Baby blankets are probably the most kept keepsakes from childhood and many adults still have their own tucked away in a drawer somewhere. They’re also one of the most received baby shower gifts and rightfully so. You can never have too many baby blankets!
They’re always getting some type of mess on them and being run through the washer. So, it’s a good idea to have several in rotation. Some are great for taking on trips, while others are better for chilly mornings on the couch. Also, they’ve come a long way with easy velcro swaddles and wearable blankets to keep the sleep space safe. A good blanket can actually guarantee more sleep for everyone if you take the time to check out the special features.
That’s why we’ve gone through and rounded up the best blankets from each category. Whether you want a swaddle or a playtime blanket, there’s bound to be something you like on the list. Have a look below!
Best Baby Blankets – Our Top Picks
- Love To Dream Swaddle UP – Best for sleeping with arms up
- Ziggy Swaddle Blanket – Easiest “wrap” swaddle
- Simple Joys Receiving Blankets – Best value buy (7 in a pack!)
- Burt’s Bees Baby – Beekeeper Wearable – Best for transitioning from a swaddle
- Hudson Mink – Trendiest pattern choices
- Wonder Plush – Great if you need custom sizes
- Hudson Dotted Mink – Best for sensory needs (satin border)
- Knitted Cellular – Best for a keepsake or the “handmade” look
Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers
Table of Contents
Types of baby blanket
Swaddling Blankets
These are just as they sound, blankets used for swaddling your baby. Newborns love to feel cozy and snug. It’s what’s familiar when they’re fresh from the womb. Swaddling blankets differ from other blankets in terms of size, material, and stretch factor. Blankets with enough length to wrap and tuck are perfect for swaddling. Often, they are made from cotton, muslin, or bamboo. Thin fabric with a bit of give is ideal.
Receiving Blankets
This is the first blanket most babies are wrapped up in at the hospital. Undoubtedly, you’ve seen pictures of newborns wrapped up in a hospital blanket that either has pink and blue stripes or multicolored footprints. It seems those are the go-to designs for hospitals. They’re similar to swaddling blankets, but are woven from heavier duty fabric such as flannel and are made to stand up to lots of washing and wear. Though you “receive” a few of these from the hospital, they’re also available in stores and are always a great addition to have.
Fuzzy/Plush
Blankets made from fuzzy or plush fabric are sometimes called Minky blankets. Minky fabric is a polyester material with one soft plush side. Often, fuzzy blankets vary in the thickness, softness, and pile height. One defining feature is their softness. They’re softer than swaddling, receiving, or fleece blankets. Babies love to touch and roll on these soft blankies, which is great for sensory development!
Open Weave/Thermal
This material is a cotton that features the classic honeycomb or waffle texture. It’s a thin but warm fabric that is great for blankets to use in strollers or car seats. They’re light enough to use year-round and durable enough to wash over and over again. Often when kids develop an attachment to having a special blanket, it’s of the thermal variety.
Wearables (Sacks/Sleeping Bags)
These are designed for safe sleep. They go over your baby’s sleeper and zip up like a gown to keep your baby warm and snug while eliminating the risk of a blanket covering their face or getting wrapped around their neck. Usually, they’re sleeveless to allow for complete movement.
Stroller Blankets
Stroller blankets are designed to go over an infant car seat or stroller to keep out the cold or bright sun. They make going from the car to your destination easier or make going for a walk tolerable. (It should be noted that it is not recommended to cover a stroller or car seat in high temperatures. Your baby can become overheated) When it is chilly or raining, however, these can be a lifesaver for keeping your baby comfortable.
What makes a good baby blanket?
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for baby blankets. An overreaching must for all baby supplies is the durability. Your baby may not be rolling in the mud or climbing trees just yet, but they are hard on fabrics.
That’s why you want to find one that is washable and can withstand being washed over and over. Fabric that maintains its integrity, color, and softness is ideal for a baby blanket.
