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Soon to be a first-time parent? You may feel overwhelmed by loads of baby products available. Not everything available is worth buying, but keeping a baby warm, safe and snug should be on top of the list. So, deciding on newborn baby blanket, you may come across a puzzle-receiving blankets vs swaddle blankets. Is a receiving blanket same as a swaddle blanket? This article is going to explain all about receiving blankets, swaddles, their differences and the usage of these blankets so you never have to worry again.

Receiving blanket and swaddle blankets can be used interchangeably but both are designed for their specific different purposes and both are not exactly same. Receiving blankets are multipurpose and can have many uses for newborns on the other hand swaddle blankets are specifically designed just for swaddling a baby. Swaddling is practice of wrapping up newborn babies which is supposed to make newborn babies sleep better.

Let’s explore both these blankets in detail, we have tried to covers all common questions related to receiving blankets and swaddle blankets. We expect that any confusions with respect to receiving blankets vs swaddle blankets will be settled after going through this article.

What is a Receiving blanket used for?

 As the name suggests, the receiving blanket is the first piece of cloth used to wrap around a newborn baby when she is received in this world from a mother’s womb. It is this piece of cloth in which the newborns rest most time of the day.

Its primary purpose is to keep the baby wrapped up comfortably, so it is usually a thin but comforting cloth. Newborns find comfort and protection in these blankets.

You may try a set of 4 unisex receiving blankets at just $9.99.

How many receiving blankets do you need?

We asked this question from ten mothers who had babies less than six months ago. The median recommendation is four blankets.  We recommend having four to six receiving blankets. As repeated laundry can be a hassle for new parents so it is best to have some spare ones at hand. They are cheap and come in multipack usually for less than $10. So having one or two packs in hand can be really useful.

Is a receiving blanket the same as a burp cloth?

As receiving blankets are multipurpose, they can even be used as a burp cloth. Burp clothes are used to clean up the spit, milk dribbles, sneezes or whatever comes out from the newborns. The size and material of receiving blankets can help you keep clean up things coming out with baby burps.

What are the Uses of Receiving Blankets?

As receiving blankets are multipurpose, they come handy in a lot of ways. Some of the uses are listed below:

Swaddling:

As receiving blankets are the first piece of cloth a baby skin touches, they are used in hospitals for swaddling. Later when at home, parents turn to specialized swaddle blankets for swaddling.

Breast Feeding Covers:

Due to their small size, you can carry them anywhere in your baby bag and use as a coverup when breast feeding on the go.

After Bath Covers:

Receiving blankets provide gentle warmth and are good to cover babies after shower.

Diaper Changing Mat:

When proper changing table is not available or you are in someone’s place and do not want to create mess of changing diapers, receiving blankets can be your day saver as they can be used as changing mats.

Burp Cloth:

Receiving blankets can also be used as burp clothes and can be used to clean up spit, milk dribbles and various other things that come out when burping.

Stroller Covers:

A receiving blanket can also work as a stroller cover to provide shade and warmth during stroller rides outdoor.

Do babies still use receiving blankets?

Yes, most of the babies are still given receiving blankets in hospitals as a first piece fabric to cover their bodies.

Is a receiving blanket the same as a muslin blanket?

Many receiving blankets are made from Muslin fabric. Muslin is loosely woven cotton fabric. It is soft and highly breathable. These qualities of fabric make it a good choice for receiving blankets. Due to popularity of the fabric in making receiving blankets, sometimes receiving blankets are also called muslin blankets.

Flannel Receiving Blankets

Flannel is also a popular fabric for making receiving blankets. Flannel is heavier, thicker and warmer than Muslin so when it is too chilly you might want to have receiving blanket made from flannel.

How does a Typical Receiving blanket look like?

Almost in every hospital in America a receiving blanket is a white flannel cotton fabric with blue and pink stripes. This is the first thing to touch the skin of babies across the America.

Ever wondered why all the receiving blankets in American hospitals are same, here are some reasons:

• This blanket is gender neutral.
• It is super cheap.
• It can be washed easily.
• It is soft, warm and comfortable.

Size Of A Baby Receiving Blanket

Although receiving blankets come in different designs and sizes, the usual receiving blankets are square 30 inches by 30 inches or rectangular 30 inches by 40 inches. The classic hospital receiving blanket is 30*40 inches.

