The 8 Best Crib Sheets Stay Buttery Soft, Even After Hundreds of Washes

checked mark Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto  | April 3, 2024
best crib sheets

Quick Summary

The best crib sheet is the Burt's Bees Organic Jersey Fitted Crib Sheet, according to testers from the What to Expect user community who say these sheets are soft and gentle against baby’s skin and that they hold up over time despite frequent washing.

Buying a crib sheet isn’t just about finding something that looks cute and matches baby’s nursery: It’s crucial to find one that fits snugly over your crib mattress. A sheet that’s too loose or too tight can come undone, which poses a dangerous sleep environment for your child who could suffocate. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a taut sheet when placing baby in a crib, playard or bassinet for sleep. (And remember: Nothing else should be in baby’s crib aside from your child and a fitted sheet.)

Because crib sheets come in a wide variety of designs and fabrics, we looked at the results of the 2024 What to Expect Sleep Awards, in which more than 1,100 parents voted their favorite crib sheet. We not only considered how many votes each sheet received, but why parents deem their’s the best; perhaps it’s made of extra-soft material or hypoallergenic for baby’s delicate skin. Ultimately, we narrowed down our list to the eight best crib sheets by making sure each pick was praised for being soft, comfortable and durable in addition to being safe for baby.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Overall Crib Sheet

Burt's Bees Baby Organic Jersey Fitted Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Burts Bees Crib Sheet
Pros
  • Organic
  • Soft jersey knit
  • Full elastic edges
Cons
  • Some fading and pilling over time

Material: Organic jersey cotton

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches 

Number of colors: 6

Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Why We
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Community
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Why We Love It

As a five-time winner in the What to Expect Sleep AwardsBurt’s Bees Baby Fitted Crib Sheets are a reliable option when it comes to high-quality material that and won’t break the bank. Many parents swear by Burt’s Bees sheets for how soft and gentle the organic cotton is against baby’s delicate skin, especially little ones who have eczema or skin sensitivity. The jersey knit fabric is lightweight and stretchy and easily fits tight over most universal cribs without bunching or wrinkling. Parents like that the elastic goes all the way around the bottom instead of just in the corners to provide extra insurance that it won’t creep up off the mattress. 

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that these sheets may fade and pill overtime, depending on how frequently you wash them. This is nearly a given in most jersey sheets, however, and at this price point, it might still be worth it to you. The sheets are also available in bassinet and mini cribsizes in case you want to use the same sheets throughout baby’s first year.

Community Reviews
  • “I like burts bees organic sheets - have used them for years they are soft and wear well.”

  • “I got 2 from Burt's Bees Baby and found them to be much softer than the 2 other sheets I got from Buy Buy Baby and Babies 'R' Us even though all of them are 100% cotton. Burt's Bees Baby seems to constantly have sales and the sheets were only $8.”

Best Affordable Crib Sheet

American Baby Company 2-Pack Printed 100% Cotton Fitted Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - American Baby Company Crib Sheets
Buying Options
Pros
  • Comes in tons of colors and patterns
  • Two sheets per pack
  • Stretchy
Cons
  • Thin
  • Some shades not true to color online

Material: 100-percent cotton jersey 

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches

Number of colors: 35

Care instructions: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low

Why We
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Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you’re hesitant to spend a lot on crib sheets in fear of the inevitable overnight blow out, you’re not alone. The American Baby Company cotton crib sheets deliver great quality for less than $10 per sheet. Made of 100-percent cotton jersey material, these sheets are as soft and cozy as your favorite t-shirt. They also come in a wide variety of colors and adorable prints that will match any nursery theme.

Some parents note that the material is thin (so much so that you can see through to the pattern on the mattress itself) and others say theirs ripped over time. However, considering the fact that they’re so low-priced, both are fairly minor cons.

Community Reviews
  • “STM here... love a cute sheet, but I can tell you there have been many stains that ruined one too many cute sheets. Also they aren’t always so soft. These sheets I’ve bought over the last 5 years. They wash great, don’t shrink, and at $8 per sheet it’s okay if I can’t save one from a late night blow out stain. I highly recommend them. Also, jersey knit is cool and easy to stretch over a mattress.”

  • “I got these and am happy with them. All crib sheets should fit standard crib mattresses. I got a mattress protector as well off Amazon.”

  • “Love the American Baby Company ones. Soft and cheap. I bought 2 cute ones for my oldest then bought a few of these for back ups and ended up liking these more.”

