Choosing Baby Blankets

When you’re shopping for clothes and accessories to prepare for your baby’s birth, a baby blanket is one of the most important items to consider. Baby blankets make a great gift for a newborn baby and it will probably become a well loved item over the years. Many small children are still attached to their baby blankets and carry them round as security well after they have outgrown them.

Baby blankets come in a huge range of colors, fabrics, patterns and designs so there’s no shortage of choice. A blanket suitable for a newborn baby should be made of a natural fabric that is easily washable and without any holes that little fingers could become trapped in.

The blanket you choose should be light weight but warm and soft to the touch. A baby’s skin is very delicate so it’s important to choose a material that will not be irritating to their skin. You’ll want to make sure that the blanket is large enough to tuck under your cot mattress. This ensures that you can tuck your little one in safely at night – loose blankets can pose a suffocation risk.

When it comes to colors, you’ll probably want to choose something that matches the decoration of your nursery. Pastel colors are always popular but remember that babies are stimulated by bright primary colors so it could be better for the development of your child to choose a bold design in bright colors. White is also a popular color for unisex baby blankets and a white baby blanket makes a great christening gift.

Blankets are available printed with children’s favorite characters so you could choose, for example, a Hello Kitty blanket or another popular cartoon character. These often come in baby bedding sets complete with cot bumpers, sheets and sometimes curtains, mobiles and other accessories for the nursery.

Personalized baby blankets make a great gift for a baby shower or a new baby. You can choose to commission an embroidered baby blanket, perhaps with the baby’s name and birth date on it.

Choosing the Fabric for your Baby Blanket

There are various types of fabric to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fleece is a popular choice as it washes easily, dries quickly and keeps your baby warm. Fleece comes in a wide range of bright colors and printed designs. Fleece baby blankets are great for winter babies but will probably be too warm for babies living in warmer climates.

Cotton baby blankets are another common choice. Cotton is a natural product which allows skin to breathe easily and absorbs moisture. Cotton blankets are cool in the summer and wash well. If your baby has extra sensitive skin or you like to use environmentally friendly products, you can choose an organic baby blanket made from organic cotton which has not been exposed to harmful pesticides and strong chemical dyes.

For true luxury you might want to consider a cashmere baby blanket. These blankets are soft and warm but they may require washing by hand, which is not usually a very practical option when it comes to babies. They are usually more expensive than other types of blankets but they will last a long time and become a treasured gift for many years.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine or a pair of knitting needles, you might want to consider making your own baby blanket. Handmade items are perfect for gifts and you have the added advantage that you can choose what materials, colors and designs to make a blanket exactly how you want it. There are lots of instructions for making blankets available online, whether your specialty is sewing, knitting or crochet.