A veteran board-certified pediatrician with three decades of experience.
MD from U Chicago; BS from UPenn.
Why it's useful
Versatility: carrying your baby, keeping her warm in a stroller or car seat, or laying something out for a picnic
Swaddling: thin receiving blankets are especially useful for swaddling newborns and young infants (find out more from Leleki’s guide on swaddles / receiving blankets)
Important! Do not use loose blankets to cover sleeping babies who are <12 months old; this increases risk of suffocation.
What to consider
Materials:
Softness: should be soft on a baby’s skin.
Warmth: Make sure to have a few different levels of warmth, since it’s important for your baby to not get overheated or catch a chill.
GOTS or OEKO-TEX Certification: We recommend getting GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified blankets made from natural materials to minimize the risk of dermal exposure to harsh chemicals. Read more here [link].
Important! We recommend pre-washing all textile baby items before using to minimize the chance that any residual chemicals or packing dust don’t irritate your baby’s skin.
Things to avoid:
Buttons or small attachments: (e.g. ribbons, tassels, etc) that can become loose and pose a choking risk
Long ribbons or strands: these can pose a strangulation risk to your baby.
How many to get
We recommend starting with four: two lightweight blankets and two warmer ones. That way, you’ll have a backup in case of a mess and you can see what’s most useful for your baby’s needs.
Leleki does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The resources on our website are provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your care provider / a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
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We're in beta: you can purchase the products we’ve curated through affiliate links - we get a small cut of the sale. In the future, we’ll be selling directly through Leleki store.