Somewhere on every nursery list, between the crib and the dresser, sits a short line that turns out to be a bigger choice than it looks: crib sheets. You will see them every single day. You will change them at bedtime, in the middle of the night, and on slow Saturday mornings. So it makes sense to choose them with a little care.
The best crib sheets are the ones that fit your mattress, feel right in your hands, are easy to wash in your own rhythm, and look like they belong in the room you are making. Here is what to look for, one step at a time.
1. Start with the size of your mattress
Fit comes first. A crib sheet should match the mattress it goes on, so before you look at a single print, check which crib you have. We make our fitted crib sheets in two sizes:
- Mini: 24 x 38 inches (60.9 x 96.5 cm), for a mini or portable crib mattress
- Standard: 28 x 52 inches (71.1 x 132 cm), for a full-size crib mattress
Not sure which one you need? Measure the length and width of your mattress, or read our crib sheet size guide, which walks you through both sizes. If you have two sleep spaces, for example a mini crib in your own bedroom and a full-size crib in the nursery, you will want sheets in both sizes. You can shop them separately as mini crib sheets and standard crib sheets.
2. Look at how the sheet is made to fit
A fitted crib sheet has an elastic edge that wraps around the mattress. Ours are hand-sewn with a reinforced elastic fitted lining and deep pockets, so the corners tuck in neatly and the sheet sits smooth on top. When you compare crib sheets, check the product page for the exact size and how the edge is finished. A good description tells you both.
3. Choose a fabric you like to touch
Crib sheets come in many fabrics, and the right one is partly a matter of feel. Ours are a stretch jersey knit of 96% polyester and 4% spandex. Jersey has a little give to it, which makes the sheet easy to pull over the corners of the mattress. If you prefer a particular fabric, always read the material on the product page before you buy, so you know exactly what you are getting.
4. Think about washing in your own rhythm
A crib sheet gets washed a lot, so the care instructions matter more than you might expect. Our sheets are hand washed and line dried. Do not bleach, and do not dry clean. If you want to iron or steam a sheet, use low heat. Hand washing and hanging to dry also help keep the colors of the print rich, wash after wash.
Because a sheet needs a little time on the line before it goes back on the mattress, it helps to have more than one. Our guide How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? explains a simple rule of thumb: three to five, so there is always one on, one in the wash and one or two ready in the drawer.
5. Pick a print that fits the room you are making
This is the part most parents enjoy. A crib sheet is one of the largest areas of color in a nursery, and it is also the easiest thing to change. A few ways to choose:
- Start from the walls. Pick a print that repeats a color you already have. A soft sage green crib sheet sits quietly next to warm wood and cream.
- Keep one calm, add one playful. A small check from our gingham crib sheets or a tonal dot from our polka dot crib sheets goes with almost anything, so you can pair it with a bolder theme print.
- Follow a theme. Some nurseries grow around one idea, like a forest, a farm or a starry sky. Browse our floral crib sheets, farm crib sheets and star crib sheets for a place to start.
Every Little & Sweet print is picked by hand, so the nursery feels calm and gentle, never too much.
6. Buying crib sheets as a gift
Crib sheets make a thoughtful baby shower gift, especially when you know the colors of the nursery. If you are not sure about the size, ask which crib the parents have, or choose the Standard size for a full-size crib. Two or three sheets in prints that go together feel like a little set.
A short checklist before you order
- Does the size match your mattress, Mini or Standard?
- Do you like the fabric listed on the product page?
- Do the care instructions fit the way you do laundry?
- Does the print belong in the room you are making?
- Do you have enough sheets to keep one ready while another is in the wash?
Find your crib sheets
When you are ready, browse all crib sheets or start with our favorites. Choose any 3 or more pieces and 10% comes off automatically at checkout, and orders of $150 or more ship free within the United States. If something arrives damaged or misprinted, we send you a free replacement or give you a full refund, whichever you prefer.
