There are few things more joyous in the world than bringing a little one home. However, there are a lot of accessories you need to make that homecoming perfect. One of the most important of these is a nice baby blanket. In fact, for the entirety of the baby’s young life, blankets will be something you will want to invest in. After all, many parents feel you can never have too many.
That being said, how do you choose the right blanket for your little one? Well, there is a lot to consider, and with so much stress and anxiety already on your shoulders, we thought we might help you out a bit by creating a comprehensive guide to buying the perfect baby blanket as well as give a few options we feel are the best baby blankets available today.
Before we do this, you should know there are different types of blankets. There are four main types you will have to choose from.
The first is a receiving blanket. This is great for swaddling or just to lay on the ground for your baby to play on. You also have a security blanket. This type tends to be more durable and are the type they can carry with them everywhere they go. Next up is the swaddling blanket. These are made to make swaddling the little one easier. Lastly, you have the crib blanket. This type is used for older babies (after 12 months old) and is similar to receiving blankets but larger.
So keep reading, and we will take an in-depth look at five blankets available today as well as the features you need to consider when making your choice. So let’s get started and see what these products have on offer, shall we?
Comparison Chart
Best Baby Blankets Reviews
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Plush Blanket
Our first baby blanket is a Sherpa fleece reversible blanket that is perfect for the crib, stroller, or just for the little one’s nap time. The soft, lightweight, yet warm blanket will have them tucked in and ready for a little snooze in no time.
Product Highlights
- Comes in 27 colors
- Comes in 6 sizes
- Reversible design
- Neat stitches used to finish
- Machine wash cold
The Good
This Sherpa fleece blanket has a lot going for it. It is a lightweight blanket that still delivers plenty of warmth so that you don’t have to worry about your baby getting cold. It is a great option for fall and winter in cooler climates. Along with this, it is reversible, and this gives it a little more versatility. The colors offered are nice as well, and it is an affordable option.
The Bad
However, there are a few issues that we feel we should discuss before you make your final decision. The blanket has been known to pull when caught on sharp edges, including fingernails. Also, some feel that the blanket is a little thin. This makes it kind of see-through, which some feel damages the durability. But if you are looking for a versatile and comfortable blanket, these two issues are not enough to detract all the positives from it.
Pros
- The blanket is lightweight yet very warm
- Colors used in the blanket are all very nice
- Price versus value is outstanding in comparison to others
- The blanket can be reversed – 2 designs for the price of one
Cons
- Some issues with threads pulling easily
- The thinness of the blanket may be a problem for some
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Green Orange Throw Blanket
The next blanket we will be looking at is a ribbed fleece one that is fluffy and warm. The softness of this blanket and many of the other features makes this a great choice for your baby.
Product Highlights
- Comes in 15 colors
- Available in 6 sizes
- Ribbed fleece design
- Crafted with premium fleece
- 100% hypoallergenic
The Good
The Green Orange throw blanket is a soft, hypoallergenic option that is perfect for your baby’s soft and sensitive skin. Shrink and fade resistant, this blanket is easy to take care of and crafted with care. Before the blanket hits the shelves, it is put through an anti-pulling process to ensure that it can stand up to whatever you and the little one will throw at it. This includes the stitching. To finish off the initial design, it is wrapped up with reinforced stitching, which elevates its longevity.
The Bad
That being said, we still think a few things could be better about this blanket. Of the two main problems, the biggest one for us is that it gathers static electricity very easily. This means it could send little shocks into the baby, which could make them agitated. Other than that, the blanket is thin, and some feel a little flimsy. Neither of these two issues is universal, though, and the benefits outweigh these issues by twofold.
Pros
- Reinforced stitching elevates this blanket’s durability
- The blanket is shrink and fade resistant
- During the crafting of the blanket, it goes through an anti-pulling process
- Care of the blanket is very quick and easy
Cons
- Some feel it is thin and a little flimsy
- Problems with blanket collecting static
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Luvable Friends Receiving Blanket
The next blanket is a cotton flannel receiving blanket that can be used for both a baby boy and a baby girl. It is a one-size design that comes in many color and pattern options.
Product Highlights
- Available in 30 different pattern packs
- 100% cotton
- x4 blankets/pkg
- One size
The Good
Everything about this blanket is designed to be perfect for and safe for the little ones out there. The blanket itself is crafted with baby-safe materials and dyes. That material is super durable as well, which is perfect for a blanket that is going to be put through its paces. The size makes it versatile as well; in fact, we suggest using them as burping towels too. All of this and the blankets come in fun and colorful patterns and colors.
