Types of linens for baby: Receiving blankets, burp cloths, and swaddles

Burp cloths, receiving blankets, swaddles. WAIT, what are they each used for?

Let’s break it down really quick. It can be confusing, all this parent lingo!

1. Receiving blankets

• These are thin blankets used when feeding baby, for spit up, swaddling a newborn, for diaper changes, or really anytime.
• Not very absorbent but relatively large, which makes them easy to use.
• Standard size is 30 inch x 30 inch, but depending on the company, can be smaller or larger than this.
• Many are flannel, which makes them soft and warm
• Machine washable

2. Burp cloths

• Thicker and smaller than receiving blankets used primarily for feeding a baby   and burping a baby.
• These can come in various sizes an shapes. These are more absorbent than receiving blankets and ARE MY GO TO WHEN FEEDING A BABY. 
• Machine washable

3. Swaddles

• The largest of the three linens listed.
• THESE ARE MY OVERALL FAVORITE
• They can be used to swaddle a baby, for tummy time on the floor, feeding/burping, diaper changes when out, a nursing cover, a drape over the carseat, as a baby blanket in the carseat or when being held, to use on the changing table as a cover over the pad, to play peak-a-boo and more.
• The term Muslin refers to how the cotton is loosely woven to make this blanket. So now you know when you hear the term Muslin swaddle they are referring to the light, breathable nature of the fabric.
• This is the MOST VERSATILE and useful as the baby gets older. Though you can swaddle a newborn with a receiving blanket, these being larger make it easier as baby grows to swaddle or fully cover baby when holding them.
• They are thin, very soft and prevent baby from overheating.
• Sizes vary, typically between  44 x 44 inches and 47 x 47 inches.
• Machine washable and do not quickly show signs of wear

Here is a picture comparing the sizes of a receiving blanket and swaddle.

IN SUMMARY, these three types of linen can ALL be used for feeding a baby, for diaper changes, and for any messes. When making a registry, all three are good to put on, as it is nice to have some of each. I would aim for at least 4-6 swaddles, 6-8 receiving blankets, and at least 8 burp cloths at the minimum. It really all depends on how often you want to do laundry. You can always have extras and you’ll be using them!

You got this, mamas and papas! : )

Hope

❤ Nonstopmomlife