Choosing a baby blanket should be a pretty straightforward process compared to some of the essential purchases required for the arrival of a new sprog (we’re looking at you, baby carriers). But bedding can be an unexpected minefield. What fabric is best, what size should you choose, what’s the safest blanket to buy and what about swaddling or sleeping bags?
If shopping for baby accessories is keeping you awake at night, you’ve come to the right place. To help you find the perfect safe and snuggly cover for your little one, we’ve rounded up the best baby blankets on the market so you can all sleep easy.
What type of baby blanket is best?
Baby blankets tend to fit into the following categories, and the best type depends on the age of your child, intended use and time of year. ‘Make sure it’s suitable for your child’s age and the function you are wanting to use if for,’ advises Jumaimah Hussain from Kiddies Kingdom. ‘Ensure you choose the right size blanket for both the size of your child and the equipment it will be used in too.’
- Cellular blankets: These are typically made from 100% cotton with holes (or cells) to allow for airflow and insulation when layered, explains Hussain. ‘They are the safest type of baby blankets and are also the best option to use as bedding for your newborn,’ she adds.
- Swaddling blankets: This is the age-old practice of wrapping your baby up to keep them cosy and calm, so they tend to be made from thin fabric. ‘The swaddling technique is designed to help newborns sleep and prevent the startle reflex,’ says Hussain.
- Sleeping bags: This is essentially a blanket with zips to prevent wriggly feet from kicking it off during the night. Check out our rundown of the best baby sleeping bags.
- Baby comforters: These usually include the thickness and warmth of a sheet and blanket combined, so they’re better suited to winter. ‘Comforters should only be used if your baby needs a lot of warmth,’ advises Hussain.
- Knitted blankets: Nothing says excited new Granny quite like a wool blanket, and covers made from natural fibres are great for temperature regulation.
- Fleece blankets: Another option for colder climes, ‘these are usually made from polyester and are machine washable and cosy,’ says Hussain.
- Muslins: If you have a new baby in the house, muslins squares are essential kit for mopping up inevitable spills (we’re fans of this rainbow 6-pack). But you can also get muslin baby blankets, which consist of layered fabric that creates just the right consistency for a cool summer throw.
Baby sleep safety tips
Before you purchase your little one’s first blanket, consider the following baby sleep safety guidelines. Research from a number of worldwide studies has found that there is a connection between baby’s sleeping position, temperature and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) commonly known as cot death. These risks can be greatly reduced if you stick to the following sleep safety tips:
- Back is best: According to research, the safest position for baby to sleep is on their back. So, always place your little one in the ‘feet to foot’ sleeping position at night and nap times, advises Hussain. ‘This means that they have their feet at the end of the cot to prevent them from sliding down underneath the bedding,’ she explains. ‘Tuck the covers in securely under your baby’s arms so they cannot slip over their head.’
- Keep it light: Put your baby down in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months and opt for light bedding. ‘Babies under 12 months old should not have loose sheets or blankets in their cots,’ advises Hussain. ‘Use blankets that are lightweight, allow airflow and are firmly tucked in.’
- Stay cool: Nursery temperature is an important factor to consider, as the chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. According to the Lullaby Trust, the ideal room temperature for babies to sleep should be between 16 -20°C, so shop for blankets with the seasons in mind.
The Best Baby Blankets to Shop Now
If you’re patiently waiting for the arrival of your first little one or shopping for a friend, keep scrolling for our pick of the best baby blankets on the market.
1
BEST TRADITIONAL BABY BLANKET
Heirloom White Baby Blanket
The White Company
thewhitecompany.com
£34.00
Looking for a classic baby blanket in a simple design? You can’t go wrong with this traditional cover from The White Company. Made from super light woven cotton, it’s suitable for snoozing in all seasons. The crisp, fresh white fabric feels apt for a precious new arrival, and helps if you need to bleach out spit-ups and spills too.
Type: cellular blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 75 x 100 cm
2
BEST FUNKY PRINT BABY BLANKET
Weather Blanket
Blade and Rose
bladeandrose.co.uk
£22.00
If you’re after something a little bit funky, you’ll love this bold weather print blanket from Lake District-based family business Blade and Rose. You may be familiar with the brand’s stylish and quirky leggings for little ones. They’ve recently branched out into bibs, booties, socks and blankies, and we’re obsessed with the entire range.
Type: pram blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 75 x 75 cm
Colour options: also available in buzzy bee, fox or highland cow print.
3
BEST ORGANIC COTTON BABY BLANKET
Organic Knitted Cellular Baby Blanket
The Little Green Sheep
amazon.co.uk
£27.94
This lovely neutral baby blanket from UK brand The Little Green Sheep feels light and super soft to touch, and according to our mum tester it retains its shape after multiple washes. The company specialises in organic products, and we’re big fans of this Moses basket from the same range.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 75 x 75cm
Colour options: also available in midnight, honey, dove and white.
4
BEST STYLISH BABY BLANKET
Silky Soft Dream Blanket
Aden and Anais
adenandanais.co.uk
£59.96
Give the nursery extra style points with this chic bamboo muslin cover. Best suited to the summer months, it also doubles up as the perfect throw for play time, picnics on the grass or even a makeshift pram shade.
Type: muslin blanket
Fabric: 100% bamboo viscose
Dimensions: 120 x 120 cm
Colour options: also available in a range of nature-inspired prints including golden sun, florentine, star gaze and island getaway.
