Baby Bedding Delivery or Pickup

Standard-size crib sheets are designed to fit mattresses that measure 51 5/8 in long, 27 1/4 in wide, and 5 1/2 in thick. However, crib mattresses can come in many sizes. Some are only 4 in thick, while others are as deep as 8 in. Measure the exact mattress you're using for your child to make sure you get crib sheets that fit appropriately. The sheets should be snug enough so that the baby cannot twist in them, but not so tight that they might snap off from the corners.

Many crib bedding sets include one fitted sheet, a quilt, bumper, and bed skirt. Some may also include decorative pillows. While you probably won't need duplicates of the other items in the set, you will need additional sheets, as these sheets can get dirty quickly.

The quilt that's included with many bedding sets is too thick and large for regular use. This quilt is often a decorative element more than a functional piece of bedding. You will likely need several lightweight swaddling blankets instead so that you can wrap your baby snuggly and wash the blanket often.

Choose baby bedding that will be gentle on your child's skin. Breathable and durable, 100% cotton is a popular choice. If you want to avoid the chemicals used in many conventionally produced fabrics, you might try organic cotton for your baby's bedding. 

Bamboo sheets are another breathable option. These sheets naturally wick away moisture to keep your baby comfortable. This hypoallergenic fabric is a safe choice that's unlikely to irritate the skin.

Polyester sheets are a more affordable alternative, but they don't have the same breathability as other fabrics, making them hot and uncomfortable during warm months. A cotton-and-polyester blend is often a nice alternative.

Many toddler beds use the same mattress as the crib. If you transition to this type of toddler bed, the mattress and sheets won't change at all. Many cribs can transform into toddler beds as your child grows, so you can use a single piece of furniture until your child is too long for the crib mattress.

By staying with the same mattress, you'll get more use out of the baby bedding. A quilt that's too heavy for an infant is fine for a toddler. Any pillows that came with the crib bedding can also be used as your child grows. While an infant shouldn't have pillows, you can start giving your baby a pillow when your child can sit up or stand unassisted. In general, it's best to wait until your child is at least a year old before adding soft bedding to your child's crib.

You will want to keep several sets of sheets on hand for your baby's nursery. It's not uncommon for an infant to soil the sheets. Babies are asleep more often than they're awake, so any sheets you have will get a lot of use. At a minimum, you should keep 2-4 sheets in rotation. You should plan to change the sheets once or twice a week, but know that some weeks may see more frequent sheet changes. 

If you don't like doing laundry or don't have easy access to laundry facilities, stock up on additional sheets so that you will always have a clean sheet ready for your baby. You cannot swap larger sheets for baby sheets safely, so you need to have the right bedding on hand at all times.

Order all the baby bedding essentials you need through Instacart. Start browsing today.