Are you confused about the difference between a baby receiving blanket vs a swaddle? You’re not alone! It’s no wonder as the two are very similar.
In this article, I will outline the differences between a receiving blanket vs a swaddle and also consider in which cases either of the two might be necessary.
What is the difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddle?
A receiving blanket is a thin and ideally soft type of blanket that is often used to swaddle babies.
A swaddle is also a thin blanket however it is specifically designed to swaddle your baby. This means that the dimensions are made for easy swaddling.
The main difference between the two types of cloth is that swaddles are specifically designed to be able to easily wrap a baby up in a swaddle-style. For that reason, a swaddle has two winged sides. A receiving blanket is usually either in a simple rectangular or square shape.
What is the purpose of receiving blankets?
Receiving blankets can have different uses. Some of them are:
- Swaddling
- Burp cloth
- Towel
- Cover for your stroller or car seat
- Changing mat
- Apron
- Nursing cover
- Duster
- Throw for furniture
Do I need receiving blankets and swaddles?
No. Neither receiving blankets nor swaddles are absolute necessities. Depending on what you want either one for, you may be able to do without the other.
For example, as mentioned above, swaddles are made in such a way that it is easy to wrap a baby up in them. Therefore, if you only need a blanket for swaddling and know that you will not need to wrap your baby up for any other purpose than to swaddle them, you may prefer to purchase a swaddle rather than a receiving blanket.
Similarly, if swaddling is not your ultimate aim and you want a blanket that you can use for several different things over time, you will probably prefer to go for a receiving blanket.
It is also possible that for you, it is less of a receiving blanket vs swaddle debate than a “are either of them even necessary?” question.
Can a baby sleep with a receiving blanket?
Going by the Sleep Foundation’s advice, it is not good for a baby to sleep with a blanket.
Light, breathable receiving blankets are, however, safe to use for swaddling your baby for sleep. Particularly in the first few months before they become more mobile and can roll, for example.
Are babies supposed to wear clothes under swaddles?
Good swaddles are generally lightweight. Unless it is an especially hot day or night, it is best to make sure your baby has clothes on under their swaddle or else they could feel chilly.
Depending on how hot or cold the temperature is, you may need to put a onesie or even a vest with a onesie on your baby or you may choose to go with a diaper only.
Use your discretion.
Is it OK to not swaddle a newborn?
Absolutely! Once my babies were home from hospital, I never swaddled them. On the other hand, I have friends who swaddled their babies for as long as they could.
Some babies take to swaddling and are happiest when they are swaddled. Other babies are very clearly unhappy being swaddled and will try to get out of it. They seem to feel too restricted in it. See what your baby likes or if you want, don’t even bother to test it out on your baby at all!
You do not have to swaddle your baby.
Do I need to bring receiving blankets to the hospital?
Most hospitals will have receiving blankets ready to wrap your baby in once they are born. However, you can decide that you’d rather have your baby wrapped in receiving blankets that you have brought from home. For example, they might be monogrammed with your baby’s initials or name.
READ: WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG WHEN YOU HAVE A PLANNED C-SECTION
When should you stop using receiving blankets?
Do you use your receiving blankets for swaddling? If so, once you notice that your baby might be able to start rolling soon, it is time to ditch your receiving blankets. That is because once your baby becomes more mobile, the receiving blanket becomes a safety hazard. It increases the risk of suffocation.
Otherwise, swaddling aside, there is no expiry date on your use of receiving blankets. As shown above, receiving blankets can be used for a long list of things. They really are a good purchase!
Have you been trying to decide between a receiving blanket vs a swaddle?
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