Whether you are looking for a blanket for your own baby or you're choosing a baby shower gift, a soft, high-quality blanket is the perfect place to start.
While many blankets may seem similar at first glance, our blankets come in a variety of styles and fabrics — and plenty of them make a wonderful choice for baby. To help you choose the ideal blanket, we've created a guide with all the details you need to know about picking the best blanket for your new bundle of joy.
Peacock Alley Blanket Guide: Types of Blankets for Baby
Quality blankets are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors and are made from some of the most luxurious fabrics available. When choosing a blanket for baby, it is important to be clear on the intended use and how each type differs.
How Blankets Are Used for Baby
- Crib Blankets – Cocoon your little one in luxury and softness by choosing the finest cotton blankets. Having several cozy, 100% cotton blankets on hand is essential for creating a restful environment for the newborn. Luxury blankets not only add to the design of the nursery, but typically serve multiple purposes and can be used wherever baby goes.
- Receiving Blanket – Of the different ways to use a blanket for baby, this is often the most versatile. A lightweight blanket can be used for everything from swaddling the infant, to a protective layer between baby and the floor, to a coverup in the car or even a drool pad on the go – a good blanket is a necessity when you have a new baby. Parents often use several and change them out frequently.
- Security Blanket – A cozy blanket offers comfort for baby, allowing them to self soothe, relax and sleep better. Some babies continue to use their favorite blanket well into their toddler years, so choosing a cozy, cotton blanket that is as long-lasting as it is soft, is an excellent choice. *Infants should be monitored when sleeping with blankets.
- Swaddling Blankets – Swaddling newborns is recommended to provide a secure and calming feeling that is reminiscent of being inside the womb and lets babies relax and sleep well. Swaddling blankets tightly wrap the baby. A soft, luxurious 100% long staple cotton blanket will keep baby snuggled and cozy while they sleep and always makes a welcome gift for new parents.
- Multi-Use Blankets – Sometimes you just need a blanket that works well in a variety of situations. A quality multi-use blanket is the perfect choice for strollers, as a padded surface for baby to play or nap on, for use in the car seat while traveling, trips to the grocery store, and more. For everyday use, a well-made and long-lasting ultra-soft blanket is the perfect choice.
Blanket Sizes: How to Choose the Right Size for Baby
Blankets are often among the most popular gifts given to new parents. Since they come in a variety of sizes, it is important to know the intended use so that you can ensure it is the ideal size for the recipient. Though sizes do vary from brand to brand, here are the general blanket sizes to keep in mind when shopping for baby.
Average Blanket Sizes for Baby
- Swaddle Blankets - Range in size from 40” x 40” to 48” x 48”
- Receiving Blankets - Square blankets that measure 18” x 18” or 36” x 36”
- Crib Blankets - Made to fit cribs at 40” x 60”
- Multi-Use Blankets - Measure 30” to 40”
While these measurements represent the average sizes for each use case, as long as the blanket is close enough in size for its intended use, it will work just fine. Browse our luxury blanket collection to find the ideal size for just about any need for baby.
Blanket Fabric: What Are the Best Fabrics for Baby?
The most important quality of a blanket for baby is the fabric from which it is made. When choosing a blanket, consider the climate and baby's delicate, sensitive skin. Here are some of the most popular fabrics to look for.
Preferred Blanket Fabrics for Baby
- Cotton – Cotton is the most popular choice of fabric for a baby's blanket in any climate or season. Not only is it super soft against baby's sensitive skin, but organic cotton, like the dye- and bleach-free fabric used in our cotton blankets, is great for babies with allergies or skin conditions.
- Bamboo Rayon – This super-soft fabric, which is made from the bamboo plant, is a great choice for baby as it works well with sensitive skin and can even adjust with baby's own body temperature.
- Fleece – The preferred choice for colder climates, fleece is a popular fabric for blankets. Not only is it a quick-drying fabric, but its extremely soft feel makes it great for babies. Fleece is also stain resistant and washes well, which is always a plus.
- Gauze/Muslin – Made from cotton, gauze fabric works well for swaddling due to its light weight and breathable nature. Also called muslin, this airy fabric is often used for receiving blankets and is available in the single gauze style, which features just one layer of gauze, and double gauze style, which offers two layers sewn together at pre-set spaces on the fabric. This fabric is also often used to shade a car seat or stroller.
Create Lasting Memories with Luxurious Blankets from Peacock Alley
A blanket is a cherished gift for any new parent, and Peacock Alley goes a step further by offering a personal touch to your thoughtful present. Our Blanket Collection features a variety of deluxe styles that can be monogrammed for a unique and memorable custom gift that any new parent would adore. From comfortable brushed cotton to super-soft, breathable weaves, you can be sure they will sleep like a baby with these precious, luxury blankets from Peacock Alley.
Rule of Three: when stocking up on blankets for baby. Buy them in groups of three; one for baby, one for the laundry and one clean and ready to be used on the shelf!
