what is a flannel receiving blanket

The name receiving blanket originated from the custom of wrapping newborns before passing them off to mom to “receive.” Receiving blankets are typically made from soft fabrics such as flannel, cotton, muslin, or jersey knit. You can use receiving blankets for cleaning messes, swaddling

your baby, covering surfaces, and more.

Full Answer

How to sew a flannel receiving blanket?

For all three blankets, I had the associate at JOANN cut the fabric as long as it is wide. Each of these flannel bolts were 42 inches wide, so they were all cut 42 inches long. This creates a square that’s ready to be sewn, that way, you don’t have to do it at home. The fastest way to sew flannel receiving blankets, is to use a serger.

What are the different types of receiving blankets for babies?

One of the more common receiving blankets is the flannel variety. Soft and usually patterned, they’re very useful when it comes to burping, swaddling, and even as a stroller cover. Muslin blankets are often larger and softer than the flannel variety—and the more you wash them, the softer they’ll become.

What is a receiving blanket?

You’ve undoubtedly seen a picture of a newborn wrapped in a soft white blanket with pink and blue stripes along the edge. That blanket is an iconic design and often the very first blanket that many families in the United States receive their baby snuggled up in — hence the name receiving blanket.

Are flannel blankets useful for babies?

Ridiculous! I was SO wrong. Those flannel blankets ended up being the single most useful thing we had for our baby. We used them for impromptu changing pads, tummy time, burp cloths, swaddling cloths, baby carrier sun shades, stroller sun shades, car sun shades, or any time we needed to protect either the baby or the surface from the other.

Are flannel blankets the same as receiving blankets?

A receiving blanket is basically a thin square or rectangle-shaped blanket used for multiple purposes for a baby. They often come in different types of fabric but the most common are cotton, flannel, and plush blankets. They're usually packaged as a set of 2-4 blankets.

Are flannel receiving blankets good?

My go-to choice was flannel. These receiving blankets from Carter's are exactly what we have and I like them because they're breathable and lightweight. Meaning they're perfect for any season since they're thin and you can layer them if need be. These are the best receiving blankets we've ever used.

What is the difference between receiving blanket and regular blanket?

A receiving blanket is a thin baby blanket that can be used to swaddle or cover a newborn baby, and a swaddle is a blanket or pre-wrapped cover used to swaddle a baby. So a receiving blanket can be used as a swaddle blanket. And a blanket used to swaddle may be a receiving blanket.

What exactly is a receiving blanket?

It's a thin blanket, usually sold in a pack of two or four, that can be used for a variety of tasks related to early infancy, including swaddling and burping. Receiving blankets are typically smaller than standard swaddling blankets, however, and are generally suitable for a wider variety of applications.

What do you use baby flannel blankets for?

Since baby is at breast level this means your shoulders will be uncovered. Placing a flannel receiving blanket over your shoulder (but making sure it doesn't cover your baby) is a great way to help keep your shoulder and chest warm.

Do I really need receiving blankets?

Receiving blankets can do much more than swaddle newborns. New parents should always have a receiving blanket within arm's reach whether at home or on-the-go for burping, swaddling, and changing, for starters. This versatility makes them a popular baby-shower gift.

Does the hospital give you receiving blankets?

While many hospitals don't make a policy of giving receiving blankets to families, many of the blankets end up leaving the hospitals with the babies.

How many blankets does a newborn need?

Sheets and blankets Two or three sheets should be enough. Cellular blankets can be layered, which means you can keep your baby at the right temperature by removing or adding covers as needed. You shouldn't need more than about three.

Can you swaddle a baby with flannel blanket?

Hospitals trust and use cotton flannel blankets to wrap babies soon after birth to keep them warm and comfortable. Your baby will quickly outgrow the hospital-size blanket and you will need a larger receiving blanket to swaddle your baby as he or she grows.

What is the difference between a muslin and receiving blanket?

Muslin blankets typically are slightly larger than an average receiving blanket to allow ease in swaddling. Other than that muslin blankets are specifically muslin, there is no difference between that and a receiving blanket.

How many receiving blankets do I need for hospital?

Receiving blankets come in many cute patterns and colors. They're fairly inexpensive and usually sold in multi-packs. You will likely receive at least one receiving blanket from the hospital that you'll be able to take home with you. Some hospitals may send you home with two or more.

Can you use a muslin blanket as a receiving blanket?

Receiving blankets can come in a lightweight muslin, think super thin almost see through. Some are a nice and thick flannel like the kind you get at the hospital. Some are more plush, or have a few layers of muslin, making them a more traditional type of blanket (and harder to swaddle with, but you can do it!).

What kind of fabric is used for receiving blankets?

Soft flannel cottonSoft flannel cotton is the fabric choice for receiving blankets in most maternity facilities.

What kind of blankets do hospitals use for babies?

These Hospital Blankets Touch Millions Of American Babies Medline makes the white flannel blanket with pink and blue stripes used in hospital delivery rooms across the country. The company has produced close to 25 million of the blankets since 1980 alone.

What's the difference between receiving blanket and muslin blanket?

