What Is The Average Size Of A Baby Blanket? Perfect Information For You

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
15 min read

There are a variety of baby blanket sizes available to meet your needs. For new parents, the question of “how big is a baby blanket?” may arise.

However, why should we be concerned with baby blankets prior to that? There are numerous benefits that a baby blanket may offer your child.

Their primary function is to maintain a comfortable temperature for the infant. After then, they ensure the well-being of infants. Likewise, they can serve as a source of amusement for infants.

Your child can associate a blanket with a sense of security.

What Is The Average Size Of A Baby Blanket?

One universal blanket size for infants is difficult to establish. Depending on the intended application, baby blankets are available in a range of sizes.

However, depending on the style, most baby blankets are between 18 and 40 inches in width and 60 inches in length.

Knitter's Guide to Baby Blanket Sizes - Knitfarious

What Are The Kinds of Baby Blankets?

The many types of baby blankets serve different functions. Swaddling blankets, receiving blankets, crib blankets, and multi-use blankets are the most often used types of baby blankets.

Each type has a corresponding size or range of sizes appropriate for its purpose.

Swaddle blanket

Each type has a corresponding size or range of sizes appropriate for its purpose.

For every category, there exists a specific size (or range of sizes) that serves its intended function best.

Finally, because it reduces the baby’s startle reflex, swaddling is helpful for nighttime sleep.

These blankets typically measure 48 inches by 48 inches, while other sizes are available.

Receiving blanket

A receiving blanket is another option for covering a newborn. In general, this is a lightweight blanket.

The receiving blanket is often small and thin. Blankets of this style often range in size from 18 by 18 inches to 36 by 36 inches.

Babies tend to outgrow these blankets rapidly due to their rapid rate of development. Even so, many guardians opt to store them away for their kids’ comfort.

In general, they have a wide range of applications, particularly in the infant years. Swaddling, burping, and related uses are common for them.

Crib blanket

Crib blankets, as the name implies, are intended for usage within a baby’s crib. Loose textiles on a baby’s crib, however, are generally discouraged until the infant is at least a year old.

Babies can get caught in these and sustain injuries, therefore avoiding them is a top priority when it comes to child protection.

The standard size for a crib blanket is 40 inches wide by 60 inches long, but this can be relaxed slightly. A standard crib blanket should be large enough to cover a toddler and their bed when they are old enough to transition out of crib bedding.

Because of the intended use of crib blankets by infants and toddlers, it is crucial that no dangling buttons or threads be accessible to curious fingers.

Multi-use blanket

The versatility of a multipurpose blanket is perfect for babies. They can serve as “loveys” or security blankets for kids.

These blankets are also a hit with parents who use them as airplane throws. They can be used as stroller blankets or car seat covers during the colder seasons.

Multipurpose blankets can serve as an activity blanket for your child if they are sufficiently thick. Your kid will need plenty of room to crawl and play, and there should be adequate padding to prevent any injuries.

The maximum dimensions for these blankets are 30 by 40 inches.

What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For A Baby Blanket?

Giving a new parent a soft blanket is a kind and useful present. Making a baby blanket from scratch is a great way to show extra care and consideration for the recipient.

A baby blanket can be created in a wide variety of methods. Crocheting is a well-liked technique.

If you’re crocheting a baby blanket, you might like to try the following techniques:

  • Stitching that crosses over itself in a block formation. You can think of the chain, single crochet, and double crochet as the building blocks of this stitch.
  • The wattle stitch. Babies and their parents will love the playful and interesting texture created by this technique.
  • Stitch pattern resembling a star. The starburst shape created by this stitch gives rise to its name.
  • Overstitching, or blanket stitching. One single crochet and two double crochets are used to create this stitch. You may make a beautiful blanket with this pattern.
  • The term for this is the bobble stitch. In this simple stitch, two threads are simply crossed over one another twice. The resulting texture is one that infants are guaranteed to find stimulating.

What materials make blankets safe for babies?

The fabrics used in a baby’s blanket should pose little to no danger of irritation to their delicate skin.

Babies, especially newborns, have poorly established mechanisms for controlling their body temperature. Therefore, you should search for textiles that allow air to circulate and do not retain moisture or heat. Some of the best fabrics for infants are:

  • cotton
  • Fabric made from bamboo and rayon
  • fleece
  • gauze

Safe sleep

If you want to keep your baby safe from suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not putting a blanket in the crib with them. Consider a wearable blanket if you are concerned about your infant getting cold while sleeping.

How we chose these blankets for babies

We compiled this list based on several criteria, including weight, fabric, size, reviews, and aesthetics.

We gave top consideration to alternatives that did not have any loose parts that could cause injury, such as ribbons, tassels, or buttons.

What Size Is a Baby Blanket? (Standard Dimensions by Type)

Price guide

  • $ = under $15
  • $$ = $15–$30
  • $$$ = above $30

Healthline Parenthood’s picks of the best blankets for babies

Hudson Baby Plush Blanket and Animal Security Blanket

Newborns can snuggle up in comfort with this warm blanket from Hudson Baby. It’s extremely cuddly, plus it comes with a stuffed animal lovey that’s the perfect fit! This package is great for giving because there are prints for both sexes.

