Because they are cozy, gentle, and kind to a baby’s skin, parents often choose for flannel baby blankets. These blankets are adaptable to a range of needs because they are available in a variety of types, each with unique advantages and applications.
Flannel provides options for keeping your child warm at home or on the go, from swaddle blankets to receiving blankets. The type you choose will depend on how you intend to use it and how comfortable your baby is.
Maintaining the softness and durability of flannel blankets requires proper maintenance. For a long time, the fabric can be kept in excellent condition with simple care instructions like washing them with mild detergents and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Baby blankets made of flannel are available in a variety of materials, such as cotton, polyester blends, and organic cotton, and they are all soft and warm for babies. It’s crucial to wash them in cold water with a mild detergent to preserve their condition; fabric softeners can eventually degrade the softness of the material. Your baby will be comfortable with these blankets for a longer period of time if they are properly cared for.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Weight. The weave of the material is not too dense, so the finished product has a small mass. A lightweight blanket makes the baby sleep soundly and comfortably.
- Soft surface. The pleasant to the touch fabric will not irritate the skin of the newborn.
- Air circulation. Flannel is a breathable fabric: under such a blanket the child will not overheat or sweat. Good air exchange prevents diaper rash and heat rash on the delicate skin of a baby.
- Coloring. Due to the peculiarities of manufacturing flannel, there is a huge range of products on the market: plain, checkered or decorated with intricate patterns.
- Ease of care. When choosing a material made of natural fabric, follow the washing rules indicated on the label. Flannel does not require special care, so cleaning will not be difficult for parents.
Although there are many more benefits than drawbacks to a children’s flannel blanket, you should still research certain details before making a purchase. Take note of the fabric’s composition, which ought to be listed on the label. A high-quality product made of pure cotton will have different properties than one made of synthetic impurities.
Moisture is not effectively absorbed by synthetic fabric. The baby might get a cold if he perspires while he sleeps. Furthermore, the pile of synthetic fabric becomes rough and bunches up after repeated washings, making the fabric’s surface uncomfortable to the touch.
Composition
High-quality flannel consists entirely of cotton fibers. It is due to the naturalness of the raw materials that this fabric has a large number of positive qualities. Cotton softly hugs the child"s body, retains heat and easily allows air to pass through, it creates ideal conditions for a comfortable rest. Manufacturers sometimes add other fibers of natural origin to the main material: wool or viscose. The permissible norm of impurities in flannel is no more than 5%. Adding wool to flannel makes the fabric warmer and suitable for cool weather, but wool is also a common allergen. If a newborn is prone to allergies or is very sensitive to irritants, it is better to choose a model without additives.
Since viscose is a natural fiber as well, it does not alter cotton’s characteristics in accordance with acceptable norms. Wood fibers are used to make the admixture. Such a material gives the fabric a smoother, more glossy surface while also increasing its hygroscopicity.
Manufacturers love this additive because it gives flannel elasticity and resilience and holds paint well in fabrics with a viscose content of no more than 5%, such as a pure cotton blanket.
Sizes
In the past, all factories produced newborn blankets in accordance with strict guidelines that could not be exceeded. As a result, many parents either sized the blankets themselves to fit their cribs or hired a tailor. Because there are now fewer strict standards for production, a wide variety of products in various sizes can be found in stores. Parents can choose to give their newborn a square or rectangular blanket, depending on the circumstances.
Most often, a square flannel blanket is bought for a special occasion—like the child’s discharge—and wrapped up in an envelope. However, these blankets are cozy enough to wrap the infant at night or use for a stroll.
Children’s square models are typically made in the following dimensions: 90 x 90 cm, 100 x 100 cm, and 120 x 120 cm. There are also blankets measuring 112 x 112 cm and 118 x 118 cm for parents who value every centimeter of the product. This is a wise size selection for a newborn portrait because the blanket looks so unique.
Rectangular blankets are most often used in a cradle or a baby crib, so it is very important to choose the right size of bedding. A blanket that tightly covers the baby"s legs will not be enough, but if you buy a blanket that is too large, its edges will interfere with the baby"s sleep. Nevertheless, the edges of such a model can always be tucked under the mattress. In the resulting envelope, the newborn will be cozy, he will not be able to open up and freeze. Here are the most common sizes of rectangular models for children: 80×100, 100×120, 100×140 and 110×140 cm. Product parameters vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so every parent can find the perfect blanket for their baby"s crib.
Design
Cotton flannel blankets are a great material for dying, which explains the wide variety of models available. The blanket’s pattern can be bright and colorful, such as checkered, polka dots, or other tiny patterns, or it can be subdued and monochromatic, ideal for the youngest kids. Additionally popular are models featuring images of different animals, such as cats, raccoons, bears, or other furry members of the natural world.
The color palette can be chosen to correspond with the child’s gender: blue, green, and purple are great choices for young boys, while red, pink, and lilac fabric is ideal for small girls.
If the baby’s gender is unknown and you are planning to give him a gift, you can go with a neutral-colored item like beige, gray, or brown.
Manufacturers
You already know from our article that premium flannel should be made of either 100% cotton or cotton plus a maximum of 5% wool or viscose. But finding quality products among so many brands is a challenging task that takes time and effort. Finding high-quality products will be much simpler if you are already familiar with the list of legitimate manufacturers. We recommend taking a look at a few well-known domestic businesses.
- "Shuiskie". The manufacturer makes natural flannel blankets with a classic cozy pattern – a cage. In the store you can find quality products for both newborns and adults
- "Veletex". The range of products from this company will please parents not only with the quality of the blankets, but also with a wide selection of interesting colors and bright designs.
- "OTK Russia". The blankets of the company "OTK Russia" are made of 100% cotton, therefore they have all the positive properties of flannel. The range of the brand is presented in calm tones and simple patterns that soothe newborn babies.
- "Bivik". The company has preserved the romance of blankets of yesteryear in its products: a combination of white and pastel colors, as well as a design in the form of a cage, an intricate pattern or an image of animals.
- "ErmoLino". The company has been manufacturing home textiles for over 50 years and has earned a good reputation among customers. Even the most demanding customer will find a suitable flannel blanket in the range of products.
| Type of Flannel Blanket | Care Tips |
| Basic Flannel Blanket | Machine wash in warm water, tumble dry on low heat. |
| Organic Flannel Blanket | Wash with mild detergent, avoid bleach, air dry if possible. |
| Printed Flannel Blanket | Wash inside out to protect the design, use cold water, tumble dry on low. |
| Lightweight Flannel Blanket | Use gentle cycle, avoid high heat to prevent shrinking. |
| Heavyweight Flannel Blanket | Wash in cold water, air dry or tumble dry on a cool setting. |
There are various styles of baby blankets made of fleece; some are thin and ideal for swaddling, while others are thicker and warmer and better suited for colder climates. Many families choose these kinds because they provide their child with softness and comfort.
Flannel blanket maintenance is easy. Instead of using fabric softeners, which over time may cause them to lose their softness, wash them in cold or warm water with a mild detergent. For best results, let them air dry or tumble dry on low.
You can ensure that your child’s flannel baby blankets stay soft and cozy for years to come by adhering to these simple care instructions.
