5 Best Crib Sheets for Your Little One, Tested and Reviewed
In a nutshell:
Based on first-hand product testing from two families, we chose the Keababies Isla Fitted Crib Sheets as the overall best fitted crib sheets. In particular, they stood out because of their soft bamboo viscose material, adorable design options and durability.
During the third trimester of my pregnancy, nesting hit hard. I searched diligently for a set of crib sheets with a color and pattern that would match our nursery perfectly, but what I didn’t consider was that all baby bedding isn’t created equal. When my little one started sleeping in the crib at around six months old, I quickly realized the sheet I’d chosen wasn’t fit for his precious soft skin. It felt rough, almost plastic-like, and I had only put one on the registry. Rookie mistake! This sent me on the hunt to find crib sheets that were comfortable, easy to wash and would last until my infant transitioned into a big kid bed.
To ensure safe sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that nothing be in baby’s sleep space except a fitted sheet on the mattress. Knowing that stylish blankets, bumpers or any other loose items in the crib could pose a safety risk to my little one, it was still important to me to find sheets that added to the vibe of my baby’s nursery. Luckily, as fellow mom tester and The Bump contributor Korin Miller found in her research as well: “You don’t have to decide between a set that’s stylish or one that’s comfortable—you can have it both ways.” To determine which cribsheets on the market offer the best of both worlds, we put an array to the test with both of our families.
To streamline your search for the best baby crib sheets, The Bump editors conducted extensive market research and identified the 15 leading options on the market. Taking a hard look at parents’ needs and the features and functionality that each sheet offered, we then created a shortlist of 11 products to test. From there:
- My one-year-old slept on each set of sheets we tested for a minimum of two days and nights (including naps). I washed each set six times according to the manufacturer’s care instructions, including those that call for a wash before use. I then evaluated the sheets for comfort, fit, durability, ease of care and, of course, style.
- Fellow tester and mom of four, Korin, used eight of these sheets with her youngest, who was one year old at the time of testing. She also washed each set according to care instructions and evaluated the sheets on the same criteria listed above.
- We researched what was being said about baby sheets in The Bump forums—as well as parenting forums and message boards across the internet, and customer reviews—to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles and understand how these sheets have worked for families nationwide.
- We interviewed a pediatrician to learn exactly what qualities parents should look for in crib sheets if their children have sensitive skin.
- We carefully followed the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines to understand how to keep baby’s sleeping space safe.
- We looked at the most popular baby bedding sets on the market and considered several factors—like material, fit and care instructions—when choosing which options to feature in our article.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Overall best crib sheets
- Super-soft, temperature-regulating material
- Don’t wrinkle easily, according to parents
- Convenient pack of two
- Thinner than other brands
- Not available in bold, bright colors
My one-year-old has used the Keababies Isla Fitted Crib Sheets for over six months now, and I can safely say that they continue to be our favorite out of all the options we’ve tried. They’re made from 100 percent bamboo viscose, so they’re incredibly soft to the touch from the moment you take them out of the package. The naturally temperature-regulating material is light and airy, perfect for a warm night, but still cozy enough to be used year-round. Moreover, these sheets offer serious two-way stretch, making them a breeze to pop on a crib mattress. They fit snugly, and even after a couple of nights of tossing and turning from my active sleeper, they didn’t bunch up much. For these reasons and more, the Keababies Isla Fitted Crib Sheets stood out as the overall best crib sheets.
The set comes with two sheets, which parents will find helpful with spit-ups through the night and the occasional nap accident. For added convenience, they’re also super straightforward to care for. They just need a cold rinse and a low tumble dry, and they washed well with the rest of my little one’s laundry. There were virtually no wrinkles after each wash cycle, and after frequent washing of these sheets, I haven’t experienced any piling or diminished durability. To top it off, Keababies offers an array of adorable color and pattern options for these sheets, so you’re bound to find a style that works well with baby’s nursery. For the luxurious softness and longevity, the Keababies Isla Fitted Crib Sheets are hard to beat.
Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our product tester says:
“My little one has slept on this brand of sheets for more than six months. I’ve enjoyed the softness and ease of washing. […] I still appreciate the comfort and their awesome designs.”
Best budget-friendly crib sheets
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
- Soft right out of the package
- Convenient pack of two
- Limited color and print options
These sheets are a true IKEA basic. They come in a convenient pack of two and ring in at just over $6 a sheet, making them a great choice for families who want to stock up on sheets without spending a small fortune on baby bedding. They’re made of 100 percent cotton, and compared to other affordable crib sheets that are made of the same material, I found these to be much softer. They also have a nice thickness to them, and they’re well-stitched. I think they’d definitely last for more than one child.
