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It’s a bit of an understatement to say that baby blankets can be adorable.

In addition to being a cute memento of a moment in time in your baby’s life, they’re also incredibly functional.

They keep little ones warm and cozy, are great for swaddling and tummy time, and can be repurposed as throw blankets once your baby has outgrown them.

With so many styles and materials to choose from, the options can feel endless.

To make your decision a little easier, this article highlights everything you need to know to pick the perfect baby blanket for your bundle of joy, and presents a few recommendations to narrow your search.

Babies have sensitive skin. The materials in your baby’s blanket should be chemical-free to minimize the risk of irritation.

Babies, especially infants, have underdeveloped temperature regulation. Therefore, breathable fabrics that encourage airflow and don’t trap sweat or heat are good options.

Considering these factors, the top fabric options for babies include:

  • cotton
  • bamboo rayon
  • fleece
  • gauze

Safe sleep

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should never sleep with a blanket in their crib to avoid suffocation. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold through the night, consider a wearable blanket instead.

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To create our roundup, we focused on weight, fabric type, size, reviews, and style.

We prioritized the safest options without any dangling items like ribbons, tassels, or buttons that could pose a choking or tangling hazard.

Price guide

  • $ = under $15
  • $$ = $15–$30
  • $$$ = over $30

Best baby blanket for newborns

Hudson Baby Plush Blanket and Animal Security Blanket

Price: $

This blanket from Hudson Baby is designed to be a super soft and cozy option for newborns. It also comes with a matching stuffed animal.

Designs also include multiple gender-neutral prints to choose from.

The blanket measures 30 x 36 inches (76.2 x 91.4 centimeters) and the stuffed animal measures 14 x 14 in. (35.6 x 35.6 cm.).

Some reviewers say it’s “ridiculously soft” and that their little ones quickly fell in love with the included cuddle buddy. On the downside, a few warn about threads that unravel quickly.

Pros

  • comes with a matching stuffed animal
  • designed with soft texture that can be comforting for little ones
  • multiple gender-neutral prints

Cons

  • the threads on the blanket may unravel prematurely
  • some colors may cause staining
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Best baby quilt

Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Baby Quilt

Price: $$$

These 100% cotton muslin quilts from Little Unicorn are a favorite of our editorial director.

They’re more of a splurge than other options on this list, but the detail and durability might just be worth it.

Available in different solids and patterns — from space to veggies — for some these 47 x 47-in. (119.4 x 119.4-cm.) quilts are a snuggly nursery staple.

Pros

  • made from 100% cotton
  • the larger size is suitable for swaddling or older ages
  • a wide array of available patterns and styles

Cons

  • the thinner material may not be ideal for cooler weather
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Best budget-friendly baby blanket

Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets Bundle

Price: $

Considering how many items your baby needs in just the first year, you’ll be relieved to see that baby blankets are usually a budget-friendly product — especially if you buy them in multi-packs.

These flannel receiving blankets are made from 100% cotton and come in packs of 7. If you’re looking for an everyday blanket at a lower price point, this may be a solid option.

It’s worth noting that they’re on the smaller side, measuring 30 x 30 in. (76.2 x 76.2 cm.), so they don’t make great swaddles and are better used as burp cloths. Further, a few reviewers mentioned that the edges frayed easily after a wash or two.

Pros

  • economical multi-pack with seven blankets per set
  • 100% cotton-based fleece material
  • wide range of patterns and colors

Cons

  • smaller dimensions than many alternatives
  • may be better suited as burp cloths than swaddling blankets
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Best baby blanket for winter

Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket with Sherpa Backing

Price: $

Colder weather calls for a snuggly baby blanket to keep little ones nice and toasty. This plush, sherpa-lined baby blanket from Hudson Baby was designed to offer 30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.) of fuzzy warmth in over 20 different patterns.

Fans of this blanket love that it’s machine-washable, solidly made, and comes with a low price tag.

On the downside, one mom warns that it lost its shape after a few washes.

Pros

  • sherpa lining for cooler temperatures
  • machine-washable
  • over 20 different patterns to choose from

Cons

  • may lose its shape after a few washes
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Best personalized baby blanket

Stork Wares Personalized Baby Blanket

Price: $$$

Stork Wares makes fleece blankets that come in a variety of themes, like safari, floral, and dinosaur. Plus, you can personalize it with the baby’s name for no added cost!

