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As a new mom, the most treasured gift I’ve received for our little one has been a bevy of the best baby blankets. Whether handmade, quilted, patterned, plush, lightweight, or cashmere–yes, you heard me right, CASHMERE!– the gift of a blanket is a deep demonstration of affection. It’s akin to sending a huge cuddle to the newborn baby in your life.
Not only are they a thoughtful keepsake or baby shower gift, baby blankets are multipurpose: Beyond keeping baby warm and protected from the elements, they can be used to swaddle infants for a lap nap, spread across couches as a surface covering to protect from spit-ups and promote tummy time, or draped over strollers and car seats to offer babies shade and privacy during naps. They come in a variety of price points, depending on your gifting budget. They are lightweight and don’t take up too much space. And, best of all, baby blankets are cherished over a lifetime: Many people become so attached to their baby blankets (a.k.a. security blankets) that they smuggle them into their luggage when going off to college. Speaking for a friend here…
Our community of contributors has put a selection of high-quality baby blankets to the test to share counsel on the softest, coziest, most luxurious blankies to gift across a variety of categories. Read on to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the best baby blankets to gift new parents.
Best for a Personalized Touch: Pottery Barn Kids Jacquard Elephant
Pottery Barn Kids Jacquard Elephant
In general, I am reticent of baby patterns, worrying that they might feel cheesy. I was drawn to this blanket because the elephant detail feels youthful and also tasteful. Better yet, my daughter loves being wrapped up in its soft, muslin cotton. We like to wrap her up in this piece during afternoon naps, or when we’re lounging on the couch together and she needs an added layer. Pottery Barn also offers monogramming, which adds a lovely touch if gifting this item to new parents.—Briana Feigon, contributor
For the Outdoor Adventurer: Minna Goods Baby Blanket
Minna Baby Pantelho Blanket Rust + Cream
This blanket is truly a work of art. Handcrafted by backstrap loom weavers in Pantelhó, Mexico, and then embroidered by a cooperative of women in Chiapas, Mexico, this blanket exudes the personal care and attention that was so clearly put into its craftsmanship. As a Los Angeles baby, our little one took advantage of this blanket for beach hangs and picnics in the California sunshine. The weight and durability of this blanket offers the perfect padding for hanging on grass or sand. —Briana Feigon
For the Sweetest Swaddles: Crate&kids Zen Blue Baby Swaddles
Crate&kids Zen Blue Organic Baby Swaddle Blankets, Set of 3
My son loves being swaddled in these blankets. I also love the size–they are large enough to “grow” with my baby. I’m confident we will find many uses for these blankets after he grows out of swaddles. —Pujah Shah, global director of audience development, analytics and social
Best Waffle Knit: Parachute Waffle Dusty Blush Blanket
I love that this is a medium-weight blanket which has been a great option for tucking our baby in a stroller on chilly days. I also appreciate that it’s 100% premium cotton and is gentle on my baby’s skin. —Pujah Shah
Adorable AND Affordable: Zara Chunky Knit Bobble Blanket
Zara Chunky Knit Blanket With Bobbles
We really like this knit baby blanket! The multicolored bobbles add a playful touch and the knit stitch looks handmade. This is a great bring-anywhere throw: It’s easy to throw in a bag or use as a stroller blanket, it’s easy to wash, and the fact that it’s cotton makes it both warm and breathable, which is great for an added layer for our little girl.—Briana Feigon
Best for Cozy Layering: Coyuchi Honeycomb Organic Baby Blanket
Coyuchi Honeycomb Organic Baby Blanket
This blanket is a lot more heavy duty than other baby blankets, which has made it a great “mat” for tummy time. I especially love the jacquard texture which gives it incredible warmth and will be super useful and cozy during cooler nights.—Pujah Shah
Nicest Neutrals: Coyuchi Cozy Cotton Baby Blanket
Coyuchi Cozy Cotton Organic Baby Blanket
This has been a great blanket for car rides, especially when temperatures are cooler. It’s thick and cozy without the added bulk to keep baby nice and toasty. Worth the splurge! —Pujah Shah
Best Receiving Blanket: Coyuchi Organic Flannel Receiving Blanket
Coyuchi Cloud Brushed™ Organic Flannel Receiving Blanket
We absolutely love using this blanket as a swaddle and for light layering in the stroller for walks around the neighborhood. My little one has very sensitive skin, so wrapping him in this ultra soft, velvety texture that is also completely safe from dyes gives me great peace of mind. —Pujah Shah
Most Affordable Swaddle: Mushie Muslin Baby Swaddle Blanket
mushie Muslin Baby Swaddle Blanket | 100% Organic Cotton
