What are Receiving Blankets? Why You Must Have Them
As a new mother, you might easily ask yourself what are receiving blankets. Well, the answer is actually in the question itself.
Over the period of your pregnancy, you’ll notice that there are more baby products in the market than you actually knew before. Some of these things include the baby’s swaddle, bibs, newborn towel, and a receiving blanket, among other things.
Like the name, a receiving blanket was initially used to hold babies right after exiting their mother’s womb. However, this famous blanket has grown in popularity and now features diverse usability.
Aside from only providing warmth for your baby, you can also use receiving blankets as burp cloths or substitutes for changing mats. This makes it an essential item to have around the house or when going out with your baby.
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Receiving Blankets vs Swaddle Blankets
One thing that mostly confuses new parents is the difference between receiving blankets and swaddle blankets. However, this is completely understandable considering both of them are used interchangeably especially with newborns.
The difference is that both blankets feature different designs that are well customized to serve their purpose. For instance, receiving blankets are designed to withstand heavy laundering and use as well.
Receiving blankets are also applicable for a variety of temperature conditions, meaning they can work optimally under different conditions. And because they were initially created to wrap infants directly from the womb, receiving blankets are a bit smaller than the swaddle blankets.
On the other hand, swaddling blankets are flexible enough and can stretch to any size to wrap your baby appropriately. This means that you can customize one to fit your child’s size by simply stretching the blanket.
Swaddling blankets also come in different materials to accommodate different temperature conditions. Other features such as the shape and Velcro on swaddling blankets make it easy for swaddle wrapping.
Although you can use both blankets for snuggling or swaddling your newborn, you can only use the swaddling blankets for one purpose only. But like mentioned earlier, receiving blankets feature a wide array of applications.
With swaddling blankets, you can wrap up your child comfortably and prevent any unnecessary hand movements. This way your child will easily fall asleep as long as you can get the fold right.
As for receiving blankets, you get shapes that are more versatile, which you can use for multiple purposes. Therefore, if swaddling is your aim, it would be best to purchase a swaddle blanket as opposed to a receiving blanket.
But if you want a blanket that can serve many purposes and at different situations or temperature conditions, a receiving blanket will do the job perfectly.
Best Receiving Blankets
There are multiple options to choose from when it comes to picking the best receiving blankets on the market. And now that your question on what are the receiving blankets is answered, let’s look at some options for you.
- Aden and Anais
If you are into traditional swaddles, then Aden and Anais can deliver to your expectations and needs. As classic swaddle blankets, the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets feature different but still eye-catching designs.
Moreover, this swaddle package comes with four cotton material blankets alongside top comfortability and durability build as well. It also features a breathable fabric that gives your child enough space for breathing.
- Touched by Nature
Second on the list is a 100% organic cotton made receiving blanket that also has a favourable asking price. Additionally, the Touched by Nature 100% organic cotton-made baby blanket features 16 types of patterns and colours that would look cute on your child.
Another thing to love about this receiving blanket is that it is large enough for almost any use. As a result, the Touched by Nature 100% organic cotton blanket can be used as a stroller blanket or in your baby’s nursery room.
- Pottery Barn Chamois
The pottery barn chamois is one of the best stroller receiving blankets currently on the market. It’s a perfect balance for your child’s stroller blanket and delivers only the best of its potential.
Like with most ukuleles, the Pottery Barn Chamois receiving blanket also features a beautiful design. This blanket delivers accordingly and any newborn and their parents would feel at ease when using it.
Thanks to its flexibility, the Pottery Barn Chamois is top-rated as one of the best-personalized receiving blankets on the market. This blanket features a stripe reversible pattern that makes it even more pleasing to the eye.
- Copper Pearl Swaddle Blanket
The Copper Pearl swaddle blanket has grown in popularity and is now one of the most preferred blankets by new moms. A glance at it and you will definitely struggle to take your eyes off the Copper Pearl swaddle blanket.
This blanket features lush, soft, and stretchy fabric and comes in beautiful floral patterns. You will definitely love this blanket’s super-sized nature as you’ll be able to wrap up your baby well and fully.
- Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets
The Luvable Friends receiving blankets come in a pack of sevens and they are affordable. Luvable Friends receiving blankets are made from 100% pure cotton and they are soft enough for your newborn’s tender skin.
One thing you will love about these traditional style receiving blankets is their flexible sizes and durable nature. You can wrap your baby in any style and you get prolonged service from the Luvable Friends receiving blankets.
What to Do with Receiving Blankets?
Due to its large size and flexible nature, a receiving blanket can be used to serve multiple purposes for your baby. Therefore, having more around the house means you have even more advantage.
The following are some of the common uses in different applications.
