We knit a blanket for a newborn baby, LARGE COLLECTION

Features of children's blankets

The boundary between a rug and a blanket is very arbitrary and is determined not so much by their structure as by the features of their use. The blanket is intended only to warm the child while sleeping. A blanket is a single-layer, fairly light, but warm cape, which is usually beautifully designed and has decorative elements (fringe, ruffles, prints).

• the blanket can be used as a blanket when walking with your baby in a stroller;
• it can be rolled up and placed under the baby as a pillow or to give him the desired position;
• you can wrap your child in it when taking him out of the stroller;
• they can insulate the baby’s legs;
• a young mother can cover herself with a blanket from prying eyes to feed her baby;
• a child can cover himself with a blanket in the summer if it is too hot for him under the blanket, and he is uncomfortable sleeping uncovered;
• You can take the blanket with you to visit relatives and other places (if your child has to spend the night away from home, he will be much more comfortable sleeping under a familiar blanket).

Duvet covers and pillowcases

As you have already noticed, there are quite a few types of children's duvet covers in the table above. This is due to the fact that there are more sizes of blankets than mattresses. The most popular blanket for newborns and toddlers is considered to be 110x140 cm, but before going to the store you should still measure what you have. We add 5 cm to the length and width, thus obtaining the desired result.

The rule “the larger the size, the better” does not apply to children's duvet covers. The blanket should not “dangle” inside. The optimal increase is 5 cm, the minimum is 3 cm if you are confident in the quality of the product and know that it will not shrink significantly. The product should not have buttons or ties, instead of fasteners there should be a smell.

In bedding for a child, the size for newborns and toddlers is often one pillowcase, 35x45 or 40x40 cm. In sets for younger schoolchildren - 40x60, 50x70, 70x70 (less often) cm. However, here the division by age is very arbitrary, since in the same sizes According to the parameters of the duvet cover and sheet sets, the pillowcase can be either 40x40 or 50x70.

Types of children's blankets

The variety of blankets on the market can be divided according to two main parameters: material and size.

Types by material:

• Cotton and linen blankets are lightweight and comfortable, but due to their breathability, they are mainly suitable for summer and require more complex care than synthetic ones.
• Products made from terry and velor are the softest and most pleasant of natural products; they absorb moisture well, but are more suitable for warm weather.
• Woolen accessories provide good warmth (and if camel hair is used, they also provide health benefits), but they are highly electrified. Some children are allergic to wool, and caring for such products is more difficult than for cotton.
• Fur products are the warmest and most difficult to care for; they are electrified, can cause allergies and are recommended for use only outdoors.
• Faux wool and fur have the benefits of natural ones, but are usually hypoallergenic.
• Microfiber products are light and comfortable, suitable for children of any age, easy to care for, do not cause allergies and do not attract dust. However, they are much thinner than products made from other materials, which means they are only suitable for summer walks.
• A fleece blanket is a warm, hypoallergenic and very light option. Such products can be used both in the city and outdoors. The main disadvantage is that they can become electrified.
• Velsoft products combine the advantages of fleece and increased softness.
• Acrylic accessories are similar in properties to wool, but do not cause allergies, do not collect dust, and are cheaper than many competitors. Their main drawback is the rapid loss of shape.
• There are also products made from mixtures of synthetic and natural materials in different proportions.

What should you consider when choosing a blanket for your baby?

A number of factors need to be taken into account, including seasonality of use, room temperature, dimensions, lightness and softness, absence of allergies to materials, breathability, and so on. Let's look at these and other parameters in more detail below.

• Season. For the winter period, a warm blanket is suitable, and for the summer, of course, a light one. However, in many apartments it is very hot even in winter, and then it is worth giving preference to summer models as a year-round option. Otherwise, the baby will sweat and overheat.
• The size of the blanket. It is important that the blanket matches the size of the bed. Take into account the fact that children grow quickly and purchase a larger blanket initially.
• Texture. Children's skin is very delicate, so give preference to non-prickly models that are airy and comfortable to the touch.
• Hypoallergenic. This factor is important not only for a blanket, but also for any children's item. Do not buy artificial blankets; it is better to buy not just a natural, but definitely a blanket that does not cause allergies. If problems arise during use, we recommend replacing this bedding.
• Breathable material. It is important that the blanket provides good air exchange, absorbs moisture and removes it. If you choose the right product, your baby will enjoy sleeping.

Main sizes of blankets

The main mistake when choosing the size of a blanket for a stroller is the desire of parents to buy something with a maximum margin for height. As a result, you end up with an overly bulky blanket in the stroller that barely fits. And simply wrapping a newborn tightly in such a blanket will not work: the baby will constantly open up.

Sizes of a baby blanket for a stroller:

• very small ones (75 by 75 cm and 75 by 90 cm) are suitable for newborns;
• medium (100 by 120 cm and 110 by 140 cm) are suitable for children under 3 years old;
• Larger blankets (150 by 200 cm) are suitable for older children.

When is the purchase planned?

When choosing a blanket, the time of year matters a lot. If the baby is to be born in winter, then the blanket should be larger so that the baby can be completely wrapped in it, and at the same time there should be no air flow anywhere.

