12 Best Baby Blankets, According to Parents
A baby blanket is a classic gift for newborns—and for 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!). If you’re crafty, you could even handmake a baby blanket! “Our family has a tradition of making blankets for each new baby out of a silk material,” shares Ashley G., who still owns the baby blanket she was given as a newborn. “My son’s Great-Grandma also gifted him one of those that we use for tummy time,” continues Ashley. 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 play, an extra layer of warmth on stroller rides, a nursing shawl, comfort item and so much more.
When it comes time to find blankets for babies, there are plenty of options. From personalized baby blankets to muslins and swaddles, there’s almost too much choice. Luckily, we’ve spoken to parents among The Bump community to discover what baby blankets are truly the best.
We took the following steps to source the best baby blankets:
- We spoke to parents in order to learn from their first-hand experiences. We also researched what was being said about baby blankets in The Bump forums to discover what parents liked and disliked about certain brands, products and blanket types.
- We considered several factors when sourcing baby blankets for this article, including quality, personalization options, size, material and functionality.
- We conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents and gift-givers liked or disliked about popular baby blankets on the market.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Muslin baby blankets
- Large size
- Versatile
- Made from soft, breathable cotton
- Expensive
- Some parents find it hard to use them as swaddles
As we researched the best baby blankets, one brand name popped up again and again: aden + anais. Made from 100 percent cotton, these high-quality muslin blankets are prewashed for softness and durability. “They are so light and versatile,” says The Bump forum member varimama. “I didn’t really use any of the other blankets we were given but I used these all the time and will be getting more,” she adds. Thanks to the large size, these blankets truly are versatile. Parents can use them as swaddles in the newborn stage, a stroller blanket in summer or as a cozy spot for tummy time year-round.
Dimensions: 47" (L) x 47" (W) | Material: Cotton muslin | Care instructions: Machine wash warm, line dry
Our community says:
The only kind I would register for is aden + anais muslin blankets. So soft and so versatile. I kept one in the diaper bag and would lay it out for baby to lay/roll/play on if we were out and about. - kantobean, The Bump forum member
I have heard nothing but great things about them so I purchased a 4-pack of aden + anais along with one of their stroller blankets! - charhar0820, The Bump forum member
aden + anais' silky soft line is really nice as a thin, soft blanket but it’s a bit tricky to swaddle a tiny baby with them. - varimama, The Bump forum member
Cellular baby blanket
- Made from 100 percent cotton
- Breathable “cell” construction
- Large size
- Not as soft as other blankets
Cellular blankets—also known as honeycomb blankets—have a distinctive weave pattern that allows air to circulate. This type of baby blanket is widely used in Europe and is gaining popularity in the states as they are nice and breathable, especially in warmer climates. While it’s not safe to put blankets in the crib until baby is 12-months-old, you can use it as a stroller blanket, car-seat cover, security blanket and so much more.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: Cotton | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
We also have several cellular blankets for [my son's] bed. They are very popular and recommended in the UK. - cornichonmam, The Bump forum member
Waffle-knit baby blanket
- Soft knit fabric
- Large size
- Makes a great baby gift
- Personalization not available
Wrap your little one in luxury with this soft baby blanket from Barefoot Dreams. Available in petal pink, moonbeam blue and waterfall green, it’s made using a waffle stitch and has a ribbed border for added texture. It’s simple, elegant and machine-washable, of course.
Dimensions: 30" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: 75% nylon/25% rayon | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Our community says:
We received SO many baby blankets for our first son. Our favorite one was the Barefoot Dreams waffle baby blanket. Our now 3-year-old still keeps it with him in bed every night. - Laura B., mom of two
Fleece baby blanket
- Affordable
- Warm fleece material
- Multiple designs to choose from
- Polyester material isn’t breathable
How about a soft, snuggly fleece blanket for baby? Fleece blankets are very warm, making them a great choice for winter excursions. This one by Cloud Island has a cool geometric print and is the perfect size for tummy time fun, stroller rides or snuggles on the couch.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine Wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
Since my son was born in winter we also got a good amount of fleece blankets which we used to swaddle him and keep him extra warm. - Ashley G., mom of one
We have received four handmade baby blankets for our son! Three are knitted and one is a quilt. We also got a fleece blanket that was not handmade. We haven't really been able to use the handmade ones much yet since he isn't allowed to sleep with blankets in the crib, however we used the fleece one in the car when he was very small because it was winter and the car was often very cold. - Campbell R.
Custom quilt for baby
- Made from 100 percent cotton
- Hand-stitched design
- Extra-large size
- Personalization costs $16
A quilted baby blanket is a great investment as it can be used in infancy as a floor covering and as bedding from toddlerhood onwards. This cotton quilt is particularly beautiful and features hand-embroidered bunnies, birds and botanical details. Personalize it with baby’s name for an extra-special touch.
