Function

• Baby blankets provide warmth and comfort for an infant. They may be used to cover, wrap or swaddle the baby, and they may also be draped over strollers or car seats as a sunshade. Baby blankets can be spread out on the floor to provide a place for the baby to sit or crawl, and they can be used as a place for changing diapers while traveling. Since many baby blankets come in cute colors and patterns, they may also be used for decoration in the nursery.
  
  

Type

• Some of the most common types of baby blankets include receiving blankets, swaddling blankets and baby quilts. Receiving blankets are used to cover newborns and infants, while swaddling blankets are useful for wrapping the baby up tightly in order to comfort and calm the baby. Swaddling blankets may be square, flat blankets, or they may be especially shaped for wrapping around the baby. Baby quilts may be used as crib bedding or placed on the floor, or even hung on the wall for decoration. Some baby quilts and blankets are family heirlooms passed down through generations.
  
  

Size

• Baby blankets come in different sizes depending on the purpose of the blanket, and may vary from brand to brand. Receiving blankets are often about 30 inches square, while swaddling blankets are typically larger, about 42 inches square, so that the blanket can be wrapped around the baby more easily. The standard size for crib quilts is 45 by 60 inches. Baby blankets also come in different thicknesses. Thin blankets may be useful for warm weather or for using as sunshades, while thicker blankets may be used to bundle up the baby when it's cold.
  
  

Significance

• Many young children become emotionally attached to a particular baby blanket. They may sleep with the blanket nightly, cuddle with it and carry it with them during the day. Some children may even name the blanket. These types of baby blankets may be called security blankets, since they provide comfort and familiarity for the baby, particularly during travel or new situations. Some small blankets are specifically designed as security blankets, and may have soft stuffed animals attached.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Baby blankets, pillows and other soft bedding should be removed from an infant's crib or bassinet during sleep, including naps. Soft bedding such as baby blankets may contribute to SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as it can cause the infant to rebreathe air or suffocate. Baby blankets should only cover the infant up to his or her chest, and should be tucked in to prevent them from getting near the baby's face. Parents may want to use warm clothing instead of a baby blanket during sleep for safety.