14 Best Baby Blankets to Wrap Your Little One in Comfort
A baby blanket is a classic gift for newborns—and for good reason. A snuggly throw represents warmth and comfort, and allows parents to wrap their little one in love. The best baby blankets are made from soft, high-quality materials and may even be passed onto the next generation (as long as they’re not worn ragged!). Although young infants can’t sleep with a blanket in a crib, they still have plenty of practical uses. A security blanket can be used as a cozy spot for tummy time, an extra layer of warmth on stroller rides and even as a nursing shawl. Once baby is big enough, a blanket will help them self-soothe and gain confidence as they adjust to the outside world. Additionally, a small piece of fabric—a “lovey” or “blankie”—can serve as a security blanket for your little one.
When it comes time to find blankets for babies, there are plenty of options. From personalized baby blankets to swaddles and wearable options, there’s almost too much choice. Luckily, we’ve done the research and narrowed down the best baby blankets available now.
Baby cannot sleep with a blanket (or any other bedding) until they are at least 12 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should dress infants in appropriate layers of clothing for warmth at night—rather than using soft bedding—to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
There are a few factors to bear in mind when shopping for a baby blanket as a gift for your own child. In addition to style, here are the three things to consider:
- Material. Baby blankets come in all types of materials from soft cotton to luxurious cashmere and wool. Before you make a decision, consider the climate and season of use. Muslin is good for warmer weather, but if you live in a colder area, you may appreciate a heavier fabric. An option with mixed materials—for example, a knitted blanket with a satin border—is also good, as it provides a little sensory stimulation for an infant or toddler.
- Durability. Once a kid becomes attached to their blankie, it can be nearly impossible to separate one from the other. Baby blankets get dragged along on every adventure, from sunrise to sundown, so durability is key. Opt for a machine-washable (and preferably dryer-safe) blanket that won’t pill, shrink or fade. Good quality stitching is a must, as the last thing you want is for a blanket to unravel after the first wash. (And if your little one *really *adores their blankie, you might consider getting a second as a backup.)
- Safety. Weighted blankets are a big no-no as is anything with loose threads or fringing, as these items pose serious safety risks to infants. Remember, your child shouldn’t have anything in their crib until they’re at least one.
Ready to find the baby blanket of your dreams? Check out our top picks for the best baby blankets, from handcrafted quilts to personalized knits and more.
Overall best baby blanket
- Luxurious look and feel
- Makes a great baby gift
- Personalization not available
Wrap your little one in luxury with this soft baby blanket from Little Giraffe. Available in a range of pastel shades, it has a soft, satin border for added texture. It’s simple, elegant and machine-washable, of course.
Dimensions: 35" (L) x 29" (W) | Material: Poly microfiber | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, no bleach; hang or lay flat to dry
Best personalized baby blanket
- Classic minimalist design
- Can be bundled with personalized cards for gifts
Should be gently machine washed or hand washed instead of throwing in a regular load
Looking for a personalized newborn gift? These embroidered baby blankets are the perfect choice. Knitted from 100 percent cotton, this blanket is great for all seasons. It’s also hand-stitched with baby’s name in high-quality thread. It comes in a range of muted colors, and the simple style gives us serious chic vibes.
Dimensions: 39” (L) x 29” (W) | Material: Cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash gentle or hand wash; tumble dry low
Best baby milestone blanket
- Gender-neutral
- Made of super soft muslin material
- Machine-washable
- Blanket is thin so dark or patterned rugs might show through in photos
Shopping for new parents that want to mark every major moment? Check out this sweet rainbow baby milestone blanket. The large muslin throw comes with 14 milestone cards, so you can document everything from day one to one year. It also doubles as a great base for tummy time.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 40" (W) | Material: Muslin | Care instructions: Machine wash and dry
Best baby receiving blanket
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Can add an embroidered name or monogram for an extra $15
- Optional personalization can cause shipping delay
Baby receiving blankets are a great choice if you’re after a practical present with a sentimental twist. Smaller than a swaddle, these soft wraps are perfectly sized to keep a newborn warm. Then, once they outgrow it, a receiving blanket can be used as a burp cloth or car seat cover. Our pick for the best receiving blankets? Monica + Andy’s coming home blankets. Made from organic cotton, with a touch of spandex for added stretch, these double-layer wraps come in tons of cute prints, and the company even sells matching newborn caps.
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 32" (W) | Material: 95% organic cotton/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash; tumble dry low
Best baby security blanket
- Satin border is great for sensory stimulation
- Great price point
- Material is very thin
- Hefty return shipping fee
Some kids like to have multiple blankies on the go. These baby security blankets are the perfect size for little ones to clutch, and you can throw a spare in your diaper bag (just in case). The soft muslin squares typically have a silky satin border that baby can rub against their cheeks to self-soothe. And get a load of those cute prints!
