Baby blankets

As duvets are not recommended for infants under one year old as they have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, blankets provide a safe and versatile way of keeping your baby warm.

There are a huge range of baby blankets available ranging from highly elaborate to plain; personalised baby blankets are often popular and can make a great gift. Baby blankets are typically small and square in shape so that they can be easily tucked under the mattress of a crib or cot and used as bedding or wrapped around baby to provide some extra warmth during a feed or when out and about.

When choosing a baby blanket you should go for one that is soft, washable and durable - cotton is usually the best option as it provides warmth but is breathable at the same time. You should check that the baby blanket is without beading or detail that could be pulled off and cause a choking hazard. You should also avoid holed blankets so as to avoid catching little fingers.

It can be useful to buy several baby blankets so that you always have one to hand; hooded blankets are a great option for feeding time while flat blankets are more suitable for use in a cot.