A standard crib blanket is 30 by 40 inches (76 by 102 cm).
A standard crib mattress measures 28 by 52 inches (71 by 132 cm).
You want a blanket just as wide (maybe even a little wider) and not quite as long (to leave room for the head and pillow).
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through one of these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!
Babies need all kinds of different blankets:
- Baby quilt
- Pack n’ Play blanket
- Toddler blanket
- Crib blanket
- Lovey blanket
- Security Blanket
- Nursing cover-up
- Receiving blanket
- Burp Cloth
- Stroller blanket
- Car seat blanket
- Floor map
- Swaddle blanket
In this article, we’ll look at the different sizes of crib blankets you might need for your baby.
In comparison, standard adult blanket sizes are:
- Twin: 66 by 88 inches (168 by 224 cm)
- Full/Queen: 88 by 88 inches (224 by 224 cm)
- King: 108 by 96 inches (274 by 498 cm)
Crib, Pack n’ Play, and Toddler Blankets
Babies should not sleep with any loose blankets or bedding. Their crib should be bare with only a tight-fitted sheet. Babies should wear sleep sacks or swaddles, although you can still make or buy a keepsake baby blanket for them.
If you’re shopping for a crib blanket for an older baby, like a quilt or comforter, you’ll want to consider the bed size where they sleep. Are they sleeping in a crib, bed, or Pack n’ Play?
Look for blankets that are just slightly wider than the sleep space.
Here are the common baby bed sizes and my recommended blanket sizes:
| Mattress Size | Recommended Blanket Size |
|---|---|
| Crib: 28 by 52 inches (71 by 132 cm) | 30-32 by 40-42 inches (76-81 by 102-107 cm) |
| Toddler Bed: 28 by 52 inches (71 by 132 cm) | 30-32 by 40-42 inches (76-81 by 102-107 cm) |
| Pack n’ Play: 26 by 38 inches (66 by 96 cm) | 28 by 32 inches (71 by 81 cm) |
| Twin Bed: 38 by 74 inches (96 by 188 cm) | 66 by 88 inches (168 by 224 cm |
Lovies and Security Blankets
These smaller blankets offer comfort to little ones who can sleep with and snuggle during the day. Look for a lovey or security blanket with two different fabrics or textures (like a cotton blanket with a silk border).
These blankets provide sensory relief for babies and children to fidget between their fingers.
These blankets can be any size, but typically, a lovey is smaller, 12 by 12 inches (30 by 30 cm), and a security blanket is larger, 16-20 by 16-20 inches (40-50 by 40-50 cm).
Security Blankets and Lovies
Aden + Anais Classis Lovey
Aden + Anais Security Blanket
Nursing and Traveling Blankets
You’ll want to have blankets ready for on-the-go. These include:
- Nursing cover-up: 24 by 36 inches (61 by 91 cm)
- Receiving blanket: 30 by 30 inches (76 by 76 cm)
- Burp Cloth: 12 by 18 inches (31 by 46 cm)
- Stroller blanket: 24-26 by 24-26 inches (61-66 by 61-66 cm)
- Car seat blanket: 24-26 by 24-26 inches (61-66 by 61-66 cm)
- Floor/play mat: 50-60 by 50-60 inches (127-152 by 127-152 cm)
I prefer a nursing cover-up that is versatile and can double as a car seat cover. The Milk Snob cover is stretchy and fits like an oversized tube top, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off mid-session.
Milk Snob
Breastfeeding and Car Seat Cover
There are also specialized car seats and stroller blankets that I used. I opted for these instead of a traditional blanket because my kids were squirmy and always kicked them off!
There’s nothing worse than being out and about in the snow and your baby dropping their blanket in a dirty pile of such ?. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything ?.
Travel Covers
Skip Hop Car Seat Cover
Stroller Blanket
A Blanket for Mom
One of the best baby shower gifts I received was a handmade knit blanket! My grammie was thinking of me and being cold during the middle-of-the-ngiht feeds of infancy.
It was such a sweet idea, and I recommend a blanket or throw as a gift for new and expecting moms all the time!
Swaddles and Wearable Blankets
There are literally hundreds of swaddled and wearable blankets on the market. My kids were tricky sleepers, so I think I tried just about everyone out there.
Although I recommend swaddles and sleepsacks for babies under the age of 18 months, you can opt for traditional swaddle blankets and do the swaddling yourself. Just make sure to transition from swaddling once your baby is showing signs.
IMO, bigger swaddles are better. The ideal swaddle is 44 by 44 inches (112 by 112 cm). Although the nurses in labor and delivery make it look easy, I could never properly swaddle my baby with the tiny hospital blankets.
I also prefer cotton muslin swaddles because they have a little bit of stretch to them.
Wearable Blankets
HALO 100% Cotton Swaddle
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit
HALO 100% Cotton Sleep Sack
Safety Information
Babies should not sleep with blankets in their crib, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Babies should sleep in a bare crib with a tight-fitting sheet and a sleep sack or swaddle. Sleeping with blankets in the crib increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
So, if you are looking for a baby shower gift, consider a wearable blanket (like a swaddle or sleep sack) instead of a crib blanket or quilt.
Buttons and Fasteners
Buttons, snaps, and pompoms all look adorable, but they are all choking hazards for babies. Opt for a blanket with no dangling parts or embellishments.
Material and Holes
The best material for baby blankets is 100% cotton. It’s soft, light, and breathable. Cotton is better at regulating body temperature. It is so important to protect babies from overheating.
Also, make sure your material doesn’t have any large holes or long fringe. If you’re doing a knit or crochet afghan, be mindful of your stitch. Here are the best crochet stitches for baby blankets. Any blankets with holes or long fringe can be a safety hazard for children. They can get their fingers and toes stuck and lose circulation.