Dimensions: 15" (L) x 15" (W) | Material: 70% rayon from bamboo/30% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash in garment bag, tumble dry low
Best muslin baby blanket
- Blankets are machine-washable and get softer with each wash
- Chic, trendy patterns
- May not be suitable for very cold climates
Muslin is a light and airy natural fabric, making it a popular option for baby blankets, and it’s a material that aden + anais has gotten right for many years now. Offered in three different modern black-and-white patterns, this set is suitable for either gender, and will look totally chic paired with a black car seat or stroller. These versatile muslin baby blankets are lightweight yet warm. They’re also large enough to envelop a toddler in a snuggly embrace or serve as a car seat sun shade or nursing cover in a pinch.
Dimensions: 47” (L) x 47” (W) | Material: Bamboo muslin | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best knitted baby blanket
- Suitable for a variety of climates
- Gets softer with each wash
- Only available in two colors
Crafted from organic GOTS-certified cotton, this knitted baby blanket is totally timeless. The cable knit design is as cozy as your favorite sweater, and it actually gets softer after each wash (yes, it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe!). Choose from blossom pink and heather gray to match your little one’s personality.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 30" (W)| Material: Bamboo muslin | Care instructions: Machine wash and dry
Best cashmere baby blanket
- Perfect for stroller or car seat
- Neutral colors match with any nursery decor
- Pricey
Cashmere wool is one of the softest natural fibers in the world, making it a fabulous choice for a baby blanket. Sublimely soft, this pick from Parachute will add a touch of luxury to a nursery, stroller or even car seat. The cashmere baby blanket may be dry clean only, but it’s so cozy that it’ll be totally worth it!
Dimensions: 38" (L) x 32" (W) | Material: Cashmere | Care instructions: Dry clean only
Best luxury baby blanket
- Handmade in Denmark
- Beautiful, chic design
- Limited color range
This luxury baby blanket from name-brand Huttelihut is made of 100 percent merino wool for a super warm and buttery soft feel. Available in match-with-anything neutrals like dusty rose and camel, this oversized blanket is perfect for a walk in the park on a fall day. What’s more, it’s an excellent addition to a fall family photo shoot.
Dimensions: 29" (L) x 29" (W) | Material: Wool | Care instructions: Dry clean only
Best plush baby blanket
- Perfect for use as a lovey, play mat or carseat blanket
- Affordable
- Blanket is much smaller than most
We’re obsessed with this baby-size plush baby blanket from Saranoni, and we’re pretty sure you will be too. This adorable blanket is perfect for comfort on the road, comes in a multitude of colors to suit any vibe (and nursery decor, of course!) and makes for a totally ‘gram-worthy photoshoot with baby.
Dimensions: 20" (L) x 15" (W)| Material: Poly microfiber | Care instructions: Machine wash; hang to dry
Best handmade baby blanket
- Beautiful monogrammed design makes for a customized look
- A little expensive
Is there anything better than a baby blanket handmade with love? We don’t think so. But if your sewing skills leave a lot to be desired, don’t despair! You can find tons of beautiful handmade baby blankets on Etsy. Case in point: These stunning quilts, which are made to order and hand-stitched with baby’s monogram surrounded by floral embroidery.
Dimensions: 45" (L) x 36" (W) | Material: Cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Best breathable baby blanket
- Available in six different colors to match any style and decor
- Affordable
- May not be large enough for the toddler years
For a breathable baby blanket to keep your little one cool and comfortable, we love this jersey cotton quilted option that gets softer with each wash. The cotton cover and microfiber filling will create just the right temperature to keep baby from overheating. Given how soft the fabric is, your little one will love snuggling up with this option. It’s also a great option for swaddling and tummy time or as a nursing or stroller cover.
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 30" (W) | Material: Cotton and microfiber filling | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Best organic baby blanket
- Fabric helps insulate against the cold while still being breathable
- Great price point
- Only available in white and gray
Many of the best baby blankets are made using organic, baby-safe materials—but this one by MORI is a real standout. The brand’s signature blend of organic cotton and bamboo makes for the softest baby blanket that’s also sustainable and gentle on sensitive skin. It insulates against the cold, without causing baby to overheat. For an added fee, you can personalize the organic blanket with baby’s name and even have it gift-wrapped. Talk about a no-brainer option!
Dimensions: 34" (L) x 29" (W)| Material: 30% organic cotton/70% bamboo | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Best first blanket for one-year-old
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Expensive
With nearly a thousand five-star reviews, this toddler blanket is a total standout, and our pick for the best first blanket for a one-year-old. It’s sized just right for a little one, meant to accompany them to their toddler bed at night, and it’s crafted from bamboo rayon for a buttery-soft feel. Available in tons of simply gorgeous colors, this blanket is sure to quickly become their favorite.
Dimensions: 57” (L) x 39” (W) | Material: 97% bamboo/3% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; tumble dry low
To help you find the best baby blankets on the market today, we browsed lots of different options from some of our most trusted retailers. For each blanket, we considered features like size, material and functionality, read user reviews to find out if both babies and parents like them and we only sourced baby blankets from trusted retailers. We didn’t consider any baby blankets with less than an average four-star rating.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Expert sources:
Healthy Children (AAP), (How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained)[https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/a-parents-guide-to-safe-sleep.aspx], July 2022
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