Effective Parenting 101: What Size Is A Swaddle Blanket

You are aware that swaddle blankets help babies sleep longer, but you’re not sure what size is a swaddle blanket.

 

what size is a swaddle blanket

For your information, the size of a swaddle blanket ranges from 40×40 inches to 48×48 inches.

 

Besides swaddle blanket sizes, we will also talk about what kind of blanket is perfect for swaddling, the differences between them, and many more swaddling-related topics.

 

What Kind Of Blanket Is Used for Swaddling?

Not all types of blanket cloths can be used for swaddling. For example, fleece blankets are used during summer or outings.

 

However, it is easy to find the kind of cloth perfect for swaddling. Swaddling blankets should be breathable.

 

You can use anything with cotton; just be sure not to over-layer them.

 

Other types of cloth for swaddling blankets are muslin and bamboo.

 

A breathable blanket is necessary as it prevents newborns from overheating from swaddling.

 

Signs of overheating include damp hair, sweating, heat rash, and flushed cheeks.

 

What Size Is A Swaddle Blanket: Different Options

Now that the type of cloth perfect for a swaddling blanket is out of the way, we can proceed to talk about different baby blanket sizes.

 

Swaddling blankets are not the only type of baby blankets, after all. Moreover, your baby would probably grow out of it faster than you realize.

 

At most, they should stop being swaddled when they’re two months of age. Here are baby blanket sizes you should take note of  for future purposes:

 

  • Receiving blankets (18×18 inches to 36×36 inches)

 

  • Crib blankets (40×60 inches)

 

  • Activity/Multi-use blankets (30×30 inches to 40 inches)

 

Is there a difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddling blanket?

Receiving blankets and swaddling blankets are both among the many different kinds of baby blankets.

 

The difference is that a receiving blanket is more versatile.

 

Receiving blankets can also be used for swaddling, but it lacks the winged sides of swaddling blankets.

 

The receiving blanket got its name from the custom of wrapping the newborn with it, with the mother on its receiving end.

 

Besides this, this blanket can be used as a play area for the baby as well.

 

They are portable and can efficiently provide a quick and safe place to play or lie down on.

 

Another use of a receiving blanket is to serve as a substitute changing mat or even a burp cloth.

 

Either way, a receiving blanket is sure to have its many uses.

 

You can repurpose receiving blankets into a quilt when your baby outgrows their receiving blankets!

 

What are the common mistakes to swaddling?

Swaddling is an art, and it’s not easy to do.

 

Here are the common mistakes to swaddling that you should take note of and avoid:

 

  • Swaddling over the shoulders is a no-no. Also, when you wrap your baby, be sure that it’s not too tight.

 

  • Swaddling to the point that your baby’s hips and knees can’t freely move is also wrong.

 

Tightly wrapping your baby is dangerous because it may lead to hip dysplasia.

 

  • Swaddling them too loose should also be avoided. This is because they may get entangled and suffocate.

 

  • A swaddled baby should sleep on their back, never on their front nor sides.

 

  • Regularly check your baby’s temperature when they’re swaddled. This is to make sure they don’t overheat.

 

There are many more common mistakes to swaddling.

 

We have enumerated the major ones since they occur more frequently and can lead to severe problems.

 

How many hours should babies be swaddled?

It is recommended that newborns should be swaddled for at least 12 to 20 hours a day.

 

This is to make them feel calmer, and it also helps them sleep because they feel snug.

 

You can continue to swaddle your baby until they are two to three months old.

 

However, when your baby begins to roll over, it is a sign that you should stop swaddling them.

 

Be sure not to stop swaddling prematurely, though, because it helps with Sudden Infant Syndrome.

 

How tightly/loosely should you swaddle your baby?

Babies should feel snug, not overly tight, as it may hinder them from breathing.

 

Remember to wrap your newborn loosely from the hips down. This is so the baby can move their legs up and out the hips.

 

Remember not to cover your baby’s legs straight because it may interfere with your baby’s development.

 

A recommended swaddle blanket is one with velcros as it prevents your baby from getting entangled when the wrapping is done loosely.

 

As mentioned above, there are also risks to loosely swaddling your baby.

 

Can a swaddled baby be breastfed?

It’s better if you don’t, as babies may doze off and not get their needed nutrients.

 

This can also mean that you’d need to wake up more frequently as they would also need to feed more regularly.

 

For both your sakes, free them from swaddles during feeding.

 

Conclusion

From discussing what size is a swaddle blanket to knowing if a baby can be breastfed while swaddling, we talked about numerous topics that can help you out as a parent.

 

We hope you have learned enough and well throughout this article!