The Bad
Even with all those positive attributes, there are some drawbacks to this blanket. The blanket’s size may be good for swaddling and even to be used as a burping cloth, but many feel that they are a little short for anything else. Also, though it doesn’t affect the overall benefits of the blanket, it is not reversible, which detracts from the versatility of the piece.
Pros
- Crafted with baby-safe materials and dyes
- Material is super durable and will be able to stand up to wear and tear
- Patterns and colors are very fun and cute
- The blanket is very versatile when it comes to using, including as a burping cloth
Cons
- Size is only good for a little baby – no room for growth
- The blanket is not a reversible model
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Simple Joys by Carter’s Receiving Blanket
If you are looking for a fun and well-made receiving blanket, then this package from Simple Joys by Carter could be a good option. It is crafted with high-quality materials and with features that make it stand out among the rest of the blankets on the market.
Product Highlights
- Available in 2 color packs
- One size (30 x 30)
- 100% cotton
- Machine wash
- Tagless and irritation-free
The Good
Breathability and comfort are the words that come to mind when we think about this blanket. It is crafted with 100% cotton, which is perhaps one of the most breathable materials out there. The cotton used is woven into a flannel design, and that gives the blanket an even softer feel than other blankets. The company is also designed to create a blanket without tags. This all combines into a super comfortable blanket. That, coupled with the fact that the color does not fade after washing, makes this a great option.
The Bad
The care of the blanket is super easy, but one step of the process can be a little frustrating and time-consuming. In order to keep the blanket from shrinking (due to it being cotton), you have to put them through the tumble dry setting. Along with this issue, the size of the blanket is a little small. Some feel it is not even big enough to swaddle a baby properly.
Pros
- Crafted in 100% cotton for better breathability
- Blanket does not have any tags to irritate your baby’s skin
- Colors will stay bright even after washing
- Flannel construction gives it enhanced softness
Cons
- Size is an issue as it is not big enough to swaddle
- Have to tumble dry to prevent shrinking
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TILLYOU Micro Fleece Crib Blanket
Our last blanket is a soft blanket with fun patterns and images that will keep your baby happy. The soft and warm blanket is perfect for a toddler bed or even for a crib.
Product Highlights
- Comes in 9 colors and patterns
- Available in 4 sizes
- All season microfleece
- Machine washable
- 300 GSM fabric
- Safe and skin-friendly
- Hand stitching
- Satin/fade resistant
- Wrinkle-free
The Good
This microfiber blanket has so many extra features in comparison to many of its competitors that it had to be included on this list. This blanket is designed to answer every problem, from the inclusion of a fire retardant capability to not holding in odors. Not only that, but the blanket is wrinkle-free and crafted with materials that are friendly to your baby’s skin. Also, it is machine washable, which helps save a lot of time.
The Bad
We like this blanket, but even though we think it is one of the best, there are still things we find fault with. The least of the two is the fragrance of the blanket. Many feel that it is too strong and a little off-putting. On the flip side, the biggest issue is that the blanket is known to have a problem with shedding. This can mean tons of lint all over everything.
Pros
- The blanket is fire retardant and does not retain odors
- Created to be a wrinkle-free blanket
- Materials used are super skin-friendly
- No worries about upkeep; it is machine washable
Cons
- Some issues with the blanket shedding
- Problems with strong fragrance when fresh from the packaging
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Baby Blanket Buyer’s Guide
In order for us to sift through the vast array of options when it comes to baby blankets out there, we had to narrow down the features that make a good blanket. This is different when you are thinking about a blanket for a little one, and so we carefully selected five features that we used to determine our choices.
If one of the options above is not for you, then you can also use this list of features we compiled to continue your hunt for the right blankets for you and your baby. Here are the features we gauged our choices by.
Size
Size may be one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a baby blanket. It may seem easy, but it is a little more challenging than you may think. You want to find a blanket that is big enough to offer the warmth and comfort they need but not so big that they get swallowed up in them. So, in essence, both have to do with the size of the blanket and the baby. So you will want to have a good idea of your baby’s length and weight so you can find the right combination of size and functionality.
Fabric Type
There are a couple of things to really pay attention to when it comes to the fabric. You want to look for materials that are breathable and soft on the skin. Babies have sensitive skin, and you want something that allows air to circulate. Along with that, softness is key; otherwise, your baby’s skin could become irritated. Try to stay away from synthetic fabrics and choose blankets that match the season.