Versatility is also a huge selling point. If you can use it for swaddling, cuddling, and tummy time, it’s a winner. Count it up as bonus points if your toddler still uses his or her baby blanket by age 2 or 3.
Many kids also enjoy the sensory stimulation of specialty edging fabric such as silk. It’s soothing to touch and rub while going to sleep. Minky fabric is great for retaining its softness too.
What’s the best size for a baby blanket?
Sizes can vary based on the intended use. However, most baby blankets typically fall into a size window of 30-40 inches wide and 30-55 inches long. When looking for a swaddling blanket, a little extra fabric is always useful.
Crocheting your own
There’s nothing sweeter than a handmade gift like a crocheted blanket. They’re heartfelt and become family keepsakes for generations to come. Plus, they make great backdrops for those monthly growth pictures parents love to take!
Cotton and acrylic yarn are usually good choices when crocheting a baby blanket. They’re soft and you can find them in a variety of colors. Plus, they’re on the cheaper side. Some crafty experts recommend bamboo yarn too.
Baby Blanket Reviews
Love To Dream Swaddle UP
This swaddle may look a little strange upon first glance. Its peculiar shape is intentional though. The tapered silhouette allows the baby to sleep with their arms up rather than swaddled against the body. Most babies prefer this position and it’s the reason many fight being swaddled in a traditional blanket.
However, it still works to calm the startle reflex that’s responsible for so many unintentional wakings. If you’ve ever seen a baby snoozing away only to dramatically flail and wake themselves up, that’s the startle reflex and it’s the enemy of parents everywhere (okay, maybe just parents of babies that refuse to sleep). The Love To Dream Swaddle UP fits snugly to calm and contain the reflex.
This swaddle is made from a cotton and elastane blend that wears well but stretches for comfort. Additionally, this eliminates the need for extra fabric and is great for safe sleep.
What we liked:
- Safe sleep
- Soft cotton blend to make baby cozy
- Allows for “arms up” sleeping position
- Calms startle reflex
- Easy to use vs. wrapping a swaddle
What we didn’t:
- We didn’t find anything!
Ziggy Swaddle Blanket
This is another “premade” swaddle. However, this one allows for sleeping in the “arms by the side” position which is still a great position for calming the startle reflex for better sleep.
To use, you simply place your baby inside the swaddle and wrap the two sections. The swaddle is secured with velcro, so it eliminates any learning curve associated with having to wrap your own swaddle.
This swaddle is made for baby’s 7-14 lbs and provides a universal fit for babies within that weight range. It’s made with soft cotton that is durable and easy to care for. It’s also available in 3 gender-neutral color patterns.
What we liked:
- Soothes startle reflex
- Safe for sleep with no extra fabric
- Easy to use with Velcro
- Comes in 3 patterns
- Affordable version of more expensive swaddles on the market (works just as well!)
What we didn’t:
- If your baby prefers to sleep with arms up, they might fight the swaddle a bit at first
Simple Joys Receiving Blankets
With 7 blankets in a package, this is a great value buy. Receiving blankets are always useful additions to the nursery because you can throw them in the car seat, stroller, or diaper bag easily. They’re handy for chilly days or to lay baby on at the park or on the living room floor. Also, they’re made with durable flannel that gets softer with each wash in the washing machine.
These are also big enough to wrap as a swaddle and light enough for comfortable sleep. Receiving blankets such as these are also versatile and work great for burping and diaper changes. Plus, with 7 blankets in the pack, these are also great baby shower gifts.
What we liked:
- Excellent value
- Great as burp cloths when in a pinch
- Super soft and durable
- Use for swaddle, burping, or playtime
- Cute patterns
- Easy to wash and care for
What we didn’t:
Nothing that we can find!
Burt’s Bees Baby – Beekeeper Wearable
This is a wearable sleeping bag or sleep sack that comes in a huge selection of colors and patterns. The bottom is enclosed with an easy zipper while the top is sleeveless for easy movement. The biggest appeal of sleep sacks is the provided warmth and coziness while still retaining a safe sleep space. This wearable sleep sack can be worn with any kind of pajamas or sleepers as well.
