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The best thing for their baby is something that every parent wants. As a new parent, you’ll quickly realize that baby blankets are the go-to gift for a lot of people. Whether they buy them or make them, grandparents, siblings, and friends will all want that baby to have something to cuddle with and keep them warm.
Given that you’re going to get a lot of them anyway, it’s best to learn which are highly rated so you can put them on your registry and get ahead of the people buying things you don’t actually want. This is why today we’ll tell you all about the best baby blankets brand, and which models to opt for next.
Baby blankets are useful for all sorts of things as a new mom, so having the softest, sweetest options in your baby’s closet to choose from is a must.
Why You Need Blankets
I’m a mom four times over, so I don’t even think I can count the number of blankets we have anymore. Two of my kids used them as lovies and never had a stuffed animal. The rest of the time, we used them for tummy time, wall art, or for keeping warm while running errands.
Blankets serve so many purposes, even when heeding the warnings that your baby shouldn’t sleep with any loose covers in their crib. You can make use out of almost every blanket you get, I promise.
Tummy time
One of the most important activities for your infant is tummy time. It helps to strengthen their neck muscles, but until they’re strong, their face will mostly be stuck in the carpet. As a new mom, I rarely had time to vacuum, so the thought of them drooling all over the floor or inhaling dust grossed me out.
I simply laid a blanket out on the floor and put them on top. It protected them from eating whatever dirt was there and it kept the carpet from getting even dirtier. Plus, if you have bare floors, a few blankets will give them a soft place to land so they won’t get hurt.
Play-time
As my kids got older, I used blankets for playtime. I could sit them on the blanket in a Bumbo or on the floor and spread their toys out without everything getting filthy. Because they tend to put everything in their mouths, it gave me a clean place I felt comfortable with rather than placing them and their toys directly on the floor.
Keeping warm
You’re not supposed to give your baby excess covers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use blankets with close supervision while you’re awake. You can use baby blankets for running errands, supervised nap time, or cuddling.
As long as you’re watching closely, you can cover your baby with a blanket and mitigate any suffocation that might otherwise occur if they were alone.
Swaddling
Most infants love to be swaddled. They were snuggled warm and tight in the womb, and they’re simply not used to stretching out yet. Having plenty of blankets on hand to swaddle them with is an absolute necessity in the first few weeks or months.
Keeping clean
I never had burp rags because I thought they were useless. My kids spit up so much when they were little that I needed something bigger than a simple burp rag to wipe up the mess. Instead, I covered my lap or my shoulder with a baby blanket before burping them.
Having a ton of blankets within my reach at all times was a huge lifesaver. I didn’t spend nearly as much time cleaning up after my babies or changing my clothes as I would have otherwise.
Wall art
Sometimes people will make custom blankets for your baby that you simply can’t bear to use. In that case, they make great wall art in your nursery. They’re the perfect reminder that someone loves your child almost as much as you do.
The Best Baby Blankets Brand to Choose
With so many options, it’s tough to tell which are the best, but many of them serve a specific purpose. Here are some of the best baby blanket brands along with their intended use, so you can decide which you want.
Hudson Baby Plush Blanket and Animal Security Blanket
The Hudson baby blanket is perfect for newborns because it’s so soft and plush. It also comes with a matching stuffed animal, so your little one will have a companion. Plus, with so many gender-neutral colors from which you can choose, it makes a great gift for just about anyone.
The blanket is 30 inches by 36 inches, which is about average, but the stuffed animal measures 14 inches by 14 inches, which is fairly large. It may even be as big as your newborn!
Most new parents report that the blanket is luxuriously soft and thick, which is gentle for your baby’s skin and may even contribute to them falling in love with it rather quickly. The plush animals are adorable, too.
It’s made of 100% polyester, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for organic options, but it’s affordable, so it’s a great choice for a lot of people.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large enough to use as a cover
- Comes with a stuffed animal
- Soft and plush
- Plenty of colors and patterns
Cons:
- Not organic
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TILLYOU Cotton Wearable Blanket
Wearable blankets are the perfect way to keep your baby warm and safe. Since you can’t pile their crib with blankets and other dangerous things, it’s a great option for keeping them warm when they sleep.
They’re sleeveless blankets designed like sleep sacks. The sleep sack blankets have a two-way zip in the front, making diaper changes easy without taking your baby out. They come in four sizes, so you can start them young and keep them until your child is up to 2 years old.