The blankets are printed in the United States. Reviewers say them make a great baby shower gift.

Parents say these blankets are super soft, and even softer after just one trip through the washing machine.

Pros

  • a wide range of prints and designs
  • customizable with the baby’s name at no additional cost
  • parents say they’re made with durable construction that gets softer with washing

Cons

  • a more expensive option than many alternatives
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Best wearable baby blanket

TILLYOU Cotton Wearable Blanket

Price: $$

Babies should sleep with nothing in their crib except a mattress and a breathable crib sheet.

If you’re concerned that your little one might get chilly, wearable blankets are a great way to safely keep them warm as they snooze.

This set with zip-up sleeveless wearable blankets is available in four sizes and fits babies from the newborn stage through 24 months.

Each of the four prints features a two-way zipper. This allows you to quickly change your baby without having to completely remove the sleep sack.

Pros

  • can be a safer way to keep sleeping babies warm
  • comes as a 2-pack set of zip-up sleeping blankets
  • available in four sizes that fit your baby as they grow

Cons

  • a loose fit that may not be ideal for babies with a strong startle reflex
  • the thinner material may not be ideal for colder weather
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Best baby blanket for strollers

JJ Cole Urban Bundleme

Price: $$$

This is a bit of a splurge, but we think it’s worth it — especially if you live in a colder climate.

This pick from JJ Cole is technically a bunting bag, but it’s meant to properly keep your baby warm during cold-weather strolls or car rides.

The Urban Bundleme bunting bag was designed to offer a warm and cozy sherpa lining. It’s made to conform to the shape of most standard strollers and baby carriers, and features zip-up access so you don’t have to struggle to get your little one in and out.

Plus, the bag has side slits, allowing you to use your stroller’s (or car seat’s) straps to keep your baby secure.

Pros

  • designed to stay put even when assembled over a stroller or car seat
  • sherpa lining for added comfort in cold weather
  • constructed with built-in openings to accommodate stroller or car seat harnesses

Cons

  • an expensive upgrade
  • may be too warm for babies that overheat easily
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Best baby blanket for travel

Boritar Baby Minky Blanket

Price: $

For parents who are often hitting the road or skies, you’ll want a blanket that’s not just cozy, but also travel-friendly.

This highly-rated Boritar Minky blanket is meant to be super soft and quick to roll up when not in use. It’s also machine washable for when the inevitable messes happen.

Its compact size measures 30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.), though you can also opt for the oversized blanket that measures 50 x 60 in. (127 x 152.4 cm.).

As a bonus, you can use it to keep your own legs warm on your next flight if your little one isn’t using it.

Pros

  • available in two sizes if parents prefer an oversized blanket
  • rolls up for easy storage
  • machine-washable

Cons

  • inconsistent stitching that may come loose prematurely
  • people with sensitive skin may feel that it isn’t soft enough
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Best baby blanket for swaddling

aden + anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4pk

Price: $$$

Let’s face it, swaddling can be hard. Thankfully, these large, lightweight muslin swaddles from aden + anais may make it a little easier.

Made from 100% cotton, parents love them for the wide variety of patterns available, the versatile 47 x 47-in. (119.4 x 119.4-cm.) size, and the option to toss them in the washing machine.

They come in a pack of four but are slightly pricier than many other muslin swaddles you can find online. And, a few folks complain about inconsistency with the softness.

Pros

  • 100% cotton, which is recommended for sensitive skin
  • machine-washable
  • large size that can offer a wide range of uses

Cons

  • on the expensive side for a set of swaddling blankets
  • some parents noted that not all blankets in the multipack were soft
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Best eco-friendly baby blanket

Parade Everything Organic Baby Blanket

Price: $$

You can combine your love for your baby with your love for the planet without breaking the bank.

This pick from Parade is made from sustainably sourced and 100% certified organic cotton. Eco-friendly dyes are used in all the hand-printed patterns.