The blanket is a generous 30 by 36 inches in size, and the lovey is a snug 14 by 14 inches. Most parents agree that their children instantly took a liking to the lovey because of its “ridiculously soft” texture, however some express concern that the threads may disintegrate rapidly.

Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Baby Quilt

Our managing editor particularly likes Little Unicorn’s cotton muslin quilts. They are more expensive than average, but the extra money spent could be justified by the quality and longevity of the product. These quilts are 47 by 47 inches and come in a wide variety of plain colors and patterns (from outer space to fruits and vegetables!).

Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets Bundle

When you think about all the baby gear you’ll need to buy in the first year, you’ll be happy to know that baby blankets are typically inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk.

Parents have commented that, because to their small size (30 by 30 inches), these blankets are not ideal for swaddling and are better suited for burping instead. Additionally, some reviewers noted that the edges frayed quickly after washing.

Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket with Sherpa Backing

This soft, sherpa-lined baby blanket from Hudson Baby measures 30 by 40 inches and is available in more than 20 stylish designs; it’s the perfect choice for keeping infants and toddlers warm on chilly fall and winter days.

This blanket has a lot of fans because it is reasonably priced, can be cleaned in the washing machine, and features sturdy construction. However, one mother warns that after a few washing, the shape of the item no longer holds.

Stork Wares Personalized Baby Blanket

Stork Wares produces a cute fleece blanket that may be customized with baby’s name (at no extra charge!) and is available in a number of different designs (safari, floral, dinosaur). Printed in the USA, they come in adorable packaging perfect for a baby shower.

Parents have reported that these blankets are exceptionally soft and get even better after being washed.

TILLYOU Cotton Wearable Blanket

You probably already know that newborns shouldn’t have anything in their cribs but a mattress and a breathable crib sheet when they sleep. On the other hand, if you are worried that your baby will become cold when napping, one solution is to use a wearable blanket.

These sleeveless wearable blankets come in four sizes, making them suitable for newborns all the way up to 24-month-olds. Each of the four adorable patterns also has a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes without removing the sleep sack.

JJ Cole Urban Bundleme

Especially if you reside in a colder region, this indulgence is well worth the cost. Although it is technically a bunting bag, we like this one from JJ Cole because it is designed to keep your baby toasty on walks and car journeys in the winter.

The sherpa lining of the Urban Bundleme bunting bag makes it a snug and warm accessory. It’s made to fit neatly into the frame of the average stroller or baby carrier, and it unzips quickly and easily for quick diaper changes. In addition, the bag’s side openings allow you to use the straps of your stroller or car seat to keep baby safe.

Boritar Baby Minky Blanket

If you’re a parent who frequently travels by car or plane, you should invest in a blanket that is not only warm and comfortable but also easy to pack and take along. Boritar’s minky blanket is well regarded for its softness and portability. If the unthinkable should happen, you can throw it in the washing machine.

It’s 30 by 40 inches, so it’s portable without being bulky, yet it’s still quite fluffy (or you can opt for the oversized blanket that measures 50 by 60 inches). If your child isn’t using it, you may use it to keep your own legs toasty on your next travel!

aden + anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4pk

Swaddling is not always easy. The oversized, ultralight muslin swaddles by aden + anais are a welcome relief. Parents appreciate these swaddles because they are machine washable, come in a broad range of patterns, and are a convenient 47 by 47 inches in size.

These are slightly more expensive than comparable muslin swaddles found on the web, but they do come in a convenient four-pack. Not many people have issues with the overall softness of these swaddles, and those that do tend to be vocal about it.

Baby Blanket Size and Dimensions Guide [With Chart]

Parade Everything Organic Baby Blanket

As a parent, you can do what’s best for your child and the earth without having to sacrifice your financial stability. Parade’s option is a great choice because it is made of certified organic cotton that was grown without pesticides and utilizes only non-toxic colours in its hand-printed designs.

Parade’s blankets are universally praised by moms and dads and only come in a single size (40 x 40 inches). Some customers have complained, however, that the colors aren’t exactly what they appear in the images.

What to look for in a baby blanket

There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect baby blanket:

  • Breathability. It’s much simpler than you might think to check if a blanket allows air to pass through it or not. Put the blanket in front of a vent or fan to circulate the air and feel the warmth. If there is a breeze, it is a good choice for warmer weather.
  • Materials. For example, if you’re planning on going hiking in the fall, you might want to consider a heavier weight than what you’d wear in the spring and summer. It’s possible that you’ll collect a lot of baby blankets, so it’s a good idea to select a variety of weights.
  • Safety. Do not buy a baby blanket that has any kind of embellishment on it. Nothing should be worn that could fray, come loose, or provide a choking or tangling hazard.
  • Dimensions and wall thickness. There is a wide selection of sizes and thicknesses available for baby blankets, from the standard receiving blanket to the largest and thickest options. For various activities, from swaddling to tummy time, you may need blankets of varying sizes and thicknesses.
  • Style. Of course the decision rests with you! Think about the kinds of things you’d like to see in the baby’s room and throughout the house.

Conclusion

The usual size of a baby blanket was discussed, as well as the many varieties of baby blankets (swaddle, receiving, cot, and multi-use).

Besides this, we also learned which crochet stitches are best suited for making a baby blanket. A baby blanket is easy to knit and would be a thoughtful present for new parents or a cozy blanket for your own little one.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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