Best Baby Blanket

best baby blanket
Having a baby is an incredibly beautiful experience, but buying all their necessities is not. Whether you’re pregnant, already had your baby, or shopping for a baby shower, there are a lot of baby products out there and it can be extremely overwhelming. Even the task of finding a cute baby blanket can seem daunting, as thousands of items can pop up for swaddle. There are many more baby necessities that may have moved up the “To Buy” list, since after all, a baby blanket seems like such a simple buy.

Quick Look at Our Top 5 Picks

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  • Used by hospitals!
  • Come in different sizes & fabrics
  • Sense of security will help baby sleep longer
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  • Extremely soft
  • Can also be used for baby animals
  • Great color selections
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  • Comfy cotton blend material
  • Cute knit sweater design
  • Unisex
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  • 100% organic bamboo blankets
  • Very soft, lightweight, & breathable
  • Great large size
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  • Very soft
  • Take a picture every month
  • Great unisex gift for baby
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Unfortunately, there are many different types of baby blankets that serve different purposes. Also, there can be a lot of concerns from moms or soon-to-be-moms of the safety of certain baby blankets. Purchases for your baby aren’t just about style, but about safety, usability, versatility, and cleanliness. After all, no mom wants to purchase their child a blanket then find out after they’ve spilled their morning cereal on it, that it’s not machine washable. Lucky for you, we’ve detailed the different kinds, materials, the safety concerns for baby blankets, and then the best ones to buy.

Different Kinds of Baby Blankets

  • Receiving Blankets: These are the most popular baby blanket, as they are the most versatile and tend to be lightweight. Usually mom’s will have receiving blankets to clean up after the baby, lay the baby down on the floor, cover, or just to clean up after the baby.
  • Security Blankets: This type of blanket is, just as the name implies, meant to make the baby feel secure. These blankets are usually made of soft plush or fleece, and may have a stuffed animal attached to it. Tending to be more durable, these blankets are usually kept through childhood as a memory.
  • Swaddling Blankets: These blankets are used to keep the baby enveloped in order to feel secured and relaxed. Usually these tend to be thin blankets or sheets. The idea behind the use of swaddling is to create the same feeling the baby felt when they were in the womb, and this keeps them calm.
  • Crib Blankets: These blankets are used in the crib. Crib blankets, not only are great at keeping the baby comfy, but they are a great way to decorate your baby’s nursery.
  • Sleep Sacks: While sleeping in a sack may not seem like the most ideal sleeping situation, it’s a very safe option. Opposed to a traditional blanket, in which your baby can easily cover your face, or become tangled, a sleeping sack offers warmth and comfort of a blanket that stays in place.

Best Baby Blanket Materials

When searching for the best baby blanket materials, it’s safe to say the lighter and softer, the better. Baby’s skin is much more sensitive than ours, making harsher blanket materials not ideal like wool. Light materials such as organic cotton, cotton fleece, Muslim cotton, satin, or polyester are much better options for your baby. Polyester is also a hypoallergenic fabric, making it great if there are allergic reactions to other fabrics. These fabrics are also much more breathable, so you’re baby doesn’t overheat. You can get some ideas from themamamaven.com.

Baby Blanket Safety Concerns

I’m sure you’ve seen the many headlines about SIDS, or the sudden infant death syndrome. It’s a cause for fear in any parent that’s expecting a little one, even if it’s not your first child. While laying your baby on their back to sleep can help lower their risk of SIDS, the bedding and blankets you choose can also be a factor. It’s recommended not to place your baby with any bulky or loose bedding while they go to sleep. Putting a blanket or quilt in your baby’s crib could smother or suffocate them, and sleep sacks are great alternatives. In case your baby does get cold at night or need to cuddle up with something besides a swaddle, a sleep sack is a great alternative to a blanket.

HALO SleepSack Microfleece Swaddle

halo sleep sack

This wearable baby blanket is a great purchase if you’re concerned about the security. Made out of micro fleece fabric, this blanket is incredibly soft, keeping your baby warm and comfortable. This 2-way swaddle, is a great option when you’re trying to transition to stop swaddling. There is also an arms-in option to prevent the startle reflex, a hands-to-face option so the baby can self-sooth, or arms-out that allows an easy transition from swaddling. The SleepSack Saddle has great features such as an inverted zipper to make diaper changes much easier, without unswaddling. There are adjustable fasteners on the sides to get the perfect fit. This swaddle has also been recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for being hip healthy, making this the best baby blanket to keep your baby safe while sleeping!

