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How to Choose Organic Crib Sheets: A Mom’s Buying Guide
Which sheets are best for your baby? Your baby spends many long hours with their soft little cheek touching crib sheets, making quality a strong concern for many moms. While any soft, quality fabric will get the job done, organic crib sheets are a popular option for reasons I’ll share below.
As a mom of three, I have bought my fair share of nursery essentials, including crib sheets. Buying sheets was especially tough for my daughter, as she has sensitive skin and easily gets rashes. After testing many options, I learned organic cotton sheets are one of the best solutions, especially for babies with sensitive skin. Read on to learn how to choose organic crib sheets for your little one.
What Makes Organic Crib Sheets?
Organic crib sheets are made from natural fibers—most commonly organic cotton—that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Bamboo, hemp, and cotton are the most common materials for organic crib sheets.
But what does “organic” really mean when it comes to your baby’s bedding?
To be considered organic, the materials used (like cotton or bamboo) must be:
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Grown using sustainable, chemical-free farming practices
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Processed without harmful dyes, bleach, or formaldehyde-based finishes
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Free from flame retardants, phthalates, and other potentially harmful substances
This makes organic crib sheets a popular choice for babies with sensitive skin, as well as for parents looking to reduce chemical exposure in the nursery.
You’ll see organic cotton most often, but some crib sheets are made from bamboo or even hemp. I personally prefer cotton—it’s soft, breathable, and holds up really well after dozens of washes (and trust me, with babies, you’ll be washing crib sheets a lot).
Explore 100% organic cotton crib sheets for your nursery.
Do crib sheets have to be certified to be organic?
No, and this is where it gets a little confusing.
Some brands go the extra mile and pay for third-party certifications—but that doesn’t mean a crib sheet without certification isn’t organic. Certifications are expensive and time-consuming, especially for smaller companies. Some amazing brands still use organically grown cotton but skip the paperwork.
That said, here are some trusted certifications to know:
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GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This is the highest standard for organic fabrics. It ensures the cotton is at least 70% organic and processed in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
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OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: This one doesn’t mean the sheets are organic, but it does guarantee they’ve been tested for over 100 harmful substances. I find this especially helpful for printed or colored sheets.
Bottom line? If you see one of those labels—great. If you don’t, that’s okay too—just make sure the brand is transparent about using cotton grown without pesticides or harmful dyes. A soft, breathable sheet that’s kind to your baby’s skin matters more than a fancy stamp.
What are the Benefits for Babies?
When your baby spends 10 to 14 hours a day sleeping, what they're sleeping on really matters. And if your little one has extra-sensitive skin (like mine did), switching to organic crib sheets can make a noticeable difference in comfort—and peace of mind.
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Better for Sensitive Skin: If your baby has sensitive skin, you might want to try organic crib sheets and clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo are among the top recommended. Plus, organic fabrics contain fewer allergens that bother your baby’s skin, especially if they have eczema.
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Protect Your Baby’s Health: Studies show that organic fabrics contain less chemical residue that may impact your baby’s health. However, the study recommends that parents wash all new clothes and crib sheets, organic or not, to help remove any possible toxins.
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4. Breathability = Better Sleep: Organic cotton and bamboo sheets are known for being breathable and moisture-wicking. That means less overheating, less sweating, and a more comfortable sleep—something both you and your baby will appreciate at 2 a.m.
5 Things to Look for When Buying Organic Crib Sheets
Let’s get into how to find the best crib sheets for your baby. Aside from choosing a pretty pattern you love, here are some more practical considerations that I learned as a mom of three.
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Fabric Composition
Organic fabrics can include cotton, bamboo, and hemp, among others. Plus, you can sometimes find different fabric types such as muslin, jersey, or even flannel. Which should you choose?
Organic Cotton
Cotton is a top choice for organic crib sheets because it’s breathable, hypoallergenic, and durable. Recommended by dermatologists, cotton can help keep your baby comfortable while they sleep, as it regulates temperature well. It keeps your baby comfortably cool when the weather is hot and warm when the weather is cooler.
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Muslin and jersey: Lightweight and breathable—perfect for warmer climates or hot sleepers.
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Flannel: Thicker and cozy for colder months.
Organic Bamboo
Bamboo has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to its soft, smooth texture. This fabric is also known for wicking away moisture and promoting airflow. It’s great if your baby tends to sweat or you live somewhere humid.
