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Every person in the modern world knows what a colossal role a comfortable night’s sleep plays in a person’s life and health. In particular, this factor is extremely important for small children who spend most of their time sleeping. Many parents begin to think about how to organize a comfortable sleeping place for their baby long before he is born, and this is absolutely the right decision. The task may be overwhelming for young parents, since the range offered by current manufacturers is incredibly extensive, and it can be very difficult to decide without outside help.
You will have to take into account the size of a baby blanket for newborns in a crib, for discharge, and just for walks in cold weather, so it is worth paying enough attention and time to the issue. This is exactly what we will talk about in our article, because here we will have to take into account many different factors, from the size of the crib, stroller or bed linen, to the possibility of placing them in a storage closet.
Specifics and main characteristics of envelopes for newborns
From the photo of the envelope blanket you can always evaluate the main advantages of this thing. First of all, it performs the function of outerwear, which means protection from external influences.
Regardless of when the baby was born, in winter or summer, it is necessary to purchase a blanket envelope. The difference will be in the types of materials from which these accessories are sewn.
What is the outer side of transformable blankets made of?
The blanket should not only look aesthetically pleasing, but also be highly practical and durable. The product will protect a small, completely new person from the horrors of the outside world, everything that is still unusual for him - wind, cold and other factors. That is why the textile “wrapper” must be highly resistant to tearing, wear, moisture and wind, keep warm, and be easy to care for.
Popular fabrics for making the outside of baby blankets:
- Velvet is a soft, elegant and aesthetic fabric with pile, which is made using the cut method. The material is painted in various colors, decorated with embossing and decorative elements. The surface of the fabric shimmers beautifully and, despite its softness, has a dense texture. Velvet is a strong, warm fabric, durable and very attractive in appearance.
- Plush - this material is considered a subspecies of velvet and is distinguished by an elongated one-sided pile, which can reach up to 16 mm in length. Traditionally, plush is used to make blankets and soft toys. The fabric is mainly made from pure cotton, so it is safe for health and is often used to create baby blankets. There are wool varieties. Unlike velvet (in addition to its length), plush pile is less dense.
- Fleece is a textile material that was originally designed to imitate natural sheepskin. Now it is made from polyester, a synthetic fiber. Fleece is very warm (this property remains even when wet), while being light and elastic. When wet, the fabric dries quickly and is mechanically durable. Despite the fact that fleece is a synthetic fabric, it is safe and does not cause allergies.
- Wool is a traditional insulating material of animal origin. Wool serves as raw material for many fabrics. This is a lightweight, reliable, warming material. Wool is soft, retains heat, absorbs moisture, allows air to pass through, and massages the skin. The most commonly used wool is sheep, goats, camels, and llamas. Thanks to animal wax and lanolin, the material has a beneficial effect on the skin. However, it is necessary to ensure that the wool blanket does not cause an allergy in the child, because wool is one of the common causative agents of this manifestation of the sensitivity of the immune system.
Old fashioned or following modern fashion?
A discharge blanket is not an ordinary thing. However, before, upon discharge, newborns were swaddled and wrapped in a regular blanket laid out in a diamond shape, tied with a blue or pink bow, and covered with the remaining corner of the baby’s head.
Nowadays there is a huge selection of envelope blankets, specially sewn for ease of use on discharge and during future walks.
Different brands of baby blankets
In Russia there are many manufacturers of envelope blankets, which can be purchased in online stores and through direct sale. One such option is the Bunker Fleece, which is suitable for all seasons and has the characteristics of lightness, warmth and durability. The child will feel not only warm but also comfortable in such an envelope.
Another manufacturer presented its version of the envelope called Red Castle Babynomade. It is made of fleece and cotton. Its softness is transmitted to the baby and gives a comfortable feeling. The comfortable hood is designed to protect the child's head from wind and bad weather. The envelope has Velcro fasteners that allow you to swaddle your baby in a suitable manner. All materials are exclusively environmentally friendly and safe for health.
What to consider when buying a baby envelope
No, this is not a tribute to fashion, but rather following the rules of practicality. When purchasing an envelope for checkout, it is important to take into account the seasonality, functionality of the item, the quality and safety of the materials from which it is made, and aesthetics.
By the way, as for the color of the product, today it is no longer necessary to buy a blue or blue envelope for boys, and a pink one for girls. Colors such as green, chocolate, burgundy, beige, vanilla and even white are held in high esteem.
Choosing an envelope depending on the gender of the child
Envelope for children - the pattern is selected not only according to the time of year, material, but also according to the gender of the child. If you believe the signs, then an envelope that is correctly selected for a boy and a girl will help them develop faster and get on the right path. Otherwise, the boy will be feminine and the girl will be masculine.
For girl
The fabric should be either white or in warm, light, pastel colors. It can be peach, soft pink, caramel, purple, lilac, coral, yellow and so on. It is fashionable to decorate with lace, sparkles, and rhinestones. At the bottom of the envelope, as a rule, they tie it with two pink ribbons, so that it is immediately clear that it is a girl. You can also decorate with different stickers and bows.