The great thing about these is that they may help you transition your baby out of a swaddle more easily because they’ll be toasty warm and still feel contained in their own safe space.
They come in several adorable patterns, some of which are gender-neutral. They’re more expensive than other blankets, but they come in a set of two, which offers a better value.
Pros:
- Safe way to keep your baby warm while sleeping
- Plenty of patterns and colors
- Four sizes with easy two-way zipper
- Great for transitioning out of a swaddle
Cons:
- Sizing runs large
Touched by Nature 100% Organic Cotton Blanket
Touched by Nature offers a 100% organic cotton muslin blanket, but they also have a 100% organic cotton fleece option as well. They come in several different package sizes, so you can buy multiple at a time without spending a fortune.
The colors are vibrant and the patterns are fun, so you can choose whichever you like best for your little one. They’re large enough to use as a stroller blanket and the organic fabric is gentle on your baby’s skin.
Pros:
- Affordable packages with multiple blankets
- Plenty of colors and patterns
- 100% organic
Cons:
- Muslin is very thin
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Baby Quilt
While Little Unicorn cotton muslin blankets are a bit more expensive than some other options, they include beautiful detail and they’re incredibly durable. If you want a blanket that will last throughout your little one’s childhood, this is a perfect choice.
Muslin gets softer after each wash, so your baby will enjoy the gentle touch of the fabric and it will only get better.
They’re available in solid colors as well as patterns and they’re 47 inches by 47 inches. This large size makes them the perfect decoration or snuggle companion. They’re made with quality and should be a staple in every nursery.
Pros:
- Ultra-soft
- Made with quality
- Fun colors and patterns
- Large
Cons:
- Expensive
Aden & Anais Dream Blanket
These blankets are also a little pricey, but so worth it. The double-sided design features two patterns in one with vibrant colors. The large 44-inch by 44-inch size makes them the perfect nap companion for toddlers or a great stroller blanket for babies.
The soft muslin is durable and gets softer every time you wash it. It’s a thicker, quilt-like blanket that’s perfect for added warmth and comfort. Many parents say this blanket is so comfortable, it actually puts their baby to sleep.
Pros:
- Soft and durable
- Heavier weight makes it even more comfortable
- Large size
- Double-sided patterns
Cons:
- Expensive
Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Blanket
This blanket is a perfect weight. While it’s not heavy or bulky, it’s also not lightweight. It will keep your baby warm without adding a lot of weight, so you can use it as a stroller blanket or spending time outside when it’s a bit breezy.
It comes in five classic colors, so you can match it to your baby’s nursery or car seat. It also has a reversible pattern, making it whimsical and attractive, no matter how you choose to display it.
When it comes to babies, spit-up and other accidents can dirty a blanket quickly, but with two adorable sides, you can flip it over and keep your baby clean while you’re out.
Pottery Barn also allows for custom monograms, so you can have your baby’s name or initials embroidered on the item. There will be no more confusion about which blanket belongs to you, and it’s a super cute idea for multiples, too!
Pros:
- Soft and sweet reversible design
- Perfect weight
- Personalization available
- Comes in plain colors and patterns
Cons:
- Personalization is quite pricey
Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets Bundle
These receiving blankets are crazy affordable and come in more patterns and solids than you can count. You’ll spend less than $15 for a pack of 7 blankets. They’re lightweight, so you can pack several of them in your diaper bag without taking up a bunch of space.
If you’re looking for an affordable set of blankets for your newborn, this is a great option, especially if you know you’re going to need a lot of them.
They’re made from 100% cotton flannel, so they’re soft on your baby’s skin, and they’re perfect for everyday use like doubling as a burp rag or swaddling your little one.
While they’re not heavy enough to keep your baby warm outside on a cold day, They’re the perfect accessory to have when the bottle leaks or you need to change a diaper.
They’re only 30 inches by 30 inches, so they may be too small for larger babies, but at the price, you can beat them for one of the most important baby necessities.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Soft, 100% cotton flannel
- Plenty of cute colors and patterns
- Versatile
- Lightweight and space-saving
Cons:
- It May be too small for larger babies
Boritar Baby Minky Blanket
This minky blanket comes in several adorable patterns. The reversible design means you can place the soft side against your baby’s skin or allow them a completely new tactile experience with the nubs on the underside.