The IKEA LEN sheets have some stretch (though not as much as bamboo-viscose options), and fit easily and comfortably on our crib mattress. There were a few wrinkles at first, but the creases smoothed out with use. Better yet, I was able to wash these along with some of my little one’s laundry. While it wasn’t as stark white after the first wash, I appreciated that it didn’t yellow or seem to lose more brightness after frequent cleaning. Plus, they continued to soften and didn’t lose their shape. I would recommend the LEN fitted crib sheet set to anyone looking for a no-frills, basic sheet that also offers durability and comfort. These would also be great to send to daycare with your child for nap time.
Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our product tester says:
“This set came with two identical fitted sheets, making it a great value for the price. I appreciated the softness and stretch of the sheet, it is an affordable year-round option.”
Best crib sheets for sensitive skin
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
- T-shirt-like feel
- Softer with every wash
- Limited color and print options
- Must be washed on a gentle cycle
Many families praise the Burt's Bees Baby Beesnug Baby Crib Sheets as a reliable option for little ones with sensitive skin or eczema, and it’s easy to see why. They’re made from 100 percent organic cotton—a type of fabric Phillips-Walker recommends for skin sensitivity because of its softness and breathability. “We typically use ‘T-shirt sheets’ in our house, and these have a similar feel,” Korin told us. Better yet, they’re also GOTS-certified, another quality which Phillips-Walker highly recommends. “It’s helpful to have crib sheets with OEKO TEX and/or GOTS-certified materials as they are free from harsh chemicals, making them safer and gentler for your baby’s skin,” she explains.
The material of the Beesnug Baby Crib Sheets has also been combed and ring-spun for premium durability and softness. I could definitely see these sheets lasting for years in my family. The elastic edges were thick and sewn well, which will likely prevent them from stretching out over time. Care instructions call for a wash before first use, which I truly recommend. When I took them out of the dryer, the fibers of the fabric loosened and revealed their true, cozy feeling, and they continued to get softer with each cycle. “These sheets are the perfect amount of softness—they're not overly stretchy but not stiff, either. The stitching and fabric both look like they will hold up well over time,” adds Korin. These sheets come in a handful of solid neutral colors, along with some precious watercolor patterns as well. All in all, they’re soft, stretchy and thick, guaranteeing a cozy sleep space for any infant, especially those with skin sensitivities.
Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our product tester says:
“It noticeably softened after the first wash. […] The sheet had a nice thickness to it, but was still breathable. It would seem to be a nice option for cooler months.”
Our community says:
I really like these sheets! They're the perfect blend of softness and stretch, while still looking put-together. They also didn't wrinkle easily or bunch. – Korin M., mom of four and The Bump contributor
I love the Burt's Bees baby stuff! – maggiemadeit, The Bump forum member
Best crib sheets for stretchiness
- Deep pocket measurement for easy on and off
- Parents love how soft and stretchy they are
- Fun prints and regular collaborations with beloved franchises
- High price point
- Thin, according to some parents
Super-stretchy bed sheets are ideal for families that have thick crib mattresses or simply want something that won’t shrink over time. If you’re in either of those boats, you can’t go wrong with Little Sleepies Signature Luna Neutral Fitted Crib Sheet. It’s made from a super-soft blend of 95 percent bamboo viscose with five percent spandex, giving it the ultimate four-way stretch. This allowed a close fit to my child’s mattress without any bunching or slipping, and the 360-elastic edges made it straightforward to put on and remove. There was some excess material along the sides, but it didn’t gather after use, and it could easily be tucked tighter. Moreover, these sheets have the deepest pocket measurement in our roundup at 10 inches, so they can accommodate a wide range of mattresses.
Not only are the Little Sleepies crib sheets stretchy, but they’re also extremely comfy. The weight of the fabric gave the sheet a premium feel and was cool to the touch. They’re marketed as being seasonless sheets, and they strike the perfect balance between coziness and breathability. I especially look forward to using these in the summer months. The softness of these sheets can’t be stressed enough; they were so comfortable, and my little one slept well on this sheet. “The fabric is incredibly soft to the touch—the softest one I tested,” Korin added.
The Little Sleepies Luna Neutral pattern is one of the most imaginative of any brand I’ve seen. All of their prints come in a full line of coordinated products, including matching pajama sets for the entire family, cute headband bows and bandana bibs. After frequent washing, the colors remained vibrant and the fabric was as soft and cool as it was out of the package. These are a truly luxe sheet set, which is reflected by the price point. However, Little Sleepies delivers on the investment for this buttery soft, cooling sheet with long-lasting stretch.
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Material: 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our product tester says:
“The extreme stretch of the fabric allowed a close fit to my child’s mattress, and the 360-elastic edges made it easy to put on and remove.”
Our community says:
These sheets are incredibly soft and stretchy, making them easy to pop onto the crib mattress. I wasn't concerned about the corners popping up. – Korin M., mom of four and The Bump contributor
Best crib sheets for gifting
- Silky smooth cotton sateen
- High-quality, tailored fit
- Unique, eye-catching designs
- OEKO TEX-certified
- Some parents say they’re stiff at first
- High price point
Crib sheets are ideal baby shower gifts, and if you’re searching for an eye-catching style that will stand out among the rest, this option from Rookie Humans will meet the mark. The brand showcases the work of talented artists, creating a canvas in every crib sheet. As a result, each bedding set offers a charming, built-in backdrop for countless photos of baby. “This crib sheet lived up to the hype, with an adorable space print everyone in my family loved,” says Korin.
