What you need to know when choosing a blanket for your baby

The birth of a baby is a holiday that brings a lot of worries, because parents must choose clothes, toys, and bedding. Since the child will spend a lot of time in a crib or stroller, he should be surrounded by natural things. A blanket for a newborn, a sheet, a pillow, a pillowcase - all this should be light, soft, warm. You can find out about other characteristics below.

What types exist

Once on the bed linen market, you can get confused, especially for parents of their first child. The large number of types, colors, and sizes is impressive, but you need to choose several from all of them: summer, winter, demi-season. For babies up to six months old, it will be comfortable to lie in a cocoon blanket for newborns, which supports the unformed posture correctly.

Manufacturers offer the following products that differ in filler:

• downy;
• woolen;
• synthetic;
• linen;
• flannelette;
• silk;
• fleece;
• fur;
• cotton wool;
• calico;
• bamboo.

To save money, you can buy transformable blankets for a newborn - these things have 2 different sides: summer and winter.

To save money, you can make the right thing from available materials. For summer, a loose knitted blanket for a newborn, created by the mother’s hands, will be nicer than a store-bought one. To make it you need yarn, knitting needles and imagination.

A patchwork blanket for a newborn or “Bonbon blanket” can be made at home from leftover fabric. A good option is a piece in the patchwork style, which can be made in the form of a cartoon character, animal, car, decorating the upper part accordingly.

Crib set

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The crib set includes:

• bed sheets;
• blanket and pillow;
• lining-sides;
• bedding set.

Set for a crib with sides

For a newborn, it will be enough to have two sets of high-quality, natural bed linen; in addition, you can purchase several sheets, since they get dirty quickly, or diapers.

The linen is made of cotton, it should have a pleasant, not too bright color, there should be no ruffles, ties or loops so that the baby does not get entangled in small details. It is important that the fabric does not fade after washing.

Summer

When it’s hot outside, you should not wrap your newborn in insulated clothes, this can cause a rash and skin problems, because overheating is more dangerous to health than freezing. The item should be light, made of fabrics pleasant to the touch, breathable, and hygroscopic.

Baykovoe

They are made from natural raw materials, so they:

• hypoallergenic;
• allow air to pass through;
• weightless;
• soft;
• beautiful;
• machine washable;
• serve for a long time;
• not electrified.

The cost of flannel clothes is low, which allows parents to save money.

Calico

Calico blankets are environmentally friendly and made from natural ingredients. Things made from calico have the following characteristics:

• a light weight;
• long service life;
• does not wrinkle.

Fleece

This knitted fabric maintains a comfortable temperature, making it suitable for newborns. The advantages include:

• light weight;
• ease of care;
• dries well.

Fleece blankets for babies attract dust and can cause rashes in newborns. To protect the child, you need to regularly empty the bedspread, ventilate it, and wash it.

Care Tips

Baby blankets for newborns require careful care to prevent them from becoming hard. To increase the service life, you should use the following tips:

1. It is better to wash thick synthetic products by hand to avoid deformation of the material and disruption of the structure.
2. When washed in a machine, blankets made from camel wool, goat wool, and cashmere models change the structure of the fibers. The distance between them is decreasing.
3. It is recommended to regularly dry and ventilate things to avoid the appearance of ticks.
4. Bamboo products are ventilated in the sun, draft, and also vacuumed.
5. Only linen, cotton and fleece blankets can be machine washed on the delicate cycle. It is better to use baby powder or soap.
6. It is not advisable to twist it. The water should drain, then lightly squeeze out the excess moisture.
7. It is better to dry clean a blanket made of natural down; machine washing is prohibited.
8. Do not iron or dry near a heater or open fire, as this damages the fiber structure.

When a baby is born, parents should worry about purchasing a spare blanket, since baby clothes are often washed. Items made of wool should only be stored in a breathable cover. Plastic packaging can harbor moths.

The right choice and care of a blanket will help raise a healthy baby.

© 2021 textiletrend.ru

Winter

The main indicators for winter clothes are warmth and breathability. In winter, it is easy to overheat your baby, because a winter blanket for a newborn is designed for sub-zero temperatures, and using it indoors is not cost-effective.

