How to choose the right bassinet sheet?

New parents don't always have time to read baby product reviews, but they probably should. First of all, a lot of the sheets available are pretty pricey and can be difficult to find nowadays. Secondly, you need to shop for appropriate fabric and make sure it is breathable; there's nothing worse than finding out after your little one has been sleeping on a sheet that is no good for their skin or seems a little too babyish. Here are some things that you should take into consideration before buying any materials for your own nursery or shopping for an impromptu baby shower item:

Do you want hard-backed sheets or soft ones? 

You might think "what's the difference?" but many providers offer different types of material. You should think about how much you are willing to spend, and whether you want something more traditional or you'd prefer a softer material. If you're like many other parents, you might have one set in the closet that the little one sleeps on and another set that is more decorative.

Is it easy to remove spit-up or drool? 

You don't have to worry about stains too often if your baby is sleeping on a hard surface, but they can be difficult to get out of fabric. If it's not a piece of furniture, make sure the sheet is easy to clean. Otherwise, your nursery will look like a mess if even one drooling incident occurs during nap time. If you're concerned about stains, keep an eye on the washing instructions.

Does it need to be machine washable? 

You might think that sheets that are just plain old cotton will be easy to clean, but most of the time you'll find that anything with a pattern has some sort of embellishment or trimming that can make the job a little more difficult. If you are going for a softer look, cotton is the best material to use. If it's not a pattern or trimming that is causing problems, then cotton is still your best bet (ironing may be a slight pain if it is not washed very often). Otherwise, select an alternative type of material if machines have been your enemy in the past.

Do you have sewn-on tags? 

This can be a major annoyance if you don't want them on your baby's bedding. If you don't care about the tags and only want to see the colors, some providers will give you extra thread and fabric to make the tags disappear. You'll probably have that option if your sheets are made from soft cotton or a thinner set of materials.

Is it washable with organic dyes or chlorine bleach? 

Some cotton sheets with embellishments use dyes that are not always safe for babies, especially those with sensitive skin like yours. Always check the washing instructions for any materials before putting them in your washing machine.

Does it have a fabric softener? 

Some manufacturers include this in the washing instructions, so you might find that sheets that are otherwise perfect for a baby's bedding have something that is essentially bleach on them. This can irritate sensitive skin and is not something you'd want to put on your child's bedding. Before buying anything, read the instructions carefully and keep an eye out for anything concerning. Better safe than sorry.

Is it soft and breathable? 

Babies aren't too picky about textures as long as they are soft, but they will be more comfortable if their sheets are breathable. You don't want to go with a material that you'll only use for a short amount of time. Cotton is great for warmer months, but you'll likely want something more breathable for colder weather.

Will it get sweaty? 

You'll want to make sure the material stays cool when your baby is sleeping. If it doesn't say anything about breathability, then assume it might be a problem. Take a peek at the package if you're still not sure.

Is there any way to secure the sheets on a bassinet? 

You don't want them coming completely off if they get too much use, and if they haven't been made especially for your bassinet, they might do just that (or you might simply be unable to attach them properly). If there aren't any patches or clasps on the sheets and you can't find any that you like, you may have to go with a different style.

Is it machine-washable? 

You shouldn't have to worry about stains or cleaning in case of an accident, but if the material is a bit more delicate than cotton and does not say anything about hand washing, keep an eye out. You also shouldn't have to use bleach on this material.

Do your baby's sheets come in traditional colors? 

If they don't match the crib or bassinet, you'll want them to match your décor. You might find that the sheets are only available in traditional colors or maybe just one or two variations. This is fine if you aren't concerned about matching and you have sheets that can make up for it. If you're looking for something to match your entire nursery, something like this is probably best avoided altogether.

How many sheets do you expect to use? 

You may be surprised by how many different sets of sheets are floating around your nursery. You'll need the main set that goes on your bed in the master bedroom and another set for the bassinet. You might also want to buy two sets of changing table sheets if you don't already have them (one to wash while the other is on display, and another as a backup). It's also not a bad idea to have an extra set of regular sheets on hand just in case you need a quick change or something like that. This can save you the trouble of changing the bed sheets at 3 AM when the baby is awake and has taken his last diaper off!

How many patterns or designs?

It's okay if your baby isn't too picky about their sheets and they don't have any troubles with allergies, but if you are concerned about allergies, there are plenty of popular patterns to choose from (but find out whether any particular material is off limits for your child).

Is it good quality? 

There are lots of fabric options out there, so don't let yourself be fooled by more expensive sheets just because they're as soft as you can get. They might be flimsy and not worth your money. If you prefer a lighter-colored material, remember that those fabrics are often less durable than others, so they'll have to be replaced sooner than later.

Are there any stains?

You might find some staining on the package or on the sheets themselves. Always check these before buying them if you've never had a problem with bleaching and other such stains in the past.

Conclusion 

If you think you're going to have all of the sheets you need in the next few years, it might be better to go with something that is machine washable and very comfortable. These sheets will last a long time, and they can work with traditional design accents or fun patterns. If your baby is allergic to almost everything or has sensitive skin, there are lots of organic cotton options or those made from other materials.