Muslin blankets typically are slightly larger than an average receiving blanket to allow ease in swaddling. Other than that muslin blankets are specifically muslin, there is no difference between that and a receiving blanket.

What is so great about muslin blankets?

Muslin baby blankets are the best! The muslin fabric's breathability helps keep your baby comfortable and safe, and gives total peace of mind. Muslin blankets are also incredibly durable. It's a workhorse fabric, giving it the ability to withstand countless washes—and best of all, it gets even softer after every wash.

What are flannel blankets used for?

We used them for impromptu changing pads, tummy time, burp cloths, swaddling cloths, baby carrier sun shades, stroller sun shades, car sun shades, or any time we needed to protect either the baby or the surface from the other.

How many yards of flannel do you need for a blanket?

You need a total of 2 yards for each blanket, 1 for the front and 1 for the back. Please, be sure to buy quality flannel from a quilting shop or reputable online shop!! Inexpensive flannel will pill almost instantly, so if you want them to last, buy quality!

How to selvedge flannel?

Unfold your flannel and refold it with the cut edges the long way, edge to edge and then again. You should now have a long skinny strip with the selvedge edges on the short end as pictured above.

How to make a flannel strip?

Take your first piece of flannel and fold it selvedge to selvedge edge. You can be sure that it is on the straight of grain by making sure that there are no wrinkles on the folded edge. Then fold the selvedges toward the folded edge so that the entire piece of fabric has been folded in half twice making a long skinny strip with the raw edges on the end.

How to measure flannel for a sleeve?

Flip the fabric around, keeping the edges lined up. Using a cloth measuring tape, measure from the cut end over to 35” and place a straight pin to mark the spot. If for some reason your flannel is too short (this sometimes happens with extra shrinkage), find the largest measurement that will fit and make sure to make all the pieces the same measurement going forward. I have made cloths as small as 30” and they work fine.

How far from edge of blanket to backstitch?

Using your guides on the bed of the sewing machine and the corners of the blanket, topstitch 2 1/2” from the edge, all the way around the blanket. Backstitch at the corners for added durability.

What is a receiving blanket?

Receiving blankets are the blankets your baby is quickly wiped off with and then wrapped in before you, the parents, “receive” your newborn for the first time. However, receiving blankets for babies can be used for long after the birth of the baby and for many different reasons.

How long do receiving blankets last?

Receiving blankets are something great to have on hand and will last many years. They hold up well after being washed so you don’t have to buy many of them and can save them for future babies. They come in lots of different adorable colors, patterns, and materials.

What is a swaddle blanket?

Swaddle blankets are made for swaddling. They are made to stretch in order to tightly wrap your baby so they feel nice and snug. Swaddle blankets come in different materials based on the amount of warmth you want for your baby. Swaddle blankets may have things like velcro to make the swaddling process easier.

What is a good cover for nursing?

Nursing cover– receiving blankets make great nursing covers. Drape the blankets loosely over your shoulder and baby to keep covered while breastfeeding if you need some privacy.

What is a newborn baby wrapped in?

You know that staple picture you’ve seen all over social media of newborn babies wrapped in a hospital blanket right after they’ve been born? The blanket the baby is wrapped in is a receiving blanket.

Can you use a blanket for laying around?

Short answer…No . They are definitely useful to always have laying around but there are other items you can use in their place. You could buy a baby blanket for when baby gets cold, a swaddle for sleeping, a burp cloth for spit up, a nursing cover to cover up when breastfeeding, a stroller cover for your stroller, and the list goes on and on. OR you could invest in a few versatile receiving blankets as your catch-all for whatever you need at home or on the go.

Do baby blankets come in packs?

If you are debating on getting these types of baby blankets, usually several blankets come in a pack and they are meant to hold up after many washes. So, start with buying one pack and see if it’s something you end up using often.

What is a receiving blanket?

STOCK UP ON ADORABLE RECEIVING BLANKETS. A receiving blanket is one of the most common coverings that parents may acquire as a baby shower gift or when getting ready for the baby’s arrival. Made from thin, soft material—often cotton, flannel or plush—and typically about 30 inches by 30 inches, a receiving blanket is an extremely versatile accessory ...

What is the difference between a swaddle blanket and a receiving blanket?

While receiving blankets are designed in a square or rectangular shape, swaddle blankets are created in a smaller shape with two winged sides ...

What to do with a baby blanket?

Provide Warmth or Play Area for Baby. The most obvious, and common, use for a receiving blanket is to wrap your little one up and keep him or her warm. These soft cover ups provide a baby with security and heat while the thinness of the material allows for some air flow to prevent overheating.

Can you patch together flannel blankets?

Instead of simply saving your baby’s receiving blankets as a commemorative item, you can patch together differently patterned blankets to create a beautiful new quilt. As your baby grows, he or she will eventually leave the crib behind for a big kid bed. Sewing together old flannel receiving blankets is a great way to create a cozy first comforter for your child that they can use as a keepsake for years to come.

Can you use receiving blankets to make pillows?

For the crafty parent, receiving blankets can provide the perfect material for new pillows. Cut the blankets to your desired pillow size, purchase some stuffing from your local craft store and sew them together. If you have a lot of leftover receiving blankets, you can even create matching DIY throw pillows to go with your child’s new quilt.

