Mar 28, 2023

How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need for a Newborn?

by Inbound Pursuit

Preparing to welcome new life into this world is an exciting time - yet it’s filled with so much uncertainty. As you get ready for this next chapter in your life you’ll have so many things to think about - many of them stressful. However, one of the most fun considerations in designing your child’s nursery!

From selecting nursery wallpaper to choosing nursery wall art, and of course, filling their tiny dresser with the cutest custom baby clothes - there are so many fun little tasks in store for you. But today, we’re going to talk specifically about crib sheets. Specifically, how many crib sheets do I need for a newborn?

While you may have anticipated purchasing just one set of crib sheets for your child’s nursery, we’re here to explain why having multiple sets isn’t just beneficial - but a necessity. Then, we’ll help you choose the right quantity of crib sheets along with a few more tips for shopping. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate as the days count down to your baby’s arrival, so let’s not waste any more time!

Why You Need More Than One Set of Crib Sheets

We know what you may be thinking…why exactly do I need more than one set of crib sheets? Can I not get away with washing the same set every so often? If you’re preparing to be a first-time parent, then you may not realize just how much unexpected chaos comes with raising a newborn. So below, we’ll cover four reasons parents need at least a few sets on standby.

Be Prepared for Spit-Ups, Spills, & Other Accidents

As a new parent, you're going to become very familiar with the messes that come with a baby. Spit-ups, diaper leaks, and other accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, including in the crib. In fact, this will be where many accidents do occur!

That's why it's essential to have more than one set of crib sheets on hand to be prepared for these mishaps. Imagine it's 3 AM, and your baby wakes up crying because they've spit up all over their sheets. With a spare set of sheets nearby, you can quickly change out the dirty ones and get your baby back to sleep in no time. Plus, having multiple sets of sheets means you won't have to do laundry as frequently, giving you more time to spend with your little one.

Speaking of which, having multiple crib sheets is a must purely from a hygiene/laundry standpoint.

How Often Should I Change Crib Sheets?

So, how often should I change crib sheets? Experts recommend changing crib sheets once a week at least, or more often if there are any spills or accidents. With multiple sets of crib sheets, you can easily swap out the dirty sheets for clean ones without having to wait for laundry day.

Think about it like this - if you’re having a chaotic week (which will soon become your new normal when the baby arrives), you won’t have to stress about forgetting to wash your little one’s sheets. You can simply throw on a new set of sheets at your leisure.

Not only does changing crib sheets frequently help maintain good hygiene, but it can also reduce the risk of skin irritation or infection for your baby. Plus, who doesn't love the feeling of fresh, clean sheets? We do, and your baby does too!

Account for Occasional Travel

Whether you're traveling across the country or just spending the night at Grandma's house, having a portable crib and a spare set of sheets is a must. You never know when you might need to change your baby's sheets on the go, and having a spare set ensures you're always prepared.

When traveling, it's also a good idea to bring along a familiar set of crib sheets that your baby is used to sleeping on. This can help your baby feel more comfortable and secure in an unfamiliar environment. And, it saves you the hassle and stress of trying to wash your sheets as soon as you get home and put them back on the baby’s crib. You can throw them in the dirty laundry and get to them when you get to them!

Keep the Nursery Fresh & Fun With New Designs!

Above all else, having multiple sets of sheets for your baby’s crib is just a way to keep things fresh and fun in the nursery. While all your sheet sets should adhere to the overarching design and theme in your nursery, that doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up every so often with a different pattern or playful design!

Not only can new crib sheets add some fun and personality to your nursery, but they can also make it easier to coordinate with other decor items. Plus, with new designs, you'll always have a spare set of sheets ready for any accidents or spills.

So, How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need for a Newborn?

You can clearly see why a single set of crib sheets just won’t cut it. So, how many crib sheets do I need for a newborn? There is no hard and fast rule - but as a general guideline, it's recommended to have at least two to three sets of crib sheets for a newborn. This allows you to have a spare set of sheets ready while the others are in the wash or if there are any spills or accidents in the middle of the night.

If your baby has a tendency to spit up frequently or has any medical conditions that require more frequent sheet changes, you may want to consider having more sets of sheets on hand. It's also a good idea to have extra sheets if you plan on traveling with your baby or if your washing machine is out of commission for any reason.

