If you’ve recently had a baby shower, or gone to register at a baby store, you may be wondering why everyone seems to think you need so many receiving blankets. Most stores recommend that mothers own 5-7 lightweight receiving blankets plus two or three heavier blankets. This might seem like a lot of blankets to a new mom, but you’ll soon find out why so many are recommended.
To stay comfortable, newborn babies need to be wrapped in or covered by a blanket nearly all the time. Their little bodies get cold very easily, and lightweight blankets help keep them nice and warm without being heavy. In addition, your baby will likely appreciate being swaddled in his first days of life, and receiving blankets are perfect for this.
Since you’ll be using these blankets so often, it’s important that you have an ample quantity. You’ll find that between diaper changes and spit ups, the blankets get dirty pretty quickly. That’s why it’s so important to have enough on hand. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself doing laundry far too often.
Baby receiving blankets come in a wide variety of fabrics. Lightweight cotton knit and light flannels are likely the most popular. These fabrics are soft to the touch, and are warm without being too heavy. They also wash well and resist stains. You’ll most likely want the bulk of your everyday blankets to be in these fabrics.
In addition to lightweight blankets, you’ll also want a few heavier blankets for winter. Heavier blankets made from fleece or quilted fabrics are great for covering your baby in his stroller on winter days. They’re also perfect for covering baby for naps and overnight when he’s old enough to need a blanket.
You may receive a handmade blanket or quilt as a baby gift. These blankets can be beautiful and a wonderful addition to your nursery. However, you may be afraid to use them for fear they’ll get ruined. Consider the material and the construction in the blanket before making this decision. For example, a hand knit blanket may not be machine washable, so you’ll want to protect it from stains. But, baby quilts are often sewn from sturdy cotton fabrics, making them easy to clean. If you’re unsure, you can choose to display your handmade blanket from a quilt rack in your nursery, using your other blankets on a daily basis.
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