what's the deal w/ receiving blankets?

BottomStar

Maybe i'm being stupid, but why are they so stiff and scratchy, and what exactly am I supposed to be using them for?  Can't i just used regular baby blankets that are actually soft?  I just can't imagine putting them against my child's skin.  i got a few from my MIL and the only thing I can think to use them for is burp cloths.

Do I really need them?

StrawberryAlarmClock

They are the right weight for swaddling. I agree that some are stiff. I washed mine and they softened up. Maybe the more you wash them the softer they get??

CiaoGirl

I didn't really use mine too much because they were too small to swaddle my baby with - I didn't even really like the super soft blankets - the medium sized thermal blankets were my favorites.  I was able to swaddle her in them and they aren't very bulky so I was able to put them in my diaper bag.

I'm using my old receiving blankets for cloth wipes for the new baby - I am cutting them up this week for that purpose. 

LaNegrita

Sounds like maybe the ones you have are cheap. I've only experienced them to be thin. I've used them kinda like a pack & play sheet, as a cover for the diaper changing pad (when the real covers are being washed), put it on the bed for quick diaper changes, put it under DS when he would co sleep, as a burp cloth...

Timeg

They are lighter than baby blankets, which tend to be thick and can lead to overheating, and they work great for swaddling, which helps many babies sleep better. They can also be used as nursing covers, tummy time mats, and burp cloths. I have to say that I relied very heavily on our sets, but I looked for softer ones. Carters aren't very scratchy and the one kind we liked were bigger and worked a lot better for swaddling our daughter as she grew.

CrystalDaun

I liked the thermal ones for swaddeling best. But receiving blankets are good to lay down across the changing pad cover if you are out of lap pads. They're all good to just toss in your car, if your out w/ the stroller they come in handy if it's breezy (when they're older).

GreekyPie

None of mine are stiff or scratchy.... they are soft and delicious, actually! I wish I had some that were grown-up sized.

 

pregnantalready09

They're to lay over your shoulder or lap or whatever when people hold baby. I If you wash them they aren't as hard. Well mine weren't anyway.

wrenr

They're not the softest of blankets but the material is usually light enough to work for swaddling without overheating the baby. But for some reason almost all the ones I've seen are square and way too small to use for swaddling. The ones I Iiked best were from Carter's and they are rectangular so they're the perfect size. They work much better than premade swaddlers, you can get them really tight which helps the baby sleep better. (Learned this through trial and error cause I thought everyone was exaggerating, but she really did sleep longer when she was tightly swaddled).

BottomStar

thanks ladies!  the ones i have are carters, so they should be good quality.  i think it's just me, i have issues with lots of textures (hate fleece, velvet, and raw cotton balls, etc) but I'll throw these in the wash and hope for the best!

Worcbride

wash them--they soften up quickly;  I used them to swaddle DD.  I also used them under her butt when she was in the crib (the Ultimate Crib Sheet didnt work w/my style crib so the receiving blanket was another layer);  I used them when DD was in her carrier, as a quick changing pad.....used them alot actually.

laurenrobbie

I got a 3 pack of swaddling blankets from BRU that are super super soft. They are organic, maybe Bumkins brand?? Anyway they are so comfy, I wish they had them in adult size, I might to try swaddle myself