Baby Blankets

So, you are a new mother to be that just had a baby shower. It seems that every package that you opened had baby blankets in it. You’re probably asking yourself why you need so many blankets. Yes, you are going to use a lot of them to wrap your baby up with; however, baby blankets have a plethora of uses other than just keeping babies warm and protected.

Some baby blankets do not have to be used for the baby. Some decorative quilts are made with the purpose of being used as wall décor. Hanging a quilt or other type of ornamental blanket on the wall of a nursery can add a personal touch. Special hardware is used so the blankets are not damaged. They can really add softness to a room, along with beautiful color and texture.

Babies can use their blankets for security, but they can also be used as entertainment. They can play peek-a-boo for long periods of time with their favorite blanket. As they grow into toddlers, they often use their blankets as capes and run around the house like little mini superheroes. Baby blankets can also be used as a roof for their “forts”.

Receiving blankets are also great for burp cloths. Babies tend to spit up a lot and a burp cloth isn’t always readily available; however, a receiving blanket can be used so that your clothing can stay clean. Blankets are also used at changing times and it is much safer to lay a baby on a blanket to change them rather than just laying them on the floor or couch. Your carpet and furniture will enjoy much longer lives.

Extra baby blankets can also be used to line a car seat. This will keep the car seat upholstery cleaner longer. If messes and spills occur in the car (as they invariably do), having a blanket underneath the baby can help absorb the mess. This same concept can be used in strollers and wagons as well.

Putting a blanket underneath a baby that is on the floor or couch isn’t just limited to changing times. Putting a baby on the floor can be potentially harmful because of the dirt and germs that can accumulate in carpet. Even if you vacuum frequently, it is a good idea to put soft baby blankets down when your baby is on the floor. This will help protect the baby and your carpet.

Pets can also benefit from baby blankets. Parents (and pets) are often nervous about the changes that a baby will bring to a household. One way to get pets used to the baby is to bring home a blanket from the hospital that the baby was wrapped in. The pet can then smell it and will associate that smell with the new arrival. This can be a great way to get pets acclimated to the changes that a baby in the house will bring.

As many mothers have found out, there is no such thing as too many blankets. So as you’re sitting at your baby shower, looking around at the loads of blankets that you’ve received, don’t despair. They will come in very handy during the coming months. Just wait and see.