How Many Receiving Blankets and Swaddles do you Need for Baby?
What’s the Difference Between a Receiving Blanket and a Swaddle and how Many do you Need?
When stocking up on items before your baby’s arrival, you may find yourself wondering how many receiving blankets or swaddles you will need. It’s no secret that new babies love to be snuggled up in a comfortable blanket. But, there are so many types of blankets for new babies, made out of so many different materials, used for so many different things. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder how many of each blanket you actually need. Luckily, it’s not as confusing as it seems.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about receiving blankets, swaddles, and other baby blankets.
What is a Receiving Blanket?
When you picture a newborn baby in the hospital, you probably picture them wrapped in a white blanket with pink and blue stripes. This is the perfect example of a receiving blanket. Receiving blankets are thin blankets made out of cotton flannel and are square or rectangular. They are called receiving blankets because they are used right after birth and are the first blanket you “receive your baby in.” Receiving blankets get a lot of use in the early days of your baby’s life.
Receiving blankets come in many cute patterns and colors. They’re fairly inexpensive and usually sold in multi-packs. You will likely receive at least one receiving blanket from the hospital that you’ll be able to take home with you. Some hospitals may send you home with two or more.
What is a Swaddle Blanket?
Swaddle blankets are similar to receiving blankets, except that they are made specifically for swaddling. What makes these blankets perfect for swaddling is the cut of the blanket and the fabric. Swaddle blankets are made with fabrics that stretch like muslin, bamboo, or jersey. The stretchy material makes it easier to tightly wrap the blanket around your baby, making them feel safe and secure. Swaddle blankets may also include special flaps, or even Velcro, to make the swaddling process easier for new parents.
How to Swaddle your Baby
Swaddling may seem like some form of parenting origami at first, but with a little practice, you can perfect the art of swaddling and give your baby that extra snug comfort they crave. Learning how to swaddle is a best done visually. Here are two simple ways you can swaddle your baby with a receiving blanket or swaddle.
Benefits of Swaddling
Swaddling has many benefits for new babies:
- Swaddling gives newborns that snug and cozy feeling of being back in the womb.
- Swaddling keeps your babies arms tucked in tight which helps with the startle reflex.
- Swaddling can help calm a fussy or colicky baby.
- Swaddling can help your baby sleep better and longer.
- Swaddling can help create safe sleep habits by keeping lose or bulky blankets out of baby’s crib or bassinet.
What’s the Difference Between a Receiving Blanket and a Swaddle?
The difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddle is simply the cut and the material of the blanket. Receiving blankets are made of flannel cotton while swaddle blankets are made of stretchier materials. Receiving blankets can be used to swaddle your baby. But, some swaddle blankets have special flaps or Velcro, that make the swaddling process easier.
Both blankets can be used in more than one way, and it’s a good idea to stock up on both blankets before your baby arrives.
How many Receiving Blankets or Swaddle Blankets do you Need?
After your baby arrives, you’ll probably want to have at least 5 receiving blankets and 5 swaddle blankets on hand. Once you spend some time with your baby, you can decide if you like one type of blanket more than the other, and stock up on more as needed.
It’s important to remember that newborns are messy. Between spit up and diaper blowouts, you’ll probably have to change out your baby blanket more than once a day.
Best Receiving Blankets
When picking receiving blankets, you want to make sure that they are soft, a good size, and of course, cute! Here are some of our favorite receiving blankets:
Cloud Island – Cloud Island is a go-to for baby products. Their receiving blankets are soft, cute, and the perfect size for newborns.
Simple Joys by Carter’s – Carter’s receiving blankets are adorable and a great deal. They’re made of soft cotton and completely tagless.
Hudson Baby – Hudson baby receiving blankets are made with 100% cotton and measure slightly larger than most receiving blankets. They are affordable, high quality, and come in adorable patterns.
Burt’s Bees – Burt’s Bees receiving blankets are made with 100% organic cotton. They are extremely soft, durable, and perfect for sensitive skin.
Best Swaddles
Aiden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets – The Aiden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets come in tons of adorable prints. They are soft, thin, and breathable, making them perfect for swaddling your baby. These muslin swaddles are large, giving you plenty of room to swaddle baby as they grow.
Cuddlebug Velcro Swaddle Wrap – The Cuddlebug swaddle wrap takes all the hard work out of swaddling. These swaddles are created with hook and loop Velcro, so all you have to do is place your baby in the swaddle and fasten the Velcro. These swaddles are adjustable so they can grow with your baby.
Halo Swaddle Sleep Sack – The Halo swaddle sleep sack is beloved by moms (and hospitals). It was designed with safe sleep in mind. It gives your baby the warmth of a sleep sack, and the comfort of a swaddle. It offers three fits, arms in, one arm out, and both arms out, so your baby can easily transition from the swaddle. It also has an inverted zipper so you can open the sleep sack from the bottom for middle of the night diaper changes.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up – the love to dream swaddle up gives your baby the feeling of being swaddled, but allows them to keep their arms up, which can be a more comfortable position for some babies. The swaddle up has a hip-healthy design and also helps you transition out of the swaddle with removable wings.
SwaddleMe Room to Grow Pod – the SwaddleMe room to grow pod can fit babies from 0-6 months (but remember swaddles are not recommended after baby can roll over). The pod expands through zippers on the side and the bottom band. It offers a two way zipper on the front to simplify diaper changes.
Other Uses for Receiving Blankets
- Car seat or stroller cover
- Burp rag
- Play mat
- Comfort object
Other Baby Blankets you may Need
Receiving blankets and swaddles aren’t the only types of baby blankets. Depending on where you live and what season your baby is born in, you might want to consider some of these baby blankets as well:
Fleece baby blanket – A fleece baby blanket is warmer than a receiving blanket or a swaddle blanket. If you live in a colder climate, you might want to consider one of these blankets to help keep your baby warm.
Plush baby blanket – Plush baby blankets are incredible soft and comfortable. Again, if you live in a colder climate, you might want a plush baby blanket to keep baby warm. These blankets are also great for tummy time or play time.
Sleep sack – A regular sleep sack is different from a swaddle. It’s essentially a wearable blanket that can help keep your baby warm and safe during sleep. A traditional sleep sack does not have arms.
Monthly milestone blanket – If you plan on taking monthly photos of your little one, you might want to consider a monthly milestone blanket. These blankets come in tons of adorable prints and make it easy to capture your baby’s growth, month after month.
When it comes to baby blankets, there are so many different options to chose from. For most moms, it’s good to stock up on a few receiving blankets, and a few swaddles before baby arrives. Once you meet your baby and get to know them, you can explore other swaddle options or other baby blanket options. Sometimes, experience is the best tool to help you discover what your baby truly needs.
Related:
- The Not-so-Obvious Items you Need to Stock up on Before Baby’s Arrival
- 21 Tips for the First 21 Days with Baby
- 8 Genius Ways to Prepare your Home for Baby
The Best Receiving Blankets and Swaddles for New Babies
DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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