Pros:

  • Used by hospitals!
  • Come in different sizes & fabrics
  • Sense of security will help baby sleep longer
  • Sturdy Velcro
  • Great transition piece from swaddling

Cons:

  • Can get too warm
  • Preemie size is not available in all fabric choices
  • Fleece can be very thick

Luxuriously Soft Baby Blanket

Luxuriously Soft Baby Blanket

This baby blanket is the perfect amount of softness. Made out of plush Faux Mink, you can definitely feel it’s ultra-soft qualities. This blanket is 30 inches by 40 inches, making it the perfect size to take on the go, put in a diaper bag, in the car, to use as a changing pad if needed, or to simply use at home. Not only is this blanket incredibly warm, but it’s machine washable on a delicate cycle, making this blanket extremely easy to clean after all accidents by your little one. It comes in a very versatile and classic design that makes this blanket timeless. Available in 4 colors, you have the option to match room décor or your little one’s favorite color!

Pros:

  • Extremely soft
  • Can also be used for baby animals
  • Great color selections
  • Machine washable

Cons:

  • Small blanket – best for newborns
  • Some believe it’s too thin

Newborn Baby Swaddle Blanket

baby swaddle blanket

This swaddle blanket for newborns is extremely adorable, and a great baby blanket and safe.You can check out healthychildren.org. Unlike other swaddle blankets, this one does not have adjustments to make the blanket tight around the baby, like wrapping a swaddle around them would do. This baby blanket is more of asleeping bag. It’s made out of a knit cotton blend, keeping  very warm during the colder months or when they’re a newborn. There is cute detailing to replicate the look of a knit sweater, with buttons (fixed without holes) and the knit braided detailing on the front. Available in grey or white, this blanket could be for a boy or a girl and for babies up to 12 months old. This is a great gift for a winter baby!

Pros:

  • Comfy cotton blend material
  • Cute knit sweater design
  • Unisex
  • Available in grey or white
  • Great for winter babies

Cons:

  • Some wished the sides were completely sewn up (no openings between buttons)
  • Better fit if not as wide & longer
  • Only fits newborns up to 4 months

Swaddle Blanket Organic Muslin Bamboo

organic muslin

Looking for a lightweight blanket? These organic Muslim bamboo blankets are great for swaddling without overheating your baby. These premium bamboo blankets not only are strong, breathable, and keep their color, but they get softer with each wash. This product comes as a set of 3, with 3 different cute styles for your little one. These organic bamboo blankets can be used as burp cloths, stroller covers, car seat canopies, toddler blankets, or any other uses you may run into with your baby. These blankets are also quite large, measuring 47 inches by 47 inches, which makes them great for any purpose you may run into. Even better, they’re machine washable, and the color stays through many washes! If you are interested in 100% organic products, we suggest you to get organic mattress too for your baby’s crib.

Pros:

  • 100% organic bamboo blankets
  • Very soft, lightweight, & breathable
  • Great large size
  • Come in cute patterns
  • Great travel blankets
  • Become softer with each wash

Cons:

  • Slightly pricey

Baby Blanket & Rattle Gift Set

tebaby blanket

If you’re looking for a great baby blanket gift, this Tebaby Baby Monthly Milestone Blanket Boy  is perfect! This is a great receiving best baby blanket for first time moms that are looking for a great staple! This blanket is measured 30 inches by 40 inches, and made out of 100% polyester, making for an extremely soft blanket.  It can be used during tummy time, in their playpen, as a quilt for a crib, a stroller blanket, or whenever you may need a soft surface for your baby. The rattle is also made of a 100% polyester cover and has cottons stuffing. Additionally, this blanket is made to be unisex. And the best thing is that you can take a picture of your baby every month and see how he/she grows.

Pros:

  • Very soft
  • Includes a rattle
  • Fun & vibrant colors
  • Versatile blanket
  • Machine washable

Cons:

  • Embroidered words can seem stiff

Bearington Baby Lil’ Spout Snuggler

Bearington Baby Lil’ Spout Snuggler

What’s better then a baby having a favorite blanket and a favorite stuffed animal? A favorite stuffed animal blanket! This product combines the two, creating a cute security blanket for your little one. This blanket is an ultra-soft grey velour blanket with satin lining attached to a plush stuffed animal elephant head and arms. This blanket is measured as 15 inches tall, making it just the right size for infants to cuddle with and toddlers to drag around with them. Incredibly soft, this stuffed animal blanket is sure to become your baby’s most cherished blanket. Fortunately, it is machine washable so you’ll able to keep it clean through whatever adventures they may take it on. This blanket is widely available in 16 different colors and stuffed animals, so you’re sure to find your child’s favorite animal!

