The baby blanket is one of the most useful and appreciated gifts for the birth of a child. During the first months of life, infants spend most of their time lying down, and adequate coverage becomes necessary. These items ensure that babies are warm and comfortable, both in the cot and in the stroller.
Choosing the right cover, however, can be a challenge. That’s why we have prepared a guide to know which baby blanket to buy. In the market, the options are numerous in terms of materials, sizes or designs.
Right here we had selected the best quality of baby blankets that are given below you can choose which one suits your child.
How to Choose Baby Blankets?
Is Baby Blanket Useful?
Baby blankets, such as those designed for adults, help you to rest and sleep optimally. They are items created to ensure maximum comfort while the newborn is resting in the cot or pram.
Babies can cry for many reasons, for example, from hunger, sleep, pain or discomfort. The latter may be related on some occasions to the feeling of cold. Hence the need for the child to always enjoy the level of comfort he needs. The baby blanket is a great ally to get it.
In What Situations Might Children Need a Blanket?
At first glance, it seems that baby blankets are only useful for the colder months. However, these articles are efficient in several situations. For example, to swaddle the newborn after childbirth, to leave the hospital or move it from one place to another where the temperature is lower.
The cover not only serves to cover the infant while sleeping in a crib or pram but also during travel by car. It is something always to carry in the stroller bag because you never know when we can need it. It is also ideal for laying on the ground when the child is a little older and starts exploring.
Are There Any Precise Rules for Baby Blankets?
It is advisable to make sure that baby blankets have been specifically manufactured and designed for them. This means that no adult blanket is adequate. One of the main reasons is the quality of the materials, as they may not be suitable for infants. Some may even be toxic to them.
Another common certificate is the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, indicating that the manufacturer is certified as environmentally friendly both in the production processes and in the factories, and also certifies the absence of harmful substances on the finished products.
What Are the Most Recommended Fabrics?
At this point, you have already understood that you have to choose materials suitable for children. This means that they must be anti-allergic and free of harmful chemicals. The next step is to evaluate the season of the year in which you will use the cover.
For example, in the cold months, natural fibres that diffuse and retain more heat such as wool or cotton are recommended. Fleece could be another excellent option. In spring or summer, the recommended material is 100% cotton.
Can Baby Covers Be Put in The Washing Machine?
Generally, baby blankets are suitable for machine washing. Of course, the washing temperature will depend on the type of material. Some materials can only withstand washing at 30 degrees since if they exceed this temperature, they could deteriorate.
Other covers made of more resistant materials resist up to 90 ° degrees. In any case, the hygiene of these products must be more than guaranteed. It is convenient, therefore, to pay attention to the manufacturer’s label and instructions to carry out better storage and care of the article.
The child must be in a hygienic environment, so always look for suitable materials for the washing machine.
Quality of Materials
The quality of the production materials is the first detail to evaluate when buying a baby blanket. Do not forget that it is an article that will be in contact with his small body. For this reason, it must be made with breathable and comfortable materials that do not irritate the skin and do not cause allergies to your baby.
A wise and safe choice to bet on is natural fibres such as cotton. This material is breathable and maintains optimal body temperature. Also, it does not cause any irritation. Polyester is a synthetic and cheaper material, but equally suitable for children. Wool can be another good option.
Measurements
Size is an essential factor, especially if your idea is to take a cover that you can take advantage of even beyond the first few months of your baby’s life. Ideally, you should choose a model large enough to swaddle the baby. If it is large, it could even be lying on the floor when it starts crawling.
A correct measure could be the one that varies between 100 cm and 120 cm in length. These dimensions are also suitable for blankets whose function is only to cover the baby in the cot. As for the width, do not choose a size smaller than 70 cm. Remember that babies grow very fast and you can use the cover even after the first few months.
Design
Design is, of course, a fundamental aspect of choosing baby blankets. In this sense, mom and dad will select one model or the other based on their tastes and preferences. Some people prefer pastel colours, such as blue or pink. Others, however, darker shades such as anthracite grey or brown.
In the market, there are patterns for all tastes. There are more straightforward covers, without large ornaments, and others decorated with characters for children, such as teddy bears, for example.
Many parents, more than the imagination, seek practicality. This means that they prefer a neutral, but more functional model that can serve in the future even with a possible brother or sister.
Weaving
The texture or texture is intimately linked to the composition of the cover and therefore of the materials with which it was made. This type of baby fabric requires a soft and pleasant texture. Most often, both the child’s body and face remain in direct contact with the cover for a long time. A silky touch will allow the baby to be very comfortable.
As mentioned, the discomfort is one of the main reasons why the little one could cry. This problem can be solved by choosing a comfortable cover, which promotes rest. Finally, the velvety texture will be pleasant for the baby and, above all, will create ideal comfort for him in the colder months of the year.
Conclusions
Baby blankets are one of the essential products to consider before a baby arrives. Especially during the first few weeks of life, when her small body is much more sensitive to temperatures. For this reason, it is imperative to have a blanket that helps maintain the warmth of your body while sleeping or resting.
Children grow very fast, so it may be beneficial to choose a larger cover so that it can serve longer. In any case, you should know what use you will have to make of it. The baby will spend a lot of time in contact with the cover, so try to take a model with a soft and warm texture.