not to be (nearly) enough.
In this blog post, we will discuss how many crib sheets you should have and what to look for when purchasing them.
Why Do You Need Crib Sheets?
Crib sheets are essential for a few reasons. The first is that they protect the mattress from becoming stained or wet. Second, they provide a layer of comfort for your baby. And finally, crib sheets can help regulate the temperature of your baby’s sleep environment.
Crib Sheets Cover and Protect Your Mattress
Crib sheets should be fitted to your mattress and cover it completely. This is important because it helps protect the mattress from becoming stained or wet. If you don’t have a fitted sheet, your baby’s liquids and solids can easily seep into the mattress, which can be difficult to clean and may lead to mold growth.
Crib Sheets Also Provide Comfort for Your Baby
In addition to protecting your mattress, crib sheets also provide a layer of comfort for your baby. They can help to regulate the temperature of your baby’s sleep environment and keep them comfortable throughout the night.
Fitted Crib Sheets Contribute to Your Baby’s Safety
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the place your baby sleeps in should be free from any objects that could potentially cause suffocation or strangulation. This includes loose blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. Crib sheets are not considered a choking hazard for babies because they fit snugly around the mattress with no gaps between it and the crib rails where small parts of your baby’s body could get trapped.
How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? the Golden Rule
Crib sheets are important components of your baby’s crib, but purchasing the right number of crib sheets that fit your needs and your laundry schedule can be confusing. Here is what we recommend.
Ideally, you will have three crib sheets on hand. This way, if one becomes dirty or wet, you have a backup. Some parents get by with only two crib sheets, but you run the risk of getting stuck with two soiled crib sheets and no backup. On the other end of the spectrum, five to seven crib sheets are how many you need if you plan on changing crib sheets every other day with a once-in-a-week laundry day.
3 Crib Sheets: The Golden Number
Three crib sheets are what we recommend you get crib sheets-wise. Babies often spit up, drool, or sweat during the night, which can stain or wet the sheet. The golden rule of 3 crib sheets works like this: one crib sheet that you can use while one is being washed and another one “just in case”. You can also rotate the crib sheets so that your baby has a fresh one every other day.
2 Crib Sheets: Doable but Tight
It may be tempting to only buy two crib sheets, but we recommend that you get three instead. Most parents start off with two crib sheets and quickly realize that this is not enough. If you are only going to have two crib sheets, make sure that one is always washed and ready to be used.
5 to 7 Crib Sheets: Plenty for Frequent Sheet Changing
If your baby is frequently wetting their bedding or if you live in a hot climate, you may need to get more than three crib sheets. This will allow you to wash the sheets less often and keep your baby’s sleep environment at a comfortable temperature. Having extra crib sheets also means you won’t find yourself in a situation where you have to do laundry just to wash the crib sheets. With seven crib sheets at your disposal, you will get through the week until laundry day, even if you’re changing sheets every day.
4 Top Reasons to Change Crib Sheets
It’s important to keep your baby comfortable while they sleep, which is why it’s a good idea to change their crib sheet regularly. Here are four reasons why you should change your baby’s crib sheet on a regular basis:
Your Baby Gets Sick
It’s normal for babies to get sick quite often in the early years of life as they adjust to their new environment.
If your baby is sick with a cold, fever, or stomach bug, you will want to change their crib sheet more frequently. This is because their sickness can easily spread to the mattress, and you will want to avoid any potential health hazards.
Your Baby Drools or Spits up A Lot
During the first three months, most babies experience infant reflux. That’s because the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach hasn’t matured yet.
If your baby is spitting up a lot, you will want to change their crib sheets more often. Spit-up can stain and smell bad over time, so you will want to keep their crib sheet looking and smelling fresh. The same goes for drooling.
Your Baby Wets the Bed
Diaper leaks are a common issue for newborns and young babies. The most common cause of leakage is that you’re using the wrong diaper size. So you can prevent most leakage issues by making sure the diaper your baby is wearing fits them correctly.
In the meantime, if your baby is wetting the bed, you will want to change their crib sheet more often. This will help to avoid any staining or smells that can occur when a wet crib sheet is left to air dry.
Your Baby Sweats a Lot
While sweating is a totally healthy mechanism for the body to maintain its normal temperature, it shouldn’t be excessive. Excessive sweating could be a sign of an infection, so it should not be ignored.
If your baby is sweating during the night, you will want to change their crib sheet more often. Babies can overheat very quickly, and sleeping on a wet sheet is not comfortable for them.
So, how Often to Change Crib Sheets?
The answer to this question really depends on your baby’s individual needs. However, we recommend changing crib sheets at least once a week if no incidents happen or more often if needed. Having a few extra crib sheets on hand is always a good idea, so you’re not caught off guard if something happens.
As Often as You Change Yours
It’s a good idea to change your crib sheet every time you change your own. This will help to avoid any bacteria build-up and keep your baby’s sleep environment clean and fresh. Plus, it’s an easy way to remember to change your crib sheet often!
More Often if Incidents Happen
If your baby is sick, has a diaper leak, or sweats more than usual, you will want to change their crib sheet more often. We recommend changing crib sheets at least every other day in these circumstances. This will help to keep your baby’s sleep environment clean and healthy.
How to Choose the Best Crib Sheets?
When it comes to choosing the best crib sheets for your crib, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Material:
Crib sheets can be made from a variety of materials, but we recommend choosing one that is made from 100% cotton. Cotton is breathable and will help to keep your baby cool and comfortable during the night.
Weave Type:
Crib sheets can be made in a variety of weaves, but the two most common are percale and jersey. Percale is typically woven with a tight weave and has a matte finish. Jersey is typically woven with a looser weave that’s like the fabric used to make T-shirts. Consider getting tighter weaved crib sheets that will resist being washed and pulled on, especially for those everyday white crib sheets.
Size:
Crib sheets come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you choose crib sheets that fit your mattress size. Most crib sheets are designed to fit a standard-size crib mattress, but there are some that are made for custom-size mattresses. A standard crib sheet measures 52″x28″, while mini crib sheets measure 38″x24″.
Fit:
Crib sheets should be fitted to your baby’s crib and mattress so they fit tightly. You don’t want a loose-fitting crib sheet because it can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure to double-check the dimensions of any crib sheets you’re considering.
Design:
There are a variety of designs to choose from when it comes to crib sheets. So, you can find one that matches your nursery’s décor or your personal style. But you might want to consider getting all-white sheets for everyday use, so you can bleach them if needed.
Price:
Crib sheets can range in price, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good quality sheet. You can find crib sheets for under $20 or spend a little more to get one with extra features like waterproof material.
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