Dimensions: 50" (L) x 36" (W) | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
We were gifted blankets, but I also bought some. We were given a quilt one with my son's name on it that we used for tummy time since it was larger. - Ashley G., mom of one
I used quilts and blankets on the floor all the time with [my daughter]! She spit up quite a bit, so it was always nice to have a blanket down on the carpet when she rolled over or anything. Kept the carpet clean—and really, who knows what's on the carpet if you wear shoes in the house or have a pet! I at least always knew the blanket was clean. - inateapot, The Bump forum member
Muslin dream blanket
- Warmer than a classic muslin blanket
- Gets softer with each wash
- Large size
- Expensive
Love the feel of a muslin but looking for something a little thicker? Muslin dream blankets are made from multiple layers of muslin, making them warmer and more durable than a classic muslin square. This one by Little Unicorn has a whimsical farmyard print, but there are tons of sweet patterns on offer.
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Dimensions: 30" (L) x 40" (W) | Material: Cotton muslin | Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors
Our community says:
Personally I loved the muslin blankets for early summer—just so lightweight and soft. We used those a lot in the stroller and always had one in the car so the baby wouldn't get too cold in the air-conditioning. The Little Unicorn brand had some really cute prints. - Danielle G., mom of one
I have a few muslin ‘dream blankets’ which are nice for laying on the ground for baby or using as a toddler blanket. They are larger and have more layers of muslin. - kailanae, The Bump forum member
Crochet blanket
- Handmade
- Custom colors
- Personalized with baby’s name
- Expensive
Is there anything better than a baby blanket handmade with love? We don’t think so. But if your crafting skills leave a lot to be desired, don’t despair! You can find tons of beautiful handmade baby blankets on Etsy. This crochet style can be made with three yarn colors of your choice and is personalized with baby’s name.
Dimensions: 38" (L) x 27" (W) | Material: Yarn | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
I also love having a special or personalized blanket. We received some really special crocheted blankets from family members and they were cute but also really great to use in the stroller! - Danielle G., mom of one
Jersey baby blanket
- Soft and stretchy jersey fabric
- Great for swaddling
- Available in 21 patterns
- Fabric pills a little after several wash cycles
For a breathable baby blanket to keep your little one cool and comfortable, we love this jersey option that comes in a plethora of patterns. Designed for swaddling baby, this soft blanket can also be used for tummy time or as a nursing or stroller cover.
Dimensions: 46" (L) x 46" (W) | Material: Polyester/Rayon | Care instructions: Machine wash in cold water
Our community says:
I’m blanket-obsessed and I don’t even know why. I have some of ALL the kinds but my favorites are the stretchy cotton kind from Copper Pearl or Kate Quinn. They’re versatile and lightweight but still warm. And so dang soft. - miss.sally, The Bump forum member
We loved the lighter swaddle like blankets for covering the stroller or in the car. - Ashley G., mom of one
Personalized baby blanket
- Embroidered with baby’s name
- Cotton knit fabric
- Available in 9 colors
- Some parents say it’s smaller than advertised
Looking for a personalized newborn gift? These embroidered baby blankets are the perfect choice. Knitted from 100 percent cotton, this blanket is great 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.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: Cotton | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
I really like having one personalized blanket for each boy (we got some from Etsy)—it's great for naps at daycare! - Laura B., mom of two
Woobie blanket
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Durable ripstop fabric
- Insulated for warmth
- Military style isn’t for everyone
Next up is a practical baby blanket for families that love the great outdoors. This blanket is a scaled down version of military-issued poncho liners affectionately known as “woobies”. To that end it’s incredibly warm and water-resistant, making it a great option for camping, winter strolls or backyard use.
Dimensions: 36" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Hand-wash only
Our community says:
I have a woobie blanket that was gifted to me for [my daughter] and that thing is amazing for winter. It is fleece on one side and waterproof on the other, so it’s great for the stroller or even putting on the ground in the spring! - miss.sally, The Bump forum member
Illustrated baby blanket
- Artistic designs based on paintings
- Soft knit fabric
- Expensive
Hillery Sproatt baby blankets are inspired by the artist’s paintings and are truly beautiful to behold. This soft yellow and blue design features a bevy of swans alongside a lion, elephants and more tropical creatures. It’s certainly an investment but this blanket is one they’ll treasure into adulthood.
Dimensions: 30" (L) x 40" (W) | Material: 80% cotton/20% polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash and dry on a cold cycle
Our community says:
I registered for (and received) a special blanket from Hillery Sproatt, which I snuggled her in and took the requisite monthly pics on for a while and now is “her” blanket in the royal sense. It’s beautiful, cozy and easy to wash. - orbmaker, The Bump forum member
Receiving blanket
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Can add an embroidered name or monogram for an extra $15
- Optional personalization can cause shipping delay
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 pick for the best receiving blankets? Monica + 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, and the company even sells matching newborn caps.
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 32" (W) | Material: 95% organic cotton/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash; tumble dry low
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:
- 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, but 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is a senior ecommerce editor at The Bump, based in Ireland. Over a nine-plus year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for five years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear to create informative content parents can trust.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Healthy Children (AAP), (How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained)[https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/a-parents-guide-to-safe-sleep.aspx], July 2022
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