This sleep sack is loose enough that movement isn’t restricted and could be an excellent choice for transitioning from a snug swaddle. Also, if you’re all about soft fabrics, Burt’s Bees Baby has some of the softest cotton. An added bonus of this wearable blanket is the choice of size. It comes in small, medium, and large for babies ranging from 23”-35”.
What we liked:
- Safe sleep
- Easy to use (zipper)
- Sleeveless for range of movement
- Small, medium, and large size options
- Color choices
- Soft cotton material
- Offers a way to transition from swaddle
What we didn’t:
- Does not calm startle reflex like a swaddle
Hudson Mink
As your little one moves from newborn to infant to toddler, the need for a swaddle or sleep sack disappears. If you’re looking for a soft and cozy blanket to fill the void, a Minky blanket could be a great choice.
This Hudson Mink blanket is two-sided with a soft Minky fabric on one side and a cozy Sherpa material on the underside. The blanket has cute printed designs to go with whatever design or nursery aesthetic you’re into as well. It’s 30 x 40 inches, so if you want to wrap up your little one, you have the fabric, but this blanket is really a great choice for tummy time and cuddling.
What we liked:
- Soft Minky fabric, suitable for babies with sensitive skin
- Warm Sherpa material
- Many colors and designs
- Large enough to wrap in
- Durable enough for machine washing
What we didn’t:
- We couldn’t find anything.
Wonder Plush
This plush blanket is a soft microfleece cover that is small enough to toss in the bag, over the car seat, or stroller. The fabric is soft, but lightweight enough to use regardless of season.
Its soft texture is not only soothing but great for sensory stimulation making it a great option to practice tummy time. You’ll rest easy knowing the fabric is a safe blend that is phthalate-free, making it a safe option for cuddling.
This blanket also promises that it won’t shed following a trip through the washer. Its durability comes in handy when there is spit up, snacks, or spills to take into account. Plus, this blanket is on the larger side for baby blankets at 30” x 40” which can make it a good option for toddlers. In addition to this size, Wonder Plush offers even more size options along with several color choices.
What we liked:
- Microfleece blend that’s extremely soft
- Durable material that stands up to washing
- Lightweight enough for multiple uses
- Big enough for growing toddlers
- Choice of size and color
What we didn’t:
- We didn’t find anything!
Hudson Dotted Mink
If you’ve ever seen a toddler dragging a blanket along at a restaurant and the material has clearly seen better days, chances are it’s one of these Minky-type blankets with the satin edge. For some reason, babies and toddlers love to snuggle on that satin and it’s a great option for those kids that are sensory seeking.
This Hudson Dotted Mink is also a good choice for toddlers. It’s 30” x 40” for comfortable snuggling and toting around in the diaper bag or stroller. In addition to the nice quality of the material, there are several color and pattern choices from Hudson.
What we liked:
- Durable Minky material
- Satin border
- Enough blanket for older babies and toddlers to use
- Choice of colors and designs
- Affordable choice
What we didn’t:
Nothing to be named for this Hudson blanket.
Knitted Cellular
If you like the handmade appeal of a crocheted blanket but lack the time or skill to make your own, this knitted cellular blanket could be a good alternative. This is an adorable blanket that looks like a classic keepsake. If you are on the lookout for a quality baby shower gift, this one could be worth consideration.
Its lightweight knitted design is ideal for breathability and comfort. Meanwhile the tighter cellular knit won’t get hung up or snagged on tiny fingers. In addition to comfort, this is a practical choice as this blanket is machine washable within the safety of a laundry bag.
What we liked:
- Beautiful and classic design
- Breathable knit
- Machine washable
- Good for bedding, stroller, or car seat
- Lightweight but warm
What we didn’t:
- This can’t be thrown into the washer without a laundry bag
