There are lots of things to think about when it comes to your newborn baby. Which way around should you install the car seat? At what age should you introduce solids? When can you expect your baby to crawl and many other things?
One common question we’re going to address right here is what the best material for baby sheets is. We’ll also help you decide on what fabrics you should avoid.
Your baby could spend as many as 18 hours asleep every day, so it’s essential to do everything you can to ensure they get the best sleep possible. With so many custom children’s sheets to choose from, knowing what’s best can be confusing, which is why we’ve written this guide.
Why Forget About Polyester Sheets for Your Newborn?
It can be very tempting to choose polyester sheets for your baby. It’s a very budget-friendly option and less likely to shrink in the wash. Polyester is also less likely to wrinkle, but there are several reasons why it’s not the best fabric for making crib sheets.
Polyester is a common fabric for making toddler and children’s clothing because it’s easy to manufacture and cheap. However, it also happens to be one of the worst fabrics for children, especially when it comes to baby bedding material.
The synthetic polymers that are used to make polyester can irritate your baby’s skin. It also contains harmful chemicals that can affect your child’s overall health.
Polyester is also a flammable material which means that when it’s used for making baby bedding material, it is often treated with flame retardant chemicals. There’s always a risk of your baby chewing on their bedding, which will make polyester dangerous to their health.
There are many more materials to choose from that are far more suitable if you’re looking for the best crib sheets.
Best Cotton Baby Sheets
Cotton is generally the most popular choice for baby clothing and makes the best crib sheets for your baby. Parents tend to choose cotton because it’s very breathable and keeps little ones cool during the summer months and warm in the winter. At first, cotton can be scratchy and rough, but it will eventually soften, remaining very durable.
Another attractive feature of cotton is that it’s usually very affordable. However, there are many different types of cotton to choose from. For example:
- Egyptian: It is super soft, smooth, and strong. It has a porous quality which makes it breathable and comfortable.
- Pima: Known for its softness and natural sheen. It is also less expensive than Egyptian cotton.
- Supima: This is one of the most commonly grown cottons in the world. The fibers are shorter which means they’re not quite as soft as Egyptian or Pima, but it is light and breathable.
- Cotton Jersey: This is a knitted rather than a woven fabric that feels very soft.
- Cotton percale: If the thread count is 180 or higher, it will have a very cool texture.
- Organic cotton: No chemicals are used in the production of organic cotton, and it has less of an impact on the environment.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton duvet covers and baby crib sheets are made from cotton grown in Egypt. Because of the climate where it grows and how it is harvested, Egyptian cotton is very different from other types.
The cotton is handpicked, which causes less stress on the fibers and helps them stay straight and long. The extra-long fibers make the fabric softer, stronger, and more flexible. The material is porous, which makes it breathable and comfortable, and because it is handpicked, you’re guaranteed the highest level of purity.
Look for Egyptian cotton sheets if you want the best crib sheets for winter and summer.
Cotton Percale
Percale is a term used for a closely woven cotton fabric with a plain weave. The thread count is usually 180 or higher, so it has a very cool texture. Custom children’s percale sheets are suitable for warmer times of the year.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is gentle and kinder for your baby’s skin. The material is soft and free from chemicals, so there is less chance your child will develop skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or skin allergies. It also keeps its natural state, making it mold-resistant and antimicrobial too.
Supima Cotton
Supima is a trademark name for Pima cotton. It is a fabric that is held in very high regard for its quality and purity standards. Supima cotton is only grown in the US, and the fibers have to be 1.5 inches long.
Supima cotton is comfortable, strong, and can retain color very well. The material is also light and breathable, making it the perfect material if you want the best crib sheets for babies when the weather is hot.
Great Baby Bedding Material
Cotton is not the only material to consider if you want the best quality crib sheets for your baby.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an all-natural fabric that has become a trendy option for parents looking for more sustainable baby fabric sheets.
It is hypoallergenic, thermoregulating, and antibacterial. Bamboo is also easy to wash and wrinkle-resistant.
Merino Wool
Merino wool has the same qualities as bamboo and cotton, but it can also absorb moisture very well, which means your baby’s bedding will always be dry.
Flannel
Flannel is not the best choice for your baby’s crib when the weather is warm. However, when it’s cold outside, flannel sheets will help to keep your baby warm.
Linen
Linen is made from stems of flax plants. Bedding made with this fabric is durable, hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It is a natural fiber that is easy to care for, although it is prone to wrinkles. The linen gets softer and stronger the more you use it.
Tencel
Tencel is a brand name for fabric that’s made out of eucalyptus tree wood pulp. It is very durable, soft, and naturally antimicrobial. It is a reasonably cool material but not quite as breathable as cotton. This quality can make it feel slightly clammy.
Baby Hemp Bedding
Hemp bedding is another excellent choice if you want an environmentally friendly product. The fibers allow the skin to breathe and provide maximum comfort. Hemp is also very durable and washes well.
Blended Fabrics
Blended fabrics tend to be cotton/polyester. This type of blend creates a lightweight yet warm material that is perfect for bedding. Blends also tend to be more stain-resistant and durable than 100% cotton and an inexpensive option for parents looking for a breathable yet durable fabric at a low price.
Here at Aletta Smit, we have a wide range of options for the best mini crib sheets for your baby. See all the fabrics and colors available.