- Play Mats
Infants are fond of playing especially when they are full and have a lot of energy. To keep them safe and clean, you wouldn’t want them to play around the floor or dusty sheets.
This is where the receiving blankets come in to play the role of play mats for your child. Due to their large size, receiving blankets provide your child with enough space to roll, crawl and play comfortably.
- Burp Cloths
As you may know, burp cloths are small and can only go over your shoulder for burping your baby. However, receiving blankets can also be used as alternative burp cloths for your baby.
In fact, receiving blankets offer more protection than the original burp cloths thanks to their large sizes. Moreover, you won’t need to struggle with positioning them right on your shoulder because their large size will cover a big surface area for optimal protection.
- Swaddling
Like explained earlier, there is a difference between swaddle blankets and receiving blankets. The former is used for one purpose only and that’s swaddling.
But because receiving blankets feature a wide array of use, you can also use them to swaddle your baby. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to say that you don’t necessarily need a swaddle blanket if you have receiving blankets.
Even better, the large size of receiving blankets allow you to customize your baby wrap into a sizable enough shape. With a receiving blanket, you can easily fold your child and swaddle them with comfort.
- Changing Covers
Receiving blankets make the best table changing covers whenever you need to change your baby. First, they are sizable to cover a large area of changing your youngone.
Second, receiving blankets are easy to wash and you won’t have a hard time laundering because of their soft materials. Lastly, the soft fabric material used to create receiving blankets offers more comfort than a plain changing table.
- Breast Feeding
Although you might plan or anticipate where your baby will get hungry, it doesn’t usually stay standard. Your child may get hungry unexpectedly and decide that they want to breastfeed.
It isn’t a bad thing if they do but they might demand feeding when you are out or around many people. For both you and your child’s privacy, you can make a habit of always keeping your child’s receiving blanket close to you.
This way, you can always feed them whenever by wrapping him/her and you during breastfeeding in public.
- Stroller Shade
When walking to the nearest park with your baby in a stroller, a receiving blanket can be a great way to provide them with shade from the sun. This is highly essential because your baby’s eyes are still young and sensitive towards too much light such as the sun’s rays.
So when you take them out to get some good vitamin D, remember to carry a receiving blanket for optimal protection against the sun’s rays.
- Sleep Prop
As you may know, most newborns and infants require their mother’s warmth to fall asleep. However, receiving blankets can save you from such an experience because they are also good sleep props for your baby.
Their soft and warm nature will easily provide comfort for your child and have them falling asleep in no time.
Why is It Called a Receiving Blanket?
Like mentioned earlier, the name receiving blanket comes from the fact that this is the first blanket that newborns get wrapped into after being born. It is so that the mother can officially ‘receive’ the newest member of her family.
Receiving blankets measure about 30-40 inches and they are usually made from relatively thin, cotton, and soft flannel materials. The hospital versions are the most common ones but the market is also full of different varieties, colours and styles.
Receiving blankets are affordable and they are usually sold in multi-packs. Considering their multi-purpose utility, it’s right to say that receiving blankets are very cost effective.
Selecting the Best for Your Child
Like most things, choosing the right blanket for your child requires you to take some considerations in mind. The first you need to consider is, of course, the size of the receiving blanket.
Typically, most receiving blankets measure 30 x 30 inches. This is a good size and offers you optimal flexibility to work with.
Moreover, these blankets also come in different designs, colours and materials. When it comes to considering such factors, the final decision is completely subjective to your preferences.
Fortunately, their wide variety provides every parent with something to choose from and ultimately their best pick. However, receiving blankets made from pure cotton are breathable and can soak moisture really well.
This means that your child can breathe easily and stay comfortable on a cotton made receiving blanket. Additionally, the thermal properties of receiving blankets make it warm enough for your child to have a good experience.
Most Commonly Used Sizes
As mentioned above, most receiving blankets measure about 30 inches by 30 inches. However, you can still find baby blankets that measure more than that but usually not past the 40 by 40 inches mark.
Due to their size, receiving blankets offer the best services in different applications. But if you want balanced services from a receiving blanket, it would be best to go with the one that measures 30 inches by 30 inches.
Conclusion
Receiving blankets aren’t only meant for newborns or new moms, you can also use them if you have an infant. They deliver in multiple fronts and can give your child the comfort he/she deserves.
Overall, the baby receiving blanket is an essential accessory to have with you close by at all times. Additionally, you should have many around just to have some with you when laundering others.
And with different varieties on the market, you can always find a receiving blanket that suits your preferences. As for functionality, receiving blankets are advantageous in several ways.
You can use them in different applications thanks to their flexibility and sizable nature. Receiving blankets offer your child extra warmth, more breathability, and you can change them depending on temperature conditions.
