Baby blankets are one of the most common items in every family with a newborn baby. Families usually think that a baby blanket is the first choice for a baby to take a bath or a birth gift.
“Blankets are helpful adjuncts to clothes or toys, and babies are often wrapped in blankets to keep them cozy over the first few months of life,” says Dr. Danelle Fisher, FAAP and chief of Pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
That said, before making or gifting a blanket, it’s wise to consider the various types and average sizes of blankets, as they can be used for a variety of purposes.
So, how do choose the best size of blanket for a baby?
It depends on the type of blanket! Let us get a breakdown of the different types of baby blankets and the best size for each in this post.
There are many types of baby blankets, each with its own purpose. Meanwhile, they’re usually different sizes, too!
Security blankets
These tiny blankets are typically attached to a soft toy. Their size is about 10” square usually. They are soft and will play a role in calming the baby.
Preemie blanket
Preemie blankets are just receiving or swaddle blankets in a smaller size more suited to premature babies.
Some preemie blankets are as small as 18” square, but 18”x20” or 20” square is better for larger preemies.
Swaddle blankets
Swaddling blankets are typically made from fairly light fabric. Cotton muslin or gauze or cotton/bamboo fiber are popular choices for swaddles. The practice of swaddling, or wrapping a light blanket snuggly around a baby, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help calm a crying baby.
Swaddling blankets come in a variety of sizes. Swaddle blankets can be as small as 18×18 inches for a premature baby or up to a large 48” square!
The most popular large blankets are 47” square.
Just be sure the blanket is large enough. Having enough material to work with to ensure you get the swaddle just right might make the process easier.
Receiving blankets
Receiving blankets are thin blankets, can be used for a variety of tasks related to early infancy. They’re usually smaller than standard swaddling blankets, which helps you keep your newborn warm while being held or carried.
Typically ranging in size from a small 18-inch square to a larger 36-inch square. Though sometimes they are rectangles. 28inches x 34 inches is a common, popular size for rectangular receiving blankets.
Multi-use blankets
These multi-use blankets are typically fleece, flannel, or other thicker materials that aren’t suitable for swaddling.
Most of these blankets measure 30”x40”.
When you’re traveling with your baby, multi-use blankets are essential items. A thick activity blanket can be used to provide a cushioned, clean surface for your baby to crawl and play.
Crib blankets
For babies under 1-year-old, do not put any loose blankets on the crib.
The size of the crib blanket is usually 40 inches by 60 inches so that it fully covers a toddler in their crib. Always make sure there are no loose, long strings, buttons, or anything else that a curious toddler might detach and strangle themselves with or choke on!
Baby blanket size guide
Swaddle blankets: 40×40 to 48×48 (approx.)
Receiving blankets: 18-inch square to a 36-inch square
Crib blankets: 40 inches by 60 inches
Multi-use blankets: 30 to 40 inches
Wish this guide is helpful for choosing the right size of baby blankets.