Newborn blanket Questions

[mrskennedy]

What kind of blankets should be used for a newborn? We have tons of fleece blankets, but I hear some babies are allergic to fleece. We have cotton receiving blankets too, and towels, so would using those be better? Also, is there any difference in how warm the baby will be in a cotton vs. a fleece blanket?

[BrownEyed]

Personally when I wear fleece I've found it doesn't breathe at all and end up sweating. That is the only thing for me that is swaying me away from buying fleece blankets for my baby.

[mum2James&Bean]

natural wool? it's actually fairly hypoallergenic when it's not processed with tons of chemicals. Very soft and will keep baby warm when it's cold out, and cool when it's warm out

[MommytoTwo]

My favorite are the thermal cotton blankets. They breathe and are stretchy so you can swaddle better. I dont like those flannel receiving blankets - they are just burp cloths to me!

[mrskennedy]

What are these thermal cotton blankets? And how much are these organic wool thingies? Are you basically saying we have a bunch of useless fleece and flannel receiving blankets, and only one good blanket, which happens to me a Miracle Blanket for swaddling? We have other ones too, and afghans, but I don't know what they're made of. Now I'm thoroughly confused.:

[marnie]

i also didn't love flannel. i used them for putting down before a diaper change, cleaning up messes, and using to sop up extra milk at night.

my daughter actually prefers those highly synthetic furry blankets (minkee, etc.) but she has some mild sensory issues so for her it's more about feel than function.

when she was a baby i used cotton and wool blankets my grandmother crocheted for me and my sister when we were born. i didn't really use anything at the very beginning because it was quite warm and she didn't really enjoy being swaddled.

for this baby on the way i've knit some cotton and wool blankets and i still have my grandmother's blankets.

[EdnaMarie]

A nice soft warm blanket, an alternative to synthetic fleece (which also balls up) is wool.

[cidercat]

I didn't mind the flannel type receiving blankets. We used two at a time for good swaddling. The waffle-type blanket also worked well (as PP mentioned). But when we were serious about DS staying in the swaddle, it had to be the miracle blanket.

[MommytoTwo]

everyone likes different things... these are the type I prefer

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/prod...-3038412dt.jpg

[pookel]

Fleece is a style of cloth, not a material, so you can't be allergic to fleece. They might be allergic to wool, so I would avoid that. Fleece is usually made out of synthetic fiber, but it can be made out of cotton, too. I don't think there should be a problem with it.

[reducereuserecycle]

The only bad thing about the thermal blankets is if they have the "waffle texture". That can leave imprints on their skin. I prefer the soft, smooth, 100% cotton (organic especially). If it is not organic cotton just make sure you wash it several times before giving it to the baby. That would make me feel better about it. I agree that the synthetic materials will cause the baby to get sweaty and uncomfortable. As far as wool goes, I just don't like it cause it attracts moths and even brushed wool is not as soft as cotton. All the ones you have that you said were a waste can be saved for your kid to play with with babydolls or any creative play when they get a little older or you can always use them to lay under the baby while changing it's diaper or to keep in the car where it may come in handy if you forget the cotton ones. I was a nanny/babysitter for many years so that is how I know this in case anyone was wondering how I knew when I'm just expecting my first baby. I splurged on one blanket from www.lifekind.com. It is an organic egyptian cotton blanket. It is thick and warm. I spent a lot of money on it but I wanted one really nice blanket that will hold up. I also have 2 cotton blankets that are not thick. For me, three blankets will be plenty. I'll be doing laundry a lot anyhow.

[MommytoTwo]

I suppose an imprint is a possibility but I have used them with 2 babies and never had any issues. Either its just not tight enough to happen or they have other clothes on underneath.