If the birth of a child occurs during the warm season, then, of course, a quilted blanket will not be needed for discharge, and its size may be more modest, since there is no need to wrap the baby in it like a cocoon. It may not even be a blanket, but rather a fleece or even a soft cotton blanket knitted.

Lightweight patchwork quilt

In spring and autumn, the weather can change dramatically even within one day, or even several hours. Therefore, when choosing a blanket for discharge, you need to take this into account.

In spring or autumn, give preference to blanket models with a removable backing, and it is better if it is a transformable blanket fastened with a zipper: it will protect your newborn baby from both the cold wind and the rain falling from a cloudy autumn or spring sky.

The size of the blanket for the off-season is desirable: it should be larger than the summer version, but smaller than the winter one.

Speaking about the time of purchase, I would also like to talk about when, in fact, to buy a blanket for discharge: before or after childbirth? Of course, in the latter case, the responsibilities for choosing this important item fall to the dad or other adult family members, with the exception of the mother of the newborn, who at this time is lying with the baby in the maternity hospital. In general, there is no fundamental difference in when the blanket was purchased: on the same day when the pregnancy test showed the coveted two lines or an hour before discharge from the hospital

But these, of course, are two extremes that should be avoided, since in both cases errors are possible when choosing

In general, there is no fundamental difference in when the blanket was purchased: on the same day when the pregnancy test showed the coveted two lines or an hour before discharge from the hospital. But these, of course, are two extremes that should be avoided, since in both cases errors in selection are possible.

Discharge kit

In the first one, it is easy to make a mistake about the gender of the child and take a blanket of the wrong color. This is a small thing, of course, but it can ruin the mood during discharge, and it won’t be very pleasant for the baby’s parents to explain to everyone they know why the boy was discharged from the maternity hospital in a pink blanket, and the girl in a blue one. This problem, of course, can be solved by simply taking a blanket of a neutral color, but it is still advisable not to buy such expensive and large things until the gender of the baby is known for sure.

But, as already mentioned, another extreme is also possible: when, for fear of making a mistake with the gender of the unborn child and, accordingly, with the color of the discharge kit, relatives delay the purchase of a blanket until the birth of the baby, and then in a hurry they buy something completely different from what they should have would. And then the color seems to be right, but such important characteristics as the quality of the thing, the materials from which it is made, and its size leave much to be desired.

Envelope-blanket for discharge “Creme Brulee”

What recommendations can you give regarding choosing the size of a blanket for a newborn?

• It is not necessary and even unnecessary to buy a blanket for discharge immediately as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. But even then, the expectant mother needs to start looking closely at the commercially available models and, most importantly, study information regarding their safety and quality. Take a closer look at blankets from different manufacturers, read reviews about their products, and only then decide what you will buy.
• When choosing a blanket for a newborn, give preference not only to beautiful, but also to safe models. And don’t forget about practicality: a blanket should not become a “one-time thing.”
• The size of the blanket should be suitable for the crib or stroller, it should not be too small or too large. Well, as mentioned above, it is unacceptable to buy a blanket for growth, with the expectation that it will still serve you and your child until school.
• Currently, there are models of blankets with buttons or Velcro. They are convenient because their size is easily adjustable.
• A winter blanket should always be larger in size than a summer blanket. And even more than the one designed for the off-season.
• When choosing the size of the blanket, decide what you will need it for after discharge. Will you wrap your baby in it, or maybe just put crumbs in a stroller or crib? By the way, if you need a blanket for a small crib or stroller, then it is better to choose small-sized models.

Due to its versatility, a good blanket must meet certain parameters:

• ease;
• hypoallergenic and absence of harmful substances in the composition;
• ensuring sufficient ventilation and heat retention;
• comfort;
• ease of washing and care;
• design;

In an area with variable weather, the best solution may be to buy two blankets (summer and winter) that can be worn together and used depending on the temperature.

The presence of silk in the product does not improve its properties, but does affect the price, and mixtures of synthetics and natural materials can cause allergies. Mothers and grandmothers who know how to knit can make a blanket from cotton or wool for a child themselves, the main thing is that the resulting product meets the parameters listed above.

In conclusion, do not take a blanket in the stroller with a reserve “for growth”. If possible, buy two options in different sizes depending on the month the baby is born. When choosing the size of a baby blanket for a stroller for a newborn, be guided by his height and weight at birth and the dimensions of the cradle. Soft, high-density microfleece blankets fit perfectly into the stroller and meet all safety requirements; they are warm, lightweight, easy to care for and very aesthetically pleasing.