Beautiful - for my dear baby
This season there is a fashion for children's envelopes with stickers and sewn-on designs. For a girl it can be angels, the sun, flowers, butterflies, princesses, hearts.
Stores sell craft kits and decorations. The master can suggest how best to decorate this particular envelope.
You might be interested in: The reasons for missing stitches when sewing with a sewing machine and how to repair them
For boy
The boy is the future man, the head of the family. He must be strong, courageous, resilient, smart and rich. His envelope should be in cool colors, mainly blue, light blue, dark purple or white, a standard color. You can decorate it with different designs in the form of cars, boats, tanks, balls and so on.
To ensure that everything is always good financially in a child’s life, relatives or parents put money in the hood.
For a boy
There is also a tradition that a seal cut from the extract is placed in an envelope created for a boy or a girl. You can also put a tag that indicates the date, name, height, weight and everything else.
What to buy for the unstable mid-season
From the beginning of October, and in some regions of the country even in September, it gets significantly colder. As autumn comes into its own, the weather is unsettled.
In this case, it is better to purchase an insulated version of the blanket for the newborn’s discharge. These are equipped with insulation based on fleece and flannel. It is advisable to choose a demi-season option rather than a winter one.
Note!
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Openwork model with satin ribbon
You can make a light, delicate blanket for the summer using a crochet hook yourself. For a child, this will be the best gift from a loving mother or grandmother. It is better to choose a universal yarn color - white, milky. This color suits both sexes. Making a blanket takes a lot of time. We use step-by-step instructions for this.
- Preparation of materials. When choosing yarn, we take into account the composition. It should be natural with a small percentage of artificial fibers. This composition will make the product resistant to washing. You will also need hook No. 2 and a satin ribbon. The tape must be taken with a reserve - about 6 meters.
- Knitting. We are looking for suitable patterns for the canvas itself, the binding. The optimal size of the finished product will be 92x114 centimeters. You can choose the schemes to your liking.
- Decoration. The finished product can be decorated with ribbon. Tie bows in the corners. If desired, you can decorate the openwork blanket with beautiful stripes.
Note! It is better not to use beads as decoration. When the baby grows up, he can tear off the bead and swallow it.
If the baby was born in severe winter
For winter, you need an exceptionally warm version of the blanket. A product based on holofiber, a thick layer of padding polyester, and natural fur will be practical.
It is advisable that the outer layer of the envelope be made of raincoat fabric. This product is practically windproof and retains heat very well. The baby will be comfortable in it.
Materials
An important issue for choosing a high-quality and convenient envelope is its material. Different materials are needed for insulation, interior and exterior. Important qualities for the inside are softness, hypoallergenicity, strength, ease of cleaning, and hygiene. Therefore, cotton fabrics are often used - satin, calico, flannel, knitwear. For the outside, hygroscopic fabrics are chosen that store heat, don’t get dirty and are easy to care for - plush, fleece, velvet, wool, raincoat fabric. As insulation, the choice falls on materials with high air conductivity, good heat retention, hypoallergenic and do not require dry cleaning - holofiber, down, silicone, synthetic winterizer, and sometimes wool.
Materials from which the blanket should be made
It is desirable that both the top and the lining are made of natural fabrics. Synthetic ones can provoke hives and even severe allergies. All you need is a cotton lining.
Moreover, you should definitely check the quality of the envelope fittings. All fasteners or buttons should function perfectly. Rivets, hooks, and zippers should not be attached to the baby’s face or head, so as not to injure the delicate skin.
Additional accessories
Some models can be supplemented with the following accessories: a small pillow and a mattress. The only pillows welcome are flat, double-sided (plain on one side, decorative on the other), made of hypoallergenic fabrics. The filling of the mattress should be made from coconut shavings, also without harmful impurities.
What kind of insulation should you buy a blanket for discharge?
It is important that it is hygroscopic, well breathable, and odorless. Bamboo insulation has high-quality characteristics. Envelopes are produced on sheepskin.
Note!
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Natural wool, if it is specially processed, is recommended by experts as the optimal insulation option for a baby blanket. It does not cause allergic reactions and retains heat well.
An approximate algorithm for choosing a blanket for a newborn
Choosing a baby envelope blanket depending on the season and desired color
- Determine the season. You can use the transformable blanket until you reach eight months. Calculate what seasons will be at this time based on your date of birth. If your baby stays for several seasons, you can find or sew your own blanket with a changing lining, similar to an insulated duvet cover, where you can put different linings depending on the weather.
- Don't forget about the weather in your area. Don't look blindly at the season.
- Determine the size.
- Choose hypoallergenic materials that are easy to wash and dry quickly.
- When you first pick up a baby from the hospital, you want to choose a beautiful envelope. Don't be fooled by the ruffles and bows that don't come off the blanket - all this beauty will be difficult to keep clean. Better pay attention to ribbons and brooches. They look no less elegant and are easy to remove.
