Which bassinet sheet is best?
Babies may not be known for their great sleeping habits, but the right bassinet sheet can make a huge difference. With a properly fitted bassinet sheet made of soft, breathable material, your baby has the best chance of sleeping soundly.
While there are many options on the market, for the best bassinet sheets, turn to Ely & Co. Waterproof Bassinet Sheets. It combines waterproof protection and ultrasoft material, giving your baby the ideal foundation for sleep.
What to know before you buy a bassinet sheet
For many parents, sleep-related suffocation is a big concern after they bring their baby home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the leading cause of infant suffocation during sleeping hours is soft bedding. This includes things like loose blankets, pillows and stuffed animals.
CDC baby sleep recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the 2022 AAP recommendations to prevent infant deaths. Part of this includes bedding choices for infants. It’s important to keep these recommendations in mind when choosing what to put in your child’s bassinet. Fitted bassinet and crib sheets are allowed within these guidelines.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Babies should be placed on their backs for all sleep times.
- Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface.
- The baby’s sleep area should be in the same room while you sleep until the baby is six months old.
- Soft bedding should be kept out of the baby’s sleep area, including blankets, pillows, bumper pads and soft toys.
- Make sure that your baby’s head is uncovered and that they don’t get too hot.
What to consider about bassinet sheets
Fit
Although most bassinet sheets will fit most bassinets, it’s a good idea to measure your bassinet first. As you shop for your bassinet sheets, you can double-check they will fit tightly, ensuring a safe sleeping environment for your child. There should be absolutely no bunching or loose fabric.
Material
Just like you wouldn’t want to sleep on scratchy, rough sheets, your baby doesn’t want to either. A soft, breathable fabric is essential in making your baby’s bassinet a cozy place for them to rest. The best options are woven cotton, cotton blends and lightweight flannel.
Organic vs. nonorganic
Today, parents have the option of purchasing bassinet sheets made from organic materials. While there are some benefits to organic bassinet sheets, it does mean spending a little more. However, buying organic bassinet sheets often gives you the peace of mind knowing they are unbleached, non-dyed and chemical-free.
What to look for in quality bassinet sheets
Waterproof fabric
If you have the option, opt for a waterproof or water-resistant fabric. With ordinary sheets, you should add a protective liner underneath the bassinet sheets to protect the mattress. But with waterproof fabric, you can forego that protective sheet, reducing the risk of bunching fabric and making the sleeping surface more comfortable.
Reinforced elastic bands
You will likely be surprised how frequently you have to wash your baby’s sheets. From middle-of-the-night diaper issues to spilled milk, you’ll find yourself pulling the bassinet sheets on and off many times. A reinforced elastic band will ensure they stay secure, even after dozens of changes.
Machine-washable and dryable
Most bassinet sheets are machine washable but it’s important to know whether you can dry the sheets in the dryer and on which setting. If you have to air dry your bassinet sheets, you may find yourself avoiding washing them.
How much you can expect to spend on bassinet sheets
Generally speaking, you should expect to pay about $20 for a set of bassinet sheets. Any that are made from organic materials will cost more.
Bassinet sheets FAQ
How many fitted sheets do I need for a bassinet?
A. Have a few sets of sheets. Starting out with three sheets should allow you to switch them out as frequently as you need, even if you already have one in the washing machine.
Are sheets safe in a bassinet?
A. Sheets are safe in a bassinet as long as they are fitted. You should not use a loose sheet or a blanket in the bassinet as these are the leading cause of sleep-related suffocation in infants.
What kind of bedding goes in a bassinet?
A. To outfit your bassinet, you should plan on only using a fitted sheet. There shouldn’t be any soft bedding, pillows or soft toys. If you have a regular fitted sheet, you should consider adding a protective liner underneath it to save your mattress. If you choose a bassinet sheet with waterproof or water-resistant fabric, you can opt-out of the protective liner.
What’s the best bassinet sheet to buy?
Top Bassinet Sheets
Ely & Co. Waterproof Bassinet Sheets
What you need to know: With tons of patterns, all made of durable and breathable materials, these bassinet sheets should be staples for all new parents.
What you’ll love: The most significant feature is the waterproof fabric. This will protect your mattress without having to use a liner underneath. Along with that, their 100% jersey-knit cotton is eco-friendly, so you can feel good about your purchase.
What you should consider: These have to hang dry, which means you might want to stock up on a few in case you have to change them frequently.
Top bassinet sheets for the money
TILLYOU Jersey Knit Soft Bassinet Sheets
What you need to know: These soft bassinet sheets are designed to fit just about any bassinet on the market and feature a strong covered elastic band for added safety.
What you’ll love: The 100% jersey-knit cotton in the TILLYOU Jersey Knit Soft Bassinet Sheets is so soft, it’ll be a dream for your baby to sleep on. They are also incredibly easy to care for: just throw them in the washer and feel free to use the dryer.
What you should consider: This fabric is not waterproof so you’ll want to get a liner, but customers have reported that spit ups and spills come out easily.
Worth checking out
Delta Children Fitted Bassinet Sheet
What you need to know: The Delta Children Fitted Bassinet Sheet is the basic bassinet sheet of your dreams, made of lightweight, breathable fabric.
What you’ll love: The best feature of these bassinet sheets is how easy they are to take care of. Anytime you need to launder them, simply throw them in the washing machine and then the dryer. Make sure to tumble dry on low to avoid damaging them or wearing them out too fast.
What you should consider: Some customers have reported issues with it fitting their bassinet. Check first to see if it will fit your bassinet before buying.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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