One thing we all end up with drawers full of is baby blankets. They’re wonderful things – not only are they good at bedtime, but they’re also fun for playing peek-a-boo, hiding toys, and tucking in for snuggles. That's why you can never have enough, so we've shared the best baby blankets you can buy your little one.
Safety is a major concern when it comes to correctly using a baby blanket, though. When your baby sleeps, keeping them at an optimum temperature is essential; using a blanket can be important to keep them warm, but make sure they’re not overheating.
Best at a glance:
Best overall baby blanket: Aden + Anais cotton swaddles - pack of four, £49.50
Best baby blanket for under £10 - Fred&Flo Popcorn Blanket White, £9
Best baby blanket for design - Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Flannel Blankets, £16.57
Best baby blanket for material - Joolz Essentials Honeycomb Blanket, £52.95
Best baby blanket for lightweight - John Lewis & Partners Star Blanket, £15
What temperature should my baby’s room be?
It can be easy to think a baby needs a warm room, but that’s not the case – just like adults, a cooler room is better for sleeping in.
The NHS advises: “Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable – about 16 to 20C is ideal."
The Lullaby Trust also states, “To reduce the chance of SIDS the ideal temperature of a baby’s room should be 16-20°C.”
You can tuck your baby in at night while they wear a babygrow and a sheet or blanket on top; alternatively, you can use a baby sleeping bag or sleepsuit.
A cellular baby blanket is a popular option, as they’re not just soft and cosy, but also lightweight and breathable, meaning they’re good for layering up too.
How to use a baby blanket safely
If you’re going to tuck your baby into their crib, cot or Moses basket using a blanket, there are some safety aspects to think about.
• Tuck your baby’s blanket in no higher than their shoulders – their head should always be uncovered.
• Place your baby in the 'feet to foot' position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket. The NHS recommends this sleeping position in order to reduce the risk of SIDS – read more here.
• Don’t let your baby get too hot or too cold. Layers of lightweight blankets are the easiest way to help control their temperature – but remember that a blanket folded over counts as two layers.
• Tuck the blanket in tightly and safely, so the baby can’t wriggle loose or pull the blanket over their head.
• Don’t use duvets or quilts until about 12 months old.
Advice from The Lullaby Trust is: “Firmly tucked in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) or a baby sleep bag are safe for a baby to sleep in. Be sure to remove any soft toys from the cot before each sleep period.
“Sleep your baby in the feet-to-foot position and avoid using soft or bulky bedding such as quilts, pillows and duvets.”
The different types of baby blanket
Cotton cellular blankets
A traditional blanket – you’ll probably use these if you give birth in a hospital. They’re made from 100 per cent cotton with holes (or cells) to aid airflow, and insulation when layered up.
Baby comforters
Often embroidered and patterned, these blankets are essentially a sheet and blanket combined. Only use these if your baby needs a lot of warmth and be careful the baby doesn’t overheat with these.
Swaddles
Swaddling is a traditional technique, designed to help newborns sleep and prevent the ‘startle reflex’ – when they wake themselves with a jump in their sleep. Swaddling has become popular again in recent years and there are lots of specific swaddling blankets available to buy (rather than just using a normal blanket).
Fleece blankets
Usually made from polyester, they’re easy to wash and clean, and are super cosy and soft.
Knitted baby blankets
Often a popular gift for newborns or at baby showers; knitted blankets aren’t just practical and warm, but look adorable too.
Muslins
There’s no such thing as too many muslins, and a nice large muslin can double up as a blanket. Look for sizes around 120cm square.
Baby sheepskin fleeces
Not technically a blanket, but used in prams and pushchairs. The natural fibres are thermostatic, keeping baby cool in summer and warm in winter.
Car seat blanket
Car seat blankets are a safe option for babies allowing them to stay safely secured in the car seat harness while remaining warm on cold days.
How did we choose the best baby blankets?
With several mums on the team, Mother&Baby is best placed to find the best baby blankets as used and tested in real life by our own babies. Plus, we have a huge panel of real mums who test products every year for the annual Mother&Baby Awards, meaning we get to find out the best award-winning products that have been put through their paces thoroughly and independently by our readers.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
We have also spoken to mums on our Facebook group Mumtribe, as well as researching the best brands with high-rated products and top reviews from customers.
The best baby blankets UK 2024
Best baby blanket for style
mamashack.co.uk
Description
A cosy and stylish addition to your baby's nursery, this beautifully crafted blanket features an intricate knitted deco pattern. The soothing sage colour will complement many nursery themes and made with 100% cotton, it provides the perfect blend of comfort for your little one and style.
Reviewed by Reviews and Features Editor Emily Gilbert: "This colour is everywhere at the moment and it's no surprise why as it's gorgeous! I was so pleased to find such a stylish blanket for my baby that is also super-soft and a great size."
Pros
- Stylish design
- Different colours available
- Made from 100% cotton
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best baby blanket for neutral colours
www.ergopouch.co.uk
Description
If you're concerned about safe sleep, then this baby tuck sheet is the ideal solution and safe alternative to a baby blanket. Designed to be used with a baby sleeping bag, you can easily alter how tightly the blanket is wrapped around your tot depending on their size and room temperature. It's available for both cribs and cots and two neutral colours.