That said, these sheets do more than just look good. They’re OEKO-TEX certified and made without harmful chemicals, and Korin says the sateen weave is smooth to the touch. “The sheets felt a little stiff at first, but softened up with repeated washings. They still weren’t the softest I tested, but they also weren’t the scratchiest, and the fit was impressively perfect, like it was tailor-made for my daughter’s mattress,” Korin shared.
The Rookie Humans Fitted Crib Sheet is machine-washable, and Korin told us she tossed it in with the rest of her family’s laundry. She had no issues with fading or pilling, although the sheet looked a little wrinkled out of the wash. “However, because the fit is so good, the wrinkles stretched out on my daughter's mattress,” she explained. The sheet is great for photos, and the colors and print really pop. If you have muted nursery decor, these sheets are unlikely to work for you—but for those looking to branch out a little, they pay for themselves in photo ops alone. “I would buy these as a gift for a friend,” says Korin.
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Material: 100% cotton sateen | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend these sheets. They're fun and made me smile every time I saw them. They also have the potential to create cute photos.”
Fitted Crib Sheets Comparison Chart
| Overall best crib sheets | Best budget-friendly crib sheets | Best crib sheets for sensitive skin | Best crib sheets for stretchiness | Best crib sheets for gifting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Keababies Isla Fitted Crib Sheets, 2 Pack | IKEA LEN Crib Fitted Sheet, 2 Pack | Burt's Bees Baby Beesnug Baby Crib Sheet | Little Sleepies Signature Luna Neutral Fitted Crib Sheet | Rookie Humans Fitted Crib Sheet | ||
| Price | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | |
| Dimensions | 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 3 to 8" (H) | 52" (L) x 28" (W) | 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 5.5" (H) | 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 10" (H) | 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 8" (H) | |
| Material | 100% bamboo | 100% cotton | 100% cotton | 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | 100% cotton sateen | |
| OEKO TEX-certified | ||||||
| GOTS-certified | ||||||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
When shopping for the best baby crib sheets, you’ll find that there are many cute, cozy options to choose from. Here are the main factors to consider as you browse:
- Material. Crib sheets are typically made from super-soft materials like cotton, bamboo, jersey and muslin. Which fabric you decide to go with is largely down to personal preference. However, if your child has sensitive skin, you may want an option that’s also breathable (to keep skin cool), smooth (to minimize friction and prevent inflammation) and/or moisture-wicking (to manage excess moisture), explains Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician based in Atascocita, Texas. Likewise, “be mindful of thread count,” she advises. “For babies, a thread count of 200 to 300 is typically soft and durable. Any higher, one might sacrifice breathability, which is crucial for baby’s comfort.”
- Climate. Depending on the environment you live in, you’ll want sheets that’ll keep baby comfortable, no matter the weather. Some are naturally cooling or temperature-regulating, while others are thicker to keep them warmer on colder nights.
- Snug fit. Don’t forget to check the sheet’s dimensions before purchasing. “Size and fit matter. An ill-fitting sheet poses a safety hazard. The sheet should fit snugly to avoid a risk of suffocation,” says Phillips-Walker. A standard crib sheet is 52" long by 28" wide, but the depth may change by product.
- Budget. Believe it or not, some brands’ price points for baby crib sheets can match that of adult bedding. Consider what you’re willing to spend compared to the features offered. If you’re opting for baby sheets at a higher price point, you may also want to pick up a more affordable set as a backup for when accidents occur and wash days.
- Ease of care. It was important for me to be able to throw the crib sheets in with the rest of my little one’s laundry. Consider whether you’re willing to separate baby’s sheets when they need to be washed, or if they require any additional cleaning steps.
- Style. Some brands boast unique designs with patterns that your little one may engage with, while others keep their design options simpler or classic. Fun patterns are ideal for photo backdrops and can make for great baby shower gifts.
How many crib sheets do I need?
If you’re wondering how many crib sheets you need, there’s no right or wrong answer, but we recommend that parents and parents-to-be have at least four fitted crib sheets on hand. This way, you can have one set snugly on the crib mattress, one in the wash and two fresh ones tucked away in the closet as backups. Chances are, you’ll be changing them pretty often.
About the writer:
Aryssa Sanford is a Los Angeles-based mom of one and aunt to two beloved nephews. Aryssa runs her own rights and licensing company and enjoys freelance writing. As a new mom in 2024, Aryssa realized how many products new parents have to assess for their bundles of joy.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, is a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. She earned her medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens.
Healthy Children (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, October 2023
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