best crib sheets

The Best Crib Sheets for Every Nursery Theme [Roundup]

Jun 22, 2020

The Best Crib Sheets for Every Nursery Theme [Roundup]

100+ of the best fitted crib sheets you can buy for your baby’s room!

Scrolling through endless sites to find the best crib sheets for your baby’s nursery can take forever. There are so many not-so-cute options out there.

That’s why I’ve rounded up over 100 options of beautiful and stylish fitted crib sheets at different price points for a boy, girl, or gender neutral room. Everything is categorized by nursery theme to make things super easy.

Before we jump into all of your options for beautiful sheets, I’ve included a detailed buying guide that will answer questions like “How many crib sheets do I need?” and “What is the best material for crib sheets?”

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This post has 2 sections so feel free to skip ahead:

I) Crib sheets buying guide

Why do you need the best crib sheets? (hint: safety)

What about baby crib bedding sets?

How many crib sheets do you need?

What is the best material for crib sheets?

How much should crib sheets cost?

II) Best crib sheets roundup

Browse the entire post for nursery inspiration… or use this table of contents to skip to the theme of your baby’s room!

Woodland

Flowers

Outer Space

Vintage Floral

Dinosaurs

Animals

Rainbows & Unicorns

Boho

Water / aquatic / nautical

Miscellaneous

Pin for later:unique sheets crib sheets by category pinterest

CRIB SHEETS BUYING GUIDE

Why you need the best crib sheets…

#1 – You want your baby’s nursery to be gorgeous. Duh.

#2 – Less obvious, but critical… In order to prevent SIDS/SUID, you need to practice safe sleep.

This means that *nothing* should be inside your baby’s crib but a fitted sheet. (A standard mattress pad underneath the sheet is also okay).

No bumpers. No pillows. No blankets.

nursery bedding safety

More on this here from the AAP.

Since crib bedding sets are out of the question, a beautiful crib sheet is the focal point of your baby’s safe sleep space.

This post is a roundup of all of the best fitted crib sheets for your safe-sleeping baby’s nursery.

Skip ahead to the crib sheets roundup if you’d like.

What about baby crib bedding sets?

I know, I know, all that plush crib bedding makes the nursery look more “complete.” You probably even slept with bumpers and blankets when you were a baby (and you’re still here, aren’t you?)…

If you’re feeling tempted to purchase a crib bedding set, all I can tell you is it’s worth your while to read the scientific evidence about how you’d be putting your baby’s life at risk.

How many crib sheets do you need?

It’s easy to go overboard with baby gear, so a common question amongst new parents is “How many crib sheets do I need?”

I suggest you buy or register for 2 or 3 of the best infant crib sheets. You really don’t need more than that.

We have 2 “favorite” fitted crib sheets for Aden’s nursery and then one less expensive backup sheet in case of a diaper blow out or spit up situation.

Skip ahead to the crib sheets roundup if you’d like.

What is the best material for crib sheets?

Truth be told, there isn’t one.

Marketing departments have come up with all sorts of lingo to make certain crib sheet fabrics sound better than others.

As far as I’m concerned, here’s what I care about most when it comes to crib sheet materials:

  • Softness. No one likes to sleep on a scratchy sheet.
  • Durability. It has to survive the washing machine and dryer. If it has to be hand washed or line dried, I don’t want to own it.

Again, there isn’t a particular crib sheet material that is “better” or “safer” than the others. It’s really just a matter of preference. You can read about the differences between crib sheet materials below:

Cotton crib sheets

Cotton crib sheets are the classic. Cotton is known for its moisture-working abilities (it dries quickly) and breathability*.

There are several different types of cotton fabric. If you’re looking for the “best” 100% cotton crib sheets, skip what’s known as ‘short-staple cotton’, as this isn’t as soft as the others.

*More on breathable crib sheets in the section below.

Bamboo crib sheets

Bamboo fabric makes for some of the best crib sheets for babies because it can be super soft and does well with moisture-wicking.

Bamboo sheets are very stretchy so they’re easy to pull onto a crib mattress.

If you’re looking for the best bamboo crib sheets, it’s worth noting that there is a difference between “bamboo” and “rayon from bamboo”. The former is more likely to retain natural antimicrobial properties of bamboo.

Jersey crib sheets

Jersey knit crib sheets are typically similar to bamboo crib sheets in their softness, stretchiness, and appearance. This is another fabric with high breathability*.

Jersey baby sheets are typically made from cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fibers. If you’re looking for the best jersey crib sheets, the cotton ones are usually said to be higher quality.

The down side of jersey crib sheets is that they have a tendency to shrink in the wash — but this can be avoided by washing in cold water and tumble drying on the lowest setting.

*More on breathable crib sheets in the section below.

Flannel crib sheets

The biggest perk of flannel crib sheets is that they’re super soft and cozy. They definitely make for some of the best crib sheets for winter.

Flannel sheets are made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, etc.) and will either have a brushed or unbrushed texture.

