Of all the fun things to buy when your baby is on the way, blankets have to be at the top of the list. But there are so many different options out there! Which baby blanket size is right for you and your little one?
Should you get them a tiny blanket that they can cling to for comfort? Should you get them a huge blanket that can cover you and them? Or should you get them something in-between?
In this article, we discuss the most common baby blanket sizes and how to choose the right one for your infant. We’ll also talk a bit about safety and give you tips for getting the most out of the blanket(s) you do bring home.
Table of contents
Baby blanket safety
One of the main things to keep in mind when it comes to baby blankets is when it’s safe for your baby to have one in their crib while they sleep.
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your child has passed their first birthday before adding any blankets or toys into their crib. Leaving the extras out of your baby’s crib reduces the risks of SIDS and keeps your baby safe while they’re sleeping.
Once your baby reaches the 12-month mark, the risk of developing SIDS while sleeping drops significantly. After that, you can look at the way your little one sleeps — still as a stone or wiggly as a worm — and decide if a blanket is a good idea.
If your baby is sleeping well without a blanket, don’t feel that you have to use one right away. You know your little one best, so always go with what you think will make them the most comfortable.
Common baby blanket types and sizes
There’s no standard for baby blanket sizes (like there is for cribs, crib mattresses, and other baby gear), so keep your eye on the label to make sure you’ve got enough material for your child.
Here are some of the more common baby blanket sizes you can use as a guide.
Swaddling blanket
A swaddling blanket is typically around 40-44 inches (some may be slightly larger). The square shape is ideal for wrapping your baby snugly and replicating the coziness and warmth of the womb.
Blankets larger than 48 inches square may be too big for swaddling because their excess material doesn’t tuck well and can be uncomfortable for your little one. It may even pose a safety hazard.
If you’re concerned about swaddling your baby correctly, consider trying a sleep sack instead. This unique sleeping option can help your little one stay comfy and warm (but not too warm) all night long.
For more information on how to dress your newborn at night, check out these articles from the Newton blog:
- How To Swaddle A Baby: The Complete Guide For Parents
- Sleep Sack Vs. Swaddle: Which One Is Right For Your Baby?
Receiving blanket
Receiving blankets typically measure in at 30 to 32 inches square and are perfect for covering your little one during diaper changes or tummy time. They can also be used for burping your baby, cleaning up messes, and many other things you face every day as a parent.
Some receiving blankets for newborns are much smaller than this and can measure in at 18 inches square. Make sure to read the label to find out exactly how big the blanket is when unfolded so you know what you’re getting.
Crib blanket
A crib blanket is typically rectangular and measures anywhere from 30 to 40 inches on one side and 40 to 60 inches on the other side.
Crib blankets, as their name suggests, are perfect for keeping your older baby warm and cozy in their crib at night. Keep in mind that your newborn shouldn’t sleep with a blanket — or bumpers or toys — until they’re at least one year old (sometimes older).
For more information on keeping your baby safe at night, take a few moments to read this article from the Newton blog: When Can Your Baby Sleep With A Blanket | Sleep Safety.
Stroller blanket
Stroller blankets are among the larger of the blankets on this list. They range from 40 to 50 inches on the short side by 60 inches on the long side. This extra material makes it easier to wrap your baby and keep them warm in their stroller or car seat (even when they get bigger).
Multi-use blanket
Multi-use blankets are typically smaller than stroller blankets and crib blankets but larger than receiving blankets and swaddling blankets. They often measure between 30 and 40 inches on a side and can be either square or rectangular.
The main difference between these blankets and the others on this list is that they’re thicker and can be used as a clean, soft surface on which your baby can crawl, sleep, and play. And because they’re on the larger side, they can double as a stroller or car seat blanket in a pinch.
How to choose the right baby blanket size
Now that you’ve got some of the common measurements in mind, here’s how to choose the right baby blanket size for your little one.
Baby’s age and size
The first thing to consider when trying to choose the right baby blanket for your little one is their age and size. Depending on the purpose and the season (more on those next), you want the blanket to cover their body so they stay warm and cozy.
To that end, newborns will benefit more from smaller blankets — like the swaddle and receiving varieties — while older and larger children will benefit from crib, stroller, and multi-use blankets.
Purpose
Hand-in-hand with your baby’s age and size is the purpose for which you’ll use the blanket. For example, a tiny 12-inch by 12-inch blanket won’t keep your little one warm, but it can provide something for them to clutch.
On the other end of the scale, a crib blanket is much better for keeping your one-year-old warm while they sleep, and a multi-use blanket makes for a great play surface — whether you’re outside or inside.
As you shop for baby blankets, keep in mind that there’s absolutely no reason you can’t have more than one size. In fact, we recommend you do!
Having a swaddling blanket, a receiving blanket, a crib blanket, a stroller blanket, and a multi-use blanket on hand when needed can make your life much easier and ensure that your little one is comfy wherever they happen to be.
Season
There’s also no reason you can’t have different blankets for the various seasons where you live. Thin and lightweight blankets (of all sizes) are perfect for the warm months, while thicker and heavier blankets make it easier for your baby to stay comfy during the cold months.
Remember that your baby can get too hot at times — especially when they’re fully dressed and have a thick blanket around them. For that reason, you may choose a thinner, more breathable blanket even when it gets cold outside. And that’s OK!
You know your bundle of joy best, so use your best judgment about the right baby blanket size and thickness to use throughout the year.
Material
Baby blankets come in a variety of materials, including:
- Cotton
- Muslin
- Flannel
- Knit
- Fleece
Words to look for when considering the material your baby blanket is made of are gentle and machine washable (natural and organic are also good ones!).
“Gentle” will typically mean soft enough that it won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. And “machine washable” is important because the blanket will get dirty and you don’t want to have to spend extra time handwashing your little one’s necessities — you’re busy enough as it is!
As your baby gets older and more mobile, choose more durable fabrics that can withstand being dragged around and thoroughly loved to death.
Your own preferences
Aside from size and purpose, this decision basically comes down to your preferences. As long as it keeps your baby warm and comfy when it needs to, that’s all that really matters.
If you like using a flannel receiving blanket for just about everything, great! Or if you like the versatility of having a multi-use blanket on hand for all your trips out and about, that’s great, too.
In fact, choosing a color or print that appeals to you as well as to your baby will make it more fun for all (you will be looking at the blanket more than your baby, anyway).
Cozy and warm night and day!
As we’ve discussed throughout this article, the main purpose of a baby blanket is to keep your little one warm, give them comfort, and help them sleep.
But there’s more that you can do to ensure your baby gets the best night’s sleep possible. Put them down on a 100% breathable, 100% comfortable mattress and sheet set from Newton.
A firm, breathable mattress from Newton coupled with soft, organic cotton sheets (also from Newton) is the embodiment of comfort and safety for newborns, toddlers, and children of all ages.
We even offer breathable, waterproof, and machine-washable mattress pads for added peace of mind. With Newton, your newborn’s crib is all they’ll need for a long, restful slumber until they’re old enough for a blanket!
For more information on helping your baby sleep through the night and to check out our crib mattresses, sheets, pads, and swaddles, visit NewtonBaby.com today.
