Crib blanket &/or Receiving blanket -- Same thing?

[Anonymous]

Are crib blankets and receiving blankets the same thing? What's the difference? Can you use a receiving blanket as a crib blanket or is there some safety issue?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm no expert, but I know that receiving blankets are generally pretty small, and thus mostly are used for wrapping/swaddling the baby. I'm guessing a crib blanket would be bigger and actually go in the crib, but with a newborn, you really don't want anything in the crib with them because of suffocation concerns. I think the American Academy of Pediatrics says you shouldn't have anything in the crib with a baby until they are 1 year old.

That said, I know many, many parents use swaddles (either receiving blankets or the velcro ones from Kiddopatamus) in the crib with no problem, and it actually helps the baby to sleep longer because it prevents the baby's crazy arm movements from waking himself up. In fact, our 3-month-old DS is swaddled in his crib right now, peacefully getting some Zs. Now if only mommy could get some shuteye!

Hope that helps...

[Anonymous]

If this is for registering purposes, you want lots and lots of receiving blankets (but make sure they are square for swaddling not rectangular). If you are expecting, there is no need for any sort of a blanket for the crib, as there should be nothing in there until after the first birthday.

[Anonymous]

OP Here -- Thanks for advice... I'm still confused though... What do you keep the baby warm with, if not a blanket or some sort? (Let's say we don't swaddle or use a sleepsack, then what do you use to keep the baby warm?)

[Anonymous]

If your baby is <6 months old, and you don't want to use a sleep sack, then put them in one of those one-piece fleece PJs to keep them warm. After they learn to roll over, it's fine to use a blanket. And, in my experience, there is no difference between a receiving blanket, stroller blanket, and crib blanket.