For the little ones: bed linen for the cradle

Crib beds are designed for very young babies who feel more comfortable in a small space, and bedding for newborns should be sized accordingly. Many parents prefer to do without this piece of furniture, because its low sides become dangerous as soon as the baby begins to sit down. At the same time, in the first 4-6 months of life, the cradle is very comfortable, and its touching design wins the hearts of mothers.

photo from the site https://pozdnyakova.org

If you plan to use a cradle, the selection of bed linen is carried out taking into account the non-standard dimensions of the sleeping place:

• The width of the internal space is 33-39 cm, and the length ranges from 70 to 85 cm, depending on the manufacturer. It’s better to buy models that come with a mattress included, so you don’t have to worry about choosing exactly the right parameters.
• A sheet for a cradle may also be offered by the manufacturer, but for such a sleeping place a size of 60x90 or 60x100 cm will be sufficient. It is very convenient to use diapers instead of a sheet if their length is more than 90 cm.
• The duvet cover is selected based on the size of the blanket, but practice shows that in a small cradle the standard options are very inconvenient. For a cradle, you should buy a blanket 60x90, 90x90 or 80x80 cm, and a corresponding duvet cover. Well-known brands offer very tiny blankets 45x55 cm in the set, but they are only suitable until the moment when the baby learns to turn on his side.
• A pillowcase is a completely unnecessary accessory. Even if the manufacturer offers a pillow included, it is better not to use it. A pediatrician can prescribe a pillow for such babies for medical reasons, but then it will be an orthopedic or anatomical model, and standard pillowcases will not fit on it.

photo from the site https://www.zastavki.com

Neonatal psychologists approve of the use of a cradle, since its limited space becomes for the baby a transitional stage between intrauterine life and the boundlessness of the world after birth. If you are not satisfied with the standard sizes of baby bedding for a crib, sewing it will not be difficult if you have the simplest skills that have not been forgotten since school labor lessons. For those who consider a cradle to be an impractical and expensive purchase, there is an excellent alternative - a cocoon pillow that fits in a child’s or adult’s bed.

How to choose the height of a pillow for a child

The first thing you need to measure is the length and width of the bed. Add 10-15 cm to this size - this will be the size of the sheet.

Now measure the size of the blanket 3-5 cm for the size of the duvet cover.

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Pillowcases should also be selected according to the size of the pillow, but if the bed linen set with pillowcases is 70*70 cm, and your pillows are 50*70, you can easily tuck the pillows neatly into such pillowcases.

A baby spends significantly more time in the crib than a schoolchild or teenager. Children also differ in height, some are just toddlers at five years old, while others have grown tall and the standard set for a preschooler is not suitable for them; they need to take larger accessories. The only thing that must be strictly observed when choosing textile accessories for children of any age is their high quality.

The dimensions of bed linen should be selected based on the height and weight of the child

We take a tape measure in our hands and measure the following parameters: the length and width of the mattress, pillows and blanket.

If you have a wide non-standard bed with two one-and-a-half mattresses, then you can consider purchasing two identical one-and-a-half sets.

Bed linen differs not only in size, but also in the number of components. By type they are divided into:

• Single
• One and a half
• Double
• Family
• Children's
• For newborns

sleeping on pillows is contraindicated. Aged

If necessary, you can place a thin pillow up to 3 cm high under your head.

The permissible thickness of the bedding is 4-6 centimeters.

If you choose an anatomical pillow for your child, you need to focus on the height of the half-roll, which will be under the neck, and not on the height of the middle part. Higher pillows can be offered to children who are used to sleeping on their side

It is important that the neck remains parallel to the surface of the bed. If it is raised, you need a lower pillow; if it is lowered, you need a higher one.

To sleep on your back, you need to buy a pillow even lower so that your chin does not bend towards your chest and the blood supply to the brain is not disrupted.

A baby pillow should be natural, hypoallergenic, hygienic, comfortable, able to relax the neck and keep the spine in a natural position.

Anatomically shaped models made of natural latex or materials with memory effect are most suitable for these criteria. They are almost ideal from an orthopedic point of view, guarantee the prevention of many spinal problems and provide more ergonomic support. In addition, latex and memory foam materials are hypoallergenic, safe, hygienic, breathable and durable. And the special shape of the ergonomic wave was created specifically to ensure that the neck received reliable support while remaining as relaxed as possible.

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If your baby cannot get used to the unusual shape of an anatomical pillow, consider silk pillows for children among the classic ones. Silk is not only natural, but also has hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal choice for babies and children prone to allergies.

Also, in hot weather, silk creates a slight cooling effect, which eliminates heavy sweating at night. By the way, silk pillows are the thinnest. They can be bought for the youngest children under 7 years old.

Pillows made from buckwheat husks have also proven themselves to be excellent, as they subtly adapt to the contours of the child’s body. They allow air to pass through perfectly and provide a pleasant massage effect, they are natural and hygienic. The only obstacle to their use may be the rustling sound, which the baby will have to get used to.

The optimal shape of a classic children's pillow is a rectangle. In this case, the head and neck receive the necessary support, and the shoulders remain on the mattress. Buying a square pillow for a child risks the fact that he will lie on it with his shoulders, and this is contraindicated for proper rest and complete relaxation.

Orthopedic pillows for children have the shape of an ergonomic wave with one or two half-rollers at the edges and a recess in the center. This solution is thought out and recommended by the best doctors. The head is fixed, receives the necessary support, and the neck relaxes as much as possible.

When choosing the size and shape of a pillow, you can rely on your preferences and the tastes of your child. You just need to remember to take into account the width of the crib so that the purchase fits in it, does not hang down, but also so that the child does not slide off the pillow, turning over from side to side.

Choose a pillow for your child