Hemp
Hemp is yet another option, known for its extraordinary strength and durability. Although not as widely available as cotton, this organic crib sheet material is easier to find than in the past. Do keep in mind that in general, hemp is a rougher fabric that softens over time.
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Safety Standards
When selecting organic baby crib sheets, look for certifications and labels that highlight the organic status. Third-party testing through USDA, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX can provide additional confidence.
These labels help ensure your baby’s sheets are free from harsh chemicals and toxins—especially important for babies with eczema or sensitive skin.
That said, not all organic crib sheets are certified. Some brands use organic cotton but skip certification due to cost. Just make sure they’re transparent about their materials—and always wash sheets before first use.
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Sheet Size
Sheet size is more important for infants than for adults. To follow safe sleep recommendations, the crib sheets should fit the mattress snugly. Double-check your crib mattress size before purchasing sheets.
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A standard crib mattress is 52" x 28", so most "standard size" crib sheets will work.
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If you’re using a mini crib or an oddly shaped mattress, double-check the dimensions carefully before buying.
Our guide to crib sheet sizing simplifies baby bedding for you.
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Comfort and Breathability
The vast majority of organic crib sheets are breathable and soft because they’re made of natural fibers. Yet, it’s important to consider the season and whether your baby is a hot sleeper. All materials can offer breathability depending on their weave and construction—but for parents looking to minimize exposure to chemicals, organic fabrics are a superb choice.
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Ease of Cleaning
Between blow-out diapers, spit-up, and other accidents, you want crib sheets that are easy to wash. As a mom, the first thing I checked when buying crib sheets aside from materials was whether they were machine washable. Most organic crib sheets are machine washable, but it’s important to double-check, as some fabrics like bamboo may require special treatments.
Mom Tip: Always keep at least 3–4 sheets in rotation. That way, laundry day surprises don’t turn into emergencies.
How to Care for Organic Crib Sheets
Want your crib sheets to last through spit-ups, blowouts, and dozens of laundry days? A little extra care goes a long way—especially if you’re investing in organic materials.
Use a Mild, Baby-Friendly Detergent
Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent designed for sensitive skin. Even though organic sheets are free from harsh chemicals, adding strong detergents can irritate your baby’s skin—or break down the fabric faster.
Mom tip: I like to do an extra rinse cycle, especially with newborn laundry.
Dry with Care
Heat is the enemy of elastic, and fitted crib sheets rely on a snug fit. To protect the shape and stretch:
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Tumble dry on low heat or
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Line dry when possible—especially on sunny days for a natural fresh scent.
Rotate Your Sheets
Don’t wear one set into the ground. Keep 3–4 crib sheets in rotation so you can always have a clean backup (because messes happen). This also allows you to match the season—lightweight muslin in summer, cozy flannel in winter.
Where to Buy the Best Organic Crib Sheets
While once a specialty item, organic crib sheets are now much easier to find. You can buy organic crib sheets at major retailers and online, including from Lambs & Ivy. At Lambs & Ivy, you can find a quality selection of crib sheets, including organic options and other bedding. Remember to use the above guidelines when selecting the best organic crib sheets.
Organic Crib Sheet FAQS:
Should crib sheets be organic?
Any soft, breathable fabric is an excellent choice for crib sheets. Some parents prefer to use organic crib sheets because they are environmentally friendly and may help protect your baby’s sensitive skin.
Why are organic crib sheets more expensive?
Organic crib sheets are more affordable than in the past. However, they may be slightly more expensive than conventional sheets due to strict certification requirements. Plus, growing fibers like cotton and bamboo using organic farming processes is often more labor-intensive and costly.
How many crib sheets do I need?
How many crib sheets you need depends on your laundry schedule and preferences. However, to cover your bases, you should purchase at least three sets of crib sheets. This way, you can have one set in use, one set in the laundry, and a backup set in case of accidents.
Little Ones Sleep Soundly with Lambs & Ivy
Choosing organic crib sheets will go beyond helping your baby sleep well. You’ll also sleep easy knowing they’re safe and comfortable. Discover quality organic crib sheets that babies and parents love at Lambs & Ivy. From adorable prints that match your nursery theme to attractive solids, find all your bedding at Lambs & Ivy. Shop now to find the ideal baby bedding bedding.
