The main difference between receiving blanket and swaddle is their size. Receiving blankets tend to be smaller than swaddles and cover a baby without leaving any excess material.
Receiving blankets and swaddles are indispensable items for a newborn baby. Both are light and breathable fabrics. Despite their several differences, you can use them interchangeably since both can help you to wrap a baby comfortably and securely.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Receiving Blanket
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Swaddle
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Receiving Blanket and Swaddle
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Receiving Blanket and Swaddle
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Receiving Blanket, Swaddle
What is a Receiving Blanket
A receiving blanket is a small, soft blanket that is used to wrap a baby. The most common use of a receiving blanket is to wrap a baby and keep him/her warm. The name ‘receiving blanket’ comes from the tradition of wrapping a newborn baby in this type of blanket immediately after birth, just before giving the baby to the mother for the very first time. These blankets help to regulate the temperature. Generally, hospitals and nurseries use them. They are also available in all shops that sell baby items and are a very common gift at baby showers. In fact, they are the first blankets of a baby. They are available in many colors and patterns.
Receiving blankets usually have a square or rectangular shape and are usually about 30 inches by 30 inches. They are typically smaller than children’s blankets and cover the baby without leaving any excess material. These blankets are available in soft fabrics like cotton, flannel, muslin, or jersey knit. The softness of the material provides the newborn with heat and security, whereas its thinness allows airflow and prevents overheating. Receiving blankets are versatile materials, and you can use them for many purposes. For example, swaddling the baby, cleaning messes, playmat for toys, stroller cover for shade, burping cloth for spit-ups, a nursing cover for the mother, cover for the changing table for diaper changes in public places, etc.
What is a Swaddle
Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a baby in a thin, light, breathable blanket to keep them calm and safe. When swaddling, only the baby’s body is wrapped, not the head or neck, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation. A swaddle is a blanket that is specially designed for the swaddle. Swaddle blankets are small blankets and can have winged sides, snaps, and closures to secure the sides around the baby.
There are two main types of swaddles: traditional swaddles and 2-in-1 swaddles. Traditional swaddles are large, thin blankets, typically made of a soft, stretchy fabric like cotton, muslin, or bamboo. 2-in-1 swaddles, on the other hand, have features like snaps or zippers that make swaddling easier and more secure.
Similarities Between Receiving Blanket and Swaddle
- Both fabrics are light and breathable.
- They can be used interchangeably as both are used to wrap babies.
Difference Between Receiving Blanket and Swaddle
Definition
A receiving blanket is a small, soft blanket that is used to wrap a baby, while a swaddle is a lightweight blanket that is used for swaddling a baby.
Original Use
Receiving blankets are used to wrap a newborn baby immediately after birth, just before he/she is given to the mother for the very first time. Swaddles, on the other hand, are used for the practice of swaddling.
Material
Both come in breathable fabrics, but swaddles tend to have lighter materials, whereas receiving blankets are available in thicker materials, as well.
Size
Receiving blankets tend to be smaller than swaddles and cover a baby without leaving any excess material.
Features
Swaddle blankets tend to have winged sides, snaps, and closures, whereas receiving blankets do not.
Conclusion
The main difference between receiving blanket and swaddle is their size. Receiving blankets tend to be smaller than swaddles and cover a baby without leaving any excess material. Despite their difference, you can use them interchangeably since both can help you to wrap a baby comfortably and securely.
Reference:
1. “What Is a Receiving Blanket?” Gender Childrenswear.
2. “Swaddling a baby: the benefits, risks and seven safety tips.” NCT.
Image Courtesy:
1. “White Bed Spread Near a Human Foot during Night Time” (CC0) via Pexles
2. “3 week old swaddled infant” By Azoreg – Own work by uploader (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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