Things to consider while buying swaddling and receiving blankets
Among the many things newborns need to thrive, swaddling and receiving blankets for newborns are the perfect items for making them feel settled, warm, and calm. Such blankets provide more than just comfort; they keep babies safe and secure while also helping them sleep. One of the best gifts for mothers, swaddles help wrap and secure the baby. On the other, a receiving blanket is a smaller version serving multiple purposes, including swaddling.
Swaddles versus receiving blankets
Swaddling refers to wrapping infants using a blanket. The practice is known to soothe babies. Then what is a receiving blanket? While used interchangeably, receiving blankets and swaddles are slightly different products.
Receiving blankets are thin square or rectangular coverings, and swaddling blankets are wraps with or without wings designed to fit snugly around a newborn. Blankets can be made of breathable materials like cotton or flannel and can also be used as playing mats, burp cloth, or changing mats. Further, they can help mothers nurse their babies and cover their strollers or car seats. Swaddles, on the other hand, are intended to cover the body of infants, exposing only their heads. As a result, the swaddle provides a womb-like environment to keep the baby cozy and comfortable. This way, blankets and swaddles are the best way to offer comfort and protection to babies.
Things to consider
One can choose from the following types of swaddling blankets:
– Traditional swaddling blankets that come without flaps or snaps
– Winged swaddles that secure the baby’s body inside of a pouch and hold their arms in place with wings
– Peanut swaddles that hold the baby in a zippered pouch
Apart from choosing the right type of swaddling and receiving blankets, here are some of the things to consider to get the best product for a newborn:
Material: When selecting blankets for newborns, one should opt for soft, comfortable materials like cotton or cotton blend. Additionally, the swaddle should fit well and not be too tight or suffocating, as that can restrict natural movements or cause overheating.
Effectiveness: Swaddles should eliminate the need for guesswork and save time, and should stay in place throughout the night. Further, they should help the baby feel calm and sleep better. However, the only way to ensure one finds such a product is by checking user reviews or seeking recommendations from friends and family members.
Ease of use: Swaddling or receiving blankets should be easy to use for the parents. In addition to offering features like wings, zippers, and velcro flaps, the swaddle should be easy to take off for urgent diaper changes and middle-of-the-night emergencies.
Safety: One of the main safety concerns with using any kind of swaddling blanket is loose cloth can cover the baby’s face, which is not desirable. Here, it is important to find blankets that can be secured without being too loose or too tight or suffocating for the baby.
One should check user reviews and ratings online to find reliable brands while buying swaddling and receiving blankets for newborns.