Synthetic insulation
They are safe, but not all. You should read what is written on the product label. If it is indicated that the filler is synthetic, but has passed all tests and the product itself is certified, such a product should be given preference.
There is only one drawback: the filler often comes off after washing. Therefore, you need to be careful about the process of cleaning the blanket and follow the instructions for washing such products.
Blanket sizes for discharge and outdoor walks
You should not buy a product taking into account the rapid growth of the baby. You need to purchase a blanket exactly according to the baby’s parameters. In the future, you can use a warm blanket or blanket, depending on the time of year. In addition, the blanket is easy to use for a crib or stroller.
For winter, it is worth buying a larger envelope, counting on an additional layer of diapers or baby clothes.
Note!
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Blanket “Braids” with fur lining
A soft and warm chunky knit blanket with a braided pattern is insulated with a fur lining
Warm knitted blankets for discharge can be lined with natural or faux fur. Among mothers, models with classic knitting in the form of braids are popular. This model is equally good for boys and girls. It is suitable for spring, autumn, winter periods. Fur can protect your baby from colds and cold winds. Classic braiding is always relevant and looks attractive. It is not difficult to make yourself. Making this blanket yourself is quite easy. A fur-lined braid blanket will not only decorate your discharge from the maternity hospital. It will be useful in the future life of the baby. It can be used to cover a crib, stroller, or car seat.
A warm children's blanket with a fluffy soft lining is recommended for the cold season
Transforming models
These blankets have a detachable lining to “turn” this item into a demi-season option. There are products that transform into a comfortable jumpsuit. It's very practical.
The baby is growing quickly and may need special outerwear in just a couple of months. A transformer item will last longer than standard models of clothes or overalls.
Structure, fastenings, mechanisms for transforming blankets
A transformable blanket is a rectangular or square textile product that can be rolled into a convenient envelope for a baby. There are the following methods for fixing edges:
- Ribbons are aesthetic textile ties that are a decorative element. The tapes are safe, they do not contain any hard parts, the tightness of the fixation can be easily adjusted, and if necessary, they can be easily replaced. However, the ribbons require additional time and may not untie in time.
- “Zipper” is a reliable and proven fastener that allows you to fasten an envelope in an instant. Made from metal and plastic. The presence of a “zipper” makes it very convenient to use the envelope, however, as a blanket, the clasp is not entirely safe and can injure the baby’s skin. If a transformable blanket with a zipper breaks, you will have to take it to a workshop for repairs.
- Buttons are a quick and easy way to fasten the product. Buttons are available in plastic and metal. They are difficult to replace yourself without skills and tools.
- Buttons are a traditional, safe way of fastening. They are easy to replace, but require a lot of time to button and unfasten the blanket.
- Velcro – used as an additional element of fixation. On its own, this is not a very reliable mount.
Often, transformable blankets contain additional pockets in their design that allow you to wrap a child’s head, like a hood, as well as his legs.
Rules for purchasing an envelope for discharge
It is advisable to purchase such products in specialized stores. Before you buy something you like, you should carefully inspect it and check all the fasteners several times. The material should be pleasant to the body, the seams should be soft.
It is important not to buy models stuffed with natural wool, down or cotton wool. A newborn may be allergic, and parents will not be able to use such an envelope.
You can make the envelope yourself
It is not difficult to sew an envelope blanket with your own hands. It is only important to take into account some parameters and rules. You need to choose only high-quality materials. You should make a pattern correctly or use ready-made patterns.
The blanket can be knitted. It is important that the threads are made from wool and processed so that products made from them can be used for newborns. When creating an envelope or blanket for discharge yourself, the expectant mother should remember about the baby’s health, and secondarily think about the practicality of the blanket.
A set of things for discharge from the hospital
When leaving the hospital, new parents should not only ensure that they have a first-class envelope, but also not forget about other important elements of this solemn procedure. Balloons, flowers, guests and video shooting are the dad’s concern, but how to dress up the baby is a question for which the mother is responsible. Let's list everything in order:
- Diaper. Not every mother has a positive attitude towards such a wardrobe element, but in the maternity hospital and during discharge it will be an important attribute. To make your child feel comfortable and not spoil the whole celebration, it is better to use a diaper.
- Socks. Even if you are checking out in the summer, wear light socks for your baby. Newborns feel better when their feet are warm. To ensure that the baby sleeps well, sometimes mothers put a warm heating pad on their feet.
- A vest and rompers or overalls. Before wrapping the baby in an envelope, put the prepared set on it. The material should be soft, without toxic dyes and hypoallergenic, the seams should be outward.
- Cap. In the summer, a cotton cap is suitable; for autumn, winter and spring, you need to take insulated, thick hats.
- Anti-scratch. It is very difficult to cut the nails of newborn babies, and in the maternity hospital there is nothing to do. To prevent your baby from scratching himself, it is better to be careful and put anti-scratch pads on his hands.
Try to take into account every little detail, and then your baby will feel great, and you will remember this wonderful day for a long time.
