The answer to the question of what size is a baby blanket depends on the type of blanket. Remember that there are different types of baby blankets, ranging from swaddle blankets to crib blankets. This article will familiarize you with these blankets’ dimensions to further help you prepare for buying or making a baby blanket.
The term baby blanket might be too broad to specify a size for the product. After all, even receiving and swaddle blankets are also considered baby blankets. However, they differ in uses and ergo, in sizes.
How Big Is A Baby Blanket?
If you’re unsure what size is a baby blanket, it can range from 18 by 18 inches to even 40 by 60 inches. Remember that the term baby blanket pertains to receiving blankets, swaddle blankets, crib blankets, and multi-use blankets. Because there are different baby blankets, their sizes will also vary to complement their intended usage.
Receiving blankets and swaddle blankets
The smallest baby blanket is the receiving blanket around 18 by 18 inches to 36 by 36 inches. On the other hand, a swaddle blanket typically measures 40 by 40 inches or even 48 by 48 inches to comfortably wrap around your baby. What about baby blankets for older babies?
Crib blankets and multi-purpose blankets
Parents usually have crib blankets and multi-use blankets for older babies. These blankets have different uses from nursing, diaper-changing, and even for a quick clean-up of your baby. A crib blanket has dimensions of 40 by 60 inches, while multi-purpose blankets are 30 by 30 inches to 40 by 40 inches because they don’t have standard sizes.
Types Of Baby Blankets
The different kinds of baby blankets are receiving blankets, swaddle blankets, crib blankets, and multi-purpose blankets. The dimensions discussed are what you can typically expect in the market, but some brands may offer size variations. To understand their sizing better, you must know how each baby blanket type is used.
Receiving blanket
The receiving blanket receives the newborn to make them feel secure and warm after birth from the name itself. There are different sizes in the market ranging from 18 by 18 inches, 36 by 36 inches, and even 30 by 40 inches. Some even use the receiving blanket for swaddling, but it’s usually smaller and suitable for newborns.
Swaddle blanket
Swaddling is a practice to calm your baby by wrapping him/her in a blanket. Swaddle blankets can measure from 40 by 40 inches to 48 by 48 inches to fit every baby comfortably. You want to have enough material to make swaddling easy and comfortable.
Crib blanket
It’s worth emphasizing that cribs shouldn’t have any blankets if your child is under a year old. However, toddlers typically use a rectangular blanket measuring 40 by 60 inches to keep them warm. A crib blanket is a type of baby blanket, but it’s suitable for toddlers.
Multi-purpose blanket
A multi-purpose blanket comes in different sizes, but the most common one measures 30 by 30 inches to 40 by 40 inches. This size is helpful in cleaning your baby, nursing cover, as a surface for play or diaper-changing, or even as a shade for your baby when it’s sunny in the stroller. This blanket can also become a safety blanket as your child grows.
What Is A Good Size For A Crocheted Baby Blanket?
With the many baby blankets to choose from, which dimensions would be best for a crocheted baby blanket? The first blanket your baby will use is the receiving blanket so you can make a 30 by 30-inch crocheted project. You can also adjust the width to 34 inches if you prefer the finish to be rectangular.
If you want to crochet a receiving blanket, prepare two or three 5-ounce balls of yarn. But if you want, you can also crochet a preemie because it is smaller at 26 by 34 inches. Prepare the same number of yarn skeins and then adjust accordingly depending on the tightness of your crochet.
What Is A Good Size For A Knitted Baby Blanket?
It’s more common to knit a lovey or security blanket. It can be around 10 by 10 inches or 12 by 12 inches because it’s not meant to cover your child. A knitted lovey blanket is also small enough not to pose suffocation risks.
Knitting vs crocheting a blanket
Some people find crocheting more comfortable when making a blanket. It’s also a faster method because crocheting uses a single hook whereas knitting uses a pair of needles. Nonetheless, both are relaxing practices to try and allows you to create a more personal baby blanket.
What Size Is A Toddler Blanket?
You can expect that a toddler blanket will be bigger than those needed by a baby. If you plan on crocheting one, prepare four 5-ounce yarn balls to make a blanket measuring 36 by 44 inches. Since there are no standard sizes for toddler blankets, you can always make them bigger or smaller to suit your child.
Conclusion
Are you planning on crocheting or knitting a baby blanket? If you’re unsure what size is a baby blanket, you can make a smaller receiving blanket or something more extensive like a multi-purpose one. The most miniature baby blanket is only 18 by 18 inches, but some blankets can measure up to 40 by 60 inches.
By understanding the different baby blanket types, you can expect what size they should have to perform their purposes.