Babies have slightly different bedding to older kids and adults, because there is a risk they can overheat under duvets. Lets find out how you can use your little ones first blanket over and over. You can use a receiving blanket to swaddle, and its as simple as mastering the fold. Both are made from light and breathable fabrics, both are used to swaddle a baby and both are for the newborn days. Ruchelle has a vast experience working with clients in hospitality, health and wellness, entertainment, real estate, and retail. Shopping for baby stuff and wondering what the difference is between a receiving blanket and swaddle? Trim off the selvedges from the fabric and cut it into a squared rectangle. Fill out our contact form to leave us a message or request a call back! Swaddling blankets are made out of a more elastic material to make it easier to wrap your baby. You should also use caution and supervise your baby when using them in the car seat or stroller, so that they dont restrict breathing or cause overheating. While its perfectly acceptable to use each type of blanket for swaddling or just snuggling, some of these features may make one preferable over the other for your intended use. Follow these tips when using a blanket for your baby. It is soft and lightweight and is slightly larger than usual receiving blankets with the size 36x36. So youll need some practice to master the art of swaddling with a receiving blanket. Draw the bottom corner of the blanket straight up and fold up till it reaches the babys neck. For the first few months of your infants life, keeping them warm and helping their body to maintain a normal temperature is essential, so many. And believe me, youll love them right away. If you want to hold on to your babys first blanket, then you will always find a reason for it. When your baby is young, receiving blankets are good for the following: When baby gets a bit older, you want them to be able to stretch out their arms and discover their fingers and surroundings. Parenting.Firstcry.com accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or misrepresentations. Instead of simply saving your babys receiving blankets as a commemorative item, you can patch together differently patterned blankets to create a beautiful new quilt. Unlike receiving blankets, which are multifunctional and can be used for so many different purposes, swaddles with wings are designed the way that they can be used only for swaddling. Swaddle blankets come in many different forms. A baby shawl is a square or rectangular type of blanket made from wool, cashmere, merino or cotton. How to Select the Right Receiving Blanket for Your Child. So a receiving blanket can be used as a swaddle blanket. So this was traditionally the first blanket a baby was wrapped in. Find out how you can use your little ones receiving blanket. Theyre usually inexpensive and sold in multi-packs for less than $10. When you and your baby are on the go, you can quickly convert this comfy blanket into a convenient changing area for him or her. Would your baby need a receiving blanket? You may find the temperature of babys room will drop overnight, so you may want to add a blanket before you go to bed. I do all the research so you dont have to. Over the course of your pregnancy and preparation period for your newborn baby, youve probably come to realize there are a lot more baby products on the market than you realized. When tucking your baby in, remember to make sure blankets are tucked below babys shoulder level and their feet are at the bottom of the bed, so that they cannot wriggle under the covers. You also acknowledge that owing to the limited nature of communication possible on interactive elements on the site, any assistance, or response you receive is provided by the author alone. If youre venturing out with your newborn, theres no need to load up the diaper bag with too many extra items. Should you have any concerns about your health, or of that of your baby or child, please consult with your doctor. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2020, Infant weighted blankets and sleep sacks are available in stores, but are they safe? American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that swaddling is stopped when the baby is 2 months old or with the first sign of rolling. And youve every right to keep it, after all, it will bring back the memories of your babys first day. If all of this looks daunting then buy a pre-made swaddle that you pop baby in just like a sleeping bag! Place babys left arm alongside their body and take the left hand side of the swaddle and pull it across babys chest over their arm. Here are some options for you to choose from: I hope Ive answered all your lingering questions on receiving blankets but if you have more feel free to ask in the comments and Ill get back to you with more info. etc, etc. You might also use receiving blankets for the following: As with all blankets, receiving blankets should not be placed in the crib with your baby during sleep. Although their primary purpose is to wrap the baby, they can be used throughout your babys first year. SAVE WHAT IS A RECEIVING BLANKET? Check out these ideas for even more inspiration on how to reuse old receiving blankets! There are lots of interesting ways you can repurpose your receiving blankets. . Receiving blankets act like an oversized burp cloth, and you are