When most people plan their baby’s nursery, the focus is usually on larger items — cribs, crib mattresses, dressers, etc. While it might make sense to focus on the larger pieces first, it’s important to consider the smaller items, like organic crib sheets.
In recent years, organic crib sheets have become increasingly popular. Why is that? What makes organic sheets better and generally safer for your little one?
Since we know a thing or two about baby products here at Newton Baby, we wanted to share this guide to help you make an informed decision when buying sheets for your little one.
Here’s our breakdown of everything you need to know about organic crib sheets for your baby.
Why Your Baby Needs An Organic Crib Sheet
Your baby’s skin is soft and delicate. Most parents already know this, which is why they usually make sure the clothing they buy for their little ones (and the detergents they use) is safe for them.
But what about sheets? The very fabric your baby rests their delicate skin on?
Let’s first talk about the different options you can buy. Baby sheets can be made from organic or non-organic fabrics.
Non-organic fabrics are usually crafted with lots of toxic synthetic chemicals. And because your baby’s skin is sensitive, placing them on non-organic bedding may result in your little one developing skin rashes, irritations, or other allergic reactions.
Certified organic fabrics, on the other hand, are free from harmful chemicals and toxic dyes. There are also strict social and environmental standards followed to ensure that the material is safe for both your baby and the environment.
This helps you have peace of mind when you place your little one down to sleep.
In addition to being super soft, comfortable, and safe for your little one’s skin, organic materials — especially cotton — are breathable and provide good airflow. That’s because cotton has absorbent properties that let it wick moisture away and allow air through the fabric’s weave.
This provides a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment for your little one!
Organic fabrics also tend to last much longer than synthetic materials because the harsh chemicals that are used in non-organic fabrics often weaken the fiber thread.
Since your little one will be sleeping on these sheets quite a bit (and there may also be several accidents!), it makes sense to choose fabrics that can withstand all of that.
Now that you understand why organic sheets are better than their counterparts, what should you look for when buying sheets for your little one’s crib?
What To Look For In An Organic Crib Sheet
1) The Perfect Fit
One of the most important things to think about when buying crib sheets is how it fits around your baby’s mattress. It’s essential to ensure that the crib sheets fit perfectly around the bed.
What’s the big deal?
Loose sheets can easily come off the corners of the mattress. If this happens while your baby is sleeping, it can increase the risk of your infant strangling or suffocating.
In addition to making sure that the sheet fits snugly, remember to keep comforters, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals out of your little one’s crib. Sure, these additions are cute, but they can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The less clutter, the safer your child will be in their crib.
2) Easy Washing
Parenting a child, especially a baby, is a 24/7 job. And if you have multiple children, then you know more than anyone how challenging it can be to find time to do anything outside of taking care of them.
That’s why it’s best to avoid adding unnecessary responsibilities to your already long to-do list. The products you use should help make your life a little easier, not more complicated.
That said, it’s important to look for sheets that can quickly wash in the machine!
Some parents opt for disposable sheets that they can easily take off and throw away. However, the challenge here is that they’re often not made from natural materials. This makes them less breathable and means they may also contain lots of harmful toxins.
On the other hand, the right organic crib sheets are easy to take off the mattress and just throw into the washing machine when it’s time for a change.
3) Breathability
We highlighted the importance of breathable material earlier, especially when it comes to your baby’s sheets. But why is it so important?
In a nutshell, younger children haven’t yet developed the ability to regulate their own body temperatures. This makes it very easy for them to overheat and start sweating. You can help provide your baby with extra comfort by using organic sheets that allow airflow.
Additionally, being able to breathe straight through the fabric helps to keep your baby safe in case they turn over onto their stomach while sleeping.
4) Durability
Considering how much you may need to change your baby’s crib sheets, there’s no use in buying sheets that won’t last!
Look for durable sheets that can withstand many washes without losing their color or structure. A loss in integrity can mean the difference between a safe fit around your baby’s crib mattress and an unsafe one.
5) Color, Design, And Pattern
So far, we’ve reviewed some pretty important stuff — breathability, safe materials, and softness on your little one’s delicate skin.
But choosing the right colors, designs, and patterns is also essential. This is, after all, the room where your baby will spend so much of their first few months in. Take your time to create a calming and nurturing environment for them!
Some parents start with the crib and sheets and then use these colors and patterns to inspire the decor for the rest of the nursery. Or you may prefer to do things the other way around.
Whichever way makes the most sense for you, remember that the sheets you choose are more than just fabrics that go around your little one’s mattress.
You will see these colors and patterns a lot when you’re in the nursery. Your baby, too! So, take care in choosing the right colors and patterns that will bring joy to your baby’s nursery.
Newton Baby Organic Cotton Sheets
Many baby products claim to be organic. What makes ours unique?
All our sheets are made from organic muslin cotton. They’re also incredibly soft, cozy, and hypoallergenic.
Our sheets are also GOTS certified. This is basically a textile production certification that helps to limit the use of dyes, toxic bleaches, and other chemicals while producing textiles.
In addition, our sheets come pre-shrunk. The pre-shrinking process will help to reduce the possibility of your sheets shrinking while in the wash, which allows them to continue fitting snugly around your little one’s mattress.
Speaking of fitting perfectly around a mattress, Newton Baby crib sheets are designed with an all-around elastic to keep them from sliding around.
This ensures that each sheet has a snug fit around the crib mattress and that no fabric comes loose. More specifically, our standard crib sheets perfectly fit any standard crib mattress up to 8” thick.
Because we know how important it is to make your little one’s nursery beautiful as well as safe, you can choose from a variety of different patterns and colors. And each set that you buy comes with a solid white sheet.
FAQs About Crib Sheets
1) How Many Organic Crib Sheets Do I Need?
First and foremost, remember that you only need one fitted sheet at a time on your baby’s mattress and nothing else — no top sheet, blanket, or pillow. As we mentioned earlier, those extras are a major safety hazard.
That being said, how many crib sheets you need depends on your baby and how regularly you choose to change the sheet.
Also, babies have a way of just going off the plan. One day, they may seem fine with no messes during sleep time, and the next day, they can get sick and mess the bedding a couple of times within a few hours!
Since these incidents can happen when you least expect them, it’s always best to be prepared!
Having three to four sheets on hand can help ensure that even on your baby’s worst day, you have a clean sheet ready to continue providing your little one with the comfort and safety they need.
2) How Should I Wash And Care For My Organic Crib Sheet?
It’s always good to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when laundry day comes. This will help to keep your sheets looking their best for longer.
At Newton Baby, our sheets are 100% machine washable. Here’s how to care for them:
- Wash with warm water
- Wash like colors together
- Tumble dry on low
If you have to use bleach, make sure that it’s chlorine-free
3) How Often Should I Change The Sheet?
Dead skin, hair, and dust can gradually accumulate on your little one’s crib sheet over time. This attracts bacteria and pests, which can affect your baby’s health.
To stay on the safe side, aim to change your baby’s organic crib sheet around twice a week, which works out to every three or so days.
Give Your Baby Extra Comfort With Organic Cotton
Choosing organic crib sheets for your sweet little one helps keep them comfy and safe while they snooze. When shopping for your baby’s sheets, remember to look for ones that are the right fit, easy to wash, breathable, and durable.
Newton Baby’s Organic Crib Sheets are soft to the touch, made with safe organic materials, and provide great airflow. With these sheets, you can rest assured that your little one will stay cozy and comfy all night long!
