Baby blankets are among the most treasured items in a nursery, providing warmth, comfort, and security to newborns. But with so many types of blankets available, it can be challenging to know how to use them effectively and which ones are best suited for each stage of infancy. Here, we explore various ways to use newborn baby blankets and offer tips on choosing the perfect one for your baby's age.

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How to Use Newborn Baby Blankets

Newborn baby blankets have multiple uses, helping parents provide comfort, warmth, and a sense of security. Here are some popular ways to incorporate these blankets into your baby's daily routine:

1. Swaddling: Swaddling is a time-tested technique for soothing newborns, giving them the snug feeling they experienced in the womb. A swaddle blanket is lightweight and breathable, wrapping securely around the baby’s arms and torso to restrict movement, which helps them sleep more soundly.
2. Receiving Blanket for Everyday Use: Receiving blankets are ideal for various daily tasks, from holding your baby to laying them down for tummy time. They’re lightweight, easy to wash, and provide a soft surface for activities like burping, feeding, or simply snuggling.
3. Stroller or Car Seat Blanket: When on the go, a blanket can keep your baby warm and cozy in a stroller or car seat. Opt for a smaller, lightweight blanket that won’t restrict the baby’s movements or interfere with the safety harness.
4. Play Mat: Baby blankets can double as soft play mats, providing a clean and comfortable surface for your little one to explore tummy time and early play. Look for blankets with gentle textures or engaging patterns to stimulate your baby’s senses.
5. Security Blanket: As babies grow, many become attached to a specific blanket as a source of comfort and security. A security blanket, often small and lightweight, can soothe your baby through new experiences, making it a great travel companion.

Choosing the Right Age-Appropriate Baby Blanket

When selecting a blanket, consider your baby’s age and specific needs to ensure their comfort and safety. Here’s a guide to choosing the right blanket based on your baby’s developmental stage:

1. Newborn (0–3 months):
• Best Blanket Type: Swaddle or receiving blanket.
• Features: Look for thin, breathable, and lightweight materials like soft rayon blend fabric to help regulate your baby’s body temperature. Avoid bulky blankets, as newborns don’t need much additional warmth, and bulky materials can pose a safety risk.
2. Infant (3–6 months):
• Best Blanket Type: Swaddle blanket or wearable blanket.
• Features: As your baby begins to move more, a wearable blanket or sleep sack is a safe option to keep them warm without a loose blanket in the crib. Wearable blankets are designed to fit over pajamas and zip up, ensuring they stay in place.
3. Older Baby (6–12 months):
• Best Blanket Type: Lightweight blanket or security blanket.
• Features: By this age, babies may start to form attachments to specific items, making a small, soft security blanket a good choice. If you use a regular blanket, keep it lightweight, especially if the baby will be supervised during use. Avoid using large, loose blankets in the crib for sleeping.

Important Considerations for Choosing a Baby Blanket

When shopping for baby blankets, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety:

• Safety: Avoid blankets with loose threads, heavy embellishments, or buttons, as these can be choking hazards. Alway s ensure the blanket is in good condition, and avoid loose blankets in the crib for babies under one year old.
• Washability: Babies are messy, and their blankets will need frequent washing. Choose a blanket that is machine-washable and durable to withstand regular laundering.

Blanket Safety Tips

To keep your baby safe, especially during sleep, follow these blanket safety tips:

1. Limit Loose Blankets: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies under 12 months sleep without loose blankets in their crib to reduce the risk of suffocation. Instead, opt for a swaddle or sleep sack designed specifically for infants.
2. Check for Wear and Tear: Blankets can show signs of wear over time. Replace blankets with frayed edges, loose threads, or holes.
3. Use Blankets for Supervised Activities: While blankets are great for warmth and comfort, save loose blankets for supervised activities like tummy time or stroller rides to ensure your baby’s safety.

Conclusion

How Many Blankets Does a Baby Really Need?

What's the difference between a swaddle and a receiving blanket? Whether you're building your baby registry or packing a hosptial go bag, getting prepared on the baby blanket front can be overwhelming. Here we're breaking down key information on the number of blankets your baby really needs. This can vary depending on several factors, including the climate, the baby’s age, and personal preferences. Here's a general guideline that can be helpful for new parents to ensure they are adequately prepared without over-purchasing.

Our Basic Recommendations:

Swaddling Blankets: 2-3

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• These are used for swaddling newborns and are typically lightweight and breathable. Having a few on hand allows for regular washing and rotation. 
• Babies are typically swaddled for about two to three months, depending on their development and comfort. Monitoring for signs of rolling over and increased activity will help determine the right time to stop swaddling and transition to other sleep options. 

Receiving Blankets: 1-2

• What is a receiving blanket anyway? Traditionally these smaller blankets are used to "receive" new babies into the world. 
• These versatile blankets are useful for swaddling, as burp cloths, or as a light cover. They can also double as a clean surface for diaper changes.

Sleep Sacks/Wearable Blankets: 2-3

• Sleep sacks are a safer alternative to loose blankets for sleeping, helping to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  

Crib Blankets: 1-2

• These should be used cautiously, primarily for older babies or as a cover when the baby is not sleeping in the crib. For young infants, using a fitted sheet and a sleep sack is recommended.
  

Stroller or Car Seat Blankets: 1-2

• These are often slightly heavier and used for warmth when out and about. Read more about how AU Baby blankets make getting out and about with your baby easier.
  

Factors to Consider:

• Climate: In colder climates, you might need a few extra warm blankets, while in warmer climates, lightweight blankets will suffice. AU Baby blankets are naturally temperature regulating and sweat wicking, making them the perfect choice for year-round comfort.
• Growth and Development: As babies grow, their needs change. Newborns may use more swaddling blankets, while older babies might transition to sleep sacks.
  

Expert Recommendations:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Emphasizes the importance of safe sleep practices, recommending sleep sacks over loose blankets to prevent suffocation risks under the age of 12 months. However, using a loose blanket is safe under adult supervision. For example in the common (and cozy) practice known as contact napping. 

To sum things up, having a mix of 4-8 blankets, including swaddling blankets, receiving blankets, sleep sacks, and a few warmer options, is generally sufficient. This range allows for adequate rotation and ensures you have the right type of blanket for various needs and situations. Can you use your AU Baby blanket as a receiving blanket, crib blanket AND stroller/car seat blanket? The answer is YES. Our blankets are designed with ease of use in mind and come with built-in benefits for every stage of your baby's journey. 

Are you interested in learning more about Receiving Blankets Bulk? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!