One product parents can never have enough of is baby blankets. From swaddling to snuggling, this best baby blanket guide will help you be prepared when your baby enters the world. You’ll also find a handy guide at the end that will help you understand how to best use each of these blankets.
Best Baby Blanket
The Newborn Knit Swaddle Blanket is more like a sleeping bag compared to the other blankets and is great for keeping infants, up to 6 months, warm in cold weather.
Newborn Knit Swaddle Blanket
The Newborn Knit Swaddle Blanket features a unique design that swaddles your newborn in comfort. It features large wooden buttons on either side of the sack. You place your little one inside, fold the blanket around their feet, and fasten. Then, put the hood over their head and they are ready to sleep in comfort.
Though this is sold as a newborn blanket, your baby can use it until they are 30 inches long. It has a beautiful design, available in several colors. It is made of a knit fabric with large, classic-looking wood buttons down the sides. The knit material is acrylic, but it is warm and soft.
One downside is that the knitted blanket design is not as warm as you may want it to be, especially when ordering online. The color is also a little different than the photos online.
Even though this can be laundered, the company recommends hand-washing. The buttons and tassels on top may come loose over time if it is laundered.
Pros
- Fits newborn to six months comfortably
- Good choice for babies who like to be secure, but not tightly swaddled
- Easy to use
- Soft, cozy fabric
- Knitted design and buttons give it a classic look
Cons
- Should be hand washed to maintain quality
- Discrepancies in the color that appears online
Softest Baby Blankets
The Hudson Baby Blanket is a bit larger (30″x40″) than the Little Giraffe Blanket (29″x35″). The Hudson Blanket is thicker compared to the Little Giraffe but the Little Giraffe blanket features a satin border.
Hudson Baby Printed Mink with Satin Backing Blanket
The Hudson Baby Printed Mink with Sherpa Backing Blanket is made using a plush, soft fabric. Though it is made from polyester, the blanket is incredibly soft.
This blanket is available in several fun designs, including airplanes, woodland creatures, whimsical unicorns, floral, and more. It would look great draped across a crib in any nursery.
The large, thick design of this blanket makes it perfect for swaddling, cuddling, and warmth.
This blanket is durable enough to withstand washing and drying. However, the fluffy side of the blanket can lose little ‘fluffs’ over time, especially if your little one picks at it.
Though it will be warm for your baby, parents are sometimes expecting a thicker blanket because of the two sides. It is thick enough to provide adequate warmth, though. It is also very large, which means you can easily bundle your little one up in it.
Even though this blanket is large and cozy, it folds compact because of its thinner size. This makes it easy to travel with.
There two other minor drawbacks to this product. First, the pictures online are not the same as what arrives. Usually, it is a color discrepancy. There are also small plastic tabs that must be removed from the blanket. They are hard to see and will poke your baby if you do not remove them.
Pros
- Very large size
- Mink and sherpa fabrics are soft
- Super warm
- Many fun designs available
- Affordable
Cons
- Color discrepancies from what is pictured
- Plastic tabs are hard to remove
Little Giraffe Luxe Stroller Blanket
Sometimes, a soft and furry blanket is the only thing that can get a baby to cuddle down and go to sleep. The Little Giraffe Luxe blanket is known for its superior quality and softness.
This baby blanket is made from a poly microfiber plush. It’s ridiculously soft! The satin edging gives it a touch of luxury that is both beautiful and silky soft, too.
At 29 inches by 35 inches, it’s a great size to wrap baby in. It’s too thick for use as a swaddle, but it’s ideal for gently wrapping around baby while they sleep. It’s also great for the stroller or car seat or even a bouncer.
The quality of the Little Giraffe Luxe can’t be beaten. It stays soft and furry, even through years of cuddling and washing. It’s sure to become your child’s go-to blanky.
Pros
- Faux fur and satin is so soft!
- Good size to wrap baby in
- Great quality
- Lots of color choices
Cons
- Expensive for a baby blanket
Best Cotton Baby Blankets
Carter’s Receiving Blankets are good year-round blankets whereas the aden + anais and Ziggy muslin blankets are great for keeping baby cool during warm weather.
aden+anais Dream Blanket
Moms love cotton. Babies love cotton. Wrap your baby in the soft aden+anais Dream Blanket.
