You’re going through the baby checklist and are overwhelmed by a long list of blankets. Too much? A waste of money. Too little? Do laundry nonstop. How many baby blankets do I need, then? Tons of questions pop up.
There’s no cut-and-dried answer to the number of baby blankets. It all depends on the types of blankets and how you use them. Take a deep breath and follow our guide, and you can build a versatile and budget-friendly baby blanket collection.
The Quick Answer: A Minimalist’s Shopping List
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick rundown that works for most families:
- Swaddle blankets: 4 - 6
- Multi-use/receiving blankets: 6 - 8
- Wearable blankets: 2 - 3
- Warmer/stroller blankets: 1 - 2
Now, let’s debunk why these numbers are the sweet spots!
The Detailed Breakdown: A Blanket for Every Purpose
A rule of thumb: The number of blankets you need depends on the purpose of each baby blanket.
4-6 Swaddle Blankets (for the Newborn Stage)
In the first months of life, babies need to use swaddle blankets when sleeping almost all the time. With 4-6 swaddle blankets, you always have a clean one on hand. This is true even when other blankets are being washed and dried.
Spit-ups and diaper blow-outs are a fact of life for infants, so preparing some extra blankets is always a wise move. You don’t want to nod off in the laundry room at 2 a.m., don’t you? Of course, you can always add more swaddle blankets to the collection, say 8 to 12, if your baby throws up more frequently.
My boy is a little puker, and he goes through several swaddles during the day. So, I always have around 10 - 12 swaddle blankets in the wardrobe.
A bonus tip is to choose soft, breathable products like SwaddleAn’s swaddle blankets. They not only keep your little one comfy and cozy but are also easy to wash.
6-8 Receiving Blankets
Receiving blankets are the wild cards in your baby’s wardrobe. Besides being the first blanket that receives your little one at the hospital, they can juggle various tasks.
You can use a receiving blanket as a burp cloth one minute. The next, it can be a changing mat cover, a play mat for tummy time, or a nursing cover. With so many uses, these blankets can get dirty easily. You need 6-8 items to ensure you'll never run out of them.
2-3 Wearable Blankets / Sleep Sacks
When your baby starts rolling over, swaddling is no longer safe for them. This is when wearable blankets or sleep sacks come in. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises using wearable blankets instead of traditional ones. This is to prevent head-covering, entrapment, and suffocation, which are all sudden infant death syndrome risk factors.
SwaddleAn’s sleep sacks are designed with safety and comfort in mind. Besides using baby-safe, breathable fabrics, these items come with smart features. They include two-way zippers and J-shaped zippers, which ensure utmost comfort for your little one.
You’ll need at least 2 sleep sacks for every developmental stage: one for use and one for washing. Having a third one on hand is also a good idea, just in case of those “accidents” like a 3 a.m. diaper leak.
1-2 Warmer / Stroller Blankets
To stay warm when heading out on chilly days, your little one needs a thicker blanket, like a fleece, wool, or knitted blanket. Prepare one for the stroller and one for the car seats.
These outdoor blankets are a moderate size and can be folded up easily. They are not too bulky, which makes them ideal for an on-the-go blanket.
3 Factors That Can Change Your “Magic Number”
The quantity is just for reference. The exact number of blankets varies based on these three factors:
- Your climate zone: If you live in a colder climate with freezing winters, you may want to have 1-2 more wool or fleece blankets. On the other hand, if you live in a tropical region, go for lightweight muslin blankets.
- Your laundry habit: Having a washer and a dryer, along with a daily laundry habit, means fewer blankets are required. But if you only do laundry once or twice a week, consider stocking up on more baby blankets. This is especially true during the rainy season.
- Your baby: Some babies tend to spit up more often or have reflux issues. This means more blankets go to the laundry room. Observe your little one during the first weeks and adjust the number of blankets accordingly.
A Note on Quality Over Quantity
At SwaddleAn, we’re committed to this motto: Quality over quantity. Rather than racking up piles of cheap baby blankets, you can invest in fewer top-notch blankets.
Our baby blankets are is incredibly soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Even better, they become softer, more breathable, and durable with every wash. So, even with endless spit-ups and constant washes, SwaddleAn’s baby blankets stand the test of time.
Build Your Collection Thoughtfully
Preparing baby blankets doesn’t have to be a headache. Considering your baby’s conditions and your family’s habits, you are one step closer to the perfect baby blanket collection. This collection meets every need without breaking the bank.
Remember that the ultimate goal is to bring warmth, safety, and comfort to your little angel.
References
- Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022
