‘How many do I need?’ This is a very common statement in many new parents' conversations. How many mittens should I get? How many pacifiers are too many? How many boxes of diapers should I get?
And now that the crib has already been set up in the nursery, you are wondering just how many crib sheets you will need for your new bundle of joy. You might have a rough idea of what to expect and how many will be enough if you have older kids.
However, if this is your first baby, it is more of a trial and error than a sure bet. But do not sweat it. This article will discuss some of the factors that will help you determine how many crib sheets you need to purchase.
What Is the Practical Number of Crib Sheets to Purchase?
If you walk into a room full of new moms and ask them how many crib sheets they have, you are likely to get a wide range of answers. This is because there is NO correct answer.
In a practical sense, or as sleep experts recommend, you should purchase enough crib sheets to allow you to change the crib once or twice a week (or the same number of times as you change your bed). However, the reality might be completely different. The world of babies is entirely different, and many unexpected things happen.
In the babies world, there is a lot of cuteness. But there are also diaper leaks, drools, uncontrollable spits, eventful spills, etc. All this is what makes the experience magical. But it is also one of the reasons why a minimalists lifestyle might not work very well for you.
So, while you might still survive with just two crib sheets, having more will make your life a whole lot easier. Here are some factors that will help you decipher just how many crib sheets are a good number.
Factors to Consider When Deciding the Number of Crib Sheets You Need
The baby’s everyday life
While it is easy to manage your bed with two pairs of bedsheets efficiently, it is not the same with the baby’s crib. With the baby, a lot of accidents happen.
Chances are you will not escape one of those nights where the baby has a runny bowel movement that leaves the surroundings discolored in the color of nature. And when that happens, and you realize that that was the only clean sheet you had, you will wish you had purchased a dozen more. So keeping this in mind, it is clear that the more, the better.
How Often You Need to Change the Crib Sheets
We often forget how sensitive a baby’s skin is. Even without the accidents, it still might not be safe to keep one crib sheet on for several consecutive days. It might collect dirt and allergens that might end up affecting the baby’s skin.
It is safer to have a few more crib sheets to allow you to change the crib as often as possible - preferably every day. Also, when purchasing the crib sheets, ensure that you look for beddings labeled hypoallergenic as these are more baby-friendly.
How Many Babies You Have
The number of babies using a crib also contributes to the number of crib sheets you need. The more the number, the more the crib sheet you will need. For example, if you need four crib sheets for a single baby, you might need ten or more for triplets.
But keep in mind that although you need a little more, do not purchase too many. You just need to have enough as a buffer for when there is an emergency.
Your Baby’s Skin Sensitivity
All babies are sweaty. They sweat a whole lot, especially at night. It is therefore vital to consider the breathability of the crib sheets when purchasing them. Ensure that the sheet fabric is breathable to allow the baby to stay calm and dry while they sleep.
If the sheet fabric is not breathable, it might be necessary to change it quite often when the baby sweats and gets it wet at night. Hence, your crib sheets’ fabric contributes to how many sheets you should have.
How the Baby Sleeps
Parents who swaddle babies to sleep find that the beddings stay clean longer than their counterparts. This is because the baby is not directly lying on the sheets, and in case of an accident, another layer is available to protect the sheets from getting soiled.
This allows the sheets to stay in good condition for longer and will enable you to change them only when needed.
Can I Do Without Crib Sheets
This is a valid question. Crib sheets might seem like just another unnecessary expense to some new parents, and they wonder if they need them.
The truth is, the primary purpose of a crib sheet is to protect and preserve your crib mattress from all the daily mess and accidents. Therefore they are essential. They help keep things neat, and in place, and in addition, they add to the nursery’s decor.
For example, if you have a specific theme for your nursery, the crib sheets are another way to add to the grandeur. Hence, no matter how you look at it, crib sheets are necessary and there are many of them you can buy from https://www.lewisishome.com/collections/crib-sheets.
So How Many Crib Sheets Do You Need?
Frankly, the answer is situational. The number varies based on all the factors discussed above and based on your personal choice and preferences. Some people choose to have a lot more just for its sake, while others prefer to have a lot less.
There is no right or wrong answer. However, the recommended bare minimum is two pieces for each baby. But more is always better as it will come in handy in case of emergencies. Also, keep in mind that it is not only about the number of sheets you need to have for your sanity - it is more about the safety of your child when they are sleeping.
