Keep your baby snug in the winter and cool in the summer with our pick of the best blankets for newborns and beyond.
Choosing a baby blanket should be a pretty straightforward process compared to some of the essential purchases required for the arrival of a new sprog .
But bedding can be an unexpected minefield. What fabric is best, what size should you choose, what’s the safest blanket to buy and what about swadding or sleeping bags?
If shopping for baby accessories is keeping you awake at night, you’ve come to the right place. To help you find the perfect safe and snuggly cover for your little one, we’ve rounded up the best baby blankets on the market so you can all sleep easy.
What type of baby blanket is best?
Baby blankets tend to fit into the following categories, and the best type depends on the age of your child, intended use and time of year. ‘Make sure it’s suitable for your child’s age and the function you are wanting to use if for,’ advises Jumaimah Hussain from Kiddies Kingdom. ’Ensure you choose the right size blanket for both the size of your child and the equipment it will be used in too.’
- Cellular blankets: These are typically made from 100% cotton with holes (or cells) to allow for airflow and insulation when layered, explains Hussain. ‘They are the safest type of baby blankets and are also the best option to use as bedding for your newborn,’ she adds.
- Swaddling blankets: This is the age-old practice of wrapping your baby up to keep them cosy and calm, so they tend to be made from thin fabric. ‘The swaddling technique is designed to help newborns sleep and prevent the startle reflex,’ says Hussain.
- Sleeping bags: This is essentially a blanket with zips to prevent wriggly feet from kicking it off during the night. Check out our rundown of the best baby sleeping bags.
- Baby comforters: These usually include the thickness and warmth of a sheet and blanket combined, so they’re better suited to winter. ‘Comforters should only be used if your baby needs a lot of warmth,’ advises Hussain.
- Knitted blankets: Nothing says excited new Granny quite like a wool blanket, and covers made from natural fibres are great for temperature regulation.
- Fleece blankets: Another option for colder climes, ‘these are usually made from polyester and are machine washable and cosy,’ says Hussain.
- Muslins: If you have a new baby in the house, muslins squares are essential kit for mopping up inevitable spills. But you can also get muslin baby blankets, which consist of layered fabric that creates just the right consistency for a cool summer throw.
Baby sleep safety tips
Before you purchase your little one’s first blanket, consider the following baby sleep safety guidelines. Research from a number of worldwide studies has found that there is a connection between baby’s sleeping position, temperature and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) commonly known as cot death. These risks can be greatly reduced if you stick to the following sleep safety tips:
- Back is best: According to research,the safest position for baby to sleep is on their back. So, always place your little one in the ‘feet to foot’ sleeping position at night and nap times, advises Hussain. ‘This means that they have their feet at the end of the cot to prevent them from sliding down underneath the bedding,’ she explains. ‘Tuck the covers in securely under your baby’s arms so they cannot slip over their head.’
- Keep it light: Put your baby down in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months and opt for light bedding. ‘Babies under 12 months old should not have loose sheets or blankets in their cots,’ advises Hussain. ‘Use blankets that are lightweight, allow airflow and are firmly tucked in.’
- Stay cool: Nursery temperature is an important factor to consider, as the chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. According to the Lullaby Trust, the ideal room temperature for babies to sleep should be between 16 -20°C, so shop for blankets with the seasons in mind.
Post time: May-09-2022