Material of Receiving Blanket:

Typically receiving blankets are made up of thin cotton, flannel, or muslin fabric.

What are swaddle Blankets

Swaddle blankets are used to wrap baby’s body to keep them calm and make them sleep better.

 Swaddling is a practice used for centuries to mimic mother’s womb by wrapping up baby’s body with a blanket. This process is supposed to provide baby a sense of security.

Will Swaddling help baby Sleep?

Swaddling keeps baby arms wrapped down which makes baby calm and helps in better and longer sleep cycles. Newborns have reflexes that make them move their arms, this makes them wake up repeatedly. Swaddling restricts arm movement of babies and this makes them sleep better and longer.

The better sleep for baby results in better sleep for mothers too. The mothers with calm babies are less likely to undergo depression. So, swaddle blankets are worth buying as they are good for both babies and their mothers.

Can you swaddle with a receiving blanket?

Yes, you can swaddle with a basic receiving blanket. But many parents prefer a specialized swaddle blanket as they come with fasteners, zips and velcro making swaddling easier. These designs are especially helpful for sleep deprived parents as they are time efficient, and they make swaddling quicker.

DO you need both swaddle and receiving blankets?

Although they can be used interchangeably but we recommend starting with receiving blankets. They are cheap and are multipurpose. They go a long way with babies serving their needs. Also keeping receiving blankets as a first memory of a newborn is a great idea.

 Later, you can have swaddle blankets for their specialized swaddling design. You don’t need to be an expert in swaddling with specialized swaddle blankets.

Are Swaddle Blankets Safe

Swaddling babies with blankets is generally considered safe, however it is recommended to follow precautionary measures to ensure baby safety:

• Babies should lay on their backs in general and specially when swaddled.
• You should stop swaddling babies when they show signs of being able to roll over.
• You should consider room temperature and baby clothing when swaddling. If the environment is warm and baby is already wearing multiple layers of clothing, then swaddling may further overheat. It should be avoided in such cases.
• Do not swaddle babies if they sweat too much and are unwell having fever or cold.
• Swaddle babies with breathable fabric blankets like cotton and muslin.
• Don’t swaddle babies above their shoulders, body parts above their shoulders should always remain free.
• Babies should be able to move their hips and knees while swaddled.

Is it ok to keep baby swaddled while breast feeding?

It is better to avoid swaddling while breast feeding as babies with open arms and hands are able to nurse more effectively.

Is it ok to keep baby swaddled while bottle feeding?

Again, it is better to keep a baby open while bottle feeding as the bay needs hands and arms to effectively latch and suck on. Also swaddled baby is likely to sleep quickly without having sufficient milk

Can you use swaddle blankets at night?

Swaddling a baby at night is considered safe as long as care givers keep an eye on the baby so that she may not roll over and the blanket does not lose its proper swaddling shape.

Muslin Vs Flannel Swaddle:

Muslin is very lightweight and breathable, on the other hand; flannel is thicker and bit heavier and warmer. Generally, muslin swaddles are preferred but when you want to keep your baby warm and secure when environment is chilly, you may go for flannel.

Can Minky fabric blankets be used for swaddling

Minky blankets are super soft and cuddly so babies are supposed to like them and can be used as newborn baby blanket. But, these are less breathable so it should be ensured that the blanket does not go above the shoulder of baby. You can find out more about minky blankets in our article.

Should you put a blanket over a swaddle:

If you feel like there is a need to add additional blanket over a swaddle ,you have to ensure that it never goes above shoulder of a baby.

How many Swaddle blankets do you need?

From our survey of mothers, it is best to have two to three swaddle blankets along with at least a pack of receiving blankets (usually a multi pack of 4 blankets). It avoids repeated laundry hassle during early days of babies.

Conclusion –Receiving Blankets vs Swaddle Blankets

We hope that all question related to- receiving blankets vs swaddle blankets-are addressed. To summarize, receiving blankets are square or rectangular piece of light weight soft cloth used to receive a newborn. It is multipurpose and is extremely handy to have for newborns.

Swaddle blankets are specialty blankets used to swaddle newborn babies. Swaddling is an ancient practice which makes a baby calm and helps her to sleep better and longer.