While it’s perfect for swaddling and can also be used when nursing, we prefer it more as a blanket since it’s so large, (measuring 47 inches by 47 inches). We layered the neutral stripe blanket in our crib after baby could safely roll over and lift his head–it goes perfectly since it matches the crib sheet. Baby loved this blanket so much we have it in a few different styles–it’s available in over 30 styles!—Clara Haneberg, contributor
Best For a Little Extra Comfort: Gooselings Fleur & Stripe Baby Duvet
Gooselings Fleur & Stripe Baby Duvet
This is our all-time favorite (and most used) blanket for our newborn–we cannot leave the house without it! This duvet has been a staple for the last couple of months as we welcomed our little one. We use it at home, on-the-go, as a soft surface for tummy time and as an extra layer of coziness. This duvet is undoubtedly an investment, though I definitely plan to use it as my child grows older.—Pujah Shah
For the Luxurious Baby: Parachute Cashmere Baby Blanket
I didn’t receive my first piece of cashmere until I was 18, going off to college on the East Coast, when my mom wanted to spoil me with a cardigan that would keep me warm in the Connecticut snow. And here I am giving my two-week old daughter a luxurious cashmere baby blanket. Hey, we all deserve to be pampered, no matter our age, but this is no burp cloth. Cashmere offers the ultimate soft snuggle, as well as lightweight warmth. I’ve particularly enjoyed using this blanket as a cover up for myself and my daughter when I am nursing her. It provides warmth, but the loose knit also offers breathability.—Briana Feigon
The Plush Playmat: Lalo Mat
This is the ultimate blanket for tummy time! It is nice and soft, so we just lay it out on our hardwood floors or even on top of an existing rug, and let our girl spend time on her tummy.—Briana Feigon
As Close to Homemade as it Gets: Purple Owl Organic Quilt
Naaya By Moonlight Purple Owl Organic Quilt
This quilt is so cozy, and the handmade design feels so personal. I see this blanket as a future heirloom item for my daughter, Posie, to pass along to her child one day. I love the owl details paired with the polka dot backing. Photos don’t do this quilt justice for how fluffy and soft it is in person. We currently have this piece hanging on the side of our daughter’s crib, and have also spread out on the floor for tummy time and afternoon playtime. Best yet: It’s reversible!—Briana Feigon
For the Future Aviator: Nestig Paper Planes Quilt
My baby is still an infant, so we don’t use any blankets in his sleep space to avoid potential suffocation hazards. However, we love using these quilts as a soft mat for tummy time. I’m also a huge fan of the non-bulky design which makes this quilt a great choice for layering during the winter, and due to the inherent breathability of cotton, it encourages airflow and prevents overheating. Two qualities that are vital to me for my baby’s protection! Well-made and aesthetically pleasing– Nestig’s quilts are one of my favorite blankets for my little one. While it's on the thinner side, it still has a nice weight, and the hand-stitched texture provides a modern yet classic sense of style for our nursery. The exterior shell of the quilt is made with organic cotton and the interior is lined with polyester. The exterior also has beautiful hand-sewn embroidery that gives it a timeless appeal.—Pujah Shah
Most Cloud-Like Quilt: Primary Stars Baby Quilt
This blanket has been a wonderful addition to our nursery. While I found that it was a bit oversized to use as a regular blanket and too thick for a swaddle, my newborn loves to lay on it for playtime and tummy time. It will also make for a great bedspread when it comes time to transition to a “big kid” bed. —Pujah Shah
Best Night Skyscape: Skye Baby Quilt
Baby is captivated by the quilt’s intricate hand stitching, running his fingers along the smiley clouds, suns, moons, and stars. We like to use it as a play blanket, laying it on the floor and flipping between its patterned front side and solid gray back.This is piece is an heirloom-quality blanket that we intend to pass down. You can also personalize the blanket for an additional charge.—Clara Haneberg
Tiniest Companion Blankie: Little Giraffe Chenille Satin Blanky
Little Giraffe Chenille Satin Blanky
This Chenille Satin Blanky by Little Giraffe was an instant favorite because it’s totally tuggable and easily lugged around by baby. It’s compact and travel size–the perfect peek-a-boo playmate, if you will–at 14 inches by 14 inches. But, rest assured, this “security blanket” has the weight needed to earn it that must-have cozy factor. Added bonus: This blanky makes the perfect newborn gift! You can also personalize the blanket for an additional charge.—Clara Haneberg
Best Plush Cuddle: Plush Blanket with Sherpa Back by Luvable Friends
Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Plush Blanket with Sherpa Back
Baby highly preferred this cozy blanket during the cooler months, so we stocked up since it’s so versatile and affordable–getting an extra for home and one for the car seat/stroller. He also loves pointing out the different animals, shapes, and colors that don each blanket style.—Clara Haneberg
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