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Know Everything about Baby Blankets!

Essentials for baby care, blankets keep the kids warm and comfort them and serve as a keepsake, owing to the baby's special attachment to the blanket in early years. Made of different fabrics with varying qualities, features, and sizes, a blanket should be purchased or made with all the required dimensions in consideration. The baby blankets come with essential safety aspects roped in and other equally important from crocheted covers to quilted blankets, swaddling blankets to receiving and nursing covers, to ones meant for different seasons and different age groups minor features like portability, foldability aspect, upkeep, etc.

Different Types of Baby Blankets

A security blanket is basically for comfort and comes with a stuffed animal attached. In contrast, a swaddling blanket is meant to wrap the baby and is usually made with fastenings that make it easy and quick to drape the baby compared to other ordinary blankets. Usually, a square yard long, the receiving blanket is meant for catering to everyday tasks like putting the baby on the floor, catching a spit or drools, or just to make the baby comfortable, while a sleep sack is a wearable blanket that the baby can slip into while sleeping.

Tips for Proper Upkeep of Baby Blankets

To ensure optimum upkeep of your baby's blankets, dry them on low or allow them to air dry on a drying rack or a clothesline. Put them for a quick air fluff after they've been dried, and air drying will help fleece and flannel fabrics stay soft. Since fleece is a synthetic fiber, it can melt, while flannel, which is made of cotton, usually needs a cold wash, and a hot wash can cause pilling and shrinkage. Washing fleece with other fabrics can cause abrasion and lose fluffy softness, while flannel requires a gentle wash cycle.

You should know that fabric softeners make baby blankets less soft, as using too much detergent lead to a similar build-up and reduce softness. Before washing the baby blanket, always read the care label and follow its instructions. It is best to wash flannel and fleece in vinegar instead of fabric softener, use a mild detergent and avoid packing the washing machine to the full.

How to Choose the Right Material

Baby blankets need to be warm, soft, and snug for a baby's comfort. Soft in make and with a generous and comfortable size, the baby blankets should be made of breathable fabrics and made in such a way that it doesn't interfere with the baby's sleep or comfort in any way. Since babies' skin is soft and tender, and very sensitive, top-notch care should be taken when choosing a blanket and the kind of fabric it is made of. Coarse fabrics can make a baby uncomfortable and cause irritation and rashes, and hence the fabrics must be soft and breathable. The best materials for baby blankets include woven fleece, cashmere, and high-quality cotton flannel, and furthermore, cotton fabrics can be embroidered on easily. It is best to avoid embroidered knitted blankets, and they might stretch and loosen over time.

When it comes to colours, pastel shades are considered the best for babies, as are bright colours, owing to the fact that babies get attracted to them. When adorning or styling the blankets, be sure to check that the threads or embellishments on them don't interfere with the baby's comfort in any way. Since babies tend to cuddle up in their blankets, the edges should not be sharp, and all embellishments or threads should be equally soft.

Best Baby Winter Blankets: Top Options to Consider for Your Little One

Baby Bear Quilted Muslin Blanket

Source kicksandcrawl.com

Given that a child's comfort, sleep, and early age development is so essential right from the start, Kicks and Crawl comes out with its collection of Muslin Blankets that provide cozy and soft insulation to your baby's body. A multi-layered covering, the Bear Quilted Muslin Blanket gives off a cloudy feel owing to its soft texture and is large enough to comfort your baby through his/her growing years. The breathable muslin fabric has been made of open weave stitching to prevent overheating at night. The Baby Bear Quilted Muslin Blanket is made with love and priced at Rs. 999 on kicksandcrawl.com.

Happy Cloud Pink Baby Blanket

Source themomstore.in

With a cloud and rainbow design in pink printed on one side and multi-coloured on the other side, the Happy Cloud Baby Blanket is a baby essential. Crafted for multi-purpose use, the Happy Cloud Baby Blanket can be used as a blanket to tuck your little one into a blissful and cozy sleep with its softness and cute prints, or used as a towel to wrap the bay right after a warm bubble bath! Measuring 3.6 ft x 3.7 ft, the Happy Cloud Baby Blanket can also be used as a play mat in the baby's play area. Sized 110cm x 115 cm, the Happy Cloud Baby Blanket is priced at Rs. 1,299 on themomstore.in.

