There are a wide variety of baby blankets available but not all blankets are suited for all uses. There is a great choice of blankets, throws and fleeces for babies and all have a purpose, some are best suited for travel, some for sleeping and others are of a more decorative or keepsake nature. It is very important that the blankets you choose for your baby crib are suitable and a good fit. You must also take into consideration the tog rating of the blanket. Duvets are not advised for young babies, but rather are more suitable for a toddler bed.
Types of Baby Blankets
Fleece baby blankets, these are usually quite decorative in nature and will often feature a colorful image orfavorite cartoon character. These types of blankets are best suited for use either as a floor blanket, for baby to wriggle about on, when learning to crawl or as an extra layer for use outdoors when traveling by pram or stroller.
They can also be used to cover the bottom of a play area or playpen to add an extra soft layer for added comfort and protection, but they are not recommended for when your baby is sleeping in the crib.
They can also be used to cover the bottom of a play area or playpen to add an extra soft layer for added comfort and protection, but they are not recommended for when your baby is sleeping in the crib.
Cotton baby blankets and close knit blankets, these types of blankets are most commonly used in the crib, the best baby blanket for when your baby is sleeping, is a plain blanket with no frills or loose fibers that has very small holes, allowing for easy breathing and reducing the risk, if baby were to wriggle under the blankets. It is advisable that you speak with your health nurse or health visitor if you are unsure of which type of baby blanket to purchase, they will be happy to advise you on the right type of baby blanket to use.
Swaddling blankets, these blankets are smaller blankets that are used to swaddle (wrap) your baby and although these may have their uses, baby swaddling has come under scrutiny in recent times, some think that swaddling your baby is the best option, while others think that it could cause a risk of overheating. Again the best practice if you are undecided is to consult your health visitor.
Sleep sacks and grobags, these are by far my own personal favorite, while they are not technically a blanket, they are designed that your baby is neither overheated or too cool, they are very similar to a sleeping bag, except your baby’s arms are free, there is no risk that your baby can wriggle underneath a sleep sack and most come with a sleeping guideline as well as a temperature chart and advice on what additional clothing (if any) that your baby should wear inside the sleep sack. These baby blankets lend a great deal of comfort to both parents (in knowing that your baby is safe) and babies and are available in a range of different togs, which you buy depends on the time of year and where you live.
Whichever baby blanket you choose, always take precautions when placing your baby to sleep in their crib, follow the advice given by your health worker or someone in authority. While friends and relatives mean well and will offer recommendations for how your baby should sleep, what position they should sleep in etc, information on the best practices for baby sleeping have changed, as have the recommendations. Ensure you have the correct information and choose your baby blankets accordingly.
See more of the bestselling baby blankets available from Amazon
See more of the bestselling baby blankets available from Amazon