Key Points
- Baby blankets come in all shapes and sizes for different reasons
- Loveys and preemie blankets are some of the smallest baby blankets
- Toddler blankets and swaddles are some of the largest baby blankets
- Baby blankets should be upgraded as your child grows
All you need is one baby blanket size – right? Wrong! There are many different blankets with convenient sizing and materials for specific functions. But what are the different cot baby blanket sizes? This article will cover all the different cot baby blanket sizes that you can get.
In This Article
- What Is A Baby Blanket?
- Is It Safe To Use A Baby Blanket?
- What Are The Different Types Of Fabrics Used For Baby Blankets?
- What Are The Different Types Of Baby Blankets?
- What Are The Average Sizes Of The Different Baby Blanket Types?
- Why Is It Important To Choose The Correct Blanket Size For Your Child?
- How Can I Keep My Child Safe When Sleeping With A Cot Blanket?
Cot blankets come in a variety of sizes and fabrics according to the function they serve. The following table shows us a few different types and sizes of baby blankets:
Now that we know the different types of blankets and their sizes, let’s take a more detailed look at what they’re used for and why they’re this specific size.
What Is A Baby Blanket?
A baby blanket is a small and soft blanket. It’s a way to keep your baby safe, snuggly, and warm.
Baby blankets come in many different shapes, fabrics, and sizes for two reasons. One, your baby grows fast and will outgrow pretty baby blankets anyway. Two, they have other functions for your baby, as listed below:
- Providing warmth in different temperatures
- Giving comfort (emotionally and physically)
- Protecting from the various elements (wind, rain, cold)
- Protecting from dirty surfaces
Is It Safe To Use A Baby Blanket?
It is considered safe to use a baby blanket under supervision. This means if your baby is napping during the day and you are able to keep a close eye on them, it is safe to wrap them in a blanket. Likewise, it is safe to use a swaddle blanket while they are in the pram or when you’re having a cuddle.
Even when using a blanket under supervision, you need to ensure that it isn’t able to ride up over your baby’s face. Swaddling is a good way of doing this, or, if you prefer, you can place the blanket over their chest and under their arms, ensuring that your baby’s feet are at the bottom of their bassinet so they aren’t able to wriggle down under the blanket.
When it comes to nighttime, it’s best to avoid using a blanket as this can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through suffocation. Instead, dress them in something warm that allows their arms and legs to move freely, and when they are old enough to roll over by themselves, use a sleep sack rather than a blanket.
What Are The Different Types Of Fabrics Used For Baby Blankets?
We have found plenty of materials used for baby blankets, such as organic cotton and polyester. So whether you’re buying a cot blanket or knitting handmade blankets, here are the different types of materials used to make baby blankets:
- Crochet baby blankets made from yarn
- Knit baby blankets made from yarn
- Quilted baby blankets made from cotton
- Muslin baby blankets made from plain-woven cotton
- Cotton flannel baby blankets
What Are The Different Types Of Baby Blankets?
1. A Preemie Blanket
Most preemie blankets weigh about 0.4 kg and measure 45 x 60 cm. Generally, preemie babies are tiny, so these blankets need to be incredibly lightweight and small.
Many babies are born prematurely all around the world. While they stay in the NICU of a hospital, preemie blankets are used to provide warmth, joy and colour to newborn babies.
Preemie blankets are not made with one particular material, but avoiding patterns, crochet blankets with holes and lacy materials are best. You can crochet, knit or sew a preemie baby blanket, but ensure doctors approve the fabrics.
2. A Receiving Baby Blanket
Receiving blankets, measuring either 46 or 91 cm squared, are smaller than a swaddling baby blanket and are typically kept by parents as a memento for when they first bring their child home from the hospital.
Few memories rival the challenge and joy that childbirth brings. When your baby finally comes into the world, the receiving blanket is the first protective cover wrapped around them to protect them.
Receiving blankets make great gifts for expecting parents because they usually come in packs of colourful options and can even be used as swaddling blankets for tiny babies.
3. A Coverlet
A coverlet’s function is to cover the baby and not a bed, so that explains why its size only measures 101 x 127 cm.
A coverlet is a much smaller and lighter version of a child’s bedspread. It’s tailored specifically for the size of a baby. This makes it one of the best choices in types of blankets for use in the cot.
Coverlets are meant to be lightweight, breathable and absorbent. So, loosely woven muslin and cotton flannel fabrics are perfect for a coverlet.
4. A Security Baby Blanket
The typical length of a security blanket is usually 36 cm by 43 cm. Security blankets seem to be the most limitless for the size and types of materials used to make them.
Babies can become attached to their security blankets, and if this happens, they’ll usually take these with them wherever they go. You can imagine Charlie Brown or Elmo lugging around their blankets.
5. A Lovey Baby Blanket
A lovey blanket is one of the smallest types of blankets you’ll find, measuring 25 cm or 30 cm squared. It’s very similar to the security blanket as they usually turn to their lovey blanket for comfort. The main difference between these two blankets is that the lovey has a small plush toy attached to the top.
