Must-Know Facts about Baby Blankets
Swaddle Blankets vs. Baby Blankets... what's the difference? The main difference between swaddle blankets and baby blankets is that swaddle blankets are specifically for swaddling your baby. Swaddling is taught right in the hospital after your baby is born. It's a special way to wrap your newborn in a blanket to help your baby feel secure. For safety purposes, you should be using a swaddle blanket – not a regular baby blanket – when you bundle your infant.
Swaddle blankets tend to be made of lightweight, breathable fabric. This is to keep your baby from overheating. These blankets are also made of stretchy material to make swaddling safer. Regular baby blankets can be made of thicker material designed to keep your baby warm, but the fabric isn't breathable or light enough for swaddling.
Blanket Size and Shape
Baby blankets come in all shapes and sizes, but swaddle blankets tend to be square or rectangular and bigger than average so you can wrap your baby several times and still have fabric that can be tucked in to make the swaddle snug and complete.
To Swaddle or not Swaddle? that is the question.
It's up to you to decide if swaddling is right for your baby. If you swaddle your baby it's recommended that you only do it for the first month after birth. Some feel that if you swaddle your baby longer it can interfere with development and mobility. The thought behind swaddling is that it makes your newborn feel more secure and is a good transition from womb to crib. Sometimes swaddling can become a trigger for sleep, but other babies might not like it. Once your baby begins to kick off the blanket then you know it's time to stop bundling your infant.
Other Types of Baby Blankets
There is a wide variety of baby blankets on the market. They come in many different colors, fabrics, sizes and prices. A parent's favorite seems to be the cotton blankets. They're usually less expensive and are made of non-toxic, easy to clean, baby-safe fabric. Others like the fleece blanket option or even the fancy fur blankets that are in a much higher price range. Some parents also prefer the personalized blankets that have their baby's initials or name embroidered on the front. No matter what type of baby blanket you choose it's important to be aware of baby blanket safety tips.
Baby Blanket Safety
When selecting a blanket for your baby make sure to pick one that is made of a non-toxic, baby safe fabric. It should also be a durable material that is easy to clean. For infants, make sure to use a blanket that is lightweight and breathable. Don't ever use heavy blankets on your newborn. This could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid baby blankets that have buttons, fringe or extra trim. Your baby will be tempted to yank these things off and could choke. If selecting a woven baby blanket; make sure that the fabric weave is tight enough that your baby can't get his/her fingers stuck. Also, avoid baby blankets that have any loose threads or strings.
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