5
BEST CLASSIC CELLULAR BABY BLANKET
Deluxe Cellular Baby Blanket
Mama Designs
amazon.co.uk
£25.00
For a simple but effective baby blanket, you can’t go wrong with a classic cellular throw. But this one stands out from the pack because it’s weightier than most, so it’s well suited to the winter months, plus it comes with a fabulous bold turquoise trim.
Type: cellular blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 70 x 90 cm
Colour options: also available with a russet, pink, orange or mustard trim.
6
BEST POINTELLE KNITTED BABY BLANKET
Cotton Pointelle Baby Blanket
The Little Tailor
johnlewis.com
£35.00
Classic baby clothing brand The Little Tailor have used the Pointelle technique to encourage air flow in this delightfully lightweight nursery blanket. The geometric knitting style creates a lace-like effect to combine weightlessness with warmth, and the result is as soft and delicate as your new baby.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 70 x 90 cm
Colour options: also available in brown, neutral, pink and white from John Lewis.
7
BEST MACHINE WASHABLE BABY BLANKET
Knitted Blanket – Bobble
Mamas & Papas
mamasandpapas.com
£29.00
Add a spot of colour to the nursery with this super cute bobble blanket made from a soft wool and viscose mix. Better yet, it’s designed to be washable, so baby can use it for napping, snuggling or dragging around the house and smearing in jam. Simply pop it in the washing machine to restore to its former glory.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 20% cotton, 16% viscose, 21% nylon, 25% polyester and 18% acrylic
Dimensions: 70 x 90 cm
Colour options: also available in mint green zebra print.
8
BEST PURE WOOL BABY BLANKET
Pure New Wool Pram Blanket
Lala & Bea
notonthehighstreet.com
US$49.62
Naturalists will love this traditional wool blanket from British brand Lala & Bea. Made from 100% pure new wool, it’s bright, cosy and the perfect snuggle rug for the buggy, pram or cot. What’s more, wool is known to regulate temperature naturally, so it’s ideal for keeping baby cosy all year round.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% wool
Dimensions: 68 x 73 cm
Colour options: also available in grey herringbone or cream.
9
BEST SCANDI-STYLE BABY BLANKET
Stripe Kids Blanket/Shawl
Polarn o Pyret
polarnopyret.co.uk
£22.00
Tiny tots will look seriously cute in this classic white and navy stripe blanket from Swedish brand Polarn O. Pyret. It’s super soft and snuggly, plus both mama and baby can sleep easy knowing it’s made from GOTS certified organic cotton, which means it has eco-credentials and they take extra care of the farmers too.
Type: pram blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 84 x 84 cm
Colour options: also available in grey stripe.
10
BEST PURE CASHMERE BABY BLANKET
Leglace Cashmere Baby Blanket
Love Cashmere
lovecashmere.com
£89.00
For a touch of luxury at bedtime, envelop your little one in 100% pure Scottish cashmere from family-run business Love Cashmere. The delicate wool gets its softness from crystal clear mountain water, while Mongolian goats that thrive below -40c are responsible for its temperature regulating benefits, making cashmere the softest and most sumptuous fabric on earth, and perfect for brand new babies.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% cashmere
Dimensions: 64 x 64 cm
Colour options: also available in pink or white.
11
BEST CHUNKY KNIT BABY BLANKET
Chunky Knit Striped Blanket
JoJo Maman Bébé
jojomamanbebe.co.uk
£26.00
This bold and fabulous striped blanket from beloved high street brand JoJo Maman Bébé is just the right size and weight for bedtime or simply cosying up at home. And according to our mum panel, it retains its softness and colour after multiple washes. Sold!
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 100 x 70 cm
Colour options: also available in pastel blue or pastel pink stripes.
12
BEST BUDGET BABY BLANKET
Pram & Travel Extra Soft Cotton Cellular Baby Blanket
Clair de Lune
amazon.co.uk
£5.99
For parents on a budget, this classic cellular blanket from Manchester family-run brand Clair de Lune ticks all the boxes. It’s breathable, lightweight, looks cute and works well as a single cover during the summer or an extra layer for chilly winter nights.
Type: cellular blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 70 x 90 cm
Colour options: also available in pink or grey.
13
BEST BRIGHTLY COLOURED BABY BLANKET
Cuddle Up Blanket
We Love Frugi
welovefrugi.com
£28.00
Bored of the same old pink and blue? Then you’ll love this chunky knit rainbow blanket from Cornish brand Frugi. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton, it’s perfect for snuggling up at night and also makes a seriously funky bedspread. For maximum cuteness, pop these fab matching baby booties into your shopping cart while you’re here.
Type: knitted blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 70 x 90 cm
14
BEST MONOCHROME BABY BLANKET
Charcoal bear baby blanket
Tobias and the Bear
tobiasandthebear.com
£28.00
Fans of monochrome will love this black and white print baby blanket from UK brand Tobias and the Bear. Best known for bold, fun and non-gendered kids wear, we love the brand’s
matching romper too.
Type: pram blanket
Fabric: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 70 x 70 cm
Colour options: also available in charcoal.
Rhalou Allerhand
Rhalou is a Digital Editor specialising in health and wellness across Hearst’s titles, covering everything from sexual health to parenting.
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