Lovey blankets can be made by knitting, crocheting or sewing a small blanket with a plush toy. You could attach a small plush toy to a small blanket. Just ensure the toy and blanket are free of anything that could be a choking hazard.
You’ll find that your baby might become very attached to it at six months of age, but it’s recommended not to let them sleep with a lovey until they are at least twelve months old. Sleeping with a lovey before reaching a proper level of development could potentially be a suffocation hazard.
6. A Car Seat Baby Blanket Or Cover
Car seat blankets usually measure 76 x 152 cm in size to cover the car seat. Car seat blankets are not necessarily used to protect the baby but cover the car seat by fitting over the handle. This blanket type will usually have a slit in the front to allow easy access or light or airflow into the car seat.
These blankets are great for shading your baby from the sun, protecting their delicate skin from the harsh UV rays, and creating a dark space to encourage them to sleep. It also plays a role in keeping your baby warm in the car without allowing them to overheat.
7. Pram Baby Blanket Size
The pram blanket usually comes in a standard size of 76 x 102 cm. You’ll drape a pram blanket over the front of the seat to keep your child nice and snug on colder days.
Some might argue that you could wrap any large blanket around the pram, which will do the job just fine. While this might be true in most cases, more oversized blankets risk slipping and getting caught in the pram’s wheels.
Pram blankets usually have convenient velcro straps that allow them to attach to the handle, which prevents common annoyance. This particular trait also means your child is less likely to kick off the blanket.
8. A Toddler Blanket
The sizes for the toddler blanket vary from 102 x 152 cm, which is great for when they’re still sleeping in the crib. Then 168 x 229 cm for when they start sleeping in their new ‘big bed’.
When your baby hits the toddler stage, that coverlet blanket you purchased simply won’t fit the bill. So, as your child grows, you’ll need a crib blanket with flexible sizing. Enter the toddler blanket.
The toddler size blanket is somewhat of an in-between size crib blanket and will serve your baby well as they transition from still sleeping in a cot to outgrowing the regular-sized cot blanket.
Toddler blankets also don’t have to be made from a particular material. They are typically made from fleece and quilts for the colder days and muslin and lightweight cotton for the warmer seasons.
9. A Swaddle Blanket
A swaddling blanket is used to wrap a newborn baby lightly, and these blankets are typically quite big, measuring 122 cm squared. Wrapping your baby with a swaddle blanket will give them a feeling of security and remind them of being fit snugly in the womb. Swaddling works wonders to calm a crying baby.
The fabric for a swaddle baby blanket must be lightweight, washable and breathable. Usually, this requires a muslin material, as thicker materials inhibit airflow and could cause your baby to overheat.
What Are The Average Sizes Of The Different Baby Blanket Types?
Here is an easy reference to a handy chart showing the average baby blanket size if you want to make a crib blanket or want to ensure the baby blanket size chart you buy will fit the cot.
Why Is It Important To Choose The Correct Blanket Size For Your Child?
There are a few reasons why it’s so important to choose the correct size blanket for your child. Firstly, a blanket that is too big will have far too much excess material, and this can pose a suffocation or strangulation risk for your baby if they become tangled in the blankets, pull them over their face, or wriggles down underneath them.
Conversely, a blanket that is too small won’t cover your baby enough, and this can cause them to become cold during the night. This will lead to your baby’s body temperature falling and comes with risks such as hyperthermia.
To ensure you get the correct blanket size for your baby, you need to measure both the cot and the mattress. There should be a slight excess on the blanket’s measurements compared to the cot and mattress, with an extra 9cm in width and 12cm in length. This allows room for movement but ensures there isn’t too much excess material.
How Can I Keep My Child Safe When Sleeping With A Cot Blanket?
One of the best things you can do to keep your child safe when sleeping with a cot blanket is to make sure you have the right size for their cot. It should be around 9cm wider and 12cm longer than the mattress, as this won’t restrict their movement but also means there isn’t too much excess material that could ride up over their face.
You also need to ensure that the blanket you are using is appropriate for the season. Too much thickness or weight in the summer may cause your baby to overheat, while a super thin blanket in the winter could lead to your baby getting too cold overnight.
It’s important to think about the blanket you’re using to cover the mattress, too. A fitted sheet is best here, as it will stay firmly in place at all times, even if your baby has a tendency to wriggle and move.
There are other cot safety considerations you need to implement, as well as ensuring you have the right blanket. Make sure that there are no pillows or soft toys in the cot, ensure the cot isn’t placed near a window, and check that the rails are high enough to prevent your baby from rolling out of their cot as they sleep.
Final Thoughts On Cot Blanket Sizes
Crib and baby blanket sizes can differ vastly and can be made from various fabrics. All the crib blankets will have different functions, so finding a crib blanket to do it all is doubtful. Unlikely, but not impossible. Remember that as your baby grows, you’ll need to adapt the baby blanket sizes too.