Waiting for a newborn baby is the sweetest period for every parent. The day of your baby’s birth is a very special and important moment, so you have to be ready with all the necessary baby stuff. First thing, you need a blanket to cover your baby to keep comfortable and warm; you need a receiving blanket, light and soft to the touch.
The receiving blanket is an important object in the USA to receive a newborn baby for the first time. You can also variously use the receiving blanket. But, in addition to the blanket for the crib, it is also advisable to have one or two smaller blankets, to carry one in the stroller bag, which you can also use as a lullaby to swaddle the newborn. The uses of receiving blankets are so widely that even many babies develop a special attachment to their blanket and turn to it for comfort.
What is a receiving blanket?
You can find different types of baby blankets (cotton, wool, crochet, shawls, etc.), but the receiving blanket is exceptional. A receiving blanket is made of soft cotton, flannel or muslin fabric, not more than 30 inches by 30 inches. It is a thin and so soft blanket that’s why newborns feel more comfortable. Also, you can get 3 or 4 in one packet. You can see in the picture there are various colors strip on it like white, pink, blue, etc. Usually, people use receiving blankets during the first year of their baby’s birth.
This blanket is available in online baby stores; you have a large number of models. Let’s see what should take into account when choosing the baby blanket and the characteristics of each type of baby blanket.
What to consider when choosing a receiving blanket?
Softness: the baby blanket has to be very soft to the touch, as it will wrap the baby.
Lightness: The blanket must be light. As a precaution, you should never wrap a baby with heavy blankets. That is because this increases the risk of suffocation and, consequently, the risk of the baby’s sudden death.
Natural fabrics: to prevent allergies, the ideal is that the blanket made of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which, in addition to taking care of the baby’s delicate skin. That help to maintain body heat. Although lately a highly advanced type of polyester called Microcline .Which achieves a super soft touch and is light and warm at the same time due to its high density.
Types of other baby blankets
These are the main types of natural fiber blankets:
1. Cotton baby blankets
Cotton is a light and soft natural fiber, ideal for hot environments. In addition, it breathes very well, is respectful of the baby’s skin and is very soft. It is machine washable without a problem, and there is a great variety to choose from.
2. Wool baby blankets
Wool has a great calorific value and, like cotton, is a natural fabric that breathes well and helps maintain body temperature and regulates sweating.
Now, not all yarns are the same. Some types of wool cannot be put in the washing machine and must wash by hand. It is important to pay attention to the washing instructions before purchasing the product.
3. Crochet baby blankets
Crocheted blankets usually made with cotton or wool. So, they have all the advantages of the previous ones. In addition, being knitted, they are lighter. They are very elegant and are very practical to go for a walk with the baby.
4. Baby shawls
The toquilla is a cotton or wool blanket. It uses especially when the baby is small to wrap him and carry him in his arms. These blankets are thin and soft, you can use them throughout the year.
The baby shawls very useful to wrap the baby by folding the ends and forming a bag (as if it were a worm). Babies reassure that we wrap them in the blanket because large spaces make them insecure.
Other types of fabric have become fashionable for some time now to wrap the baby with this technique. Such as lullabies, the blankets made of very soft cotton with the inner face of terry or micro terry (towel type). And the muslin, which resembles the gauze that it used years ago. But these blankets with beautiful designs and colors, which made of cotton yarn. So, they are very cool and therefore ideal for lulling the baby in the hot months.
It is no secret to anyone that newborn babies are extremely fragile and need constant care. Aspects such as climate and temperature could negatively affect their development. So, it is essential to pay attention to things like covering a newborn at bedtime.
Believe it or not, there is a correct way to cover a newborn baby to sleep to not give him exaggerated cold or heat at night not to harm his health.
Steps to follow while using a receiving blanket
Before determining the steps to follow to cover a baby with a receiving blanket, first, you should know that there are a series of prohibited objects. These objects are:
Soft objects such as stuffed animals and very plush pillows. Including all these devices could cause the baby to suffocate without any complications. And without you noticing, so they are banned from the crib, bed or place where you put your baby to sleep. That said, we can list the steps to cover a newborn baby as follows:
You will have to find a comfortable blanket or clothes. So that they can sleep without running the risk of making it difficult for the little one to move with them at night. A good option could be the so-called receiving blanket. It is a piece of clothing that will keep your little one warm.
When you get the right blanket or clothing for the newborn baby, you have to get what is known as sleeping bags. Small covers in which you can keep your little one warm without any risk. It is recommended to use these bags to sleep babies until they are at least 12 or 13 months old.
Finally, if it is very cold, you can place a small hat that perfectly fits the baby’s small head. To keep this part of the body properly protected. It is recommended that this heating cap is not too tight, being removed the next day not to cut the child’s blood circulation in his head.
As you can see, it is not difficult to keep a child warm; it is only necessary that you pay the best of attention so that he can sleep peacefully and correctly.
How to swaddle a newborn baby with a receiving blanket?
The only thing you have to swaddle your baby at night with a cotton blanket. This being the least recommends covering a child at night. However, if this is your case, then you can make a special fold so that the baby stays safe sleeping with this blanket all night.
- Fully stretch the baby’s blanket and take one of its corners, folding it inward with such a width that it can fit (in that fold).
- Place your baby on his back in that fold, aligning his little shoulders with the diagonal line generated by the folding of the blanket.
- Now take the left end of the fold where the baby is and bring it to his chest, thus folding the entire left part of the blanket with you. Your baby should be wrapped around the entire left side of the blanket.
- The fabric that is left on this left side, when folding, you will have to tuck it under the baby so that it is much better warm and protected.
- The excess of the blanket that remains in the lower part of the baby will have to be passed upwards, wrapping the shoulder and the baby’s arm still unprotected.
- At this point, you should have a surplus of unfolded blankets on the left side of the baby, which you will have to fold now and place on the right side of the little creature, finally wrapping the little one with the whole blanket.
FAQ on what is a receiving blanket
How to cover a baby with a receiving blanket to sleep in winter?
To cover your baby to sleep in winter in the best way. An undershirt or bodysuit, a fat jacket, a warm sweater, or a somewhat thick pajama will suffice. If you use a receiving blanket, do not cover the baby’s head. Never overcoat.
How to know if a baby is cold when sleeping?
To know if a baby is cold while sleeping is to touch the legs, arms, never or neck. Your feet and hands will almost always be cold, as your circulatory system is still developing. Use cotton garments for temperature variations.
Why do they swaddle babies?
Many studies have shown that swaddling prevents the baby from covering her face or rolling over to sleep on her stomach. Reducing, in this way, the risk of suffering from SIDS. 2. The foundation for calming the newborn.
What is the correct way to swaddle a baby with receiving?
To swaddle the baby, open and stretch the receiving blanket completely, with one corner folded. Put the baby on his back on the blanket, with his head on the folded corner. Then straighten your right arm next to her body, and fold the right corner of the blanket over her body and tuck it under her left side.
Conclusion on what is a receiving blanket
It may seem a bit messy, but it turns out to be an excellent and safe way to cover a baby with a receiving blanket. So that they stay all day in the best way.In case you do not have a sleeping bag specially designed for newborns. Will you dare to try this technique and give your newborn baby a chance to sleep comfortably? Then let us know your opinion.