Baby blankets: Select with care

Blankets usually form part of the baby's crib set and keep the baby warm in almost any kind of cold weather, be it in the rainy season or winter. Blankets must always be of the proper size for the baby's crib. A proper sized blanket will cover the baby from chest to toe, and will not ride upward if the baby tosses and turns in his/ her sleep.

Before you buy a baby blanket for your newborn, however, make sure that the blanket is safe for him/her. Look for the following criteria:

1. Non-allergenic material: The blanket must be made of non-allergenic fibers. You cannot be sure about which fibers would be safe for your neonate. Cotton, especially organic cotton is the safest choice. But, cashmere and Merino wool are usually safe for newborns as well. If you must go for synthetic fabrics, try faux fur blankets. Faux fur is usually safe for most babies. Check the stitches to make sure that none of those are splitting up. The filler material will always have loose fibers in it even if it is non-allergenic. The baby may accidentally inhale the fibers if those spill out.


2. Proper sized: Make sure the blanket is of proper size. A proper sized blanket is one that can be tucked under the baby mattress on both sides of the crib. A smaller sized blanket that cannot be secured by tucking may ride upward and suffocate when he/ she is tossing and turning during sleep.


3. Cotton covers: The cover of the blanket should be made of cotton. This would make it comfortable for the baby and absorbent in nature. The cotton cover will usually be machine-washable as well, making it perfect for babies who wet their beds frequently.

If you are worried that your restless baby may wriggle under the blanket during his/ her sleep, it's better to invest in a sleep sack instead of a regular blanket. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that keep the baby's head exposed to eliminate chances of suffocation, and have two slots at the side through which you can stick out the baby's arms. Once you have put the baby snugly inside the sleep sack, zip it up and you're done. The sleep sack will allow your baby to sleep on his/ her back and greatly reduce the chances of SIDS.

The blanket is undoubtedly the most important baby accessory. Choose it carefully to make sure that your little angel can sleep peacefully and stay healthy and happy.