This is a double-layered cotton muslin (two doubled-up prints, for a total of 4 muslin layers) with beautifully thick edging. It washes well and gives baby enough warmth without causing them to overheat. In short, it checks all the safety and comfort boxes!
This big blanket measures 47 x 47 inches. It’s perfect for swaddling a bigger baby because of the size. It also works well for naptime or keeping cozy in the stroller or car seat. The big size also means that your child can snuggle this blanket well into the toddler years.
But maybe the best part is the patterns. You have 45 designs to choose from! You can literally get any pattern your heart desires!
Pros
- 45 designs to choose from
- 4 layers of breathable muslin
- Large size
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Muslin seems stiff to some customers
- Can’t hold up to a lot of wear/tear/washing
Carter’s Flannel Receiving Blankets
Carter’s Flannel Receiving Blankets are sold in a seven-pack, with an option for a boy, girl, or neutral colors. They feature a simple flannel design and are made of 100% cotton.
This offers the type of versatility you need from a receiving blanket. It is thin, breathable, and soft. The cotton fabric is also machine washable and a tagless design means you won’t have to worry about tags irritating your baby’s face.
These flannel blankets also fold up quickly and compact, which is perfect for taking on the go. Their compact size is convenient, but they are not big enough to use for swaddling most babies.
They are a little stiff out of the package but soften after a wash. You should also tumble or air dry. If you use high heat for drying, it can cause the blankets to shrink and the ends to curl up a little, making them harder to fold.
Pros
- 100% cotton
- Tagless design
- Soft, breathable flannel construction
- Compact fold
- Maintains color after laundering
Cons
- Not big enough for swaddling
- Need to tumble or air dry to maintain size and shape
Ziggy Baby Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Ziggy Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanketsare made of 100% muslin cotton. They are breathable, lightweight, and big enough to be practical for swaddling your baby.
The average swaddle wrap is at least 40 inches on each side, but these swaddle blankets are 48 inches on each side. The thickness of the fabric is perfect for keeping your little one warm without the risk of suffocation.
The large size and durability of these blankets mean you will probably be using them in your baby’s toddler years as well. You can wash and dry them without worrying about them losing their softness or falling apart.
Something to note is that when you choose a larger blanket, it can be more difficult to swaddle. Without a tight wrap, your little one can wiggle out. However, practicing once you know how to swaddle can really help.
Pros
- Extra-large size
- Long lifetime of use
- Durable material
- Very soft
- Lightweight and practical blanket
Cons
- More difficult to swaddle your little one tightly
Rosie Pope Baby Blankets
If you like a good swaddle blanket in an adorable pattern, then you’ll love the Rosie Pope Baby Blankets. You can get them in girl or boy patterns. There’s even a few neutral options as well.
These blankets are made from 100% cotton, which is a great thing. It breathes well, but because it’s jersey cotton, it has just a smidge of stretch. But for the most part, they hold their shape, which makes for a secure swaddle.
Each blanket measures 33 x 33 inches. This is bigger than most receiving blankets, so you can use them for longer. You can also use them to cover baby in the car seat or stroller. They even make breathable and adorable nursing covers in a pinch!
Pros
- Cute designs
- Bigger size is versatile
- Stretchy cotton washes well
- Perfect for swaddling
Cons
- More expensive
- 3pk only comes in gender-specific colors
Best Toddler Blanket
The Stuff4Tots Blanket is quite large at 40″x45″ and is a great toddler gift that may last for years.
Stuff4Tots Bible Verse Baby Blanket
This Bible Verse Blanket is embroidered, not printed, with 9 different Bible verses. It is a high-quality, soft cotton quilt that will hold up well over the years so that it can be passed down to grandkids.
This white and gold version is unisex but it also comes in pink and blue:
As for size, it’s 40″ x 45″ so it can be used as a comforter, play surface, or blanket. It is a bit larger than some of the blankets on our list. In addition, it is both machine-washable and dryable so you won’t have to do anything special to take care of it.
The specific verses quoted on the quilt are listed here. Because it is uniquely Christian, it makes a great gift for families who cherish those values.
This blanket is very well-reviewed.
Pros
- Quilt style
- High-quality material
- Soft
- 3 color choices
- Verses to encourage you and your child
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
Types of Baby Blankets
There are several types of baby blankets, including receiving blankets, security blankets, crib blankets, and swaddling blankets. Of course, there are some more specific products like stroller blankets as well.