Either way, it’s completely safe for your baby, cozy, and perfect for traveling. The material allows you to quickly roll it up or fold it for storage so that it takes up very little space. It’s a 30-inch by 40-inch blanket, so while it’s not as big as some others, the oblong shape means it will still fit over your baby and be compact enough for your suitcase or diaper bag.
There’s also an oversized option if you’d rather have the 50-inch by 60-inch blanket. Both blankets are machine washable, saving you time when you have a mess or it’s dirty from your adventures.
Pros:
- Compact and great for travel
- Oversized option
- Machine washable
- Reversible designs
Cons:
- Regular size may be too small for some
Pottery Barn Kids Sherpa Blanket
This sherpa blanket from Pottery Barn Kids is lined with sherpa on one side and your choice of a cable knit or a tweed on the other. There are also a few patterns to choose from, so you can pick the one that matches your taste best.
When it’s cold outside, the sherpa lining will keep your baby warm, the other side is ultra soft as well. Your baby will be snug and cuddly all winter long.
Just like many other Pottery Barn Kids products, this blanket can be personalized, but it’s already pretty expensive, so this will add to your cost.
Pros:
- Soft and luxurious
- Warm and snuggly
- Lovely colors and patterns
- Excellent quality
- Personalization available
Cons:
- Very pricey
Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket with Sherpa Backing
The Hudson sherpa baby blanket is a more affordable alternative to the Pottery Barn Kids option. It’s not quite as plush, but it’s still very soft, and the sherpa lining will keep your baby warm in the winter.
It’s reversible, with totally adorable patterns on the opposite side, so you can display animals, shapes, designs, or a solid color, and switch it up whenever you want. It’s a 30-inch by 40-inch blanket, so it will fit most babies.
It’s machine washable, which is a plus, but tends to lose its shape after a few cycles.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Warm and soft
- Comes in many designs
- Reversible
- Machine washable
Cons:
- May lose its shape in the washing machine.
Copper Pearl Swaddle Blanket
If you’re looking for the perfect multipurpose swaddling blanket, the Copper Pearl swaddle blanket is simply the best. It’s lightweight and soft, so you can use it as a stroller blanket or a burp rag, take it with you wherever you go, and enjoy the smooth texture on your baby’s skin.
However, the patterns and colors are so vibrant and beautiful, you may not ever want to use it. The superior quality of these blankets will have your baby living in the lap of luxury. They’re a little more expensive than others, but they’re also better quality and easier to use.
The amount of stretch these blankets have is perfect for getting a tight swaddle without the frustration. And because there’s so much give, they will fit any baby just right and stay put all night.
Pros:
- Soft and stretchy
- Great quality
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Sold individually
FAQs
Answer: It’s important to buy a blanket that’s going to work for you, whatever that looks like. However, some of the best brands are Aden & Anais, Touched by Nature, Pottery Barn Kids, and Copper Pearl.
You can trust the quality of these blankets, even though the price will be a bit higher than it would for a lesser-known brand.
Answer: Infants will benefit from a blanket that’s breathable, just in case it gets pulled up over their head. Even the smallest newborns can wiggle out of their swaddles, so you want to make sure the blanket is made of a breathable fabric like muslin rather than something thick and quilted.
As your baby gets older, you can use thicker, heavier, or even weighted blankets. Swaddle blankets will benefit infants who still want to be swaddled while sherpa lining is great for cold climates.
Answer: Choosing the right baby blanket is easy once you understand your needs. Choose blankets that are made of some sort of cotton, since fur can come to lose and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
You’ll have to choose what kind of cotton you want because there are a lot of varieties. You’ll also need to decide on a size and a weight, which will depend on the size of your baby, the blanket’s purpose, and where you live.
Heavier blankets lined with sherpa are great for cold climates while lightweight muslin makes for a good stroller blanket.
Answer: Typically, you’ll find that a blanket at least 30 inches by 30 inches are perfect for a newborn. However, if you intend to swaddle your baby, you may need something bigger to get an effective swaddle.
Larger children will need larger blankets, and you can choose from rectangle or square shapes. You may also want to consider using a larger blanket for tummy time or playtime.
Staying Warm
When choosing the right blanket for you, consider material, size, and weight as your top priorities. While some people prefer quality over affordability, most new moms will stock up on cute, but affordable sets and only splurge on one or two others.
Luvable Friends receiving blankets offer the best value while the Copper Pearl swaddle blankets are versatile and perfect for almost everything. The main concern should be your baby’s safety, but after that, choose the blanket that’s going to do exactly what you want it to do.
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