Buying guide for best playard sheets
For babies, a playard is a cozy little sanctuary where they can play, relax, and hang out alongside adults. Babies spend several hours of the day engaging and interacting with a big new world, and eventually, they need some downtime. Playards are just the place for naps, so how do you make them comfortable enough for babies to get a few winks of sleep?
Playard sheets soften the space with an extra touch of comfort. They resemble tiny versions of fitted sheets, equipped with an elastic edge to provide a snug fit around the corners. Whether you’re looking for basic colors or themed sheets to match other décor, you have plenty of options.
As cozy and welcoming as playard sheets are, they’re also tough enough to hold up to plenty of use. Not only do they endure hundreds of washes, they provide an extra layer of protection on top of the playard mattress. If you’re ready to make your child’s favorite space a little more cozy with all the perks of practicality, then we invite you to review the playard sheets we recommend.
Key considerations
Mattress depth
The first thing to do when choosing playard sheets is to determine the correct measurements for your mattress. Sheets are generally designed to fit average playard mattresses, which are 27 x 39 inches. That said, some mattresses are deeper than others — they range between two and four inches. Some sheets are a universal fit for any thickness, whereas others are designed more specifically.
Size
Like any sheets, playard sheets get a lot of use, so you should buy more than one. It’s a big help to have extras on hand when one is in the wash so your baby doesn’t miss any playard time. Some playard sheets are packaged in sets of two or three at a reasonable price, though others are sold individually. If you’re planning on buying multiple sets, consider picking up sets with different prints and designs with coordinating colors for a little bit of variety.
Gender-neutral
If you think you’ll welcome more babies into the world, you may opt for gender-neutral playard sheets. Some parents see this as an economical idea, stocking up on essentials that can be used for more than one baby. Gender-neutral colors, prints, and themes are also easy to match to other décor in the nursery, as they tend to use color palettes with neutral tones.
Caution
Avoid washing your playard sheets on high heat in your dryer. It could cause the elastic to dry out over time and eventually snap or deteriorate.
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Features
Design styles
Solids: Traditional playard sheets come in solid colors. Whether it’s pastels, primary colors, or simple neutrals, these are the easiest to match to décor and other accessories. Some solid sets are budget-priced since they’re considered most basic when it comes to this type of bedding.
Geometric: Geometric designs have risen in popularity, especially those that come in gender-neutral colors. These busy yet playful designs often come in striped, zigzag, or shape patterns. They’re also easy to coordinate with other items around the nursery or home.
- Animals: Playard sheets with animal designs have always been well-loved. Llamas, sloths, and woodland creatures are popular and are often placed in gender-neutral color palettes.
Materials
Cotton: Cotton blends are the most popular material for playard sheets. They’re incredibly versatile and functional year-round, and they’re particularly lightweight and breathable during warmer months. Jersey knit is a soft, breathable weave with a bit of stretch to it, though it maintains its integrity well as a snugly fitted sheet. Organic cotton refers to cotton that has been grown with a low environmental impact without the use of toxins and certain chemicals. Cotton-poly blends are also well-liked by parents, as they’re soft and sometimes include stain-proof or spill-proof technology.
Plush: Plush or chenille playard sheets are thicker and warmer than cotton sheets, so they’re preferred during the colder months. Typically they’re made with a soft polyester blend that retains warmth so babies don’t get too cold while they nap. Certain plush versions have a similar feel and appearance to the fabric used for stuffed animals, giving them a somewhat velvety feel.
Quilted: If you’re looking for a softer, more cushioned playard sheet, consider something quilted. These sheets can be made with a combination of cotton or plush materials, and they include a thin layer of batting on the inside, providing a pillow-top feel to the playard sheet. This is certainly inviting when it comes to naptime.
- Vinyl: Some playard sheets have a thin sheet of vinyl beneath the material upon which your baby naps. This additional protective layer is designed to catch spills and soiling so they don’t go through the sheet and soak the mattress.
Fabric features
In addition to top-quality materials, some parents prefer the safest production and treatment of the materials that make playard sheets. Some organic playard sheets may also be certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, which assesses the entire production and supply chain of cotton before it’s turned into products and sold. Besides organic, you may also find sheets that are hypoallergenic, non-GMO, nontoxic, or locally grown.
Playard sheet prices
Playard sheets cost between $5 and $40.
Inexpensive: On the low end are playard sheets between $5 and $10 each. These often come one to a pack and only occasionally feature patterns or themes.
Mid-range: Between $10 and $20 is where you get the most bang for your buck. These sheets often come two to a pack and are made with high-quality cotton that may be organic or eco-friendly.
Expensive: Playard sheets between the $20 to $40 range often come in pairs and offer an abundance of features, including what you can find in less expensive models. Many have wrinkle-free technology, a higher thread count, and the ability to repel stains.
Tips
Wash according to the care instructions. Playard sheets get a lot of use, so extend the amount of time they last by following their recommended care instructions.
Buy multiples of the same playard sheets. If you want to avoid the hassle of matching or worrying about specific sheets, an easy solution is to get plenty of the same color or pattern.
Choose a baby-friendly detergent. Certain laundry detergents are formulated to be safe to use on baby clothes and sheets. Consider eco-friendly, unscented, or color-free formulas, as these detergents are often safe for sensitive skin as well.
- Throw out torn sheets. While you can easily sew tears, it’s much safer to just replace the sheets. Tears may reopen, and loose fabric in the playard is unsafe for babies.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to wash my playard sheets separately from other items?
A. You can wash them with other items that have the same care instructions, especially if you’re using special products for your baby’s items. It saves time and condenses laundry loads. Some people prefer washing sheets separately, particularly if they’re soiled, to avoid transferring anything onto other items.
Q. How often do I need to wash my playard sheets?
A. It’s recommended that you wash playard sheets two to three times a week, so it’s a good idea to have a few sets to alternate between loads. If your baby soils the sheets, remove them right away to be washed. It’s also a good idea to change them more often when your child is sick.
Q. I’m buying playard sheets as a gift, but the couple didn’t do a gender reveal. What are my options?
A. Plain white, yellow, or gray are good options for gender-neutral sheets, especially since they can be used for future siblings as well. If you’d like to have lively sheets with patterns, find geometric patterns with the aforementioned colors. You can also find neutral patterns or themes, like woodland creatures, under the sea, zoo, and jungle animals. Ask the parents whether they have specific colors in mind for the nursery, and find ones to match that.
