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This helps maintain the baby’s body temperature and also mimics a sense of being secure, much like being in a mom’s womb.
A receiving blanket is a well-thought-out blanket wrapped in a newborn before being presented to an exhausted but happy mother.
“Well thought out” because of the size, weight, and fabric choice, which facilitates a baby’s transition from womb to world.
There are smaller receiving blankets for premature babies that measure 18” X 20” (45 cm X 50 cm), and there is a slightly larger square preemie blanket that measures 24” square (60 cm square).
Receiving blankets, in comparison, are smaller than standard-sized baby blankets, which typically measure 34” X 46” (86 cm X 116 cm). There are also square baby blankets and the sizes vary so selecting the right size for your baby is not a difficult decision but rather a personal one.
Because babies grow so fast in their first year, they will quickly outgrow their receiving blankets and other specialized blankets like swaddling blankets; however, the standard size baby blanket is designed to be adequate for the first year or two at least.
As you can see from the standard sizes, there is no “one size fits all”; however, regardless of the size,receiving blankets are always a mom’s go-to item that is used to tend to baby’s needs, like using it as an oversized burp cloth or as a means to create shade while your little is in a stroller, or perhaps even using it to layout over a public infant changing area before changing your baby’s diaper.
The fabric must be able to assist in regulating your baby’s temperature as they are still unable to do this themselves. Listed below are the more popular fabric choices for baby receiving blankets:
From the above list, you can see why natural fabrics like cotton and wool are the best fabrics for your little one. Softness is great, but breathability or temperature control should be your top priority when selecting and purchasing receiving blankets.
Soft fabrics with poor breathability have their place but should only really be used by people with the ability to regulate their temperature. They are questionable as blankets because of sleep interruptions from getting too hot under the covers.
Newborns cannot kick off their receiving blanket or tell you when they are getting too hot and beginning to overheat. Light, breathable, and soft receiving blankets are essential for newborns who have not yet found their voice or mastered their motor skills.
A receiving blanket is typically rectangular or square, whereas swaddle blankets come in different shapes and designs. Some have wings, Velcro, snaps, or zippers for easy use. Another theme is stretchable fabric like bamboo rayon because the general belief is that babies should be wrapped tightly when swaddled.
Parents are taught to wrap their little ones tightly for effective swaddling but too tight can be problematic both in the short and long run. Tight in swaddling terms means secure but still offering enough space to breathe and move a little.
The immediate danger is putting too much pressure on your baby’s chest, which can restrict breathing. In the long run, hip dysplasia can occur if babies are swaddled too tightly around their legs for long periods over consecutive days, weeks, and months.
The size of receiving and swaddle blankets differ as well, with receiving blankets being the smaller of the two. It is not the size of your baby that determines what size blanket is correct but rather their age in weeks and months, and their weight.
There is no set amount but to be on the safe side you can look at a minimum of at least five receiving blankets to start with. Include at least three swaddle blankets and you will have enough to deal with on the toughest of days. Double the amount may spoil you for choice but it also means you’ll be well prepared.
As mentioned earlier in this article a receiving blanket can be used as a burp cloth, to provide shade while outdoor or used to create a safe changing space at home or in public spaces.
They can also be used for picnics or play areas on the floor where your baby can have some tummy time and practice their motor skills by pulling on the blanket to bring things closer.
The receiving blanket is big enough to wrap comfortably around a baby without wrapping over itself again. This is primarily to avoid overheating and over-restricting small movements.
While newborns sleep, there is very little movement and the blanket provides that sense of security without really restricting any small movements.
It resembles the time in mom’s womb that always had place enough for movement.
You will notice in this article that preemie receiving blankets are smaller than the standard size receiving blank.
This is to avoid the blanket from wrapping over itself when a very small or premature baby is swaddled.
When deciding on receiving blankets, you can’t go wrong with cotton as it’s the most popular fabric for receiving blanks as well as baby outfits and other bedding essentials like fitted sheets. Breathability trumps all else and as far as thermoregulation is concerned cotton is right up there with wool and other natural fabrics.