Moses Basket Or Crib Fleece Blanket

Source mothercare.in

Warm, snug, and soft, Mothercare's crib fleece blanket is ideal for keeping your baby cozy on cooler days. Beautifully designed with white polka dots, this blue crib fleece blanket is soft and gentle and is best machine-washed and fast-dried. The ideal size for Moses baskets or Cribs, the Baby Fleece Blanket in Blue measures 70 x 90 cm and is priced at Rs. 799 on mothercare.in. A nursery essential, the anti-pill fleece has been designed to endure repeating wash cycles and is available in an assortment of colours that can be easily mixed and matched with other baby bedding items. The Crib Fleece Blanket is practical and easy to maintain at a pocket-friendly price.

Flannel Wearable Hooded Blanket

Source firstcry.com

With a secure hooded style and made of soft flannel fabric, the Flannel Wearable Hooded Blanket from Brandonn comes with a convenient Velcro closure. It is a footed baby blanket for absolute comfort and snugness. Perfect for babies aged 0-6 months, this Flannel Wearable Hooded Blanket measures 70 x 76 x 3 cm and can be used throughout the year to keep your baby warm and protected from seasonal changes. Priced at Rs. 322, the Flannel Wearable Hooded Blanket is crafted out of a double-layered ultra-soft flannel material and is available in colours - brown and grey. You can purchase it from firstcry.com.

Newborn Baby Woollen Blanket Swaddle Orange

Source hunyhuny.com

Most babies enjoyed being swaddled and sleep well. Measuring 100 x 75 cm, HunyHuny's woolen blanket swaddle in the colour orange is perfect for wrapping your baby in pure softness. Made of premium quality and 100% bamboo cotton muslin, the Woolen Blanket Swaddle is printed with cheery designs and comforting colours and a fabric that gets softer with each wash. The open weave increases the fabric's breathability and reduces the risk of overheating. Priced at Rs. 499, the Woolen Blanket can be used either as a swaddle blanket, nursing or stroller cover, or a receiving blanket. The Orange Woolen Blanket Swaddle's soft texture ensures the warmth and comfort that a baby needs, irrespective of whether the baby's a newborn, an infant, or a toddler. Available for purchase on hunyhuny.com.

Baby Soft and Breathable Warm Napping Blanket

Source amazon.in

Made of cotton and with a microfiber filling, this Napping Blanket from Rehtrad comes in a double-layered design, crafted without any harmful substance, and is incredibly soft that promises a snug, cozy, and light feel and comfort for your baby. With anti-fade features, the Napping Blanket is the ideal size for babies, skin-friendly, odour-free, and perfect for use all year round. Without the risk of overheating, the Napping Blanket doesn't fall and can be machine-washed and durable. Measuring 59" x 43", the Napping Blanket has strong edged stitches that ensure wear resistance and look elegant as well. Priced at Rs. 599, the Baby Soft and Breathable Warm Napping Blanket is designed with a pineapple fruit print pattern suitable for both genders, available for purchase on amazon.in.

Cutieco Luxury Series Super Soft Baby Wrapper

Source looksgud.in

Cutieco's Luxury Series Super Soft Baby Wrapper is made of skin-friendly and super soft flannel/polyester fabric, renowned for its light-weightiness and durability. Crafted for multi-purpose use that can be a baby's blanket, wrapper, or sleeping bag, the Super Soft Baby Wrapper is best hand or machine-washed and is perfect for babies aged between 0-2 years. Priced at Rs. 299, the Super Soft Baby Wrapper can be folded easy, making it a compact and travel-friendly option, and comes in a variety of soothing colours like red or brown with different stars, polka dots, and more. You can buy it from looksgud.in.