Young parents can look at the double-sided bedspreads that are used in winter and summer. Transformable blankets for newborns are a godsend for thrifty people. When buying such a thing, you should determine the size correctly, because it will be used for more than one year

Woolen

They are made from camel or sheep wool. There are also goat products and llama-alpaca products. These things are very warm, so you shouldn’t use them in the summer. Wool blankets for newborns in the form of a quilted bedspread are a better option, because the wool is distributed and fixed evenly, does not cake, and does not bunch up. Advantages:

• light weight;
• heat;
• long service life;
• hygroscopicity;
• allows air to pass through.

If a child develops a rash after using a woolen product, it should be changed immediately. A sheep's wool blanket, among all similar things, is the most inexpensive product. Since natural wool is used, there is a high probability that moths will appear.

Down

The down of waterfowl is used as a filler for such bedspreads. The blanket can be made of swan, goose, or loon down. Downy things are:

• lightweight, for warm weather;
• cassette for cold weather;
• demi-season bedspreads for the spring-autumn period.

Characteristics:

• light weight;
• allows air to pass through well;
• warms well.

A down-based blanket should be used at a temperature of 16-18 degrees. In warmer rooms, its use may result in overheating. The big drawback of things made from fluff is that they contain quite a nutritious environment for microorganisms that can cause allergies.

Down is one of the fillers that is used in transformable blankets, insulating the winter side, which allows things to transform. Poor air circulation caused by tight padding can cause your baby to overheat, so be careful.

Synthetic

They are made from padding polyester, holofiber, isosoft, and comforter. They are harmless, have different shapes and sizes. There can be standard geometric shapes, in the form of animals, transformers. Most parents prefer natural materials, but they can cause allergic rashes, so for such cases there is a synthetic blanket for newborns. Advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• light weight;
• ease of care.
• The disadvantages of artificial fillers are that they do not allow air to pass through well, there is a high risk of overheating, and they do not allow enough moisture to pass through.

Bamboo

Advantages:

• do not cause allergies;
• pleasant to the touch;
• antibacterial;
• do not spoil the appearance from numerous washes;
• serve for a long time.

The disadvantage can be considered high cost.

Cotton

Natural material – cotton – is used to fill things. Characteristics of cotton products:

• warms well;
• environmentally friendly;
• hypoallergenic;
• serve for a long time.

Flaws:

• heavy weight;
• takes a long time to dry;
• difficult to wash;
• absorbs odors;
• gets into clumps.

A wadded cotton blanket is not suitable for everyday use.

Quilted

A practical type of bedspread in which the filling is fixed with threads to reduce the risk of it moving out and clumping into lumps. In quilted products, the filling is sewn to a cover made of natural or artificial material.

Accessories

Accessories for blankets for newborns include wide ribbons, round bows or a mix of both (belt-bow). Such additions add elegance to the blanket; they are especially in demand when leaving the hospital or going for a walk.

In addition to decorations, blankets are complemented by a functional and practical accessory - a duvet cover. It gives any product a neat appearance, protects it from natural contamination and thereby extends its service life. In addition to functionality, a duvet cover makes the blanket warmer and the interior atmosphere cozy and conducive to sleep.

Depending on the gender of the child, the color of the accessories can be blue (for a boy) or pink (for a girl). Although manufacturers often offer universal options, made in white, yellow, green and other pastel colors.

What to look for when choosing

Blankets for newborns are an important attribute of the crib. It is used as a softening pillow when the child begins to stand up, like a toy, hiding under it. The bedspread should be natural, pleasant to the touch, and not cause allergies. Characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing:

1. Seasonality. A summer item for the warm season, a winter item for the cold season. If you use one thing in winter and summer, the risk of overheating or hypothermia increases for the baby.
2. Safety. The bedspread should not contain toxic substances, dyes used to soften fabrics to give them a marketable appearance, or questionable fillers.
3. A temperature that is stable in the room.
4. The filler should not become a breeding ground for the development of microorganisms. Among such materials are fluff and cotton wool.
5. Size. The bedspread must be selected based on the size of the crib. A thing that is too big will crumple and create discomfort for the baby, a small thing will slide off.
6. Comfort of use. Soft blankets for the crib are preferable to hard and hard ones. You also need to make sure that the thing does not prick - the baby will probably not like the “biting” blanket.
7. Ease. Since this is a thing for a child, it must fit so that the child can take it off on his own if he gets hot or the parents don’t arrive in time.
8. Hypoallergenic. This is one of the most important parameters, since the baby will spend more than 12 hours on the blanket.
9. Moisture exchange. In an unforeseen situation, the item should dry quickly after washing.
10. Air permeability is an important parameter for a baby - his body must breathe.