Best Muslin Crib Sheet

Aden + Anais Essentials Cotton Muslin Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Aden Anais Muslin Crib Sheets
Buying Options
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Pre-washed
  • Cooling
Cons
  • Runs small
  • May start to pill overtime

Material: 100-percent cotton muslin

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches

Number of colors: 11

Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Aden + anais is known for providing high-quality muslin baby products for affordable prices, including crib sheets. Made of 100-percent cotton muslin, aden + anais’ crib sheets get softer after each wash. They also have an open weave design that is meant to keep baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The sheets come in a variety of whimsical patterns and designs, like pink flamingos or astronauts in space

Parents do note that the sheet runs small, so it may take a little extra effort to get it to stretch over your mattress. It may also start to slightly pill overtime, but that can easily be remedied with a fabric shaver. 

Community Reviews
  • “I got a few Aden + Anais sheets. They come in pretty prints and seem to be of good quality. They were recommended in a baby registry book I purchased.”

Best Bamboo Crib Sheets

Mebie Baby Bamboo Stretch Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Mebie Bamboo Crib Sheet
Buying Options
Pros
  • Eco-friendly bamboo
  • Available in many colors
  • Stretchy
Cons
  • Not widely available

Material: 95 percent bamboo, 5 percent spandex

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches

Number of colors: 8

Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry 

Why We
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Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Bamboo sheets are known for their hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties that protect skin from potential allergens. So if your baby struggles with eczema or other skin sensitivities, bamboo sheets may be worth a try. Plus, they’re super soft and easy to wash, which are big advantages alone. 

The Mebie baby bamboo stretch crib sheet has all these advantages, and is available in lots of cute colors that will match your nursery. Parents say they love the feel of these sheets so much that they found themselves wanting to buy their own set. They also note how stretchy the sheet is, which is from the slight bit of spandex that delivers a tight fit. 

Community Reviews
  • “Okay my little one sleeps on a bamboo crib sheet by Mebie baby and it is the stretchiest, gosh darn softest material I’ve ever laid my hands on!”

Best Mini Crib Sheet

Mushie Mini Muslin Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Mushie Mini Muslin Crib Sheet
Buying Options
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Gets softer with each wash
Cons
  • Cannot put in dryer

Material: 100-percent cotton muslin

Dimensions: 24 x 38 inches

Number of colors: 15

Care instructions: Wash at max 80 degrees, lay flat to dry

Why We Love It

The Mushie Mini Muslin Crib Sheet is one of the softest sheets you’ll find, made with 100-percent cotton muslin fabric that parents say gets softer after each wash. Muslin is an excellent fabric for summer because of its light weight, but this sheet is so cozy that you could use any time of year. Parents are also huge fans of the wide variety of adorable colors and prints, which is an especially great perk due to the limited number of mini crib sheets available. It should fit tightly on most mini cribs, and its full elastic edges will make sure it stays on the mattress.

"We love the muslin fabric, it’s soft and holds up really well to weekly washes," says Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director with What to Expect. "I personally love the colors, which are muted and the patterns feel modern and sophisticated. It also fits our mattress perfectly so the sheets don’t bunch up or move around."

The main drawback of this sheet is that the manufacturer recommends air drying. Many parents, however, say they throw it in the dryer regularly with no issue.

Best Silk or Satin Crib Sheets

Pro Goleem Satin Soft Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Pro Goleem Satin Crib sheets
Buying Options
Pros
  • Affordable
  • May help with bald spots
  • Available in bassinet and playard sheets
Cons
  • Some say that the satin wears out quickly

Material: Polyester satin

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches 

Number of colors: 6

Care instructions: Machine wash available, gentle cycle on low, do not bleach or iron

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many parents turn to satin or silk sheets to prevent or reduce the appearance of bald spots. They may also opt for this fabric if their baby has curly hair, as the smooth, soft texture reduces friction. Because silk sheets can be pricey, which is why What to Expect parents turn to these budget-friendly satin sheets. Parents like the soft texture and that the fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified, meaning it’s been deemed free of certain harmful substances. The Pro Goleem satin sheets also come in bassinet and playard sizes, so you can use them during the newborn stage or on-the-go, too. Note that some parents felt that the satin feel wore off over time, but it might not come as a surprise given the low price: If you like these sheets, you might as well buy a few sets.

Community Reviews
  • “I bought the crib sheets and pack n play sheets late 2022 and they are still holding up.”

  • “we have these, no complaints, not too expensive too. my hair stylist suggested that to me, couldn't believe it didn't occur to me either.  they even have them in the bassinet size lol we sure would have used them had we known.”

