Swaddling and receiving blankets for newborns is a need since they offer the newborn warmth, safety, and familiarity. Babies enjoy being wrapped as it resembles the mother’s womb. As a new mother, you frequently seem puzzled and frightened about what type of blankets to choose. While there are a lot of blankets on the market, we will learn more about swaddling and receiving blankets and their types in this blog.
What is a swaddling blanket?
Swaddling is a traditional method of securely covering newborns in a blanket or sheet to make them feel safe. During diaper changes, specific swaddling blankets are made to be left on the baby’s upper body while the lower section is undone. Infants can sleep well when wrapped in a swaddle blanket because they are protected by something soft.
Unlike the more contemporary wearable swaddles, swaddle blankets are primarily made of loose material. These swaddles are advised for a healthier, safer swaddling technique and often contain Velcro, zipper, and button snap designs.
What is a receiving blanket?
The receiving blanket does not need to have a particular look or be constructed of a specific material. Instead, it might be constructed from soft flannel or light cotton. The receiving blanket is generally adaptable and can be used as a light blanket to cover the infant. While referred to as a receiving blanket, these blankets can be used for various purposes, including a burp cloth or play mat for tummy time.
Types of swaddling & receiving blankets
Many swaddling and receiving blankets are available in the market for every weather and to suit every baby skin type. So let’s have a look at this to understand it better.
Swaddling blankets types
Squares and secured-style swaddles are the two primary varieties of swaddle blankets. Square refers to the square swaddling fabric—often made of muslin—used to fold your child into a burrito-like wrap. The latter fasten your baby with either a Velcro end or zippers.
- Square or muslin blanket: Muslin is a lightweight, breezy, open-weave fabric that works well for swaddling babies in the summer and warmer climates. They are strong, incredibly soft, and breathable, making them ideal for your baby’s delicate skin.
Although the blanket is loose, its fabric makes it an excellent swaddle. As per their adaptability and usefulness, they are the preferred option for most babies.
- Secured-type swaddle blankets or swaddle sacks: Swaddling is made a little easier with two-in-one swaddles or secured-type swaddle blankets, also known as swaddle sacks. To help you acquire a secure fit, they frequently have Velcro, snaps, and zippers. The baby’s arms can also move up, down, or outward depending on the product.
Contrarily, swaddles with closures (zip or Velcro) are far more practical and simple to fasten. It also helps if your child frequently wriggles free of the swaddle.
Receiving blankets types
Receiving blankets are often constructed of soft, breathable, long-lasting materials that should perfectly complement a baby’s skin. A receiving blanket may be the most crucial item on the seemingly never-ending list of things to buy for your child’s birth. Here are some receiving blanket types and why they make the best options for baby blankets.
Muslin
A baby born in the summer needs a gentle gauze muslin blanket. It is incredibly soft and comfy and skin-friendly, breathable, and soft. These blankets become softer after every wash. Thus, muslin is one of the best receiving blanket types for infants.
Jersey knit or cotton flannel
Choosing a cotton or jersey knit blanket for chilly months is preferable because these materials control body temperature. In terms of breathability, a jersey knit is very similar to conventional cotton, but it is stronger, thicker, and stretchier.
Moreover, cotton flannel feels fluffy and is thicker than muslin. Although synthetic flannel options are available, we advise using the best cotton flannel for your infant.
Woolen blankets
The most effective material for regulating body temperature is wool. It absorbs moisture as the baby sleeps to keep it dry and comfortable. Although regular wool could be too abrasive and rough for a baby’s skin, softer and finer wool, like merino, would be your best pick for baby-receiving blankets.
