A standard size baby blanket measures 36 inches by 52 inches. It will cover a baby’s crib properly. It is, however, not suitable for a baby to be covered in. You will naturally want to swaddle your baby and this size of baby blanket is often too large for infants.

For swaddling, you need something that has specifically been made for the purpose – a receiving blanket. Most of the receiving blankets available off the shelf are 30 inches square. This size of receiving blanket is actually meant for the dual purpose of using them as a cover over the changing table and swaddling. But unfortunately, they fail to meet the requirements of an ideal receiving blanket meant for only swaddling.

The size that you should look for should be large enough for swaddling a newborn comfortably and small enough to use as a light blanket over older children. An ideal size for receiving blankets would be 34 to 36 inches square, which actually serves the dual purpose mentioned above.

If you are making one at home for your baby or as a gift for a loved one, try to use light to medium weight fabric. You can personalize the blanket with motifs, embroidery and ribbons according to your preferences.

Try to stick to organic fabrics and limit your selection to organic cotton and wool or their variants such as cotton flannel and woolen fleece. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics as much as you can. Even while choosing a fleece blanket, make sure that it is not made of polyethylene terephthalate (aka PET). Generally referred to as polyester when used for making fabrics, polyethylene terephthalate or PET is a thermoplastic polymer that is also used to make containers. We all know that polyester is a fabric that cannot breathe. The blanket may provide warmth but exposes us to formaldehyde that can cause breathing problems and skin rash, especially in babies.

Both cotton and wool can be processed naturally to give a fleece look. This adds to their ability to protect against cold even when they are woven as lightweight fabrics. To understand more about safe and natural fabrics used for receiving blankets, you can log on to a website for crib comforters or quilts and learn more. You will surely find some useful items to include in your shopping list.

Concerns about child safety has attracted a lot attention recently and brought about a change in catalogs of many manufacturers. You may find some recent additions like a down crib comforter that has a certifiably organic cover as well as the fill.

References:

http://www.amazines.com/Family_and_Parenting

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