Which Blanket Do I Need for My Baby?

We’ve noticed that many expecting parents feel uncertain and confused about which blanket is best for their baby. And that’s completely understandable — there are so many options out there! So, what blanket do you actually need for your little one? And how do you, as a soon-to-be parent, make the best choice?

When you're shopping for your baby essentials, you’ll eventually start thinking about the blanket your little one will sleep under. It should be warm and, of course, match the style of the nursery. Blankets come in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors — and you can also take the blanket’s TOG rating into consideration.

→ View all cozy baby blankets here

What Is TOG?

The TOG value is a helpful technical guide to ensure your baby sleeps safely. It’s a rating system that indicates the insulating properties of sleep textiles. The lower the room temperature, the higher the TOG value can be. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and tells you how well body heat is retained in items like sleeping bags and blankets.
→ Read everything about TOG ratings in our blog

Consider the Room Temperature

When buying a blanket for your baby, it’s important to consider the season in which your baby is due. If you're expecting a baby in autumn or winter, go for a blanket with a teddy or fleece lining. It’s soft and warm. But if you're expecting a summer baby, that same lining might be too warm — in that case, a lightweight, unlined blanket is a better choice.

It’s always good to follow your own instincts when choosing a blanket. Some babies get cold easily, while others get warm quickly. Also, the weight of a blanket doesn’t determine how warm it is. Synthetic blankets are much lighter than cotton ones, but they’re not necessarily less warm.

Cotton, Wool, or Synthetic?

Research by VeiligheidNL in collaboration with TNO-textile shows that the type of material your baby sleeps under doesn't matter as much as making sure the bed is made up tightly and safely. Over the years, synthetic materials have improved significantly — they’re no longer sweaty or non-breathable. In fact, a cotton blanket with a synthetic lining can be warmer for cold days than a single cotton layer.

Cotton absorbs moisture, which can leave a damp spot — so if your baby sweats a lot, this may not be ideal. Synthetic fabrics don’t absorb moisture but wick it away. So ultimately, the choice between cotton, synthetic, or a blend comes down to personal preference.

Your Perfect Blanket

To find the perfect blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind. When you're still pregnant, you don’t know your baby yet — so it’s hard to say whether they’ll run hot or cold. But one thing you do know is that summer room temperatures are much higher than in winter. That’s something you can base your decision on. So, choosing the perfect blanket means keeping the season your baby is due in mind.

Option 1: Due in autumn or winter (October–March)

Choose a (knitted) blanket with a teddy or fleece lining. These typically have a TOG rating of 2.0, making them suitable for room temperatures between 20–22°C (68–72°F). You can pair this blanket with a diaper and a bodysuit/sheet. If the room is even cooler, you might add both a bodysuit and a sheet. Always follow your instincts and observe your baby — each one is different, so adapt accordingly.

Option 2: Due in spring or summer (April–September)

In spring and summer, room temperatures are higher, so opt for a lighter blanket. Choose a (knitted) blanket without lining. These have a TOG rating between 0.9 and 1.3 — ideal for room temperatures around 23–24°C (73–75°F). Pair with a bodysuit and sheet. You can also choose a muslin (hydrophilic) blanket, which has a TOG rating of 1.3. Made from soft cotton, it absorbs moisture well. Again, follow your instincts and observe your baby.

What Size Blanket Do I Need?

Aside from materials, patterns, and colors, baby blankets also come in different sizes. Generally, there are two standard blanket sizes:

• 75×100 cm – for a bassinet or Moses basket

• 100×150 cm – for a crib or cot

If your baby’s bed has different dimensions, be sure to double-check sizing when purchasing a blanket.

So when shopping for the right blanket, it’s important to consider your baby, the room temperature, and — most importantly — trust your instincts and use common sense