10 Best Baby Blankets to Wrap Your Little One in Comfort
A baby blanket is a classic gift for newborns—and with good reason. A snuggly throw represents warmth and comfort, and allows parents to wrap their little one in love. The best baby blankets are made from soft, high-quality materials and may even be passed onto the next generation (as long as they’re not worn ragged). Although young infants can’t sleep with a blanket in a crib, they still have plenty of practical uses. A security blanket can be used as a cozy spot for tummy time, an extra-layer of warmth on stroller rides and even as a nursing shawl. Then, once baby is big enough, a blanket will help them to self-soothe and gain confidence as they adjust to the outside world. Additionally, a small piece of fabric—a “lovey” or “blankie”—can serve as a security blanket for your little one.
When it comes time to find a baby blanket, options abound. From personalized quilts to swaddles and wearable options, there’s almost too much choice. Luckily, we’ve done the research and narrowed down the top 10 best baby blankets available now.
In this article:
When can babies sleep with a blanket?
Things to consider when shopping for a baby blanket
The best baby blankets
Baby cannot sleep with a blanket (or any other bedding) until they are at least 12-months-old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should dress infants in appropriate layers of clothing for warmth at night, rather than using soft bedding to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
There are a few factors to bear in mind when shopping for a baby blanket as a gift for your own child. In addition to style, here are the three things to consider:
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Material. Baby blankets come in all types of materials from soft cotton to luxurious cashmere and wool. Before you make a decision, consider the climate and season of use. Muslin is good for warmer weather. If you live in a colder area, you may appreciate a heavier fabric. An option with mixed materials—for example, a knitted blanket with a satin border—is also good, as it provides a little sensory stimulation for an infant or toddler.
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Durability. Once a kid becomes attached to their blankie, it can be nearly impossible to separate one from the other. Baby blankets get dragged along on every adventure, from sunrise to sundown, so durability is key. Opt for a machine-washable (and preferably dryer-safe) blanket that won’t pill, shrink or fade. Good quality stitching is a must, as the last thing you want is for a blanket to unravel after the first wash. (And if your little one really adores their blankie, you might consider getting a second as a backup.)
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Safety. Weighted blankets are a big no-no as is anything with loose threads or fringing, as these items pose serious safety risks to infants. Remember, your child shouldn’t have anything in their crib until they’re at least one.
Ready to find the baby blanket of your dreams? Check out our top 10 picks for the best baby blankets, from handcrafted quilts to personalized knits and more.
Best personalized baby blanket
Looking for a personalized newborn gift? These embroidered baby blankets are the perfect choice. Knitted from 100 percent cotton, this blanket is perfect for all seasons. It’s also hand-stitched with baby’s name in high-quality thread. It comes in a range of muted colors, and the simple style gives us serious chic vibes.
Buy it: BubsAndBooCo Personalised Baby Blanket, starting from $36, Etsy.com
Best knitted baby blanket
Crafted from organic GOTS-certified cotton, this knitted blanket is totally timeless. The cable knit design is as cozy as your favorite sweater, and it actually gets softer after each wash (yes, it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe). Available in blossom pink and heather gray.
Buy it: Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Baby Cable Knit Sweater Blanket, $33, BurtsBeesBaby.com
Best baby receiving blanket
Baby receiving blankets are a great choice if you’re after a practical present with a sentimental twist. Smaller than a swaddle, these soft wraps are perfectly sized to keep a newborn warm. Then, once they outgrow it, a receiving blanket can be used as a burp-cloth or car seat cover. Our go to? Monica and Andy’s coming home blankets. Made from organic cotton, with a touch of spandex for added stretch, these double-layer wraps come in tons of cute prints. Plus, they’re machine-washable and dryer-safe. Bonus: Add an embroidered name or monogram for an extra $15.
Buy it: Monica and Andy Coming Home Blanket, $28, MonicaandAndy.com
Best baby security blanket
Some kids like to have multiple blankies on the go. These little loveys are the perfect size for little ones to clutch, and you can throw a spare in a diaper bag (just in case). The soft muslin squares typically have a silky satin border, baby can rub against their cheeks to self-soothe. And get a load of those cute prints!
Buy it: Loulou Lollipop Security Blanket 2-Pk, $19, LoulouLollipop.com
Best baby milestone blanket
Shopping for new parents that want to mark every major moment? Check out this sweet rainbow baby blanket. The large muslin throw comes with 14 milestone cards, so folks can document everything from day one to one year. It also doubles as a great base for tummy time.
Buy it: Lulujo A Dream Come True Baby Blanket & Age Cards Set, $27, Bloomingdales.com
Best cashmere baby blanket
Cashmere wool is one of the softest natural fibers in the world, making it a fabulous choice for a baby blanket. Sublimely soft, this pick from Parachute will add a touch of luxury to a nursery, stroller or even car seat. One possible downside? This knitted blanket is dry-clean only.
Buy it: Parachute Cashmere Baby Blanket, $149, Parachute.com
Best muslin baby blanket
Muslin is a light and airy natural fabric, making it a popular option for baby blankets. This reversible option by Malabar is made with four layers of the finest organic cotton muslin. It’s lightweight yet warm and large enough to envelop a toddler in a snuggly embrace. Plus, it’s machine-washable, so you can use it as a picnic blanket or even as an impromptu changing mat.
Buy it: Malabar Baby Organic Muslin Four-Layer Reversible Snug Blanket, $54, Maisonette.com
Best organic baby blanket
Many of the best baby blankets are made using organic, baby-safe materials—but this one by Baby Mori is a real standout. The brand’s signature blend of organic cotton and bamboo is soft, sustainable and gentle on sensitive skin. It insulates against the cold, without causing baby to overheat. For an added fee, you can personalize the blanket with baby’s name and even have it gift-wrapped. Talk about a no-brainer.
Buy it: Baby Mori Organic Cotton Baby Blanket, $28, BabyMori.com
Best luxury baby blanket
Wrap your little one in luxury with this high-end baby blanket by Little Giraffe. Available in a range of pastel shades, it has a soft, satin border for added texture. It’s simple, elegant and machine-washable, of course.
Buy it: Little Giraffe Luxe Receiving Blanket, $96, Amazon
Best handmade baby blanket
Is there anything better than a baby blanket handmade with love? We don’t think so. But if your sewing skills leave a lot to be desired, don’t despair! You can find tons of beautiful baby products on Etsy. Case in point: These stunning quilts, which are made to order and hand-stitched with baby’s monogram surrounded by floral embroidery.
Buy it: TinyHeirloomStitches Coral Heirloom Baby Quilt, starting from $53, Etsy.com
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