At the maternity ward, midwives never tire of repeating it: newborns can’t regulate their body temperature. They usually advise new parents to invest in a cozy blanket to keep their babies nice and warm. These little blankets are very handy at home, in the stroller, or in the car seat. Before long, this accessory becomes the family’s best friend. The baby recognizes its scent and is comforted by its touch, leading to easier, more peaceful sleep.
Choosing the right baby blanket raises several questions. Depending on the season, it should be more or less warm, and it needs to be soft and pleasant to the touch. What material, what style, what size, and for what occasion? Follow this guide to choose the perfect blanket for infants and toddlers!
A super-soft fabric for her baby blanket
Babies' skin is very delicate and requires special care. The choice of fabrics used for baby clothes and accessories—as well as for bath and bedding items—is therefore very important for a baby's well-being and health.
Plant-Based Materials for Newborn Bedding
From the moment their child is born, parents want the very best for them. It’s not uncommon to hear praise for cotton, linen, and plant-based fibers in general. These soft materials offer many benefits. They’re easy to care for, keep babies warm in the winter while remaining lightweight in the summer, and help maintain a comfortable body temperature for babies.
Fabrics made from natural materials are biodegradable, which is an undeniable benefit for the planet. It’s best to choose items made from organic materials, as organic farming is less polluting and uses less water.
A wool blanket to keep babies warm
After cotton and linen, wool is the premier material for baby blankets. It traps air within its fibers to provide plenty of warmth, as well as significant thermoregulatory properties, whether it’s virgin wool, merino, or mohair. Be careful not to place a wool blanket directly against your baby’s skin. Although it’s a natural material, it can cause itching or irritation in newborns.
Smooth and pleasant to the touch, cashmere wool is much softer than sheep’s wool. It is a luxurious, lightweight material that comes at a relatively high price. This type of product makes an ideal baby gift, provided the throw is 100% cashmere and of good quality.
Synthetic materials: Should they be avoided for infants?
Nowadays, most textiles are made from synthetic materials that were developed by the industry because they are inexpensive and feel comfortable. It’s important to note that 70% of these fabrics—whose production is particularly polluting—are derived from petroleum. Furthermore, 60% of the microplastics found in the seas and oceans are residues from clothing.
In children’s fashion, the situation is even more alarming due to the toxicity of these materials, especially for very young children who are likely to put them in their mouths regularly. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are also fabrics that don’t breathe well and trap sweat and odors. This isn’t ideal for a blanket intended for babies, even though some are very popular. Fleece, made from polyester, is the perfect example. Although very trendy due to its insulating properties, it does not allow water to pass through and can be irritating to infants’ skin.
The Right Size of a Blanket for Toddlers
The size of a baby blanket is an important factor to consider when choosing one, and it depends on the baby’s age and height. It shouldn’t be too small, so the baby is well-wrapped. If it’s too large, it may drag on the floor, get dirty, and thus pose safety hazards. Three sizes are generally recommended:
- The newborn blanket, which you should bring to the maternity ward and use during the newborn's first few weeks, measures between 75 x 75 cm and 80 x 100 cm;
- Crib-sized baby blankets range in size from 80 x 120 to 90 x 140;
- Starting at 18 months, the blanket should fit the toddler’s bed; the ideal dimensions are 100 x 150 cm for a bed measuring 60 x 120 cm, 70 x 140 cm, or 80 x 160 cm. Blankets of this size can be used until the child is 4 or 5 years old.
Aesthetic Criteria for a Baby Blanket
Of course, the main purpose of a baby blanket is to keep the baby warm, but there’s no reason it can’t also match the decor of the child’s room! A pretty textured blanket in light colors fits perfectly into a toddler’s world. Whether hand-knitted, textured, or adorned with pom-poms, any style goes!
Choosing natural and eco-friendly materials generally calls for pastel colors, white, ecru, taupe, or mouse gray. The icing on the cake is that these shades are often unisex. In fact, it’s advisable to avoid bold colors like red or black for infants. As for prints, it all comes down to personal taste. Blankets made of cotton and synthetic materials—such as polyester or fleece—feature stars, animals, or ethnic patterns to blend in better with the decor. It’s true that they’re absolutely adorable and add a touch of whimsy to the nursery.
Manufacturing Conditions for Newborn Blankets
A quick glance at the label helps ensure that the throws and blankets intended for young children are manufactured under proper conditions. A product made in France or Europe guarantees higher quality in terms of materials, as well as fair labor practices in the factories. Working with a local artisan ensures more meticulous tracking of the fabric’s origin and the product’s manufacturing process.
Whether in stores or online, labels provide specific information about a brand’s ethical standards:
- GOTS certification, or Global Organic Textile Standard, ensures that the fabric used for the baby blanket is made from eco-friendly, safe materials, more than 95% of which come from organic farming;
- The Oeko-Tex label guarantees that fabrics made from natural or synthetic fibers are free of toxic substances and heavy metals;
- The European Ecolabel promotes products that are safe for babies' health and have a minimal impact on the planet.
Ultimately, choosing a throw or blanket for your baby comes down mainly to determining which material is best suited for little ones and selecting the right size for their age. The child’s health and safety also require specific quality standards, as does respect for the environment.
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