Newborn Essentials: How Many Receiving Blankets Do I Need? A Practical Guide
Hey mama! Having a baby is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience! But it also requires a lot of preparation. One of the most important items to have on hand when welcoming your little one into the world is a receiving blanket!
These blankets come in many different sizes, thicknesses, and fabrics. It’s important to know how many you should have before your bundle of joy arrives. In this blog post, you’ll learn how many receiving blankets you need for your newborn as well as the many uses for them. So get ready, parents-to-be — let’s answer the question “How many receiving blankets do I need?“
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What is a receiving blanket and Why do I need them?
A receiving blanket is a must-have item for any new parent! They are called receiving blankets because when you give birth, this is the blanket you “receive” your baby in.
This versatile swaddle is typically made from soft, lightweight fabric and usually comes in a rectangle or square shape.
Because of their convenience, receiving blankets have become an essential part of every parent’s toolkit. They provide warmth and comfort for your baby while keeping them snug and secure.
And there are so many uses for receiving blankets! Whether it’s being used during outings in carriers or strollers or as a clean surface to change diapers at the park.
With so many uses, a receiving blanket truly is an essential item every parent should own.
Varieties of Receiving Blankets
Receiving blankets are a great way to welcome your new bundle of joy! They come in an array of colors, designs, sizes, and fabrics — there’s sure to be one perfect for your little one.
Fabric
There are various kinds of receiving blankets available for you to choose from: quilted fabric like cotton, flannel, and muslin, or lightweight swaddles made from wool or bamboo fibers.
Muslin receiving blankets are the most popular. They are lightweight and breathable, so they’re a comfortable choice for swaddling.
Fleece receiving blankets are cozy and warm. You can use them as a soft layer over other bedding or just to keep baby snug when out and about. Knit receiving blankets add texture with their soft, knit design. They are so perfect for snuggling and cuddling with your little one.
Want something extra special? Satin-trimmed receiving blankets have a satin trim that’s gentle against baby’s skin but strong enough to provide lasting comfort.
Color and Design
Like many baby items, receiving blankets come in various colors and design options. You can opt for classic colors such as white and pastel shades. Or choose vibrant prints that will add joy to your baby’s nursery. Many receiving blankets also come with lovely patterns and intricate details that can reflect the personality of the newest bundle of joy.
Size
The standard size of a receiving blanket is usually around 28×34 inches. But receiving blankets come in various other sizes to meet your needs. You can find larger sizes if you need something bigger to cover your little one when they’re out and about in their car seat or stroller. Or you can opt for smaller ones for a preemie or newborn.
What’s nice about receiving blankets is that they are thin enough to fold up in a custom size for whatever your situation.
How many receiving blankets do I need?
It can be difficult to determine how many receiving blankets you’ll need for your new baby. I mean, you’re probably already drowning under baby gear!
And honestly, the answer is: it depends.
But when it comes to the number of receiving blankets, it’s best to err on the side of caution. We recommend having at least six receiving blankets for your newborn. This way, you always have a clean one on hand — whether you’re at home or out and about.
We recommend having at least 6 receiving blankets for your newborn.
This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of them or having to constantly do laundry! Plus, if one becomes soiled, you can easily grab a clean one without having to wait.
However, the exact number will depend on your family’s specific needs and lifestyle. If you are an active family who goes out often or if your baby is on the messier side or laundry is done as frequently, you may want to consider having more receiving blankets on hand.
Other uses for receiving blankets
Receiving blankets are so versatile and can be used for so much more than just swaddling. Here are some other ways to use a receiving blanket:
- As a change mat: Lay the receiving blanket on top of any surface where you plan to change your baby’s diaper. This will help protect your surfaces from little accidents and make clean-up a breeze.
- As a sunshade: When you’re out and about with your baby, use the receiving blanket to create a shady spot for them. Just drape it over the stroller’s canopy or attach it to the car seat using the built-in loops.
- As a tummy time mat: Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s development. Place a receiving blanket on the floor and encourage your little one to spend some time on their tummy each day. You can even put a few toys on the blanket to help keep them entertained.
- As a nursing cover: If you’re breastfeeding in public, a receiving blanket can be used as a discreet nursing cover. Just drape it over your shoulder and position your baby underneath.
Add Receiving Blankets to Your Baby Registry
Receiving blankets are a must-have for any new parent. Not only do they provide comfort and warmth to your little one, but their uses extend far beyond swaddling. They can be used as sunshades when you’re out and about, change mats at home, tummy time mats for development, or nursing covers in public.
We recommend having at least six receiving blankets on hand so that you always have a clean one available no matter what the situation calls for. This pack of seven receiving blankets would be perfect to add to your baby registry!
With all of these amazing benefits combined with an array of styles, fabrics, and colors to choose from – adding receiving blankets to your baby registry is an absolute must!