If you’re looking for the best flannel crib sheets, stick with cotton because artificial textiles are more flammable and aren’t as good for the environment.

Muslin crib sheets

In 2020, muslin has become a trendy fabric for baby clothes, swaddle blankets, and of course crib sheets.

The material has the appearance of being more “raw” or “rustic” than typical cotton sheets because of its looser weave.

And yes, you read that right: muslin is just a style of cotton.

So, if you’re trying to decide between muslin crib sheets vs. cotton, just choose which texture you like better since muslin *is* cotton.

If you want to buy the best muslin crib sheets, look for a smooth and regular knit.

Plush crib sheets

In 2020, many companies are selling plush and “micro plush” fitted crib sheets. You’ll also see “minky” and fleece, which are similar.

The best plush crib sheets are well made, super soft, and warm. They’re a great cozy option for winter.

Plush crib sheets are made from 100% polyester fabric, which is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t tend to shrink in the wash.

Some parents choose to skip polyester crib sheets because they are not biodegradable and contribute to pollution.

Now let’s briefly talk about crib sheet material characteristics that parents are regularly searching for: breathable, organic, and hypoallergenic.

All of this gets confusing because it’s hard to know if these terms are (a) real, (b) safer, and (c) worth the added cost.

Here’s the short answer: They’re not.

You can read more below.

Breathable crib sheets

In 2020, “breathable” baby products such as mattresses, swaddle blankets, and crib bedding sets have become extremely popular.

Certain fabrics like cotton, polyester, and rayon do allow air to flow through them more easily than others.

That said, buying breathable crib sheets is entirely unnecessary.

Many parents think that “breathability” lowers the risk of SIDS and SUID. However, the scientific evidence (and lack thereof) does not support this notion.

It’s also critical to note that manufacturers can claim that any infant product is ‘highly breathable’ without doing any testing.

Breathability isn’t regulated. This piece of info should halt your pursuit of the best breathable crib sheets.

It should give you peace of mind that crib mattresses, which are highly regulated, are so firm that babies are able to breathe even with their faces stuffed in the mattress.

Finally, if you’re looking for breathable crib sheets because you’re worried about overheating, shift your attention to dressing your baby properly based on the temperature of the room. This safe sleep article has a handy chart.

Organic crib sheets

New parents often want to buy the best organic crib sheets because they assume that “organic” is somehow better for their vulnerable babies.

Is organic cotton actually safer for your baby? Is your baby’s skin ‘soaking in chemicals’ from non-organic crib bedding and clothing?

Not exactly.

Here’s the truth you need to know in your search for the best organic fitted crib sheets:

“Organic” typically means that the plants were grown with naturally occurring pesticides instead of synthetic pesticides. Naturally occurring doesn’t make these pesticides any safer.

Therefore, labeling baby bedding as “organic” is largely a marketing tactic.

It’s also worth pointing out that organic cotton crib sheets aren’t necessarily better for the planet than regular cotton ones.

This sums it up perfectly:

So while it can be said that organic cotton is a positive initiative, its real environmental impact is dependent on farm efficiency, technologies, and location. Although many fashion retailers use the word ‘organic cotton’ as part of their marketing ploy to promote their products, remember they may not always be more environmentally friendly than their conventional cotton counterparts.

So, here’s the deal: If you truly want the best organic baby crib sheets, you’ve got a serious research project ahead of you — and you’re unlikely to find what you’re looking for. Manufacturers don’t typically reveal this type of information.

If it’s within your means to pay the added price for organic crib sheets, go for it. Just keep in mind that it’s not at all necessary for your baby’s health and safety.

Hypoallergenic crib sheets

If you’re looking for the best hypoallergenic crib sheets, let me stop you for a second.

Hypoallergenic is an unregulated term.

WebMD explains,

The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label. The maker doesn’t have to do tests to prove it won’t cause a reaction.

Since any company can slap this label on their products even if they’ve done zero testing, it doesn’t hold much water.

Here’s a good summary of what to know about baby crib sheets marketed to prevent allergies:

The term “hypoallergenic bedding” can be used in two different ways. Some manufacturers claim that their bedding is hypoallergenic because it is made with fabrics and dyes that are not likely to cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin. Others use the term to describe tightly-woven comforters, sheets and pillowcases that they allege are less likely to accumulate dust mites and other allergens.

If these things matter to you and you’re still on the hunt for the best hypoallergenic crib mattress sheets, find out which of the two options above is being claimed by the manufacturer and go from there. Most importantly, take this information with a giant grain of salt.

How much should crib sheets cost?

Crib sheets typically range in price from $10 to $40.

Of course, there are plenty of premium options (often custom made or from a small shop) that cost much more than this. In my book, any crib sheets over $40 are a splurge.

Occasionally, you’ll be able to find crib sheets under $10, but the quality might not be great. Your best bet for finding super cheap crib sheets for the best possible price is to sale shop or buy second-hand.

