12 of the best baby blankets for newborns and toddlers

Choosing a baby blanket should be a pretty straightforward process compared to some of the essential purchases required for the arrival of a new sprog (we're looking at you, baby carriers). But, bedding can be an unexpected minefield. What fabric is best, what size should you choose, what's the safest blanket to buy and what about swaddling or sleeping bags?

If shopping for baby accessories is keeping you awake at night, you've come to the right place. To help you find the perfect safe and snuggly cover for your little one, we've rounded up the best baby blankets on the market so you can all sleep easy.

Best baby blankets to shop now

Here are the best baby blankets at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.

What is a baby blanket?

Baby blankets differ from adult bedding in a number of ways, so it is worth investing in one for your new arrival. 'A baby blanket is one which is small enough to fit a Moses basket, crib or co-sleeper without needing to be folded multiple times,' explains says Rachel FitzD, Parenting Expert at The Baby Show.

'Traditional baby blankets are made from cotton and have small holes in the fabric, such as the classic cellular blanket,' she adds. 'And this is still an ideal choice for a newborn baby as it traps warmth but allows air to circulate and, if baby does get underneath it, the holes allow for easy breathing.'

The types of baby blankets

Baby blankets tend to fit into the following categories. The best type for your family depends on the age of your child, intended use and time of year:

• Cellular blankets: These are typically made from 100% cotton with holes (or cells) to allow for airflow and insulation when layered, explains Jumaimah Hussain from Kiddies Kingdom. 'They are the safest type of baby blankets and are also the best option to use as bedding for your newborn,' she adds.
• Sleeping bags: This is essentially a blanket with zips to prevent wriggly feet from kicking it off during the night. Check out our rundown of the best baby sleeping bags.
• Swaddling blankets: This is the age-old practice of wrapping your baby up to keep them cosy and calm, so they tend to be made from thin fabric. 'The swaddling technique is designed to help newborns sleep and prevent the startle reflex,' says Hussain.
• Baby comforters: These usually include the thickness and warmth of a sheet and blanket combined, so they're better suited to winter. 'Comforters should only be used if your baby needs a lot of warmth,' advises Hussain.
• Knitted blankets: Nothing says excited new Granny quite like a wool blanket, and covers made from natural fibres are great for temperature regulation.
• Fleece blankets: Another option for colder climes. 'These are usually made from polyester and are machine washable and cosy,' says Hussain. However, these are not suitable for younger babies.
• Muslins: If you have a new baby in the house, muslins squares are essential kit for mopping up inevitable spills (we're fans of this animal print 5-pack). But, you can also get muslin baby blankets, which consist of layered fabric that creates just the right density for a cool throw.

Which type of blanket is best for a newborn baby?

Babies can't control their own body temperature, so it's essential that you choose the right type of blanket to suit their age and the season. 'It is tempting to think that a blanket will keep them warm,' says FitzD. 'But a blanket itself does not radiate heat - it simply traps in whatever heat the body can create. Your baby needs to be warm before popping a blanket on. And the best warmer of all is you!'

So, the easiest way to help your newborn stay warm is to cuddle them. 'Once your baby has been cosied up by you then a few light cotton sheets and blankets are better than one heavy one,' advises FitzD. 'To check your baby is warm, slip your hand down their back between their shoulder blades,' she adds. 'Remove a layer if they feel too warm or add another light sheet or blanket if they feel cold. Better still, pick them up and warm them with your own body heat.'

What is the best blanket for bringing baby home?

Expecting your first baby and worrying about the safest way to get them home from the hospital? Aside from the right type of car seat, temperature regulation is also an important factor to consider.

'Cars seats tend to be hot so avoid over-wrapping your baby with heavy blankets for the journey home,' advises FitzD. 'Simply strap your baby in and, if it is a cold day, lay one light blanket over their lap.'

Help choosing the best baby blanket

Before you purchase your little one's first baby blanket, consider the following pointers:

• Go natural: Natural fibres are best. 'When shopping for your new baby’s bedding, look for cotton or bamboo fibre products,' advises FitzD. 'Avoid blankets made of synthetic fleece and also steer away from natural sheep fleeces. These products can cause over-heating which can increase the risk of SIDS.'
  
• Shop in bulk: Exactly how much bedding do you need for a precious new arrival? 'Buy half a dozen cot sheets and at least four or five blankets - you will be doing a lot of washing so you need extra,' says FitzD.
• Layer up: Avoid bulky bedding and opt for layering to get the temperature right. 'The same blankets can be used through all the seasons, just use more layers in the colder weather,' suggests FitzD. 'This enables you to quickly adjust the bedding if the temperature changes overnight.'
• Get the size right: Buy blankets and sheets that fit your baby's cot. 'As tempting as it is, don’t buy a full-sized blanket and fold it up, as this makes adjusting the bedding tricky if baby gets too hot,' warns FitzD.

Which baby blanket is best for winter?

Research from a number of worldwide studies has found that there is a connection between baby's temperature and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly known as cot death. This risk can be greatly reduced if you use the right type of baby blanket.

'Inside the house, babies should not be over-wrapped as overheating is dangerous and can increase the risk of SIDS,' explains FitzD. 'Use lightweight blankets and do not use quilts, duvets or baby nests. One or two cotton or bamboo fibre cellular blankets are ideal and ensure the covers are securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head.'

Which baby blanket is best for summer?

According to the NHS, the ideal room temperature for babies to sleep safely should be between 16-20°C, so shop for blankets with the seasons in mind.

'For the first month of life your baby needs the same number of layers as you plus one,' says FitzD. 'During the hotter months, if you are sleeping naked under one cotton sheet, then your baby needs to wear a light baby-gro under one sheet or a light vest under a cellular blanket. When the weather is really steamy then a large muslin makes a lovely fresh and cool baby blanket.'

12 best baby blankets to shop now

If you're patiently waiting for the arrival of your first little one or shopping for a friend, keep scrolling for our pick of the best baby blankets on the market.