Choosing designs, colors or patterns is a personal matter and the wide range of baby blankets available on the market will surely create some new and fascinating creative ideas in your mind. Breathe in – breathe out – decide.
However, some receiving blankets can be smaller or larger depending on the brand and intended use.
The blanket size can also be influenced by personal preference or cultural norms.
It is essential to check the product description or packaging to determine the specific size of the receiving blanket.
However, some hospitals may use larger or smaller sizes.
If you need a specific size for a particular purpose, it is recommended to check with the hospital or supplier to ensure that you get the size you need.
As a general guideline, a standard receiving blanket usually measures around 30 x 30 inches (76 x 76 cm), and for this size, you will need around 1 yard (0.9 meters) of fabric.
If you want to make a larger blanket, such as one that measures 40 x 40 inches (101 x 101 cm), you will need about 1.5 yards (1.4 meters) of fabric.
It's always a good idea to buy some extra fabric to account for any mistakes you might make during the cutting and sewing.
However, the most commonly used blanket size in the United States and Canada is the Queen size, which measures approximately 90 inches by 90 inches (228 cm x 228 cm). This size provides enough coverage for two people, making it a versatile and practical option for many households.
Other popular sizes include:
However, it's worth noting that blankets can come in various sizes, from small throws to oversized comforters, depending on their intended use and personal preference.
A receiving blanket is a thin, lightweight blanket that is typically square-shaped and measures about 30x30 inches. It is used to wrap the baby, lay them on, or cover them while they sleep or rest.
Receiving blankets are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as swaddling, burping, and cleaning messes.
On the other hand, a swaddle is a specific type of blanket designed to wrap a newborn baby tightly.
Swaddles are typically made of soft, stretchy fabric and are often shaped like a rectangle or a large square.
Swaddling aims to help newborns feel secure and snug, as it mimics the feeling of being in the womb.
Swaddling can also help to prevent the startle reflex that can wake a sleeping baby.
In short, a receiving blanket is a multi-purpose blanket that can be used for various purposes, including swaddling.
At the same time, a swaddle is a specific type of blanket designed to wrap a baby and promote a sense of security tightly.
Receiving Blanket: A receiving blanket is a soft, lightweight blanket made of various materials such as cotton, flannel, or fleece.
They are typically smaller, measuring around 30 inches by 30 inches, and are commonly used for swaddling newborns.
Receiving blankets are designed to provide a cozy and comfortable environment for the baby. They can be used for various purposes, such as burping, nursing, or as a stroller or car seat cover.
Muslin: Muslin, on the other hand, is a type of cotton fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and soft.
It is usually made from 100% cotton and can be used to make various baby products, such as swaddle blankets, burp cloths, and bibs.
Muslin blankets are typically larger than receiving blankets, measuring around 47 inches by 47 inches or more.
They are known for their ability to get softer with each wash and are a popular choice for parents who prefer natural materials for their baby's products.
In summary, while receiving blankets and muslin blankets may look similar, they differ in their material composition, size, and intended use.
Receiving blankets are typically made of various materials, are smaller in size, and are used primarily for swaddling and providing a cozy environment for the baby.
On the other hand, Muslin is a lightweight, breathable cotton fabric that is larger in size and is commonly used to make a variety of baby products, including blankets.
Swaddling involves wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket, with their arms and legs held close to their body, to provide a sense of security and comfort and help the baby sleep more soundly.
A smaller blanket is more suitable for swaddling because it allows the caregiver to tightly wrap the baby without excess fabric getting in the way.
Additionally, newborn babies are tiny, so a smaller blanket is generally more proportional to their size and easier to handle.
When choosing a receiving blanket, there are several factors to consider, including:
However, receiving blankets can continue for other purposes, such as burping, cleaning messes, or providing a light cover for a sleeping baby.
Generally, parents can stop using receiving blankets for swaddling when their baby is around two to three months old or when they begin to show signs of rolling over on their own.
Swaddling a baby who can roll over increases the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
It's important to note that every baby is different and may reach developmental milestones at different times.
Parents should observe their baby's behavior and consult with their pediatrician to determine when to stop using receiving blankets for swaddling.