Our mum tester Katie said: "The baby tuck sheet is an easy and safe alternative to blankets. I used this from birth on our next to me cot and it gave me the peace of mind that it couldn’t become untucked and that my baby was safe. I love the quality and softness of the fabric and it’s perfect to use alongside a swaddle. As a first time mum, the room thermometer and dressing guide provided helped me feel confident that I was dressing my baby appropriately for the current temperature."
Pros
- Stretchy
- Organic cotton
Cons
- Only four colours to choose from (grey, wheat, rust, sage)
Best budget baby blanket
www.tesco.com
Description
Gentle on baby's skin, this snuggly blanket will keep your little one warm at all times. Reviewers rave about the softness and quality of the blanket, and at that price, it's safe to say it's a bargain.
• Size: 90 x 70cm
• 100 per cent polyester
• Machine washable
Recommended by mum Fiona Davison-Dundas on Mumtribe: “This one was great, nice and light but warm. I liked to put it on the bottom of the Moses basket or pram to lie on. It’s brilliant value for money, looks a lot more expensive than it is.”
Pros
- Perfect for adding additional warmth and comfort to a pram
Cons
- Machine wash only
Best organic cotton baby blanket
www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
Description
Available in a range of neutral tones, this cellular blanket by Little Green Sheep is as soft as they come. It’s made from 100 per cent organic cotton and can be machine washed at 30C. It comes with a gift tag included which makes it perfect for gifting too if you're looking for a baby shower present.
• Size: 75 x 75cm
• 100 per cent organic cotton
• Machine washable
Sophie Knight, mum to Eli, says: “This was one of my favourite baby blankets Eli had from birth. I couldn’t believe how soft it was and I loved wrapping him up in this, both during the day after feeding and also in his cot at night time. He still uses it now (he’s three) when we cuddle up watching telly together. The colours are neutral so go with any décor. It’s not the biggest blanket so it’s best suited for when baby is little. It washed really well, too, and kept its softness.”
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- 100% certified organic cotton
Cons
- Machine wash only
Best for variable sizing
Description
A cotton cellular blanket is a must-have for a new baby, and this blanket comes highly recommended. It’s available in two sizes – pram and cot and comes in a choice of adorable colours; grey, white, pink, and blue. It's designed to be super-soft, breathable, and lightweight. The perfect combo for baby!
• Size: Pram; 70 x 90cm, Cot; 100 x 150cm
• 100 per cent cotton
• Machine washable
Review: "Our daughter is extremely happy with these blankets for her newly born baby. Warm, soft and lightweight."
Pros
- Skin friendly
- Lightweight
Cons
- One reviewer said the blanket is a little too light for the winter
Best breathable baby blanket
babymori.com
Description
Available in an array of trendy yet muted colours, this baby blanket is perfect for newborns. It's crafted so a soft and breathable fabric blend of organic bamboo and cotton with holes to allow for airflow. It'll keep your little one cosy in the winter and cool in the summer, and can be used for swaddling too. Rated five out of five stars by customers, you know it's going to be top-notch quality.
• Size: 100 x 70cm
• 50 per cent cotton, 50 per cent bamboo
• Machine washable
Review "This is my favourite baby blanket! I already own two and love giving them as gifts because the quality is great, and I love using them as the background in photos."
Pros
- Made from 50% cotton and 50% bamboo
- Cell construct for summer & winter use
Cons
- Blue, white and blush is out of stock
Best multi-purpose baby blanket
www.selfridges.com
Description
aden + anais swaddles are award-winning muslins, winning Gold in the Best Product for a Newborn category for multiple years in the M&B Awards – and for good reason. They are soft, practical, and multi-purpose. You can use a big muslin as a baby blanket on warmer days, or layer up by folding it over.
• Size: 120 x 120cm
• 100 per cent cotton muslin
• Machine washable
Sophie Knight, mum to Eli, says: “I couldn’t do without my aden + anais muslins when Eli was a little baby. They’re so versatile and I still use one as a blanket now (Eli is three) when it’s a hot day and he just needs a thin covering at nap time. The designs change every year but are always cute as a button. I received one as a baby shower gift but also bought a couple myself as they were just invaluable.”
Pros
- Pack of four
- Height 120cm, width 120cm
Cons
- Machine was only
Best honeycomb baby blanket
www.joolz.com
Description
With a knitted honeycomb outer layer and a soft jersey underside, this baby blanket is cosy whether baby is inside their matching Joolz pram, snoozing in the cot, or curled up on the sofa with you.
• Size: 75 x 100cm
• 100 per cent organic cotton
• Machine washable
Sophie Knight, mum to Eli, says: “I received this blanket as a gift to match his Joolz pram, but we used it everywhere, not just on the go. It’s heavier than some of his baby blankets so it was great on cold days; he still loves to cuddle up with it now – he calls it his ‘turtle blanket’ as the honeycomb design looks like the shape of a turtle shell.”
