Do Bassinets Need Sheets? (2 Reasons Why)

Parents want to keep the baby by their side all the time to make sure that their little one is always in the safe round.  However, infant experts say that it’s the best idea to keep newborns in another bed in the same room with the parents.

In this case, a bassinet will be helpful. You can always watch out for your child to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) while working on other things.

When purchasing a bassinet, consultants may recommend you should invest in sheets. So, do bassinets need sheets?

If you’re a first-time parent and lack child care experience, this post will explain to you in detail this question as well as related questions on the topic. Let’s take a closer look at the post to learn more.

Do You Put Sheets In A Bassinet?

The short answer is yes. You will need high-quality fitted sheets to ensure your baby’s safe sleep and preserve the bassinet’s quality.

They bring a sense of comfort to your baby and prolong your bassinet’s quality as they can keep the mattress clean. Moreover, the cost of bassinets isn’t cheap for 6 months of use so investing in these sheets may protect it.

If you plan on using the bassinet for your next baby in the future, these sheets will save you money instead of having to buy a new one.

You risk damaging your bassinet if you don’t safeguard it from the mishaps your baby may cause. As a result, you may waste a lot of money purchasing new accessories. So, it’s best to protect your bassinet right from the beginning.

Most importantly, sleep is your baby’s most fundamental requirement, and the sheet plays an essential part in this period. It brings your newborn a sense of comfort and a soft surface when sleeping. It also keeps him warmer in the cold months.

Furthermore, you can clean and wash these sheets very often, making your baby healthy.  They make sure your infant has a clean, hygienic, and dry place for better and safer sleep. Leaving a newborn in a filthy environment might result in a severe skin infection later.

In conclusion, sheets are not must-have items, but they will help your baby’s bassinet be cleaner and safer to rest on. But remember, according to the AAP to reduce the risk of SIDS, your baby should only sleep on a flat, firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

How Many Bassinet Sheets Do You Need?

You need at least three bassinet sheets. One is for use on the mattress, one is for emergency use, and one is left to dry after washing. If your baby spits up a lot, you will probably need one or two more.

Newborns sit up quite frequently, mainly after each feeding. Thus, changing sheets after a few hours daily is not practical. To prevent the mess, you can use napkins, burp cloths, or wet wipes. However, the stench and moisture are harmful to the newborn.

You may wonder about how often to change bassinet sheets. Usually, it will be one change a day, and some people change sheets every two days. There is no fixed answer to this issue, but you must keep the environment in your baby’s bassinet hygienic and clean to sleep.

If your baby’s peeing through the diaper worsens, the only choice is to wash the sheet. In this case, it’s best to place two sheets on the bassinet to avoid being stuck in a situation where there is no dry sheet.

You may undermine fabric integrity when you wash the sheet, regardless of the manufacturer’s guarantees.

For the best comfort and safety, it’s critical to keep the sheet’s shape and firmness. Therefore, make sure you have three sheets or more for your newborn’s bassinet, so you can wash them on a regular basis.

FAQ

If you don’t know how to choose the proper bassinet sheets, the frequently asked questions will help you.

Are All Bassinet Sheets The Same Size?

The short answer is no. Sheets may come in various sizes because bassinets have different sizes and shapes. As a result, before purchasing the sheets for your bassinet, make sure to know its exact size and shape.

These sheets are typically 32″ inches long x 16″ inches wide, with a thickness of 1–2 inches. Never opt for loose sheets, as they may risk suffocation to your newborn. Besides, getting a sheet matching your bassinet’s brand is preferable.

You can use the sheet sizes of some popular bassinet models in the table below to find which fits yours.

What Is The Best Material For A Bassinet Sheet?

The skin of babies is inherently sensitive. It may quickly get rashes, eczema, and dryness. Bassinet sheets are made of a variety of materials. Thus, it’s best to pick fabrics that don’t irritate their skin.

If you’re looking for the best materials for a bassinet sheet, let’s consider the following recommendations:

• Cotton: It’s a standard breathable fabric made from natural fibers. It’ll keep your baby cool in the summertime and cozy in the wintertime.
• Bamboo: It’s completely breathable. Regardless of the washing time, it can keep the first shape and quality.
• Flannel: If you live in a cold climate, a flannel mattress will keep your newborn warmer.

Do You Need A Waterproof Sheet For The Bassinet?

The answer is yes. It’s best to buy waterproof sheets to keep fluids out of the mattress and prevent your newborn’s mess from seeping into them.

Waterproof sheets are simple to launder and are ideal for preserving the bassinet on which your baby sleeps.

Where Can I Buy Bassinet Sheets?

You can buy these sheets directly from baby shops. Otherwise, you can order and purchase them online on eCommerce sites such as Amazon, Esty, or Walmart.

Wherever you buy these sheets, consider their dimensions and shapes so that they will fit your bassinet.

Will Crib Sheets Fit A Bassinet?

The short answer is no. A crib sheet is often larger than a bassinet one. As shared earlier, your baby might suffocate if the sheet is too loose. Thus, it’s always best to select a fitted sheet.

It’s ideal for bassinets since they provide comfort while also being simple to clean. If you plan to purchase a fitted sheet, make sure it matches the measurements of the bassinet.

Can You Use A Blanket As A Bassinet Sheet?

No and no. If you don’t have sheets, it’s better to leave your bassinet bare.

The AAP recommends removing objects like blankets, pillows, comforters, soft toys, and even unfitted sheets from the bassinet (the baby’s sleep area). That’s because these things may cause suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.

About 2,300 US children die from SIDS each year, and sleeping with fluffy blankets or toys is one of the leading causes.

Wrapping Up

Your child can sleep in a bassinet without sheets; however, you need sheets to keep the sleeping area clean and maintain the mattress for more prolonged use. You can even use the bassinet for your next baby.

Typically, you should prepare at least three sheets so that you can wash them regularly to ensure the safety of your little one.