Pros:

  • Incredibly soft
  • Great size to cuddle & carry around
  • Available in 16 different colors & stuffed animals
  • Machine washable
  • Cute gift

Cons:

  • Blanket can easily be torn after child gets teeth
  • Difference in quality for returning customers

Hudson Baby Double Layer Blanket

hudson baby blanket

If you’re just looking for a simple baby blanket, this is the one for you. This blanket is the perfect snuggle companion. This double layered blanket is made of polyester, with soft fleece on one side and fluffy Velboa on the other. If you tend to keep the house very cool where the baby will sleep or it’s during the colder months, this blanket is great for keeping your little one warm. To fit most babies, this blanket is 30 inches by 40 inches, and comes in 8 different patterns and colors. It can be used as a blanket during tummy time, a stroller cover, a travel blanket, after bath snuggles, or even as a toddler’s “blankie” in winter. It’s so comfy, you might have to hide it if you have pets!

Pros:

  • 8 different patterns & colors
  • Double layered
  • Affordable
  • Great size for a baby or toddler
  • Extremely cozy!

Cons:

  • The Sherpa side may become less soft with each wash
  • Too short for toddler bed

Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle

Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle

Are you looking for a baby blanket that will keep your little one asleep at night? Some babies have trouble sleeping due to fussiness, twitches, or they cannot stop scratching their face. This can be extremely frustrating as a parent that needs their sleep as well. This Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle is a great if you have a baby that breaks out of swaddles easily. This swaddle does not have any Velcro, so your baby won’t startle when you need to undo the swaddle to just change a diaper. Also, due to the arm flap design, you don’t have to undo their arms just to change a diaper, you can simply untuck their legs for easy access, especially during the night. This baby blanket is made of 100% cotton and is available in 7 different styles and colors!

Pros:

  • Great for fussy babies that do not stay in other swaddle blankets
  • No Velcro
  • 100% cotton
  • Do not need to undo arms to change diaper
  • Available in 7 different colors & styles

Cons:

  • As the baby gets bigger it’s harder to fasten the end
  • May not work for some newborns

Large Personalized Baby Blanket

Large Personalized Baby Blanket

Wanting a more personalized baby blanket? This blanket will give you the customization to gift an adorable baby blanket, or is a great buy for a nursey addition. Unlike most baby blankets, this one is much larger, measuring 36 by 36 inches. Made out of fleece, the inside of the blanket is extremely soft and plush, while the edges are lined with satin. This presents a luxurious personalized baby blanket, but without a hefty price tag. This blanket comes in pink or blue, with the option to add a name, a bunny scroll design, and a multi-line text option. With quick turnaround time for a custom order, this is a great baby shower gift or even as a toddler’s blanket.

Pros:

  • Option to customize
  • Satin lining to give a luxurious look
  • Great gift for baby shower
  • Machine washable
  • Quick turnaround time from order to completion

Cons:

  • Blanket is quite thin
  • Name is not as visible as some hoped

Baby Blanket Size

As seen in the top baby blankets above, there are different sizes of blankets. The choice depends on your use. Most general baby blankets are 30 inches by 30 inches or 30 inches by 40 inches where Swaddle blankets can range in size. Similarly the stuffed animal blanket above was only 15 inches long, but this makes it much easier for the child to carry around their own blanket, as children usually like to take these with them everywhere. In addition, a typical rectangle crib blanket is usually 40 by 60 inches, however it isn’t recommended to keep a blanket in the crib while you’re baby sleeps. We can say that, the size of the blanket isn’t the most prominent factor when buying a baby blanket, it’s the heaviness of the blanket and the breathability that are more important.

All in all, you want a blanket that will keep them comfortable, asleep, or secure. There are options that wrap around your baby to keep fussiness at bay, which will in turn improve their sleep. There are also sleep slacks that work as an enclosed blanket, so it isn’t harmful to stay in the crib  while they sleep. Alike, there are general baby blankets that can be used for many purposes ranging from tummy time on the floor, to a stroller cover at an amusement park. We should also mention the baby yarn blankets as an option. Overall blankets are a great investment, as they usually hold on to these for a long time and become very attached to them during their childhood. They’re also incredibly great gifts if you’re attending a shower soon, and are stumped for ideas! Who doesn’t love a comfy blanket?

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About Kelsey Woodbridge Kelsey is a lover of anything comfy, especially her bed. In fact, you will most likely find her in her bed drafting a new article, watching New Girl, or just lounging in fuzzy socks.