A Comparison of the Top Baby Blanket Choices
US $6.00
Baby blankets are available in many different fabrics. Cotton, fleece and wool are a few of the fabrics that baby blankets are made of. Each type has its own positive and negative traits. Some types might be better suited for some activities than others are. Exploring the different options that are available might help parents choose which type of blanket they prefer.
Cotton blankets are an all around safe choice. Cotton is a natural fiber and is grown to specifically be used for blankets, sheets and clothing. It is a very soft and breathable material and generally won’t irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. That can be very important because babies easily develop skin conditions like eczema and other types of dermatitis. Those conditions can be made worse by certain materials.
Blankets that are used for swaddling infants generally need to be breathable and made of a material that is somewhat lightweight. This is so babies do not get overheated. Many types of receiving blankets are made out of cotton for that very reason. A receiving blanket is something that a new mother can’t have too many of. They can be easily packed in a diaper bag for traveling and loosely draped over the infant seat to protect the baby during cold weather.
Fleece blankets are another strong contender in the baby blanket market. Fleece baby blankets are made of polyester (no, not the 70’s leisure suit polyester) fibers. They are generally thicker than typical cotton blankets and much warmer. Most babies love the texture and they are durable if cared for correctly.
A great gift idea for a new mother is a hand-made fleece blanket. There are patterns for these that require no sewing at all. Acrylic fleece is easily found at most fabric stores and it generally isn’t very expensive per yard. Handmade fleece baby blankets are easy to do and many of them can be done without a sewing machine or any other type of equipment. Fleece (like everything else) is available in so many different patterns and colors, so finding the perfect kind to make a blanket shouldn’t be difficult.
Wool baby blankets are yet another contender for some people. Wool isn’t just for winter coats anymore. The wool used for baby blankets is much softer and much more lightweight than the wool that is associated with winter clothing. They are still a great option for cold weather, but some can be lightweight enough for summer use as well. Wool blankets often have a cotton backing on them to increase their softness. The type of wool that is used in baby blankets is washable, unlike most other wool products.
Overall, baby blankets are a necessity for babies. They can help keep a baby feeling snuggled and warm and also protect against all the elements. Getting a few different kinds and letting your baby decide on his or her favorites is a smart idea. Getting different kinds to use throughout different seasons is also a good idea. There’s no such thing as having too many baby blankets!