In short, having at least two to three sets of crib sheets for a newborn is a good starting point, but you may want to adjust the number based on your specific needs and circumstances. We hope that answers your question as to how many crib sheets you need - but now, let’s talk about how to choose the right sets!

Tips for Choosing the Right Crib Sheets

At Caden Lane, we have an amazing selection of the softest, cutest bamboo crib sheets for your baby. We’ll share some of our personal favorites with you in a moment if you’re looking for inspiration as you design your own nursery. First, though, here are some tips on choosing the right crib sheets in general, regardless of where you’re shopping.

Get Comfy, Skin-Safe Materials That Can Stand the Test of Time

When choosing crib sheets for your baby, it's important to prioritize comfort and safety. This should undoubtedly be your top priority along your journey to find the perfect sheets. But, how can you tell which sheets are softer, comfier, and safer than the rest?

Look for sheets made from soft, breathable materials that won't irritate your baby's delicate skin, such as cotton or bamboo. These are popular choices as they’re both soft and durable, and perfect for babies with sensitive skin.

But beyond the gentle, skin-safe nature of the sheets, you'll also want to choose sheets that are easy to care for and can stand up to frequent washing. Look for sheets that are machine washable and dryer-friendly, with strong stitching and quality materials that won't shrink or fade over time. This ensures they’ll last you a few years of reliable use before it’s time to introduce your child to a big kid bed!

Sizing Your Crib Sheets to Perfection

Crib sheets come in a variety of sizes, and it's important to choose the right size for your crib to ensure a snug and safe fit. Measure your crib mattress carefully before shopping for sheets, taking into account any thickness or padding.

Standard crib sheets typically measure around 52" x 28", but it's always best to double-check the sizing information before making a purchase. And don't forget to consider the depth of the mattress - some sheets are designed to fit snugly over extra-deep mattresses.

Style Matters Too, Of Course!

Last but not least, don't forget to consider the style of your crib sheets! With so many colors, patterns, and designs available, you're sure to find something that matches your nursery decor and personal taste.

When it comes to patterns, bold prints and bright colors can add a fun, playful touch to your nursery, while soft pastels and neutrals can create a calming, soothing atmosphere. And don't forget to coordinate your sheets with other bedding items like blankets and pillows for a cohesive look. Beyond this, the crib design as a whole should blend well with the rest of your nursery design.

Other Considerations

In terms of materials and styles, some parents may also prefer to choose waterproof or moisture-wicking sheets that can help protect against spills and accidents. And if you're concerned about the environment, there are also eco-friendly options available made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled fabrics.

Looking for Some Crib Sheet Inspiration?

At Caden Lane, we’ve taken our passion for parenting and design and fused them together to create a diverse range of styles for you to choose from. Whether you’re bringing a baby girl or baby boy into this world, you can count on our catalog for all things nursery design - including our stylish, comfortable crib sheets!

From solid-colored crib sheets to unique patterns with cute critters, we’ve got something for every nursery. Some of our sheets are even customizable so you can create something special just for your little bundle of joy! Below, we’ll highlight a few of our personal favorite styles:

You can always lean on us for design help - trust us, we’re eager to help you create the nursery of your dreams! So if you have questions about matching your crib sheets to the rest of your nursery, don’t hesitate to reach out. But at this point, it’s time to bring our conversation today to a close.

How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? Wrapping Things Up

So, how many crib sheets do I need? As we’ve explained in this article, a single set won’t cut it - even for the most diligent laundry-performing moms and dads. You need at least 2-3 extra sets of crib sheets on hand for unexpected emergencies, travel, crazy schedules, and keeping the nursery fun and fresh.

Beyond the number of sheets you need, we’ve also provided you with key insights on how to get the perfect sheets for your unique nursery - and we shared a few of our personal favorite styles with you.

You can get all your other essentials at Caden Lane too - we’re home to the best swaddles for newborns, the best baby blankets, nursery pillows, changing pad covers, custom diaper bags, and a whole lot more. You can also learn more about caring for our child in our blog. We have resources on how to swaddle a baby, how long to swaddle a baby, when a toddler can sleep with a blanket, and more.

Don’t fall victim to spills, spit-ups, or other accidents - have an extra few sets of crib sheets on standby so you can navigate the highs and lows of parenting with grace!