Baby Blankets

What is more precious than a sleeping baby wrapped snuggly in a soft, baby blanket? Whether you are pregnant or already the parent of a baby, you may have been given a variety of baby blankets. Don’t be surprised if at least one of these necessary essentials becomes your child’s favorite security item. You’ll probably have your favorites, too. There are several types of baby blankets available.

Thermal Blankets
Thermal baby blankets are typically made of light, thermal material. They usually wash up well, and they can be used year round. Thermal blankets are perfect for those summer afternoon naps when your baby needs something lightweight thrown over him. They come in a variety of colors.

Receiving Blankets
After the nurses examine, clean, and diaper your baby, they’ll probably swaddle him in a receiving blanket. Most newborns love to be swaddled. It makes them feel more secure. Receiving blankets are the perfect baby blankets for this because they are made of very thin, cotton material. If you don’t have any receiving blankets at home for your newborn, make sure you purchase a couple of packs. The blankets should be large enough to wrap around your child like a cocoon. While they are thin and don’t provide a lot of extra warmth like a thicker blanket will do, they are the best baby blankets to use when swaddling your baby.

Fleece Blankets
Fleece blankets are becoming more popular to use as baby blankets. Their soft and warm texture makes them the perfect baby blanket to use on your baby to ward off chilly nights. Some fleece blankets are trimmed with silky edging, perfect for baby to rub against his chubby cheeks. Other fleece baby blankets have stitched edges. Fleece blankets are the perfect blankets for those long, winter night.

Crocheted Blankets
Don’t be surprised if a kind relative or friend bestows a handmade, crocheted baby blanket on you. There are many soft yarns that make wonderful baby blankets. However, if the yarn that was used is a bit rougher than you like, you may want to use this blanket primarily as a nursery decoration.

Quilts
You don’t have to stick to baby blankets to keep your child warm. There are many lovely baby quilts available for your child to use, and many of these are designed to match your baby’s nursery theme.

Sleep Sacks
If your baby is too young for you to safely place a blanket in her crib, you can still keep her warm by putting her in a sleep sack. Sleep sacks are basically blankets sewn closed at the bottom and sides, with holes for baby’s arms and neck. A sleep sack will keep your child warm without the risk of suffocation.