Color and Pattern
Color and pattern don’t have anything to do with the quality of the blanket. But they do matter when you choose your baby’s blanket. You want to choose one that will go with the bulk of their onesies or outfits. That way, there is no clashing when it comes to the two.
There is one thing that does need to be in your consideration of prints when it comes to the two, and that is the dye quality and set of the blanket. You want to choose a blanket that has a high-quality dye that doesn’t fade or transfer to other surfaces.
Optimal Usage
You will want to look for a blanket that has multiple uses. Ones that can be used over clothes or to cuddle up with after a bath. A blanket that can be used for nap time or to keep warm as they chill around the house. Some of the blankets can even double as burp up blankets. The more use you get, the better the blanket is, and the more value it will bring to your life.
Is it Hypoallergenic?
When looking at a blanket, you have to keep in mind that your baby’s skin is sensitive. On top of that, you have no idea of what they are allergic to yet. That is why, when choosing the right blanket or blankets for them, you should choose a model that is hypoallergenic. That will take one worry off your plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
So now you know what to look for when you are shopping for your baby’s blanket, and you have a few ideas of the best options out there; you probably still have a few questions floating around in your mind. That is why we have gathered together a few of the most commonly asked questions and answered them below.
When can my baby sleep with a blanket?
This is a great question and one that all new parents ask. Because it is a common question, there have been some studies, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has relayed a few notes and guidelines for you to utilize and decide if your child is ready for a blanket to use when sleeping.
For the first year, they suggest that you keep soft and loose bedding out of the crib or stroller. This rule comes from studies of the risks of sudden infant sleep deaths.
Once the child is older than 12 months, you can then revisit the use of blankets. They suggest you monitor the size, thickness, edging, and fabric before choosing the blanket.
How to wrap a baby in a blanket
Wrapping your baby in a blanket, or swaddling, is a skill that you will master soon enough, but if you have never done it, you may find it sort of tricky. Here are the steps to a proper swaddle:
Place the blanket flat on the ground, so it forms the shape of a diamond. Then fold down the top corner of the blanket and lay the baby down on the blanket with their head just above that fold.
Now you want to put their right arm down at their side. Grab the left side of the blanket and then pull it over the baby’s body. Tuck the end under the back on the right side.
Then place the left arm at the child side and repeat the process from above with the left side of the blanket.
After that, pull the bottom part of the blanket up and tuck the end under the baby’s chin. Make sure none of the blankets covers the baby’s nose or mouth.
No, you are done and can lay the baby flat on their back in the crib or pram if you are not going to snuggle up with them.
Is polyester bad for babies?
Though fabrics that are synthetic like polyester have come a long way, they still have some elements about them that do not make them good to be used with a young one. The first is that polyester does not absorb sweat. This leaves things like salt, ammonia, urea, and others on the skin. These chemicals, when absorbed into the skin, can cause rashes or eczema.
The second issue with polyester is that it is not very breathable. The air movement around your baby’s skin helps remove chemicals, toxins, and allergens that can cause rashes and itchy skin. So polyester is not the best option for a baby’s skin.
How much does a baby blanket cost?
Like with every other product in the world, this is a challenging question because the cost depends on many different factors. Baby blankets can cost anywhere from $20 for super cheap ones all the way to $700. The actual price will be determined by fabric quality, weave, dye, and pattern, and of course, brand name. The good thing with this is that there are great blankets at any price, so there is literally a blanket for everyone’s budget.
What size is a receiving blanket?
A receiving blanket got its name from the old school tradition of wrapping a baby immediately after birth before passing them to be helped by their mother for the first time. Now it is a blanket that is made from thin material and is often super soft. Common materials used are plush, cotton, or flannel. This versatile blanket typically measures about 30 x 30. Though you can find larger, this is the recommended size for your baby.
Final Thoughts
Your baby is one of the most precious things in your life, and you want to make sure they have everything they need. This includes plenty of great quality blankets. We hope that the information we have gone over above has helped you narrow down your options and find ones that will suit you and your baby’s needs.
There are a lot of concerns to think about, but as long as you use the list of features we compiled, you will be sure to find the right blanket. Hopefully, we have done that for you with one of the five options for the best baby blanket that we looked at above. But even if none of those worked, we are sure you are better prepared to make the right decision.
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