Best baby blankets for newborns and toddlers

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Keep your little one snug in the winter and cool in the warmer months with our recommended baby blankets

Choosing a baby blanket should be a pretty straightforward process compared to some of the essential purchases required for the arrival of a new sprog (we're looking at you, baby carriers). But bedding can be an unexpected minefield. What fabric is best, what size should you choose, what's the safest blanket to buy and what about swaddling or sleeping bags?

If shopping for baby accessories is keeping you awake at night, you've come to the right place. To help you find the perfect safe and snuggly cover for your little one, we've rounded up the best baby blankets on the market so you can all sleep easy.

Here are the best baby blankets at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.

Baby blankets differ from adult bedding in a number of ways, so it is worth investing in one for your new arrival. 'A baby blanket is one which is small enough to fit a Moses basket, crib or co-sleeper without needing to be folded multiple times,' explains says Rachel FitzD, Parenting Expert at The Baby Show.

'Traditional baby blankets are made from cotton and have small holes in the fabric, such as the classic cellular blanket,' she adds. 'And this is still an ideal choice for a newborn baby as it traps warmth but allows air to circulate and, if baby does get underneath it, the holes allow for easy breathing.'

Baby blankets tend to fit into the following categories. The best type for your family depends on the age of your child, intended use and time of year:

Babies can't control their own body temperature, so it's essential that you choose the right type of blanket to suit their age and the season. 'It is tempting to think that a blanket will keep them warm,' says FitzD. 'But a blanket itself does not radiate heat - it simply traps in whatever heat the body can create. Your baby needs to be warm before popping a blanket on. And the best warmer of all is you!'

So, the easiest way to help your newborn stay warm is to cuddle them. 'Once your baby has been cosied up by you then a few light cotton sheets and blankets are better than one heavy one,' advises FitzD. 'To check your baby is warm, slip your hand down their back between their shoulder blades,' she adds. 'Remove a layer if they feel too warm or add another light sheet or blanket if they feel cold. Better still, pick them up and warm them with your own body heat.'

Expecting your first baby and worrying about the safest way to get them home from the hospital? Aside from the right type of car seat, temperature regulation is also an important factor to consider.

'Cars seats tend to be hot so avoid over-wrapping your baby with heavy blankets for the journey home,' advises FitzD. 'Simply strap your baby in and, if it is a cold day, lay one light blanket over their lap.'

Before you purchase your little one's first baby blanket, consider the following pointers:

Research from a number of worldwide studies has found that there is a connection between baby's temperature and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly known as cot death. This risk can be greatly reduced if you use the right type of baby blanket.

'Inside the house, babies should not be over-wrapped as overheating is dangerous and can increase the risk of SIDS,' explains FitzD. 'Use lightweight blankets and do not use quilts, duvets or baby nests. One or two cotton or bamboo fibre cellular blankets are ideal and ensure the covers are securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head.'

According to the NHS, the ideal room temperature for babies to sleep safely should be between 16-20°C, so shop for blankets with the seasons in mind.

'For the first month of life your baby needs the same number of layers as you plus one,' says FitzD. 'During the hotter months, if you are sleeping naked under one cotton sheet, then your baby needs to wear a light baby-gro under one sheet or a light vest under a cellular blanket. When the weather is really steamy then a large muslin makes a lovely fresh and cool baby blanket.'

If you're patiently waiting for the arrival of your first little one or shopping for a friend, keep scrolling for our pick of the best baby blankets on the market.

Looking for a classic baby blanket in a simple design? You can't go wrong with this traditional cover from The White Company. Made from super light woven cotton, it's suitable for snoozing in all seasons. The crisp, fresh white fabric feels apt for a precious new arrival, and helps if you need to bleach out spit-ups and spills too.

Add a spot of colour to the nursery with this super cute bobble blanket made from a soft wool and viscose mix. Better yet, it's designed to be washable, so baby can use it for napping, snuggling or dragging around the house and smearing in jam. Simply pop it in the washing machine to restore it to its former glory.

It's also available in a neutral mint green zebra print, if you prefer.

This lovely neutral baby blanket from UK brand The Little Green Sheep feels light and super soft to touch, and according to our mum tester it retains its shape after multiple washes. The company specialises in organic products, and we're big fans of this Moses basket from the same range.

Classic baby clothing brand The Little Tailor have used the Pointelle technique to encourage air flow in this delightfully lightweight nursery blanket. The geometric knitting style creates a lace-like effect to combine weightlessness with warmth, and the result is as soft and delicate as your new baby.

You can find this oh-so popular baby blanket in brown, neutral, pink and white at John Lewis.

Give the nursery extra style points with this chic bamboo muslin cover. Best suited to the summer months, it also doubles up as the perfect throw for play time, picnics on the grass or even a makeshift pram shade.

It's available in a range of nature-inspired prints including golden sun, florentine, star gaze and island getaway.

For a simple but effective baby blanket, you can't go wrong with a classic cellular-style throw. And at just £12 a pop, this cute knitted shawl from Marks & Spencer is also a total bargain.

If you're after something a little bit funky, you'll love this bold weather print blanket from Lake District-based family business Blade and Rose (you can also find it in buzzy bee, fox or highland cow print).

You may be familiar with the brand's stylish and quirky leggings for little ones. They've recently branched out into bibs, booties, socks and blankies, and we're obsessed with the entire range.

Bored of the same old pink and blue? Then you'll love this funky fairisle knitted baby blanket from Cornish brand Frugi. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton, it's perfect for snuggling up at night and also makes a lovely bedspread too. For maximum cuteness, pop these fab baby booties into your shopping cart while you're there.

Naturalists will love this traditional wool blanket from British brand Lala & Bea. Made from 100% pure new wool, it's bright, cosy and the perfect snuggle rug for the buggy, pram or cot. What's more, wool is known to regulate temperature naturally, so it's ideal for keeping baby cosy all year round.

Tiny tots will look seriously cute wrapped up in this classic grey stripe blanket from Swedish brand Polarn O. Pyret (we love the navy stripe colourway, too!). It's super soft and snuggly, plus both mama and baby can sleep easy knowing it's made from GOTS certified organic cotton, which means they take extra care of the farmers.

For a touch of luxury at bedtime, envelop your little one in 100% pure Scottish cashmere from family-run business Love Cashmere. The delicate wool gets its softness from crystal clear mountain water, while Mongolian goats that thrive below -40c are responsible for its temperature regulating benefits, making cashmere the softest and most sumptuous fabric on earth, and perfect for brand new babies.

This bold and fabulous striped baby blanket from UK brand Tutti Bambini is just the right size and weight for bedtime or simply cosying up at home, and we love this wild feeding pillow from the same range. According to our mum panel, it retains its softness and colour after multiple washes. Sold!

For parents on a budget, this classic cellular blanket from Manchester family-run brand Clair de Lune ticks all the boxes. It's breathable, lightweight, looks cute and works well as a single cover during the summer or an extra layer for chilly winter nights.

Fans of monochrome will love this black and white print baby blanket from UK brand Tobias and the Bear, which is also available in an adorable rabbit print and a fun fox design.. Best known for bold, fun and non-gendered kids wear, we can't get enough of the brand's rompers too.

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