As a first time parent or new mom, there are lots of things that your new baby needs. Up until this point, you may not have had any idea there were even so many types of baby blankets!
Whats the difference between receiving blanket vs. swaddle? The terms are used a lot interchangeably.
Let’s find out more about them so you can decide which one is right for you and your baby!
What is a receiving blanket?
A receiving blanket is a soft, thin, blanket that is used especially during your baby’s first year of life and beyond. They are usually made from muslin, flannel or cotton and can come in packages of 3 or 4. The blankets are often square or rectangular and the common size of receiving blankets is 30 inches by 30 inches.
What is a swaddle blanket?
Swaddling a baby refers to the practice of wrapping your baby in a thin blanket to help them feel safe, secure, or calm them. Swaddle blankets are made specifically for this task. They are smaller blankets and can be made with winged sides, closures, or snaps to secure the sides around your baby.
Receiving Blanket Vs Swaddle
Can you use a receiving blanket to swaddle? The answer is yes. These multipurpose blankets can be used for a variety of baby care tasks, swaddling included.
Can your baby sleep with a receiving blanket? Yes, as long as your baby can still be safely swaddled and you are doing safe sleep practices.
Receiving blankets can be used for swaddling babies that cannot get out of the swaddle or roll over in their sleep.
How Do You Swaddle With A Receiving Blanket?
Swaddling is best explained when you can see it! This is a helpful video that shows you 5 different methods of swaddling with a receiving blanket.
How many receiving blankets do you need?
You may be wondering, “How many swaddle blankets do I need?“
It’s a good idea to start with at least 3 to 4 receiving blankets. You can have a backup in your diaper bag and another to use when the other one gets dirty.
Related: What To Pack In Your Baby’s Diaper Bag
Receiving blankets are easy to throw in the laundry and still maintain their softness after washing.
Best Receiving Blankets and Swaddles
Simple Joys by Carter’s 7-Pack Flannel Receiving Blankets
Parents love that these are great quality for the price, and beyond swaddling the baby, the have so many uses. Even after being washed daily for a month, they are still soft.
Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Receiving Blankets
Soft and lightweight, these are very affordable. For the price you can have several on hand!
aden + anais Silky Soft Swaddle Blanket | 100% Bamboo Viscose Muslin Blankets
This blanket combines traditionally soft muslin with bamboo for a luxurious feeling receiving blanket. These also make excellent swaddle blankets! This mom swears by these blankets even after two years of constant use.
Swaddle blankets take the guess work out of swaddling your baby. The simple designs help you swaddle your baby quickly or change their diaper.
They even come with a harness slot that fits most car seats and carriers. That means you won’t have to unwrap them to transfer them to the car or stroller.
Do I Really Need Receiving Blankets?
Ultimately, your choice of blanket comes down to your preferences. You might not even need to decide receiving blanket vs. swaddle because you might get both! Each blanket does the job of keeping your baby warm and snuggly, that’s what matters!
Related: Free Newborn Baby Checklist Printable
Other Uses for Receiving Blankets
Save this to your baby board for later!
Wondering what to do with all the baby blankets you have? Receiving blankets are useful way past the newborn stage. Once your baby no longer needs to be swaddled, you can use these blankets for just about anything related to your baby’s care!
1. Burp Cloth – You can use receiving blankets as burp cloths. They offer more coverage than traditional small burp cloths so more of your clothing is protected against spills and spit-up. In the early months, when burping can take a while, the blanket provides a soft and safe surface for your baby to rest against.
2. Changing table cover- If you’re out with your baby and need to change them in a public restroom, a receiving blanket can be your best friend. The blanket can serve as a barrier between the changing table surface and your baby.
3. Tummy time blanket- The receiving blanket can also double as a mat or safe place for your baby to be on her stomach and explore and roll.
5. Nursing cover- If you prefer to cover up while nursing in public, the receiving blanket can double as a cover while breastfeeding.
6. Car Seat cover and blanket- Receiving blankets make great covers to go over the carseat while you’re transitioning from the car to an indoors place. They can also be used as a cover over a stroller if your baby happens to fall asleep while out and about.
7. Feeding/Meal Time- When your baby gets older and starts eating food, the receiving blanket can be used to clean up spills on the table. Just in case a regular size bib wont do the job or your child’s outfit needs more protection, a receiving blanket can come in handy.
8. Playmat- When you’re outside or over a relative or friend’s house and want a clean soft surface for your baby to play on, a receiving blanket will do the job!
9. Cuddling and nighttime routine-Once your baby is going to sleep with a consistent bedtime routine, they may need a familiar blanket to fall asleep with.
10. Playing- Toddlers love to play pretend. They mimic the behaviors they see around them, so they may use the blankets they had as a baby to play with their own dolls and toys!
11. Memory/Keepsake- If you can sew or know someone who can make a quilt out of your old receiving blankets this is a wonderful way to keep your baby’s blankets as a keepsake.