Choosing the right blanket for your newborn is important for both comfort and safety. With so many options available, many new parents wonder what type of blanket is best for a newborn and which materials are safest for sleep.
A good newborn baby blanket should be soft, breathable and appropriately sized to help regulate your baby's temperature while reducing the risk of overheating. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a blanket for your baby.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Newborn Blanket
- Breathable Materials: Choose natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo or merino wool. These materials allow air to circulate and help regulate your baby's body temperature.
- Cellular Blanket Design: Cellular baby blankets feature a knitted structure with small holes that allow air to flow through the blanket. This breathable design helps prevent overheating and is why cellular blankets are commonly recommended for newborns.
- Appropriate Size: The blanket should be large enough to tuck securely under the mattress but not so large that it could cover your baby's face. For newborns, blankets measuring around 80 × 100 cm are usually ideal.
Safety First When Using a Newborn Blanket
- Feet to Foot Position: Always place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot. This allows the blanket to be tucked securely under the mattress and ensures it only reaches the baby’s chest.
- Avoid Overheating: Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as easily as adults. Use lightweight blankets and keep the nursery temperature between 16–20°C.
- Keep the Cot Clear: Avoid pillows, duvets, toys and loose bedding in your baby's sleep space. These items may increase the risk of suffocation.
What Blanket Is Best for a Newborn in Summer?
- Choose Lightweight Fabrics: In warmer months, a lightweight muslin swaddle or breathable cellular blanket is usually sufficient.
- Natural Fibres Help Regulate Temperature: Materials like bamboo and cotton allow air circulation and help prevent overheating.
- Check Your Baby’s Temperature: If your baby feels hot on the back or chest, remove a layer or adjust the room temperature.
When choosing the best blanket for your newborn, comfort and safety should always come first. Breathable materials, appropriate sizing and safe sleeping practices all help create a comfortable and secure environment for your baby.
If you would like to learn more about safe sleep recommendations, you can visit the NHS safe sleep advice and the Lullaby Trust.
Recommended for newborns
Common Questions About Newborn Blankets
Do newborns need a blanket?
Newborns can use a lightweight blanket when placed safely in their cot. Breathable blankets such as cellular blankets are commonly recommended because they allow air to circulate and help prevent overheating.
What type of blanket is best for a newborn?
The best blankets for newborns are lightweight and breathable. Materials such as bamboo, cotton or merino wool help regulate temperature and are gentle on delicate baby skin.
Are cellular blankets safe for newborns?
Cellular baby blankets are widely recommended because their knitted structure allows airflow through the fabric. This helps regulate temperature and reduces the risk of overheating.
What size blanket should a newborn use?
A blanket measuring around 70–100 cm is usually suitable for newborns. It should be large enough to tuck securely under the mattress but not large enough to cover the baby’s face.
How many blankets should a newborn sleep with?
In most cases a single lightweight blanket is sufficient. The room temperature and the baby's clothing should always be considered to avoid overheating.