The listed properties depend on the filler, and only softness depends on the upper fabric.

Arrangement of a sleeping place

Sound sleep is a vital necessity for a baby, which is why it is so important to properly arrange the crib. The sleeping area can be made cozy by equipping:

1. moderately firm mattress;
2. a blanket of suitable size and warmth (summer, demi-season, winter);
3. a small flat pillow (as prescribed by the therapist);
4. thick bedding (sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, pajamas);
5. educational mobile (ready-made or homemade);
6. night light with soft radiation.

It is better to choose a crib and buy bedding in advance - while the mother and baby are in the maternity hospital.

• 3-4 sets of sheets and duvet covers are enough (if you have a modern washing machine and use diapers). Cotton products are preferred; they can be machine washed with baby or anti-allergenic powder.
• You need to purchase a blanket for a baby crib in two copies, it will have to be washed often (once every two to three weeks), and in winter it will take a long time to dry - a spare one will definitely come in handy.
• The mobile should be hung up by 1.5 months of life, when the newborn begins to follow moving objects with its eyes. It is advisable to have a spare set of toys so that you can change them periodically (once a week or two). Having woken up ahead of time, the baby will be able to get carried away by observation and fall back into sleep.

Babies' best dreams come from blankets that are warm but not bulky. In 80% of cases, the standard size, available in any children's store, is suitable. The blanket should be designed specifically for newborns in order to provide secure coverage and not be pressed with weight. The choice of filler depends on the time of year and temperature conditions in the apartment.

Common sizes

The bedspread comes in different shapes, colors, and sizes. To buy a product that will be comfortable for your child, you should measure the crib before visiting the store. The size of a blanket for newborns should be slightly larger than the sleeping area.

If the baby is more active, there is a high chance that he will cover himself completely if the blanket is large. To prevent this, there are side clamps. A short or narrow blanket will constantly slide down, revealing the baby. You should choose according to age and height.

Sides

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Sides are an essential component of a baby crib. Fencing of the sleeping area can be:

• solid;
• rack and pinion

The slatted sides are attached to the crossbars, and the solid ones cover one side entirely. The most popular today are slatted structures that help protect the baby from falling and help him explore the world around him. Air circulation is better with slatted sides.

Rules for choosing a crib with slatted sides:

• between the rods the distance is 5-6 cm, no more;
• from the edge of the side to the berth - at least 45 cm.

Padded sides, cotton linings

The sides are made of wood, plastic, metal, the most popular are rounded rods.

Interesting. To ensure that the baby is protected from bruises and his legs and arms do not fall between the slats, special soft pads are used - cushion sides.

They are made from:

• fabrics,
• plastic,
• silicone.

These pads are attached to the slats using ribbon ties. Silicone types are placed on the edges of the sides and protect the baby from injuries to the oral cavity when he begins to chew everything around him.

There are some opinions that there should not be additional padding on the sides; they are contraindicated. Also, most pediatricians answer negatively to the question of whether a baby can and should sleep on a pillow - this can have negative consequences for his health.

Additional Information. In rare cases, precisely because of the presence of these accessories, a sudden stop in breathing occurred when the baby, burying his nose in a pillow or side, suffocated. Since the baby begins to roll over only at 3-4 months, some pediatricians recommend eliminating the presence of these attributes in the cradle.

Some crib models allow you to remove one side of the bed. In this case, you can move the baby’s crib to the parent’s bed. This makes the process of night feedings easier and allows the mother to sleep more peacefully.

How to properly wrap a newborn

Choosing a blanket is half the battle, because you still need to learn how to wrap a child in it. You can read below how to do this correctly, but now a few tips that will simplify the wrapping process.

