Parents should consider many factors when purchasing or registering for crib sheets. These pointers will help parents choose infant sheets that are safe and well made.

Parents need to face facts. Infant bed sheets are going to be abused. CSI would have a field day locating traces of pee, spit up, and who knows what else decorating these linens. Because of that, it is very important to purchase crib sheets that are going to hold up and stay safe after multiple washings. These guidelines will help parents rest-easy with their baby's bedding choice.

200 - 400 Thread Count

A thread count of 200 threads per square inch will last longer and be smoother against baby's skin. The higher the number the softer it will be. However, Consumer Reports state that there is little difference in durability for thread counts over 400. The bummer is that most crib sheet manufacturers do not list the thread count on their packages. A simple test is to hold the sheet up to the light. If individual threads can be seen, then the count is too low.

Fabric

The sheets that hold up the best tend to be 100% cotton. However, for parents who are persnickety about wrinkled sheets, the next best option is cotton/polyester blend. To be sure that the sheet fits properly after repeated washings, parents should wash the sheet several times according to instructions. If the sheet does not fit the mattress properly after washing, it should be returned to the store.

Elastic

It is imperative for infant safety that the sheet fits snuggly on the mattress. If purchasing elastic sheets, be sure that the elastic goes around the entire sheet. Denise and Alan Fields, authors of Baby Bargains, [Windsor Peak Press, 2008] identified some manufacturer's who have sheets with elastic that encases the entire sheet. They included Amy Coe, Circo, Baby Basics, Baby Gap, Cotton Tale, Fleece Baby, Gerber, Hoohobbers, Lands End, Patch Kraft, and Sweet Kyla.

Tags

As annoying as they can be, crib sheet tags are very important. Bedding tags should identify the manufacturer and contact information. The tag is the only way parents have of knowing if a sheet that is being used has been recalled.

Correct Size

Imagine their frustration upon returning home from what was thought to be a successful shopping trip, and the parents discover that they purchased the wrong sized sheet. There are many different kinds of sheets available - standard crib sheets, bassinet sheets, playard sheets, and cradle sheets to name a few. Parents need to double check the crib sheet size before purchasing or registering.

Alternative to Traditional Crib Sheets

Many parents have bemoaned the fact that crib sheets can be a pain to get on the mattress securely. In light of that, some manufacturers are coming out with new designs. These new sheets go on and stay on. Below are two examples.

The Stay Put Safety Sheet (781-551-9836) is an alternative crib sheet that slips over the mattress like a pillow case over a pillow. A flap covers the open and secures under the mattress. The Halo Secure Fit Crib Sheet (1-888-999-HALO) features deep pockets that velcros at corners to keep the sheet on tight. This award-winning sheet helps ensure that the corners do not pop off and stays in place nicely. The downside to these sheets is that parents have to lift the mattress up to remove the sheet.

Parents should plan on having a minimum of three to four crib sheets in their linen closet. These tips will help ensure quality, safe sheets are being used.

For further reading:

• Crib Bumpers and Infant Safety
• Safer Crib Bumpers: Better Options for Bumper Pads
• Shopping Cart Cover Buying Guide
• Best, Safest Children's Car Seat
• Baby Furniture for Small Rooms

References:

Consumer Reports. How to Choose Sheets. November 2007.

Fields, Alan and Denise. Baby Bargains. Windsor Peak Press. 2008.