Being pregnant is a period of happiness. That’s a given. But it also comes with serious responsibilities and profound planning. Preparing all the necessary stuff to welcome your love nugget is a surefire must. You’ll buy lots of essentials, including a crib, crib mattress, pacifier, multiple wardrobe items, and baby blankets. The latter is what we’ll focus on today.
A quality baby blanket excels in providing your little one with sufficient warmth. The choice of this particular item is determined by an array of factors, such as the current season, the material, and the blanket type. That’s what we’ll be dwelling upon.
In this piece, we’ll cover the basics of choosing the right blanket for your little bun, let you in on the parameters to take into account when shopping for the best blanket, and touch upon baby blanket classification. So, whether you’re on the prowl for the best yarn for baby blankets or need the wraps themselves, our expert tips are sure to come in handy. Keep reading for details.
Quick Tips for Buying the Best Baby Blanket
What can be sweeter than a little peanut wrapped snugly in a soft, plush baby blanket? Chances are that this particular item on your baby essentials checklist will become your baby’s favorite security component. Throughout the first few months of their life, your kiddo will spend lots of time slumbering. With that said, picking the comfiest stuff for sleeping is paramount.
Here are some handy tips for finding the best baby wrap:
- opt for the skin-friendliest material, such as cotton;
- avoid going for items with excessive fur on them, for it may cause breathing issues in your baby;
- avoid excessively thick blankets and hoods, for they may cause suffocation;
- breathability is what you should focus on the most: hold the item that has caught your eye in front of the fan to check if the air moves through it;
- synthetic or satin fabrics are a big no, for they will neither keep your sweet little snuggle bug warm nor be any good skin sensitivity-wise;
- do not buy blankets that feature loose tassels or ribbons: this may result in your peanut getting tangled in all this unnecessary stuff;
- opt for the right size, which will be determined by your needs: whether you’ll wrap your little one in your blanket or simply use it to cover them;
- do consider the price, but always remember that quality is more essential.
Materials for Maximum Safety
You’re probably aware that an infant’s skin is easily irritated, and rashes during the first year are very common. Therefore, the stuff your baby clothes and blankets are crafted of should be as organic as possible. Additionally, infants are not capable of regulating their own body temperature until they are about two years old. Thus, you need blankets that provide sufficient airflow, as well as natural and breathable enough not to trap sweat.
Taking these crucial parameters into account, we recommend that you opt for the following baby-friendly fabrics:
- cotton;
- micro-fleece;
- bamboo;
- cashmere;
- linen.
Baby Wrap Classification
All the baby stuff you choose should cater to your unique situation and needs. Baby blankets are more of a rule than an exception here. So, because there’s a multitude of possible baby-mommy needs, there are also many baby blanket types. Find the major ones below:
1. Safety blanket. Made of either plush or fleece, this blanket usually comes with a stuffed toy attached to it. Little peanuts love holding onto this stuff for coziness and entertainment. With that said, the most important function of this blanket type is comfort. So, it’s typically used for neither wrapping nor covering an infant.
2. Swaddling blanket. If your baby sleeps on a very rare occasion, then this type is your best bet. Ideal for swaddling, hence the self-explanatory name, they feature fastenings that aid you in performing the item’s main function effortlessly.
3. Receiving blanket. Upon examining, cleaning, and diapering your little one, the nurses usually swaddle them in a receiving blanket. This type is thin and lightweight cotton. They won’t keep your baby particularly warm, but they’re perfect for providing that blissful comfy touch.
4. Sleep sack. This blanket type is the safest option for babies below 12 months. Wearable and risk-proof, sleep sacks are perfect for keeping your sweet little snuggle bug warm without risking suffocation.
5. Thermal blankets. Great for summer evening naps, these blankets are made of lightweight, thermal fabrics. They are comfy, and the upkeep is a breeze.
6. Crocheted blankets. Made of the softest yarns, these handmade blankets are the ideal choice for babies over 12 months, for younger peanuts’ fingers and toes risk getting tangled in the openings of the stitches.
It’s interesting that babies tend to play by dragging stuff around nonstop. It stimulates their tiny brains and adds up to their later-stage development. With that said, opt for a wrap that’s perfectly soft, comfy, and entertaining e.g, with fun pictures of animals, shapes, colors, or letters.
Cutting to the Chase: Comfort & Safety Are Key
Baby blanket-wise, there’s a treasure trove of options on the scene. This can make a choice feel overwhelming. Major aspects to take into account are fabrics, size, variations, and design.
How comfy and safe the item you’ll opt for is of the greatest importance, too. The material should be gentle and stay gentle through maintenance. It should keep your love nugget warm without creating excessive heat. Last but not least, the perfect baby blanket should be just the right size to use on a toddler or preschooler.
Don’t forget that irrespective of what you’ll opt for, blankets should never be used on sleeping infants. To be more precise, babies can begin sleeping with blankets when they are about two years old. Letting a baby under one-year-old sleep with a wrap can have deadly consequences. So, just keep your tiny peanut warm with plush, breathable pajamas and/or a sleep sack until it’s mature enough for those magic wraps.