Pros
- Cosy in the cot
- Organic cotton
Cons
- May not be ideal if you are not a fan of honeycomb blanket designs
Best value baby blanket
Description
Cosy yet lightweight, this wonderfully crafted blanket is made from 100 per cent cotton and will keep your little one snug. The cellular design means your baby will stay cool through summer and warm in winter. It's easy to wash, dries quickly and is made from sustainable materials.
• Size: 75 x 95cm
• 100 per cent cotton
• Machine washable
Review: "These blankets are a lovely quality item. They are perfect as they can be folded to create a warmer blanket or left loose to create a lighter cover. They are a lovely big size so will last a while. They are soft and they bare well in the wash. I have washed these loads and they still look as good as new."
Pros
- Made with a clever cell construction, it traps the air to keep baby feeling cool in summer and snug in winter
- Kind to sensitive skin
Cons
- Only comes in packs of 6, 3 and 1
Best blanket multipack
Best blanket multipack
redirect.viglink.com
Description
Every mum knows how useful multi-packs are! This pack contains seven blankets made from soft, breathable material. They come in a range of beautiful designs, from stripes to polka dot, and are perfect for swaddling, burping or simply getting cosy. They last after multiple washes and dry super quickly.
• Size: 76 x 76cm
• 100 per cent cotton
• Machine washable
Review: "Bought this set for my sister’s baby, loved the unisex colours & designs. Nice quality, knew they would be very useful. My sister loves them, using them for everything, asked me to get another set. This time I knew I had a niece so got a pink set, both sets already used & washed multiple times, like good quality flannel gets softer the more it’s washed."
Pros
- A 7-pack of flannel blankets
- 100% cotton
Cons
- May not be ideal if you love colourful blankets
Best for comfort
Description
It doesn't get much cosier than this. Clare de Lune offers a luxuriously plush blanket to wrap your bundle of joy up and keep them cosy. It's made of super soft fabric, perfect for covering the baby in the pram or during naptime. It's machine washable and available in four beautiful colours.
• Size: 70 x 90cm
• 100 per cent polyester
• Machine washable
Review: "Bought this blanket in white for my daughter who is due her baby in September, lovely and soft, fleece on both sides. Will be buying it in blue now that we know it's a boy!!! Update - baby is now 6 months, and these blankets are still like new, wash beautifully, would 100 per cent buy again!!!! Thank you Clair de Lune!!!!"
Pros
- Great for snuggling up with your little one
- Made from soft fabric
Cons
- One review described the material as too thin
Best fleece blanket
Description
How cosy does our next option look? With a cute elephant design, this soft fleece is perfect for newborns. It's adorable, fluffy, but still lightweight enough to keep your baby from overheating.
• Size: 75 x 100cm
• Fleece - 100 per cent polyester
• Machine washable
Review: "Perfect little blanket for our little boy when he arrives. Can we just talk about the softness omg it's to die for? The perfect size and it's lightweight too, so perfect for our baby who is due in March just when the weather starts to change over. Highly recommend, beautifully made and high quality."
Pros
- Stunning elephant design
- Suitable from birth
Cons
- One review complained about the fluff coming out of the blanket too easily
Best baby blanket for snug feel
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Part of the new ANYDAY homeware range by John Lewis, this sweet star-patterned blanket will keep your little one snug as a bug. Not too big or small, lightweight and unbelievably soft, this is a mama must-have.
• Size: 100 x 75cm
• 100 per cent polyester
• Machine washable
Review: "Beautiful soft blanket I got this for my granddaughter to come home from the hospital! The quality is AMAZING, and I would recommend it."
Pros
- 100% polyester
- Great quality
Cons
- Quite thin
FAQs
How do you choose a baby blanket?
The most important thing to consider when choosing a baby blanket is the material. It should be gentle on your baby's sensitive skin and easy to wash - all our top picks are machine washable so you can have your little one's favourite blankie cleaned and ready as quickly as possible.
For a breathable blanket - best suited for the summer or naptime - choose cotton. For the winter and strolls in the pram, a polyester fabric may be preferable.
What should you avoid in a baby blanket?
Keeping your little one at the optimum temperature is paramount, so make sure to choose materials that aren't too thick in warmer temperatures.
You should also avoid baby blankets with any attachments that could present a risk of choking or strangulation. Avoid those with attached ribbons, tassels, buttons, or any extra details that could fall off or fray.
How many baby blankets do you need?
Organic clothing company Purebaby recommends at least two to three; one for the cot, the pram, and outdoor adventures.
That being said, you may already have a bunch from baby showers - baby blankets are great for gifting. If this is the case, we've no doubt you'll still be able to put them to good use. Different designs will suit different seasons so having a choice is not a bad thing!
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor and has been a writer for titles such as Mother&Baby and Yours. In her role, she has researched and recommended the best products for parents, from breast pumps to toys, nursery décor to car seats. She's also kept a keen eye on celeb mums and influencers to share what they've been using to help make parenting that little bit easier.