Can you use a blanket for changing?

Receiving blankets are one of the most useful items you can buy and are available in an assortment of fabrics and designs for both boys and girls. When you and your baby are on the go, you can quickly convert this comfy blanket into a convenient changing area for him or her. No need to purchase a travel changing mat—receiving blankets provide cushioning and comfort to lay the baby on anytime and perform a quick diaper change in any public restroom.

How to sew a flannel receiving blanket?

The fastest way to sew flannel receiving blankets, is to use a serger. If you have a serger and you know how to use it, it only takes about 10 minutes to finish a blanket. I like to round my corners so I can go around the entire thing in one quick seam. To do this, I fold my fabric into quarters, then use a rotary cutter to round the edges. This makes it so all the edges are the same, and it allows you to cut them all at once instead of four different times.

How long is a flannel bolt?

Each of these flannel bolts were 42 inches wide, so they were all cut 42 inches long. This creates a square that’s ready to be sewn, that way, you don’t have to do it at home.

How to make a baby blanket with a sewing machine?

The first step is to make sure both of the pieces you are going to sew together are the same size. Then put them together with right sides facing. (Snuggle is Real fabric can be found here) Using your sewing machine, sew the entire border of the baby blanket leaving just enough room to turn the fabric right-side-out.

Can you cut the edges of a blanket at once?

This makes it so all the edges are the same, and it allows you to cut them all at once instead of four different times. Once your corners are trimmed, simply serge around the entire border of the blanket. I really love how clean the edges are when you use a serger.

Can you roll a hem by hand?

I originally tried to use my rolling hem foot, but found it too difficult to maneuver around the corners (I may need a wider rolling hem foot). Luckily, it’s really easy to roll the hem by hand. If you are a perfectionist, you can roll the edge up once, press it, then roll it up again to enclose the raw edge, press again, and then pin. If you’re like me and you enjoy living on the edge, you can roll it by hand as you sew.

What is a receiving blanket?

As we mentioned, receiving blankets are the ones first used to swaddle, dry, and warms newborns (hence the name).

What is the first baby blanket?

The first baby-centric blanket you might’ve been introduced to already is the receiving blanket.

Why do babies need to be swaddled?

First of all, swaddling your baby refers to the act of wrapping your baby in a thin blanket for the purpose of making them feel calm, safe, and secure. As with most things, however, it’s important to utilize common-sense by not leaving swaddled babies unattended, and not over-swaddling. A swaddle blanket is made specifically with this purpose in mind.

Why do we need blankets?

These blankets can be used to dry, warm, swaddle, and can even prevent a child from overheating. They’re essential when it comes to cleaning up messes or when trying to make a soft, clean environment to either change a diaper, or to play in.

What is a flannel hat made of?

The fabric they’re made of is usually flannel, cotton, muslin, and sometimes even bamboo. What’s most important is that it’s soft.

Can you use a blanket in a nursery?

But even when your child’s grown and doesn’ t need it anymore, you’ll still be able to utilize them.

Can a baby blanket be used after a bath?

A baby blanket is also useful after a bath. This is an especially fragile time since the baby comes out of a warm bath into a cooler air temperature which can be bad for catching colds. With a receiving blanket, however, the baby can get dry and retain some of that heat after a bath.

What are receiving blankets used for?

Most parents are introduced to receiving blankets in the delivery room, when their newborns are wrapped in the iconic pink-and-blue cotton blankets in the first moments of their lives.

What is the difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddle blanket?

Graziani notes that receiving blankets are generally smaller in size than swaddle blankets. “Swaddle blankets are typically made of muslin and are larger,” she says.

When should you not cover a baby with a blanket?

Never cover the baby with a blanket in the first year of life.

Do you need instructions for using a blanket?

You may not think you need instructions for using a blanket, but there are some safety guidelines to keep in mind to avoid putting your baby at risk. Dr. Stephanie Graziani, a pediatrician with Dignity Health Medical Group in Capitola, California, recommends the following:

When Do I Start Using Muslin vs. Flannel Receiving Blankets?

At the beginning of your mothering journey, you’ll rely mostly on flannel receiving blankets. These will tide you through keeping your baby warm and cozy. When your child is burping, they’ll come in handy, acting as a super-sized burp cloth or fast mop-up cleaning rag for emergency spills.

Choose Muslin vs. Flannel Receiving Blankets as Your Child Grows

Are you are struggling to wrap your baby in the tight flannel receiving blankets? Then it’s time to move on to a more accommodating muslin swaddling blanket. For a good swaddle, you need a cloth that stretches underneath your child and can run to the ends of both sides.

How to Swaddle Your Baby Using a Muslin Blanket

Swaddling your tot means you’ll have to find a routine that’s comfortable for both of you. It’s a simple task that’s not tedious, and with repeated practice, you’ll soon become a master. To swaddle your baby with a muslin blanket;

Conclusion

While the differences between muslin and flannel receiving blankets are minimal, their use is varied and, for swaddles, specialized. You can easily select between these two essential accessories depending on your child’s size and how the temperatures will direct.