Useful tips:

• wrapping your baby in a square-shaped blanket is easier, because creating symmetry becomes an easy task;
• the item should have a small margin in size - 80x80 or 90x90 cm for checkout, for further use 90x120 or 90x140 cm;
• wrapping a child in thin material is easier;
• To prevent the baby from opening up during a walk, you can first wrap him in a diaper;
• In winter, a newborn should be wrapped in two blankets.

How to properly wrap a newborn in a blanket for a walk:

• spread the dressing tape on a flat surface and place a blanket on it diagonally;
• place a diaper with lace on top, orienting the pattern towards the head;
• lay the baby diagonally, checking that there are no folds under the back;
• the upper corner should be rolled up around the head to make an air pocket;
• press the left handle to the body, fixing it with the right edge;
• Tuck the rest of the material under the back, avoiding folds;
• lift the bottom corner and tuck it behind the baby’s right shoulder;
• Wrap the baby in the left corner, securing the envelope with tape.

Subtleties of color (open models)

Oddly enough, the color of the blanket is of great importance: bright and aggressive colors can scare a baby, while gentle pastel shades create a welcoming atmosphere.

In addition, it is important to take into account the “warmth” of the shade: an incorrectly chosen tone (especially a cold one) can affect the mood, causing crying or whims. Sunny, cheerful drawings develop a positive attitude towards everything around you.

What you can do with your own hands

You can make blankets for a newborn with your own hands. To work you will need fabric, a sewing machine, stuffing, decorations and imagination. One side of the finished product should be made of cotton fabric so that the child is comfortable.

To make a lace bedspread, just add lace fabric to one corner. The cutting and sewing technique is the same as for a regular product of this type. You can make a pattern on the outside or buy a ready-made one in a store and sew it on.

Making a quilt for newborns with your own hands is also easy; you can use master classes. It is better to use artificial material as a filler - it is easier to stitch. Another option is a high-quality sewing machine.

If knitting has become a habit, then a blanket for a child will not be a problem. It is better to make the inner side from a fabric that is pleasant to the touch, because a knitted one will leave imprints on the baby’s sensitive back. You can create any patterns and shapes with knitting needles. Knitted blankets with bears are very popular.

A good option for thrifty housewives is to sew a patchwork quilt. It can be made from small pieces of fabric, sewn in a specific sequence to create patterns.

Stroller or sling

For walks you need a stroller or sling. When choosing a stroller, make sure that in addition to a waterproof diaper, there is a warm blanket at the bottom. The wind should not blow into the stroller, but air should get in there: for this, special canopies are most often already provided. If a protective canopy or cape is not provided, you can replace it with a light blanket. In winter, the stroller can also be replaced with a sled, observing the same requirements for their use as for the stroller.

A few tricks

It is very important for all parents to remember that overheating can harm newborns much more than hypothermia. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing two blankets for a newborn baby’s crib: a warm one and a lighter one.

If the temperature in your home is unstable, for example, too low before turning on the heating, it is best to get an extra blanket. By covering your baby with it on top of a warm blanket, you can be sure that he will not freeze and will feel great.

If there is high humidity in the children's room, it is best to give preference to natural wool, but if it is low, synthetic materials will be the ideal option.

If your baby develops an allergy, you should immediately change the blanket; you should not hope that everything will go away. Over time, the situation will only get worse.

Cotton blankets, as mentioned above, are too heavy for a newborn, and down blankets are very difficult to care for. Dry cleaning will be required to thoroughly clean them.

Modern synthetics are absolutely safe and very convenient; in this case, you should not be afraid of this “scary” word.

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Children under one year old

Pediatricians advise not only to forget about the blanket, but also to remove soft bumpers and toys from the crib. Children under one year of age are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the cause of which has not yet been determined. Doctors are inclined to believe that this is due to suffocation. Foreign objects in a baby's crib can lead to irreversible consequences:

1. The child may bury his face in a blanket or toy. This will block the flow of oxygen into the baby's body, and he may suffocate. Babies will not be able to roll over or call for help.
2. Newborns have not yet adjusted their thermoregulation. Blankets or items that are too warm can cause your body to overheat. This in turn may lead to the risk of SIDS.
3. If the blanket accidentally covers the newborn's face, the child will not be able to remove it. Which in turn can also lead to asphyxia.