How to choose the perfect baby blanket

 

This is a list.

I can't say that investing in baby blankets is absolutely necessary as every mom has her own list of top priorities when investing in baby items. I know many people think that in a hot and humid climate like ours, baby blankets are not needed. Instead, a wrap or cotton blanket will suffice. However, a baby blanket can help in many ways, especially keeping your child warm on winter nights. If you have a toddler who sleeps most of the time, investing in a good blanket actually makes sense.

First, make sure the material you choose is skin-friendly for your baby. Cotton is the best choice. Choose a blanket with a cotton layer underneath.

Don't buy a blanket with too much fur, as the fur can shed when you breathe and enter your baby's nostrils or mouth, causing a choking attack.

Avoid soft, heavy and stylish ones as they are not made of breathable materials. If your child pulls it over his head while sleeping, it can cause suffocation.

Even if you buy a heavy baby blanket for your baby, make sure it's made of breathable material. Place the blanket near the fan and check for airflow.

Avoid investing in synthetic or satin fabrics, as these won't keep your baby warm and can also cause rashes or pimples on sensitive skin.

Avoid blankets with tassels, fringes, or loose ties; babies can get caught in them.

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Avoid buying hooded blankets and let your baby sleep with a hood on even if you don't. Also, if your baby pulls the hood down, there is a risk of suffocation due to restricted breathing.

Be sure to purchase the right size blanket for your baby based on his needs and necessities. If you want to wrap your baby, you may need a larger blanket. Otherwise, you can buy a medium-sized blanket that covers your baby well and keeps you warm at night.

When can a baby sleep under a blanket?

In order for the blanket to be inserted safely, your child must meet two main criteria (1):

baby one year old

Baby can turn around and have full head control

Put the pillow and blanket into the baby at the same time.

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Why is it important to choose the right size blanket for your baby?

Smaller blankets can cause babies to catch colds in the middle of the night, while blankets larger than necessary carry risks.

You should not wrap large, loose blankets around your baby. There is a chance that your baby will pull the blanket up to his face and choke (2).

Having a large blanket for your baby can also hinder their movement and cause them to squirm under the sheets (3).

Basic blanket safety rules you need to follow for your baby

While using an adult blanket may seem routine, there are a few caveats to using blankets for babies.

Here are some basic blanket rules to follow for your baby:

Always use the right size blanket for your baby and make sure the blanket is not too large.

Use natural blanket materials like organic cotton as they are softer and more breathable (3).

Use stretch blankets that won't loosen or come off easily, so your baby won't pull them over their heads during sleep (4).

Avoid soft beds, mattresses or blankets from birth to 12 months.

Always tuck your baby's blanket in, no higher than shoulders (5).

Newborns and infants under one year of age should not use blankets because it increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation (6).

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What is the best size for a baby blanket?

There are ready-made blanket size charts, but since every baby is different, there can be no one-size-fits-all for all ages.

The optimal size for a baby blanket should be:

Big enough to cover her nicely, but not too big to squirm underneath.

Your baby should be able to use it for a few months.

It should not be so large that it is difficult to roll or carry when traveling.

Each type of blanket has a specific size and size suitable for its purpose. For example, swaddle blankets are square, while crib blankets should fit snugly when tucked under a crib mattress.

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Ideal material for baby blanket

To find the perfect blanket for your baby, you need to know the best materials.

Use natural, breathable materials to circulate air and dissipate heat as your baby's body cools (3).

Pulp-cotton blankets are ideal for babies because they keep warm and allow airflow to regulate body temperature. And with holes, it's safe even if your baby accidentally pulls it up to the face (3).

At the same time, wool and lambskin blankets should be avoided as they can heat your baby's body.

In cold weather, soft cashmere or angora is ideal for making baby blankets. Use a thin blanket in summer and a thick blanket in winter. Avoid synthetic and rough materials (like polyester) for your baby blanket.

Even if you have the ideal fabric blanket for your baby, try not to fold it as it counts as two blankets that will warm your baby's body. The blanket you choose must maintain the ambient temperature for your baby - so they can sleep soundly.

Types of Baby Blankets

See also: At what temperature do you wash your blankets?

There are different types of blankets to choose from on the market today, and each has a specific purpose beyond just keeping your baby warm and safe.

1. Swaddling blanket

Most newborns enjoy being swaddled because it mimics the warmth and tightness of the uterus. Swaddle blankets can be rectangular or square and require the use of a diamond technique to wrap the baby (7). Make sure your hips and legs can move freely while changing your baby's diaper. Also, keep in mind that some babies don't like being swaddled, so avoid swaddling in that case.

2. Blanket for premature babies

Premature babies need extra love, care and time to catch up with term babies. Blankets are essential for these babies as they keep warm and regulate body temperature. These blankets are available in different sizes for premature babies large and small and can be used in strollers or strollers, bassinets and cribs.

3. Reception blanket

This is a versatile blanket. Lightweight and simply designed swaddle blankets can be used for a variety of functions, such as: B. Changing baby's clothes, placing baby on the floor or unfamiliar surface at home, catching drool or drool, and feeding.

4. Christmas Blanket

As the name suggests, these blankets are designed to keep your baby warm in the bassinet. They are fully functional and come in many different patterns, designs and materials. However, when choosing the right crib blanket, consider your baby's age and size, the weather in your area, and the size of the crib.

5. Safety blanket

These blankets are smaller than receiving blankets and help your baby get home from the hospital or home. They are made of thin materials that are durable and easy to clean.

6. Multifunctional blanket

A multipurpose blanket is the perfect gift for a baby or expectant mother. They are versatile and can be used as receiving blankets, strollers, bassinets, travel blankets or whenever needed. They are available in different sizes and can also be used as the little one grows.

7. Afghan blanket

These blankets come in colorful designs and different sizes. Safe for babies who can hold their heads up without choking, these blankets are a great choice for toddlers.

8. Newborn Blanket

These are ideal for newborns and come in a standard size of 30" x 30".

What to consider when choosing a baby blanket

The first thing to consider when choosing a baby blanket is the material, then the design, color or size. Of course, thicker duvets can be beneficial during the cooler months, while lighter duvets are ideal for spring and summer.

Wool and other harsh synthetic materials can chafe your baby's delicate skin. Cashmere or wool can provide a soft, warm feel. The best option, however, may be a cotton blanket—soft, comfortable, breathable, but still providing insulation when needed.

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