all neat and clean. WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? I believe with the right resources at hand any mom can give her child the best start in life. The familiar scent and warmth will provide comfort to your baby and he will fall asleep in it in a matter of minutes. Simple and Fun Things to Do With a Toddler, 6 in 1 Vaccination Can Help a Newborn Fight 6 Serious Diseases in One Shot, Mama Knows Best: New Motherhood and Our Challenges With Breastfeeding, A Day in Life of a Father in the Parenthood Journey, These Habits Are What Helped Me Keep My Breastmilk Supply Constant, How to Deal With Unsolicited Advice as a New Mom, 100 Strong and Powerful Last Names or Surnames, This Lifestyle Quiz by an Expert Will Tell You If You Eat for Your Body or Mind. or. Since I want to make sure that her child will feel as cozier and as comfortable as possible, I will be sure to shop for at least two swaddle blankets. If youre a first-time mom you might not be quite sure what a receiving blanket is. Try wrapping up a baby doll or a stuffed animal toy before you swaddle your child. , a regular burp cloth might not provide enough coverage. Receiving blankets are perfect for blocking the wind on a stroller ride or keeping the baby warm in their car seat. etc, etc. 6 in 1 Vaccination Can Help a Newborn Fight 6 Serious Types of Annual Flu Vaccination: Why & When Should Your Child , ! It is usually made of flannel, cotton, or muslin. It sure was helpful when you said that swaddled come with wings that are used in order to swaddle babies. Sewing together old, is a great way to create a cozy first comforter for your child, that they can use as a keepsake for years to come, For the crafty parent, receiving blankets can provide the perfect material for new pillows. The very first blanket that many families receive their baby snuggled up in is called a receiving blanket. Full of tips, record sheets, checklists and handy reminders to help you in every trimester! The major difference between the two is their size. Sewing together old flannel receiving blankets is a great way to create a cozy first comforter for your child that they can use as a keepsake for years to come. 2010-2021 Parenting.FirstCry.com. Receiving blankets are one of the most useful items you can buy and are available in an assortment of fabrics and designs for both boys and girls. designed to throw over your shoulder when burping your baby after a feeding, receiving blankets can serve the same purpose. They come in a range of materials and designs. If you want to make it extra special, you can always make one yourself. Throw a receiving blanket in the bag and let it double as a burp cloth while youre out and about. Being soft and thin, they are easy to cut through, so no hassle there! While most moms dont prefer using their babies first blanket for cleaning purpose because of sentimental value attached to them, but if you dont mind, you can use your little ones first blanket for cleaning his spit-ups or to wipe liquid spills on the surface. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Throw a receiving blanket in the bag and let it double as a burp cloth while youre out and about. Also do consider that youll be swaddling your baby for only 2 months. For your easy shopping, this post contains affiliate links. While receiving blankets are designed in a square or rectangular shape, swaddle blankets are created in a smaller shape with two winged sides to more easily swaddle your newborn. While youve probably thought about or already purchased burp cloths designed to throw over your shoulder when burping your baby after a feeding, receiving blankets can serve the same purpose. Soft, washable fabric or flannel 1 yard. I have a special love for sleep sacks and have all the information for you on, The Luvable Friends cotton flannel receiving blankets, Another great option of high-quality affordable receiving blankets is this. Baby blankets are both adorable and functional. Blankets made out of pure cotton are ideal as they are breathable and soak up moisture readily without making it uncomfortable for your baby. EVERYTHING A NEW PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW TO YOUR FAVORITE BABY PINTEREST BOARD. Sometimes receiving blankets are used to swaddle babies, but there is a major difference between this type of covering and a. . Any tips or life hacks when swaddling your baby? As receiving blankets are made of soft materials like cotton, muslin, or flannel, they keep the baby cozy after a warm bath. Depending on the hospital youll be delivering in you might receive a couple of receiving blankets to take home too. When using swaddle, receiving blankets or any other bedding with your baby, try following these tips: Related posts: Tips for newborn baby safety. Cover up the changing boards in public toilets or even the area at home. However the classic receiving blanket you would probably recognise is the blue and red striped white blanket typically used in (mainly US) hospitals (scroll down to see a video on swaddling on youll see one there). Fold the top corner of the blanket several inches inwards. Receiving blankets are perfect for blocking the wind on a stroller ride or keeping the baby warm in their car seat. Learn when. Your babys first blanket can be put to good use when you go for a stroll to the nearest park with your baby. Turn the 1/4th inch edge