Parade’s blankets are 40 x 40 in. (101.6 x 101.6 cm.) and get rave reviews from parents. However, a few note that the coloring varies from what you might see in the photos, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Pros

  • sustainable, eco-friendly design, made with 100% organic cotton
  • large dimensions
  • made with natural dyes

Cons

  • pricey for a single blanket
  • color variations in the prints can occur
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Product
Price
Material
Size
Multipack
Hudson Baby Plush Blanket and Animal Security Blanket
$
polyester
30 x 36 in. (76.2 x 91.4 cm.)
no
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Baby Quilt
$$$
cotton
47 x 47 in. (119.4 x 119.4 cm.)
no
Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets Bundle
$
cotton
30 x 30 in. (76.2 x 76.2 cm.)
yes
Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket with Sherpa Backing
$
polyester
30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.)
no
Stork Wares Personalized Baby Blanket
$$$
poly blend
30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.)
no
TILLYOU Cotton Wearable Blanket
$$
cotton
20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm.)
yes
JJ Cole Urban Bundleme
$$$
polyester
16 x 25 in. (40.6 x 63.5 cm.)
no
Boritar Baby Minky Blanket
$
polyester
30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.)
no
aden + anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4pk
$$$
cotton
47 x 47 in. (119.4 x 119.4 cm.)
yes
Parade Everything Organic Baby Blanket
$$
cotton
40 x 40 in. (101.6 x 101.6 cm.)
no

When you’re shopping for a baby blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Breathability. Whether a blanket is breathable or not is easier to confirm than you might expect. Simply hold the blanket up in front of a fan or air vent. If you can feel a breeze through it, it’s a smart option for warmer temperatures.
  • Materials. Keep in mind that you might need a different weight for cooler weather than in spring and summer. Pick a few options in a range of fabric weights.
  • Safety. Avoid baby blankets with attachments like tassels, hanging ribbons, or buttons. Avoid anything that can potentially fray, fall off, or cause a choking or tangling hazard.
  • Size and thickness. Baby blankets come in a range of sizes, from the traditional receiving blanket to much larger, thicker options. You might want a variety of sizes and thicknesses for different purposes, from swaddling to tummy time.
  • Style. This is, of course, up to you. Consider what you’d like on display in your baby’s nursery and your home.

How many baby blankets do I need for my baby?

This will partly depend on how you’re planning on using those blankets, how frequently you’re washing clothes, and your budget.

During the newborn stage, you may find that you’re doing laundry almost daily, so you might not need as many blankets.

Yet, most moms find that having around 10 to 12 blankets is ideal to avoid running out. This may hold especially true if you’re swaddling and want to use a fresh blanket every time, or if your baby has frequent diaper blowouts.

When is it safe for a baby to sleep with blankets?

The AAP outlines that babies younger than 12 months of age should not sleep with blankets.

Blankets can pose a suffocation risk, especially for younger babies who haven’t yet learned to roll over.

Until your child is of age, they should be put to bed in a crib, flat on their back, with no other items besides a fitted sheet on the crib mattress.

What size are baby blankets?

Baby blankets vary widely in size.

For instance, the size can depend on the intended use and if you’d prefer one that can grow with your child.

On the smaller range, you can find blankets that are 20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm.). More popular sizes that can be used for swaddling or traditional use are usually around 30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm.) or larger.

How do you swaddle a baby in a blanket?

For your baby’s comfort, it’s best to pick a lighter weight blanket that’s breathable and not too firm for swaddling.

  1. Begin by folding your blanket in half so that it looks like a triangle.
  2. Place your baby so their shoulders are parallel with the longest edge of the folded blanket.
  3. Starting with either the right or left arm, place it along your baby’s side so that it’s slightly bent. Take the corner on the same side of the arm you’ve moved and place it across your baby’s arm and body, tucking the remaining end under their body.
  4. Fold the bottom corner up and over your baby’s feet. Tuck the fabric into the top of your swaddle by their shoulder.
  5. Repeat step 2 with your baby’s other arm and the remaining free flap of the swaddling blanket, tucking the remaining fabric under the baby.

Is it safe to cover a baby with a blanket in a car seat?

As long as your baby is safely strapped into their car seat first, you can place a blanket on top of them. However, do not apply a blanket first and then attempt to strap them into the car seat.

When it comes to baby blankets, there are seemingly endless options in the market, making it challenging to choose the right one for your baby.

Factors to consider include size, material, price, and design.

No matter what you end up picking, remember not to use a blanket on a sleeping baby.