Tips & Tricks
What makes a blanket good for babies?
Written By Perlimpinpin Baby | November 15 2022
Choosing the right baby blankets for your infant or to offer as a gift to new parents can be challenging. There are many different types of baby blankets and sleep sacks on the market, with varying sizes and materials.
What’s more, pediatricians and other baby experts recommend that for the safest sleep and to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in bassinets, cribs or Pack ‘n Play without any soft bedding, including blankets, pillows and bumper pads.
In fact, physicians point to sleep sacks as the best alternatives to blankets for newborns and babies up to 18 months. After 18 months and depending on each child’s sleep patterns and behaviour as well as size, parents can consider using baby blankets—either by alternating them with sleep sacks or on their own.
Are you wondering what are the best baby blankets and sleep sacks for your child? Shopping for a baby gift and want to make sure you buy a top-quality baby blanket?
Read on to learn more about our suggestions for great baby blankets.
Start with a baby sleep sack
Sleep sacks for babies are the safest wearable baby blankets for newborns. They pose no risk of strangulation, suffocation or choking; the baby simply wears their sleep sack!
Therefore, once a baby comes home from the hospital, parents should opt for sleep sacks instead of baby blankets until the infant reaches at least a year and a half.
There are many benefits to using a baby sleep sack.
- They offer the same level of comfort and coziness as traditional baby blankets.
- Despite sleep blankets “enclosing” a baby, they offer freedom of movement. Although sleep sacks seem to "enclose" the baby, they offer an absolute freedom of movement.
- They regulate a baby’s temperature so that they are neither hot nor cold.
- Sleep sacks promote better night’s sleep; since the baby is comfortable, they tend to wake up less at night.
- Putting an infant in a sleep sack for a nap or bedtime establishes a routine that can calm them down and prepare them for a restful sleep.
Keep in mind that there are summer and winter sleep sacks. Choosing the right baby sleep sack for each season means looking closely at the materials, Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) of the fabric, what the baby will wear underneath their summer and winter sleep sacks, along with personal preferences of the parents.
Baby blankets: So many options, so many uses!
Every baby needs soft, comfortable and durable baby blankets. We suggest ensuring you have several baby blankets for different seasons, travel, and uses.
For example, you will want to have several crib blankets for sleeping in the summer and winter (once your child reaches 18 months). You will also want to stock up on receiving blankets, which are ideal for swaddling, burping, nap time, covering your baby in a car seat, snuggling, trips on airplanes, daycare, etc.
Naturally, an infant may gravitate towards one baby blanket in particular. Babies do love their blankies! In order to ensure no tears from a damaged or lost favourite blankie, be sure to buy 2 or 3 of your child’s favourite baby blankets.
Here are some other considerations for choosing the right baby blankets:
Baby blanket fabric
The material of a baby blanket is very important. Select natural fibers, such as bamboo and cotton muslin, as much as possible as they are gentle on sensitive skin and breathable. On the other hand, some synthetic fabrics offer great features, including ease of care, plenty of colours and textures, anti-bacterial properties, and more. Some plush blankets are even made from recycled plastic bottles; they are fantastic baby blankets for eco-conscious parents!
Regardless of the fabric you prefer, also check for the suggested care instructions of each baby blanket you buy. Different materials require different care methods: specific washer and dryer settings, pre-rinsing, handwashing, air drying, etc. Carefully check the label of all your baby blankets before purchasing will reduce the time you spend doing the laundry!
As mentioned before, consider the seasons and climate of where you live. Thicker baby blankets will keep your infant warm in the winter or in damp regions. Thinner blankets will cool your baby off in the summer or if you live in a warm region.
Baby blanket size
The baby blanket size is directly related to the use you will make of it. For example, square baby blankets (48” x 48”) are best if you plan to swaddle your baby.
Receiving baby blankets are usually smaller than swaddle blankets and a typical size is 36” x 36”.
Larger-sized baby blankets are often used for a baby’s favourite blankie or in transition beds. They often measure 30” x 48”.
Other baby blanket features
We also have these top tips for choosing a baby blanket:
- Avoid baby blankets that have a lot of “fur”; the fur can come loose and cause your baby to choke
- Don’t buy baby blankets with long fringes, ribbons or tassels; your baby can get tangled up in them
- Proceed with caution when it comes to lovey blankets; your child should be hold enough for these types of baby blankets to mitigate safety risks
The security baby blanket: The cornerstone of your baby’s childhood
Blankies, also known as security blankets are baby blankets that an infant, toddler and child use to make them feel safe and even emotionally supported. Security baby blankets hold a lot of significance for a child and are an essential part of their childhood.
Security baby blankets can help your baby fall asleep, soothe and reassure them doing a stressful outing, and reduce separation anxiety. Blankies become attachment objects—items that are familiar and comforting for your child. Many children even personify their security blankets by giving them a name and treating them like a real friend.
Choosing a security baby blanket should revolve around your baby’s personality and material feel (soft, smooth and cuddly). Read the label to gain peace of mind that the baby blanket is free of any harsh chemical treatments as it will likely be near your baby’s face many times!
Again, buy one or two backups. Therefore, you won’t have to deal with your child being overly upset for having lost their blankie or having to resort to ninja-like tactics to repair one that is damaged.
The world of baby blankets can be fun and inspiring! Just follow the safety and buying guidelines—and your little one will sleep better and more peacefully!
Our products
You want your baby to benefit from a swaddle blanket—but don’t want to use the swaddle technique? This sleep bag is the solution.
Thanks to its reverse zipper, this sleep sack will make diaper changes so easy!
Multi-purpose and very light, they can be used in many ways: play mat, sun visor for the stroller, swaddling and nursing.
Long-lasting and extra cozy, this blankie is also naturally antibacterial. In short, it has it all!
The softness of the fabric will preserve his skin, when the colorful patterns will awaken his mind.