under a second time and enclose all the raw edges. Receiving blankets are made to withstand heavy use and laundering, work for a variety of temperature conditions, and usually sized a little smaller for wrapping up those fresh-from-the-womb little ones. For colder months, youd want to have thicker cotton or fleece ones, while muslin is a better choice for warmer summertime. But I wouldnt stock up on too many receiving blankets in the beginning. She was so active and fussy every single time so I switched to the velcro swaddle and after a month or so started to use sleep sacks with her. They may simply be called baby blanket, swaddling blankets, cellular blankets, muslin blanket or newborn blanket. You can use them as a quick furniture cover during your little ones mealtimes or when your little one explores his creative side on a couch. , but there are so many kinds to choose from. As noted above, the name receiving blanket comes from the fact that this item is usually the first blanket used to wrap up newborns so that their parents can officially receive their newest family member. Or use it as a blanket for your own puppy if you have one. Read more about me, 5 fun ideas for how to play with a blanket, gnancy Must-Haves For The Comfort You So Need, All You Need To Know To Get Enough Calcium When Pregnant, Best Mom And Child Deals of Amazon Prime Day 2022, Detox Baths For Kids To Boost Immunity And Good Health, 100 Tired Mom Quotes to Make You Laugh, Cry, and Everything in Between. Required fields are marked *. We call it a receiving blanket because its the first cloth wrapped around your baby when you receive your bundle of joy after birth. When visiting a friends place or the park for the evening, receiving blankets can pass for a perfect play mat if you forget to pack one. No you dont have to buy any receiving blankets for your baby, but you may well find yourself with something very similar to what a receiving blanket is! Fold swaddle into a triangle and place baby into the centre with their shoulders just below the fold. You may also like: Newborn baby essentials. Is this, There are so many options when it comes to what formula to feed your baby, so how do you choose? While these types of blankets may be used interchangeably, especially with newborns, each has a specific design thats suited to its general purpose. If the swaddled baby rolls over it may raise the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Heres What You Should Know. In hot summer weather, you still want to swaddle your baby but its important to not let your baby overheat. Check out a how-to video here. Keep a receiving blanket in the stroller pocket or next to the carseat and it can serve as a cover from the sun or unexpected rain. Those are soft and soothing for baby skin and the materials breathability lets baby sleep without sweating. The little munchkin with teeny-tiny hands, swaddled tightly, what a blessing! A receiving blanket can prove to be very useful if you know how to use it right. You can choose the one that fits into your nursery decor. Choose machine washable bedding. It depends on your washing routine but generally, a pack of 4 or 7 is a good starting point. You may well find it useful to have two to three swaddle blankets and two to three receiving blankets. Accidents will happen with babies and its much easier to be able to throw everything into a washing machine. The main purpose of a receiving blanket is, of course, swaddling the baby. Receiving blankets are easy to bring with you everywhere and can be laid on the ground to provide your baby with a quick, safe place for tummy time, all without needing a play mat. If you tend to be on a creative side and dont want to stuff the blanket at the back of your closet, you can always put it to good use. It also has excellent thermal properties, making it a great first choice. They also feature attachments such as Velcro or button clips to keep it in place while your baby is wrapped. Receiving blankets carry a special memory of your child, so you can turn it into a pillow to have in your room for nostalgic moments. If you do have a square or rectangular blanket (such as a receiving blanket) then heres a step-by-step guide to how you can use it to swaddle your baby. The main difference is the fabric they are made of. To make things easier for yourself you can use a, To make the transition out of the swaddle easier for your baby, start using a sleep sack instead. A Guide to Stocking Up, Your Babys Not Pooping but Passing Gas? You may be surprised on reading safety tips regarding the usage of receiving blanket for your baby, but you can never be too careful with babies. Hi, Im Tamara. And a blanket used to swaddle may be a receiving blanket. Receiving blankets are typically around 30ins by 30ins or rectangular. If theres anything that your baby will fall asleep in without throwing tantrums, then its the receiving blanket. But as Ive said above, many baby blankets do the same job as receiving blankets but they just arent specifically called that. Meanwhile, swaddling blankets are made to stretch to tightly wrap babies of varying size, come in several materials for different temperature conditions, and may have features like velcro or specially designed shapes or flaps to facilitate swaddle wrapping. The receiving blanket does not have to have a specific look and it isnt made from a particular type