Luvlap Newborn Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket

Source firstcry.com

The Newborn Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket from Luvlap is made in a series of attractive colours and print patterns, crafted out of plush flannel material. Easy to wash and soft and gentle for a baby's skin, the Newborn Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket keeps the babies warm and comfortable. Suitable for babies aged 0-12 months, the Newborn Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket measures 80 x 100 cm and is priced at Rs. 479. Generously sized, the Newborn Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket is an ideal choice to keep babies snug in their cots, pushchairs, car seats, or when cuddled. The Baby Soft Swaddling Blanket is adorned with an animal print in sea green colour with a beautiful yellow coloured lining on the blanket edges. You can buy it from firstcry.com.

Kassy Pop Baby's Flannel Blanket

Source kassypop.com

Made of soft and breathable material, in 100% cotton, the flannel blanket from Kassy Pop is extremely lightweight and keeps babies warm and cuddly all the time. This nursing cover also acts as a swaddle blanket, receiving cover, or nursing coverlet with a multi-purpose utility and is meant for repeated use. With durability and all seasonal use as its added features, the baby flannel blanket can be used all year through for sleep, casual, or day and night wear. Unisex and available in free size, the baby flannel blanket is best machine-washed in cold water gently and tumble dried. The baby flannel blanket is priced at Rs. 899 and is available on kassypop.com.

Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket With Dotted Mink Backing Blue Giraffe

Source hopscotch.in

Priced at Rs. 799, the Baby Printed Mink Blanket with a dotted blue giraffe in colours orange or rich blue, beautiful magenta, and yellow comes with a coordinated solid colour backing. Measuring 30" x 40", this Baby Printed Mink Blanket makes for a perfect crib blanket for chillier evenings, while the extra weight on the fabric makes for a snug and comfortable blanket that soothes and comforts the baby while sleeping. With a velvety smooth finish on the printed side, that's soft for a baby's sensitive skin; the dotted side can be used as a play mat for the baby's play or feeding time. The Baby Printed Mink Blanket's layers are sewn together and topstitched to give an extra layer of protection when exposed to machine wash. You can find it at hopscotch.in.

Bonus Tips: How to Protect Newborns in Cold Weather

Newborn babies need a lot of care and extra protective measures, especially during their first winters. Even though protecting your little one from the elements is all about preparing well and can get a bit confusing, the best way to ensure optimum protection is to be aware that if you're cold, then your baby's cold as well. Here are some tips to help ensure that your baby's bundled up well!

  • Layers – Trap heat and thin pieces of cotton work well, right from a thin sleeper onesie to layering up with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, or even a snowsuit will protect your little angel from the coldest temperatures.

  • Covering Up – Ensures that the baby's protected from everywhere. So be sure to use mittens, gloves, a hat, thick socks, and snow boots, according to where you reside.

  • Blankets – for a stroller are a must as an add-on layer to keep out the cold and bring in some warmth.

  • Car Seat Safety – Calls for removing the bulky coat on the baby as it can compress below a harness and be too loose in the event of an accident. The multiple thin layers on the baby and the cover-up accessories will be good to keep the baby warm and protected from chills.

  • Overheating – Can be a risk and cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), and hence it is good to remove the winter clothes as soon as the baby's back inside.

  • Temperature Control – It is best at 68-72 degrees F, be it in summers or winters, and keep the baby comfortable. Dressing the baby in a warm sleeper's fine or cuddling the baby in a sleep sack is good too, but skip the blanket.

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Winters are Especially Dangerous for Toddlers!

Babies have a lot more sensitive skin than us; hence it is more prone to dryness. Not only this, but they are also more susceptible to catching a cold and other related sicknesses in winters, which is why you must decide on some thumb rules to make sure your baby remains warm in the winter cold; one such example is to make sure to keep your child under several layers of clothing, which is better than a thick, single layer of clothing! Keep following BP-Guide for more informative stuff like this!