Best Flannel Crib Sheet

Trend Lab Flannel Fitted Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Trendlab Flannel Crib Sheet
Pros
  • Extra-deep pockets
  • Thick
  • Matching swaddles and changing pad covers available
Cons
  • Likely to pill overtime

Material: 100-percent cotton flannel

Dimensions: 28 x 52 inches

Number of colors: 12

Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low or line dry

Why We Love It

Since you can’t put a blanket in baby’s crib, many parents swear by using a sleep sack and flannel crib sheet to keep baby warm in the colder months. Parents particularly like Trend Lab’s fitted flannel crib sheet, with many saying they were surprised by the thickness and quality compared to other flannel sheets. Not only do the sheets hold warmth well, but they are made of 100-percent cotton for extra softness. We love the sheet’s deep 10-inch corner pockets and fully elasticized hem that keeps it free of any wrinkles and bunching. 

One main con, however, is that the sheet will likely pill over time, as with most flannel sheets. 

Best Linen Crib Sheets

Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Crib Sheet

Best Crib Sheets - Pottery Barn Kids Linen Crib Sheets
Buying Options
pottery_barn_kids
pottery barn kids
$59
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Pros
  • Durable
  • Fair Trade Certified
  • Extra-deep pockets
Cons
  • Expensive

Material: 100-percent Belgian linen

Dimensions: 27.5 x 52 inches

Number of colors: 5

Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry on gentle cycle

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Although a splurge at $59 per sheet, Pottery Barn’s linen sheets might last you for years, which could make the price worth it. Linen is great at regulating body temperature, so it’ll keep baby cool in the summer but also warm in the winter. And, because the fibers are extremely strong with linen, these sheets are sure to last you a long time. The fabric is also yarn-dyed, which means that the fibers are dyed first, then woven together for colors that will last longer. You also can rest-assured knowing that these sheets are also Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, which means they’ve been tested for harmful substances. Linen is also typically gentle for those with sensitive skin, so it might be a good idea if your little one has eczema or other skin conditions.

The What to Expect Community regularly sings Pottery Barn Kids’ praises, especially its sheets, for its durability and delivering on quality. 

Community Reviews
  • “I have Pottery Barn Kids sheets for both my kids’ beds. They hold up wonderfully; even after using for several years.”

  • “They have a line of crib/toddler sheets that are so soft. When my son was a baby he would not sleep on anything else. He could be completely asleep and I would lay him down. He would wave his arms to feel his sheets and if it was not the PB one he would wake himself up and cry. It was ridiculous but in all honesty I wish I could sleep on those sheets.”

  • “The sheets are good quality cotton, cute and last. Mine lasted through three kids.”

What to look for in crib sheets

The best crib sheets fit snugly on baby's bed and are soft and gentle against their skin. But there are other features to consider when buying crib sheets, such as:

  • Material: While this ultimately comes down to preference or certain needs, each sheet material has its own unique pros and cons. In the warmer months, lightweight muslin is a smart choice, while in the winter, you may want to opt for something that retains heat, like flannel. Bamboo and organic cotton are also good options for sensitive skin, so if your baby struggles with eczema or skin irritation, these are great choices.
  • Durability: It’s inevitable that your sheets will get messy. You don’t want to have to keep throwing money away every few months to replace your sheets, so look for crib sheets that you can throw in a washer and dryer, and are reviewed for holding up well over time.
  • Value: Everyone’s budget is different — and shopping for a nursery can very quickly get expensive. Crib sheets can vary in price, with budget sets costing under $10 per sheet while more expensive options can cost $50 or more. Consider the value of the sheet versus the price tag, looking at the type of material, how many sheets are in a set, and how easily it can be laundered.

FAQs

You know a crib sheet fits correctly when it’s pulled tight against the mattress and has no bunching. The elastic should be pulled taut around the bottom of the mattress, but it shouldn’t be so tight that the pressure could make it pop off of a corner of the crib mattress while your baby is sleeping. Measure your mattress and the crib sheet before purchasing, and make sure that if you’re purchasing one for a mini crib, bassinet or travel crib, that the sheet is designed for the smaller mattress.

It’s often recommended to wash crib sheets one to two times per week, although it could be more or less depending on if they get soiled. Many parents, including those in the What to Expect Community, suggest having at least two crib sheets so you always have a clean one on hand to instantly replace a soiled one.

The average crib sheet is 28 by 52 inches, which is the same size as a regular crib mattress. The sheet pockets are often 8 to 9 inches deep. If a crib sheet says it has “standard dimensions,” it’s a pretty safe bet it will fit a regular-sized crib mattress.