The blanket is one of the first objects with which the baby comes into contact. In fact, since ancient times, newborns have been wrapped in warm fabrics that support and wrap them as if they wanted to recreate the protective environment of the womb. And so it remains so today.
Therefore, when buying a baby blanket to put in the layette, the first thing to look at should not be so much the design, style, or colors but the comfort and quality of the fabrics. Let’s find out more about the first blanket for a baby and how to choose the best one.
Baby Blanket
Babies, with their delicate skin, need the utmost delicacy and care, and being so small, they need light, soft, and breathable fabrics that guarantee a peaceful sleep.
Newborn blankets can be bought conveniently online in our store or in specialist shops for children and department stores. Another option is to make baby blankets at home, knitted, crocheted, or machine-sewn.
In all these cases, however, before making the purchase, it is always good to find out about the characteristics of the fabric or thread with which the blanket is made or will be made. Specifically, when choosing (or making) the blanket for the newborn, it is important to make sure that it is:
- Soft and adaptable to the positions in which the child rests
- Hot or cool depending on the season
- Light, comfortable, and not bulky
- Breathable to prevent the little one from sweating
- Hypoallergenic to prevent any type of allergic problem
- Easy to wash and dry
- Made with possibly natural fibers or at least safe for children
When you shop for a blanket for the crib or baby stroller, you will realize that there is a wide range of blankets to choose from. As I said, there are many things to take into account (quality, shape, size, aesthetics). But it would also be good to have clear ideas about the fabric to choose from cotton, wool, or fleece. Are there other fabrics suitable for babies?
Cotton Blankets
Cotton (if it is 100%) is a soft natural fabric that does not irritate the delicate skin of babies. Being breathable allows better air circulation, and being absorbent helps to eliminate and absorb body moisture, keeping the body cool and dry.
For these reasons, it guarantees the child an ideal environment to sleep peacefully and without discomfort. It is also very practical; it has a high tensile strength, withstands even high washing temperatures, and can be sterilized. And what is more important, it is always suitable at any time of the year.
We can consider cotton blankets, all those marked with 100% cotton and natural-dyed pure cotton blankets, but also flannel blankets, muslin blankets, pure cotton or natural cotton chenille blankets, and all of them. They are especially suitable for children.
On the market, however, there are also cotton-blend blankets, that is, cotton, with the addition of new synthetic materials. You can buy them with peace of mind, but only if the baby does not have allergies or, for example, if he suffers from atopic skin.
Fibers such as polyester and acrylic found in many cotton blend covers have improved the fabric’s comfort, strength, and durability. With these synthetic components, wrinkles are less and are more washable.
Wool Blankets
Wool is one of the oldest natural fibers of animal origin. It is undoubtedly soft and warm, and thanks to its ability to retain a greater amount of air, it is very insulating against both cold and heat. It also has high hygroscopic power; that is, it easily absorbs water and sweats more than cotton without giving the impression of being wet.
Wool blankets also have good wear resistance, wrinkle very little, and are quite elastic, so they can be stretched and widened without tearing and then return to their original size. There are also 100% wool blankets and those mixed with other fibres. The choice is obviously up to you, although the more natural they are, the better.
It must be said, however, that a wool blanket needs more attention than a cotton one. In fact, washing must be done at low temperatures and with detergents for delicate products. Also, wool tends to yellow over time, and, not least; it can irritate.
Therefore, when you buy a wool blanket, ensure it is suitable for children and, above all, does not leave hair. The most appropriate are those made of merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca but also flannel, which also exists in wool and not only in cotton.
Fleece and Microfiber Blankets
Fleece is a “fabric” particularly appreciated for its many qualities, even if it is not natural but synthetic. Thanks to a particular treatment of polyester fibres (PET), the fleece is very soft, velvety, and pleasant to the touch. In addition, the fibre processed in this way contains a lot of air, making it a good thermal insulator.
The advantages are undeniable: warm, light, easy to wash, quick-drying, does not require ironing, does not shrink, wrinkle-resistant, and economical. In short, it is difficult to resist buying a fleece blanket because there are all kinds of them on the market, in a thousand colors, and with the most absurd patterns.
The same quality of the fleece can also be said of the microfiber blankets, which have been especially fashionable in recent years.
Conclusion
Now you know everything (or almost) about the types of blankets for the baby. Remember that a blanket is still an object that is always useful and appreciated. Suppose you are still undecided about many options. Why not check out our collection of gender-neutral baby stuff? You’ll find neutral rainbow baby blankets and other types at Leyla & Ari.
