Receiving Blankets
If you can, purchase at least six of these. You will find yourself using receiving blankets both inside and outside of the house, when taking baby on short trips, while shopping, and as a light drape for the car seat. Keep a blanket handy, even on warm days, as you never know when things may turn chilly.Receiving blankets can be inexpensive and often come in packs of two or three. A soft waffle weave tends to retain body heat while allowing the baby's skin to breathe. Purchase a variety of colors that blend in with your nursery and home.
Keepsake Blankets
You can spruce up an old family favorite by mending holes artfully by using motif patches, such as garden bugs, animals, or stars, or adding an all-around short fringe. Be sure to sew on all appliques so baby cannot pull them off and get them into his or her mouth. Tie fringes securely in double-knots, and be sure that you never use glue to secure pieces onto the blanket.If you are planning to make a keepsake blanket, you can either purchase a pattern or use your own creativity to come up with something truly unique. However, be mindful of your nursery colors. Boy or girl, consider soft green, blue, pale yellow, or cream backgrounds for your blanket.
Never give a keepsake blanket, as a gift if you feel your heart would break should anything happen to it. In that case, preserve the blanket in an airtight vinyl package and take it out on special occasions to show your baby and share the story behind it.
Sleep Sacks
When it comes to sleeping, many parents fear that baby will burrow her way under her covers. Babies can and do wriggle, writhe, and scoot, usually much earlier than you were expecting. If you are nervous about your baby becoming entangled, consider a Sleep Sack.These items serve as a nightgown and blanket in one, and are appropriate for both boys and girls. You can purchase lightweight sleep sacks for warmer weather, or fleece if you live in a colder area.
Just like an adult's body, a baby's body loses heat while it sleeps. It is important to be sure your baby is warm enough during the night; however, bundling your baby too tightly or with too many layers can pose hazards. Be mindful of the following:
You should never place large or fluffy blankets in an infant's crib. These pose a suffocation hazard to babies. You also run the risk of baby overheating, which can be dangerous.
Blankets should come up no farther than between lower back and armpit level. Put your baby to bed with her feet just touching the far end of the crib and adjust the blankets accordingly. This way she will be less likely to be able to wiggle her way down underneath the blankets.
Newborn infants may be safer and just as warm if you swaddle them securely in a receiving blanket. If you are not sure how to swaddle, check with your pediatrician, or ask the nurses at the hospital for a demonstration.
If your baby has outgrown swaddling but you are concerned about her safety, again, consider a sleep sack.
NOTE: There are many important steps to take to ensure that your baby sleeps safely. Obtain and read a sleep safety list from your pediatrician before bringing baby home from the hospital.
When in doubt, always ask a qualified individual how to keep your baby warm and secure. Then make your purchases accordingly and enjoy wrapping up your own little bundle!