How to Choose the Best Newborn Blanket for Your Little One

The short answer: the best newborn blanket is soft, breathable and easy to wash. Look for natural fibres like cotton, a size that suits the pram, bassinet and cot (our blankets are 100 x 80 cm), and a design you'll love seeing every day.

Preparing for your little love's arrival is such a special time, full of excitement and, often, a few questions. Of all the things you'll gather for your newborn, a soft baby blanket is one of the most personal. It's what you'll wrap them in for their very first cuddles, tuck around them on walks, and perhaps keep long after they've outgrown it. Here's how to choose one that's just right for your little one.

Why the right newborn blanket matters

A good blanket does so much more than keep your baby warm. It gives your little one a soft, familiar place to lie during tummy time, adds a layer of comfort on outings, and quickly becomes part of your daily rhythm together. Because it will be used, washed and loved so often, it's worth choosing one that's gentle, safe and made to last.

The different types of newborn blankets

Knitted baby blankets

Your everyday favourite. Knitted baby blankets are soft, cosy and breathable, perfect for the pram, bassinet, cot or cuddles on the couch. Our families especially love the Geoff the Giraffe Blanket, Baah Baah Blanket and Baby Koala Blanket.

Swaddles and wraps

Gently wrapping your newborn can help them feel calm and secure, a little like being held close. Swaddles are usually made from lightweight muslin or cotton, so they're easy to wrap snugly without overheating. When your baby shows signs of rolling, it's time to stop wrapping.

Keepsake blankets

Some blankets are made for moments you'll never forget: bringing baby home, first photos, special visits. A keepsake blanket like our Confetti Sprinkles Keepsake Blanket becomes a treasured memento of these early days.

Comforters

A soft baby comforter, like our Baby Geoff the Giraffe Comforter, can become a much-loved companion for cuddles and playtime while your little one is awake. For sleep, keep comforters and soft toys out of the cot.

What to look for when choosing a newborn blanket

Soft, natural materials

Your newborn's skin is delicate, so natural fibres like cotton are a lovely choice. They feel gentle, breathe well and get softer with every wash. Most of our blankets are knitted from breathable cotton for exactly this reason.

The right size

A blanket that's too small won't keep your little one covered, while one that's too large can be bulky in the pram. Our 100 x 80 cm blankets are sized to fit beautifully in the pram, bassinet and cot, and they're big enough to grow into a toddler blankie.

Breathability and warmth

Babies can't regulate their temperature as well as we can, so it's important they don't overheat. Choose breathable fabrics, layer lightly, and add or remove a blanket as the day warms or cools rather than relying on one heavy blanket. Red Nose Australia has helpful guidance on dressing your baby for sleep.

Easy care

Newborn life is beautifully messy, so choose blankets you can simply pop in the machine. Our knitted blankets can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle and dried flat to keep them soft and in shape.

A design you'll love

This blanket will feature in countless photos and memories, so choose one that makes you smile. Whether you love calming neutrals, sweet pastels or playful animal prints, there's a soft baby blanket to suit your little one and your nursery.

A gentle note on safe sleep

We know how much you want your little one safe and snug. If you use a blanket for sleep, place your baby on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot, and tuck the blanket in firmly so it can't cover their face. Keep pillows, toys and loose bedding out of the cot.

How many newborn blankets will you need?

Most families find 7 to 9 blankets in total is just right, including swaddles, knitted and keepsake blankets. We've broken it down in our guide: How many baby blankets do I need?

However you choose, the right blanket will wrap your little one in comfort for many cuddles to come. Explore our soft baby blankets to find the one that feels just like them.