Check out this handy stroller blanket review and guide!
Receiving Blanket
Receiving blankets are a common baby shower item and you’ll want them. They are lightweight and simple, being perfect for creating a barrier between your baby and the outside world.
Receiving blankets have your little one covered, whether you are passing them to a relative to hold or trying to change a diaper on the fly. They also can be used to block the sun when your little one is in a car seat or to catch spit-up or drool.
You’ll be washing these a lot, so durability is a factor to consider when buying this type of baby blanket.
Security Blanket
Security blankets are not necessarily blankets’ in a traditional sense. They are not large and probably will not cover your little one’s whole body as they age.
Usually, security blankets have an animal head on the top and are super soft.
Kids love these! It is not uncommon for toddlers to carry around their security blankets once they are older.
These are good baby blankets to personalize since many people find them sentimental and may keep them as adults. However, you’ll want to choose something durable for it to last that long.
Crib Blanket
As you consider crib blankets, you must also consider sheet sets to keep your little one’s great mattress clean.
The biggest factor should be safety, most crib blankets are designed for looks until your little one is older. Safe sleep practices dictate that babies should not sleep with a blanket at least for the first year of their life. If you plan on using the blanket after, consider factors like softness, warmth, and comfort.
Swaddling Blanket
Some parents swear by swaddling and the security it provides for their little ones while sleeping. However, swaddling techniques using a large blanket can be difficult for new parents. Some swaddling blanket products have velcro attachments that make swaddling your baby easier.
Of course, a major factor when buying a swaddling blanket is finding one that is right for your child’s size.
How Baby Blankets Compare
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Little Giraffe Luxe Stroller Blanket | 8.3 | 9.6 | 99.00 |
| aden+anais Dream Blanket | 8.9 | 9.4 | 64.95 |
| Stuff4Tots Bible Verse Baby Blanket | 8.5 | 9.6 | 33.89 |
| Ziggy Baby Muslin Swaddle Blankets | 3.9 | 9.4 | 24.99 |
| Carter's Flannel Receiving Blankets | 9.6 | 9.4 | 23.80 |
| Newborn Knit Swaddle Blanket | 9.9 | 9.4 | 20.99 |
| Hudson Baby Printed Mink with Satin Backing Blanket | 9.9 | 9.8 | 9.99 |
| Rosie Pope Baby Blankets | - | 9.4 | - |
Baby Blanket Buying Guide
Some baby blankets are designed to be cute. It is easy to get attracted to flashy colors and fun designs, but what really matters is how safe and comfortable your little one will be while using them.
Some things to consider as you look for the best baby blankets for your little one include:
- Warmth– Some blankets should be thinner for use during the summer months. If you are trying to bundle your little one up in their car seat or over a winter night once they are older, you’ll want something thicker.
- Lifetime of Use– Smaller receiving blankets will not last as long as a good security blanket. This is something you should think about when considering the overall cost.
- Cleaning– You do not want to choose blankets that should be dry cleaned as daily choices for your little one. Expect messes and you won’t regret your purchases later.
- Purpose– Blankets have unique purposes. You should choose a few blankets from each of these categories. This way, you’ll never run out! (Some parents even recommend keeping an extra security blanket on hand, especially if your baby is really attached to it. This can prevent a meltdown in emergencies.)
FAQs – Baby Blankets
What is the best size for a baby blanket?
The best size for baby blankets is 30×30 inches. When baby is little, too much blanket is dangerous so a minimal 30×30 inches blanket is a perfect size. As baby grows and gets bigger, the baby blanket can then serve as a burp cloth or play blanket.
What are baby blankets compared to receiving blankets?
Traditionally, baby blankets have been called receiving blankets because they were used to “receive” the baby after birth. With that being said, receiving blankets and baby blankets are typically the same type of blanket.
Are there developmental benefits to a child using a baby blanket?
Of course, a baby blanket helps keep baby warm and comfortable which is the main benefit of using a baby blanket. Beyond that, there is another benefit: to provide familiarity for the baby. A baby may recognize the feel and smell of their favorite baby blanket, helping to comfort them and relax them. This can help reduce stress and offer a quicker way for baby to get to sleep.
