Can I Use Crib Sheets With a Breathable Mattress?

Choosing the perfect crib mattress for your little one is a big decision, and we know you want the very best for your baby. If you've invested in one of our EWG VERIFIED® breathable crib mattresses, you can rest assured your baby will be sleeping on a firm, flat surface made with safer materials. But, you might be wondering – do you still need a crib sheet? And, if you use one, will it impact the breathability?

Lullaby Earth’s Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress is designed with a removable, machine-washable, breathable cover. This means that Baby can sleep directly on the cover and still enjoy safer, healthier sleep. Plus, the machine-washable feature of our Breath Safe Mattress Cover makes it easier to clean the waterproof surface of the mattress, you know, in case any accidents happen (and they most likely will)! 

While you don’t necessarily have to put sheets on our crib mattress, there are a few reasons why you might want to explore them.

Spit-up, blowouts, accidents … we know a lot can happen while your little one is resting in their crib. Crib sheets can act as a first line of defense when accidents happen and can help keep your little one’s Breathe Safe Mattress Cover cleaner and more protected – which, in turn, keeps their Breathe Safe Crib Mattress cleaner and more protected.

Crib sheets can provide a thin layer of oh-so-comfy softness to your little one’s crib. Just make sure they’re made of the right materials first! Crib sheets that are designed with natural materials like organic cotton are softer and more breathable – making them a comfier choice than petroleum-based fabrics like polyester, nylon and microfiber.

Before putting crib sheets on your little one’s crib mattress, there are a few safety tips you should know! 

A crib sheet is the only accessory that is acceptable to add to your little one’s sleeping space (other than their mattress), per the CPSC. This means that there should not be any blankets, toys, stuffies or other items in your little one’s crib while they sleep, as they can pose hazards and suffocation risks to your little one. Check out our baby sleep safety guide for more crib safety tips.

While crib sheets are fine to use in your little one’s crib, it is essential that your crib sheet is well-fitted to the mattress. This means that there will be no fabric that gathers or bunches together after you put the sheet onto the crib. Since our Breathe Safe Crib Mattress is standard size, well-made crib sheets will be well-fitted to our mattress.

Our Breathe Safe crib mattress is waterproof at the surface, which can help to reduce any mold, mildew or other bacterial growth inside of the mattress. If you’re using a crib sheet, you’ll want to regularly wash them, too. You should wash your crib sheets at least one to two times a week (and of course whenever accidents happen, too). And, if you don’t have extra crib sheets for your little one to use while you’re doing laundry, they can sleep right on our Breathable Mattress Cover.

A well-fitted crib sheet made of breathable materials should not affect the breathability of your crib mattress. You can even test the breathability of your crib sheets for yourself! To test if your little one’s crib sheets are breathable, create a make-shift seal with your mouth and try to breathe through them. You’ll know if they’re breathable if it’s easy to take full breaths.

With so many options on the market to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best crib sheets for your little one’s crib mattress. Rest assured, we have some great tips to help you choose crib sheets that are safer, healthier and comfier for littles! 

Avoid greenwashing by choosing crib sheets with third-party certifications. In this context, some of these trusted labels could include: 

• GOTS for organic products
• MADE SAFE® for chemical safety
• GREENGUARD® Gold for chemical emissions
• UL Formaldehyde Free Validated for no formaldehyde  

Avoid synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and lycra that don’t breathe well and materials like wool that your baby could be allergic to. Instead, opt for organic cotton muslin, sateen or jersey. 

Cotton is super breathable, and organic cotton is a great choice for crib sheets because it avoids harsh chemicals or dyes that could irritate your little one’s sensitive skin. Plus, natural fibers are more durable than synthetic options out there, meaning it can better handle frequent laundering.

Don't put the cart before the horse! Learn What to Look for in a Breathable Baby Crib Mattress before you start shopping for crib sheets.