You can purchase baby blankets in innumerable colors, shapes, and sizes. You can even make your own blankets or personalize blankets to your heart’s content. With so many options to choose from, how do you decide? You have the simple yet handy receiving blanket, the warm and comforting fleece blanket, the fun and creative security blanket, and more. Which one should you get? Should you buy them all? But do you even need all of them?
As parents, you want to choose blankets that don’t just look adorable and get the job done—you also want blankets that are safe for your baby. We’ve compiled a guide on the different types of baby blankets and how to use them to help you choose blankets that are cute, convenient, and harmless. Read below to learn more about the nine most common kinds of baby blankets and what each brings to the table.
Receiving blankets are versatile. You’ll often find these blankets made of thin cotton material, so they won’t keep your baby warm when it’s chilly. However, they’re perfect for the more moderate months. You can easily distinguish receiving blankets from other blankets because receiving blankets measure approximately one square yard. You can use them for almost everything—tummy time, cleaning up drool and spit, swaddling, and more!
Security blankets are a must-have for newborns and tots. You can find these adorable blankets made from soft plush or fleece, and occasionally, they have a stuffed animal attached to one corner. As the name suggests, the purpose of these blankets is to make your baby feel secure.
They can hold onto their blankie when they feel nervous (which is common when you introduce them to new places or unfamiliar people) or play with the attached stuffed animal if they feel bored.
Of course, you use swaddling blankets for swaddling your baby. Sometimes they include fasteners you use to securely wrap your baby or are made of a stretchy material to make wrapping easier. Because the snug fit of a swaddling blanket mimics human touch, you can use one to keep your baby calm and comfortable when you can’t hold them. They’re great to use at nighttime or when your baby needs a nap.
“Crib blanket” is a general term that encompasses any kind of blanket used in a crib. Crib sheets, blankets, and bedding sets are all forms of crib blankets. If you have a newborn, it’s important to keep crib blankets out of the crib while your baby sleeps. This is because they can move around the blankets or scrunch them up, potentially restricting their ability to breathe. Instead of covering them with a crib blanket at bedtime, wrap them in a swaddling blanket and place them flat on their back to sleep.
Once your child reaches 18 months, you can use crib blankets freely. The best kinds of blankets for toddlers are ones made from breathable natural materials, like cotton. Your child’s blanket should be big and thick enough to keep them warm (we recommend having both a summer and winter blanket) and be free of loose tassels, fringes, ribbons, or any other parts that they can pull on.
Cocoons are a relatively new kind of baby blanket. Cocoons, also known as wearable blankets, are an intriguing blend between a sleeping bag, a dress, and a blanket. You slip your baby into the sack before bed or nap time, but you can also use them while your baby is awake.
This unique invention keeps your baby warm and comfortable without compromising their breathing. Since your baby can’t pull the blanket over their face or become tangled, you won’t have to worry about your little one’s safety as they doze.
Thermal blankets are blankets made from light and thermal material. You can use them year-round, but they’re particularly convenient for balmy summer days when you need something thin to wrap your baby with.
A fleece blanket is necessary for the winter! Fleece blankets are soft and warm with silky edging that’s pleasant to the touch. You’ll most often see fleece blankets used as stroller blankets. Plus, they make a great cover for your baby when you’re out and about with them in the winter months.
If you have a crochet master in your family, you may have received one of these as a baby shower gift! Crotched blankets are handmade and one-of-a-kind. They make wonderful keepsakes for you and your child. However, you should never give them to young children because their fingers and toes can get stuck in the gaps. Once your baby becomes a toddler, you can give them their crocheted gift to carry around. But if you’re worried about them ruining it (these blankets are very delicate), you may want to use it as nursery decor.
New parents love to keep family and friends up to date on their infant’s growth and progress. One fun way to do that is to take photos of the baby on a milestone blanket, which typically has numbers to indicate age. These are great for capturing and preserving memories of how quickly their little bundle of joy grew in the first year. As an added bonus, you can use these blankets as a regular blanket when you aren’t using them in your photoshoot.
Quilts are another amazing and often homemade blanket. Because quilts don’t feature any dangerous gaps and are sturdier than crocheted blankets, you can use them even if you have a newborn. Since quilts are often on the thicker side, you can gain the most benefits from using them in the fall and winter.
There you have it: the different types of baby blankets and how to use them. You’ll need plenty of blankets for your little one, so we recommend stocking up on many types! After all, all nine of the blankets above have their perks. You can buy baby blankets separately or in bundles. Plus, you can choose a variety of fun and colorful patterns!
Are you looking for high-end designer baby blankets? Come and see what Sweet Jojo Designs has to offer. We carry a wide variety of baby blankets, including crib blankets, receiving blankets, swaddling blankets, and more. Our blankets are available in whimsical designs for little girls and little boys. Shop with us today for luxury baby blankets that are adorable, easy to care for, and soft as a lamb. And if you need decor or other nursery accessories, don’t forget to check out our other products!