If you’re a fellow-bargain hunter, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to find crib sheets that are modern, trendy, and high quality. Lots of affordable and budget-friendly options do exist!

In this post I have included all the best crib sheets from multiple online stores and marked the bargains with great price! so they’re easy to spot.

There may be affiliate links in this post. Read this disclosure policy to learn more.

Note that occasionally items go out of stock and the image is automatically replaced with another item.

BEST CRIB SHEETS ROUNDUP

Woodland Crib Sheets

I adore the woodland nursery trend! There are so many cute fitted crib sheets for baby boys and girls with woodland animals, trees, and leaves. You could get some wall art with bears, deer, foxes, or rabbits to tie it all together. Check out the best woodland crib sheets and forest animal crib bedding below!

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Floral Crib Sheets

Beautiful flower patterns make for the best girls crib sheets! (Skip the floral crib bedding set. Remember, bumpers are super unsafe!) You can still get beautiful flower crib bedding, but all you need is a fitted sheet! The best thing about a floral crib sheet is that it gives you lots of colors to work with for your nursery. If you’re looking for baby crib sheets for girls, check out these gorgeous ones…

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Don’t forget to log into the retailer through your browser to be able to save your finds!

Outer Space Crib Sheets

The outer space nursery theme is *perfect* for baby boy crib bedding… the opportunities go to infinity and beyond (ha). You could get some adorable moon and star decals for the walls… ideal because decals are safe above a crib! There are so many great ideas for this theme: moon and stars crib bedding, galaxy crib bedding, solar system, astronauts, and more! Check out the best outer space crib sheets below!

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Vintage Floral Crib Sheets

Vintage floral is ironically becoming a popular modern girl nursery theme. It creates a beautiful retro color pallete of mustard yellow, rust, ivory, and moss. As I always like to point out, you should skip the vintage floral crib bedding set (unsafe!) and just go with a beautiful fitted sheet. Check out the best vintage floral crib sheets below!

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Dinosaur Crib Sheets

A dinosaur themed nursery is a super fun idea for your baby boy! (Definitely gender neutral and would work for a girl too). Grab two or three of the best dinosaur crib sheets, get some fun wall hangings, and stick a giant dinosaur in the corner of baby’s room! For safety reasons, skip the full set of dinosaur crib bedding and dinosaur nursery bedding and just go with a dinosaur crib sheet. Here are the best ones…

 

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Animal Crib Sheets

Animal crib bedding is easily the most popular choice for boy and girl nurseries alike. It’s tried and true, and I would argue that it’s not cliché as long as you add your own touches! We did a safari animal theme in Aden’s room and it came out great. If you’re not into jungle animal crib bedding, you could also do farm animal crib bedding! Or just do leaves and greenery. Way too many adorable options. Check out the best animal crib sheets below!

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Don’t forget to log into the retailer through your browser to be able to save your finds!

Rainbows & Unicorns Crib Sheets

Colorful unicorn crib bedding has *always* been popular (who doesn’t love unicorns?), but in 2020 rainbows have become a particularly hot trend for baby nursery decor! Check out these girly and gorgeous crib sheets with rainbows, unicorns, and elements from fairytales. (Boho rainbows in the next section!)

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Don’t forget to log into the retailer through your browser to be able to save your finds!

Boho Crib Sheets

2020 is all about the gorgeous bohemian baby bedding! Design a chic boho girls nursery or baby boy’s room with lots of rust colors, mustard yellows, earth tones, natural fibers, woven baskets, and wood. Check out the trendy boho rainbow crib sheets in this section. All the best boho crib bedding and bohemian crib sheets are listed below!

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Don’t forget to log into the retailer through your browser to be able to save your finds!

Water-Themed Crib Sheets: Nautical, Mermaids, Sea Creatures, Whales, etc.

There are so many different directions to take an aquatic-themed nursery! There’s the classic nautical theme: anchors and boats. There’s the sea creatures theme: whales, fish, seahorses, octopi/octopus, sharks, and narwhals. And there’s the fantasy theme, namely, mermaids! There are so many amazing crib sheets with ocean waves and water scenes. If you’re all about the underwater vibes for your baby boy or baby girl’s room, check out the best crib sheets below.

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Miscellaneous Crib Sheets

Rounding out our list of the best crib sheets with these super fun miscellaneous ones!

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Don’t forget to log into the retailer through your browser to be able to save your finds!

Final thoughts on the best crib bedding sets for your baby’s room…

Whether you have a specific theme, a color scheme, or just an overall vibe, there are endless beautiful crib sheets to choose from. By choosing the best crib sheets and skipping all of the extra bedding, you will not only have a gorgeous instagrammable nursery, but you’ll be keeping your baby safe.

P.S. If I missed an important category for your baby boy or baby girl’s room, shoot me a quick email and tell me! I adore feedback.

Happy nesting!

The Best Crib Sheets for Every Nursery Theme [Roundup]