of material. Newborns are used to cozy environments that remind them of life in the womb. Also, check out why I love and recommend Nested Bean weighted sleep sack. What Is the Difference Between Receiving Blanket and Swaddling Blanket? So bring out that receiving blanket of your little one and put it to good use. parents may acquire as a baby shower gift, or when getting ready for the babys arrival. Do not wrap the blanket around your babys head or neck. orWhat is a receiving blanket used for? A receiving blanket is a blanket that is used to snugly wrap a newborn before giving him to his family members. Tuck the fabric into the top of the swaddle. This means there is no more fumbling around in the dark trying to secure a blanket as a swaddle! orHow is a receiving blanket different from a swaddle blanket? If youre a first-time mom you might not be quite sure what a, Would your baby need a receiving blanket? If you need to change your babys diaper in a public restroom, spread the blanket on the designated surface and change his diaper comfortably. Swaddling recreates the snuggly environment of the moms womb, hence helping the baby sleep better and for longer stretches. All rights reserved. Use a tent-at-home: As a kid, its always fun to make secret tents at home using chairs and small blankets. A receiving blanket is usually 30 inches by 30 inches while a swaddling blanket is usually 47 inches by 47 inches. The soft and familiar fabric of the receiving blanket will keep your little one comfortable. Many newborn baby blankets on the market are basically receiving blankets, but theyre just not specifically called that. The receiving blanket comes in handy! Learn how your comment data is processed. Fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over babys feet. Once your baby turns 1 year of age and you feel he is too old for his first blanket, you can cut the blanket into different shapes to make banners or garlands. Using a sewing machine, make a rolled hemstitch along the perimeter covering all edges. You must have noticed, every little detail about your baby, his nose, his eyes, his tiny hands and fingers, and even the soft white blanket he was wrapped in. Babies spit up a lot in the few first months, so you may find yourself going through burp cloths often. Decorate your room by cutting it into small little shapes and figures. These blankets are typically made from a relatively thin, soft flannel cotton material and measure 30 by 40 inches. To make the transition out of the swaddle easier for your baby, start using a sleep sack instead. No need to purchase a travel changing matreceiving blankets provide cushioning and comfort to lay the baby on anytime and perform a quick diaper change in any public restroom. But when its time to snuggle up and give your baby some cuddles, you might want to grab a receiving blanket, as it might just come in handy! Sometimes receiving blankets are used to swaddle babies, but there is a major difference between this type of covering and a swaddling blanket. Nurses use it to wrap the baby up for the first meet-up with you. I believe with the right resources at hand any mom can give her child, OK, but why pomegranate? You will keep it neat and clean without causing extra work for you. A receiving blanket is a soft thin piece of fabric used to swaddle a newborn baby. Ultimately its up to you and your preferences with colour and texture to buy the best one for your baby. Now you must have folded up that receiving blanket neatly in a drawer and perhaps it will never see the light of the day, but do you know that your little munchkins first blanket can be used in so many ways? What You Need to Know, How Many Diapers Do I Need? A receiving blanket is a light, thin blanket that you swaddle, wrap or cover your newborn baby with. Sew a pillow cover. This is another type of blanket used for newborns! Once you learn how to swaddle your little one, you will have no trouble in calming him down! Baby sleeping bags are fantastic once baby is a few weeks old. Place your babys right arm across their body then pull the right hand part of the swaddle across babys chest (with their arm under the fabric) and tuck the edge of the swaddle under their body and beneath their left arm. Pin it in place and miter the corners. Receiving blanket vs swaddle? Never cover your baby completely with a blanket in his first year. Baby Weighted Blankets: Are They Safe? Prince George was presented to the world by his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped in a baby shawl back in 2013 outside St Marys Hospital in London shortly after his birth. Here are our picks of the best baby blankets, and a guide on what to look for in your search. Learn more about when and why to use weighted blankets for your, Swaddling isn't a new practice, but over time research has shown more about why it helps and how to do it safely. It can help them to sleep as being wrapped up snuggly reminds baby of being in the womb. As your baby grows, he or she will eventually leave the crib behind for a big kid bed. is a perfect gift for a baby shower. Many parents will save a babys first blanket as a token of their infants first few months of life, but there are tons of other ways you can repurpose a receiving blanket into a useful item. Before you register for or purchase receiving blankets take into account the season when your baby will be born.