Welcoming a newborn baby is one of life's most precious moments. As a new parent, you juggle countless decisions, each potentially impacting your little one's comfort and safety. As you ponder these important choices, you may find yourself wondering: How many blankets should I have for my newborn? We’ll dive into the considerations and best practices for ensuring you have the right kind and number of blankets for your bundle of joy.
Considerations for Blanket Quantity
When it comes to the quantity of blankets for your newborn, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. Firstly, the climate and room temperature play crucial roles. Balancing a comfortable temperature within your home with the need for additional warmth from a blanket is essential for your baby's well-being. Additionally, the frequency of laundering and the ease of washing certain types of blankets may influence how many you'll want to have on hand at any given time.
Types of Blankets
Understanding the various types of blankets designed for newborns can help you make informed purchasing decisions. Swaddling blankets are specially designed to snugly wrap your baby, mimicking the womb, and are great for promoting sleep and reducing startle reflex. Often, the most versatile receiving blankets can serve as oversize burp cloths, nursing covers, and even makeshift changing pads. Sleep sacks or wearable blankets provide the warmth and safety of a blanket without the risk of covering your infant's face.
Recommended Blanket Quantities
During the newborn stage, you can benefit from having around 6-12 receiving blankets and 2-4 swaddling blankets as your primary go-tos. These numbers can accommodate multiple changes throughout the day and offer ample backups for nighttime disruptions and laundering needs. As your baby grows, the number and type of blankets may evolve. For example, sleep sacks become more practical around three and four months when you’re ready to transition from swaddling.
Additional Tips for Blanket Usage
Keeping your newborn comfortable and safe involves more than just providing the right number of blankets. It's important to follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This includes placing your baby on their back to sleep with no soft bedding or toys in the crib and using lightweight, fitted blankets. Layering your baby's clothing is also a smart approach, allowing you to easily adjust for changes in temperature without overdoing the blankets.
Understanding how many blankets you need for your newborn is a journey that integrates your parental instincts with practical knowledge. By being mindful of blanket quantity, type, and safety aspects, you're taking a significant step toward ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being. Check out Bunnies By the Bay’s selection of baby blankets that make fantastic gender-neutral baby shower gifts. It's all about finding that perfect balance and, most importantly, relishing the warmth and joy that those cozy little blankets symbolize. Remember, these small choices add up to a world of comfort for your little one, allowing you to enjoy those precious early moments to the fullest.
FAQs
Recommended Blanket Quantities
Do I need blankets for a newborn? ›
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old.
How many blankets do I need? ›
For most people, one to two blankets on the bed will suffice. A single blanket can trap enough warm air close to your body while adding another layer, perhaps a decorative quilt, creates extra insulation for those colder nights during the winter.
How many receiving blankets do babies need? ›
As a newborn nursery essential, you should plan to have more than one receiving blanket at your disposal. A good place to start is having two to four in the changing table drawer.
How many blankets are needed for a newborn? ›
We recommend at least two to three blankets to make life a little easier— that being said, the more blankets you have, the easier it is to rotate them through being used and washed. The rule of three applies here, one in use, one in the wash and one in the cupboard ready for when you need it.
Is it OK for newborn to sleep without blanket? ›
You may be tempted to offer your baby a soft, warm blanket to help comfort them at night. However, blankets are not recommended until your baby reaches at least 12 months old because they can increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
How to tell if a newborn is too cold? ›
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, breathing slowly and having pale, cool skin. Babies who are hot, tend to look uncomfortable. Like adults who overheat, a baby's skin will become red, and they will look flushed. Where possible, consider dressing your baby in natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo.
How do I cover my newborn at night? ›
A sleepsuit and either a sleeping bag (check the manufacturer's recommendation for winter tog thickness) or a sheet and/or blanket should be fine. If you're using a sleeping bag and feel like your baby is cold, add an extra layer of clothing – but not extra blankets.
How do I keep my baby warm at night without a blanket? ›
Putting your baby in layered clothing for sleep is practical, and the safest way to keep your baby warm while they're sleeping. Pajamas with feet are a good choice. Look for ones made from heavier fabrics like fleece for cold climates and seasons.
Are swaddling and receiving blankets the same? ›
Receiving blankets are large and more square-shaped; they're designed to be versatile and multi-functional. In contrast, swaddles are specifically crafted for the art of swaddling, providing a secure and snug wrap to soothe and comfort your baby during sleep.
In essence, seven PJs is the average go-to number. The key to the perfect PJ is in the wearability and ease of use, ensuring each pair is ready for the demands of babyhood and the surprises it throws your way. After all, the right pair of pajamas isn't just sleepwear; it's peace of mind.
Can you put too many blankets on a baby? ›
Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot. When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding.
How long should a newborn baby blanket be? ›
Crib Blanket
It should also be free from loose threads, yarn or holes that can pose a threat to the safety of your little one. You can also opt for a scoop cut design to avoid suffocation. Generally, crib blankets are rectangular and the size ranges from 36 x 54 inch to 45 x 60 inch.
Do you need blankets for newborn? ›
It's perfectly okay for a baby to sleep without a blanket, so if yours is under 12 to 18 months, you can keep your sweetie cozy by dressing her in a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper.
How many sets of bedding for a newborn? ›
a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving spaces round the edges so your baby cannot trap their head and suffocate. sheets to cover the mattress – you need at least 4 because they need to be changed often; fitted sheets make life easier but can be quite expensive, so you could use pieces of old sheet.
How many newborn covers do I need? ›
Newborns typically need over 12 inserts and four diaper covers per day. The biggest advantage of using a two-in-one diaper system is that the outer cover can be easily hand-washed. These covers also dry very quickly.
Is baby warm enough without blanket? ›
How can I keep my baby warm without using blankets? If the room is the right temperature and you dress your baby in a couple of layers, plus a sleep sack, they should not get cold at night. You can use a heavier TOG sleep sack for cold weather, and keep checking on your baby's core temperature if you are concerned.
How to cover a newborn baby at night? ›
A sleepsuit and either a sleeping bag (check the manufacturer's recommendation for winter tog thickness) or a sheet and/or blanket should be fine. If you're using a sleeping bag and feel like your baby is cold, add an extra layer of clothing – but not extra blankets.
Why should a newborn baby be wrapped in a blanket? ›
A thin blanket wrapped snuggly around your baby's body can resemble the womb and help soothe your newborn. When done correctly, swaddling can be an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep.
What age do babies need blankets? ›
There is no official age that's been deemed 100 percent safe to use a blanket, quilt or comforter, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), but most medical experts feel that soft bedding poses little danger in the crib to healthy babies after 12 months of age and ideally when they're 18 months or older.
