Are you thinking of switching your baby from a crib to a toddler bed? This transition can be daunting!
Lots of adjusting will happen between your little one and you, but luckily, the mattress and sheet sizes can stay the same, so you can use your same sheet and mattress!
A lot can change when transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed, but the sizing of the sheets and mattress do not!
Do toddler sheets fit crib mattresses? The standard toddler mattress is the same size as a normal crib mattress; therefore, toddler sheets fit crib mattresses and vice versa. Both toddler and crib sheets are 28 inches wide and 52 inches long, so whether you convert your crib or move to a toddler bed, the sheet sizes are the same.
If toddler sheets and crib sheets fit the same mattress, then why are they itemized differently in stores? Is there a difference between toddler sheets and crib sheets?
Toddler Sheets vs. Crib Sheets
Toddler sheets and crib sheets are generally the same width, length, and thickness.
There is no real difference between the two different sheets, but there are differences in the bedding bundles sold for cribs and toddler beds.
Are They the Same?
Fitted toddler sheets and crib sheets are the same. The difference is that when you buy a toddler sheet set, it comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcase. These extras do not come in crib bedding for safety issues.
- Standard Crib Mattress Size: 27 1/4″ wide x 51 5/8″ long
- Mini Crib Mattress Size: 24 inches wide and 38 inches long
- Standard Toddler Mattress Size: 27 ¼” wide and 51 ⅝” long
Fabrics
Experts recommend cotton for your children’s sheets and bedding. Sometimes it’s tempting to buy a cheaper option, but sometimes those cheaper options have lots of different synthetic materials in them.
Cotton is made of natural fibers and materials and is best for your little one.
Synthetic fabrics are more likely to cause rashes and are not as gentle on the skin.
When your baby is finally asleep, the last thing you want is a middle-of-the-night wake-up from skin irritation!
Overall Quality
The overall quality is no different from crib sheets to toddler sheets. The key to looking at overall quality is looking at the materials.
When you opt for organic bedding, you may be paying a higher price for it, but the quality will be better for your little one and be much kinder on their skin.
Designs
Designs, designs, designs! This is where one of the biggest differences between crib and toddler sheets comes into play.
When your baby is in a crib, you get to decide on the sweet soft coloring of the baby’s nursery and crib bedding.
However, when it’s time to switch to a toddler bed, your kiddo may opt to do the transition more willingly if they pick out their sheets!
Toddler bedding is full of characters, bright colors, superheroes, princesses, and fun patterns.
When my son made the switch to a toddler bed, I still thank the superhero sheets for a job well done in encouraging him in this new transition!
Toddler sheets and bedding might not be as aesthetic, but they can be a fun way for your toddler to express themselves and help with sleep!
Crib Bedding vs. Toddler Bedding
Crib bedding should be sweet and simple. Babies should only be sleeping in their cribs with fitted sheets.
However, oftentimes crib bedding is sold with blankets, a crib sheet, bumper pads, and sometimes a stuffed animal.
Most parents will adorn the crib with a blanket and a stuffed animal during the day, but they will take out the extras for when the baby is sleeping.
Toddler bedding comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, a pillow case, and a comforter unless it is sold separately. Babies do not use flat sheets, pillows, or blankets.
Considerations When Buying Toddler Bedding
Buying toddler bedding is an exciting time, and it can be a little daunting, but it also can be a sweet bonding time between you and your child.
Safety
The adage “less is more” is applicable to bedding for babies. They should not be sleeping with anything but a crib sheet.
As your baby turns into a toddler and is old enough to make the transition (over 12 months of age), blankets, pillows, and sheets can be added.
Materials
Unfortunately, the saying “you get what you pay for” is true with toddler sheets as well.
Pay attention to what the bedding is made out of. It should be cotton and preferably organic.
Check on the comfort, texture, weave, breathability, warmth, and washability of the materials in the bedding.
All are important for creating a safe, comfortable sleeping environment for your child.
Designs
The designs in toddler bedding can be as fun as you let them! My daughter loves unicorns and rainbows! (Surprising, I know!)
So when it was time to make the switch, we went together and picked out some rainbow unicorn bedding! She loves it. My son opted for superheroes when it was his time.
However, if you want, you can keep the same sheets you were using in your crib. It can be comforting for your child to see that not everything is changing.
You know which would be best for your kiddo!
How Many You’ll Need
Definitely plan on having at least two sets of sheets for your toddler.
If there is an accident in the middle of the night, it is crucial to have an extra set so that you can change them quickly in the middle of the night.
Extra sheets make nighttime accidents much more manageable.
Transitioning From Crib to Toddler Bed – 8 Tips
Sleep tactics and transitions are tough and challenging, but luckily, there is an internet full of women, parents, and moms helping each other out with every new transition!
I look to Taking Cara Babies for many of my baby sleep questions! Her steps and tips for transition from crib to toddler beds are as follows:
- Prepare the room.
- Involve your child in the process.
- Communicate clear expectations.
- Maintain your normal bedtime routine.
- Have a plan if they get out of bed.
- Wait until your toddler is closer to 3 years old or older to make the move to a toddler bed.
- Give your child time to prepare by talking frequently with them about what will happen.
- Stay consistent with your bedtime routine and expectations.
Related Questions:
Can I Use Crib Mattress for Toddler Bed?
Yes! Crib mattresses will typically fit toddler beds, and oftentimes the crib can convert into a toddler bed, which will still use the same mattress.
What Does GOTS Certified Mean?
According to the GOTS website:
“The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has a clearly defined set of criteria and is transparent. GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.”
How Long Does a Toddler Bed Last?
This really depends on you and your child. Your child might outgrow a toddler bed somewhere between 3 and 5 years of age.
It just depends on the size of your child, the bed, and your preferences.
Will Twin Sheets Fit on a Toddler Bed?
No, twin sheets will not fit on a toddler bed. When your child moves up to the twin bed, it will be time to buy twin bed sheets.
Closing Thoughts
Crib sheets and toddler sheets are the same!
You can keep using your crib sheets as long as you want after your child’s sleep transition, or you can buy toddler sheets for your crib mattress when it’s time to switch over to the toddler bed!
The bedding sets are the only real difference between the two. Pay attention to materials, comfort, breathability, washability, etc., have fun shopping, and good luck! You got this!
Mom of three (including identical twin boys), wife, and owner of Parents Wonder. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way.