How Many Swaddle Blankets Do I Need? Helpful Tips

I remember how under-prepared I was with baby supplies when I was a new mom (especially the swaddle blankets). It took me time to think through just how many swaddle blankets do I need for my baby.

Also, most of my children transitioned out of the swaddle sooner than usual. But, my youngest, Theo, slept soundly in his swaddle for the entire first month of his life. That’s why I’m glad I kept some handy!

So, as a rule of thumb, it’s good to have a minimum of 3–4 swaddle blankets for regular use with laundry rotation. But if your baby tends to spit up a lot, you’ll need to change the blanket frequently. In such cases, it’s best to have at least 5–7 blankets.

I’ll elaborate more on the types of swaddle blankets you will need, the materials you should look for, and provide some practical tips to maintaining your swaddle blankets well.

TL;DR
I would recommend that you keep at least a minimum of 2–3 swaddle blankets for emergencies.
Beyond that, it’s your lifestyle and your family’s circumstances that decide how many you will really need. I’ve made a list below that provides detailed estimates you can use to make the decision easier.
If you mostly stay at home –
Please try to buy at least 2–3 traditional swaddling blankets and 2–3 Velcro or adjustable swaddle blankets.
Beyond that, I’d recommend that you keep 10 or more receiving blankets (or large-sized multipurpose burp cloths) that you can use for swaddling, too.
This way, you’ll have some extra even if you miss a laundry day, need it in the middle of the night, or even if you are out visiting in-laws, etc. And, if you need to keep your hands free while juggling laundry and little ones, a good baby carrier is an excellent option for those busy days. It lets you stay close to your baby while managing your tasks with ease.
If you are usually on-the-go and need to travel with your baby a lot –
I would recommend that you purchase 3 or more traditional swaddling blankets and get more than 4–5 of the Velcro or adjustable types, since they are easier to use and wrap your baby in.
It also helps to buy at least 12 or more receiving blankets or burp cloths if you travel frequently. This way, you can pack enough for quick, short trips, and still have spares when you get back home.

Why Do I Need So Many Swaddle Blankets?

Because babies can be messy. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to change swaddles or burp cloths because of spit-ups (they really do get everywhere!), diaper leaks, and so on.
Personally, I kept 5 medium-sized flannel blankets which I’d use as a play mat too. My favorites were the Velcro swaddles, of which I kept about 4–5. I also try to keep some swaddles and receiving blankets in my diaper bag, and an extra in the car.

And the number greatly depends on how often you’re doing laundry, so please keep that in mind. If you are unsure about sizes, check out my post on size of swaddle blankets and making DIY swaddles for more information.

Main Features – These traditional, square-shaped swaddle blankets are lightweight and breathable and are made of muslin, flannel, etc.,
Versatility – These blankets can be stretched for a snug swaddle fit, and can be used as burp cloths, mats, covers etc.,
Needs Practice – You will need to practice swaddling with muslin blankets to get the wrapping right.

newborn-baby-girl-wrapped-in-a-swaddle-wrap

Main Features – These are the ones that have Velcro or buttons that snap shut for secure wrapping.
Easy to Use – These are perfect if you are new to swaddling and need something that is quick and convenient. Great for travel too.
Not Adjustable – Swaddle wraps can’t be adjusted to accommodate different swaddling methods. Your baby may also outgrow them much faster.

Main Features – These blankets resemble a sleeping bag with armholes. It’s great for older or slightly active babies who have still not attempted rollovers.
Best Suited For – Sleep sacks are perfect if you are trying to transition your baby out of the swaddle. You can start off with the arms out, and transfer them bare to a crib or a bassinet once they get used to the change.

It also helps to understand how you can use the traditional swaddle in multiple ways. Did you know that there are different techniques to swaddling? I talk about those techniques with step-by-step instructions in my post – How to Swaddle a Newborn?

How Many Swaddle Blankets Do I Need: 3 Factors to Consider

So, here’s how you can simplify your process. Ask yourself these 3 questions to help make your decision easier:

1. How Often Do You Do Laundry?

If you do laundry almost daily, 3–4 swaddle blankets can be enough.
Otherwise, please consider having at least 5–7 blankets to deal with unexpected spit-ups, diaper leaks, etc.,

2. What’s the Weather Like?

If you stay in cold regions, cotton or flannel blankets are a good choice, but you’ll need to stock up on at least 4–5 blankets since clothes may not dry as quick.
If you live in warm to moderate climate regions, it helps to choose from breathable fabrics like muslin or bamboo to prevent overheating. And you can choose based on how many you think your baby will go through in a day.

3. How Old Is Your Newborn?

Swaddle blankets are designed for newborns. So, you won’t need them once your baby starts to roll over (unless you plan to have more children in the future).

If your baby is due or just a few days old, keep enough to last you until it’s time to transition away from the swaddle.
If your baby is already at 4 weeks or older, but hasn’t rolled over just yet, consider getting 2–3 sleep sacks or swaddle wraps to help them transition faster.

Choosing the Right Fabric and Size
It’s always best to choose from breathable fabrics like cotton, cotton blends, or muslin, especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Make sure your swaddle blanket is stretchy for that super snug fit.
Also, you can choose from large receiving blanket sizes (around 47 x 47 inches) if you need them for multiple purposes. The smaller ones are usually good as burp cloths, or for swaddling newborns in the early days.

Practical Tips to Maintain Swaddle Blankets

Swaddle and receiving blankets are usually extra soft and the quality ones will last you a long time. In fact, I still have the receiving blankets I used for Avery (it’s a keepsake now). So, as long as you maintain the blankets well, you can reuse, repurpose, or even donate if you no longer need them.

Here are a couple of tips to maintain your swaddle or receiving blankets:

1. Spot-Clean Stains Immediately

When it comes to spots and stains, my practice is to get at it as fast as I can.
Soak the stained section with a non-toxic detergent spray and cold water, and let it sit for a few minutes.
After that, gently blot out the stain and put it through a routine wash cycle.

2. Wash Them Separately

On laundry day, wash the swaddle and receiving blankets only with other baby clothes. Try to keep them separate from the rest of the household’s laundry.
I usually do a separate wash with swaddle blankets, burp cloths, dirty onesies, and similar items.

3. Use Gentle Wash Cycles

Most swaddle blankets have specific wash instructions and require gentle wash cycles. So, peek a glance at the care instructions before washing them.
Never use harsh detergents! Stick to using mild, baby-friendly cleansers. And if you’re unsure about the wash instructions, just put them in a gentle, cold or lukewarm wash cycle.
I’d also skip on fabric softeners and other after-wash products for your baby’s blankets, since they can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.

adorable-swaddled-baby-with-a-cute-headband

4. Choose to Air-Dry

It’s always a good practice to let your baby’s clothes dry under the sun, and skip the hot air drying cycle (or tumble dry) in the washing machine.
Sun or air-drying helps to eliminate any residual bacteria in the blankets and also keeps the quality of the fabric intact.

5. Storage and Regular Inspection

Store your blankets and baby clothes in a clean, moisture-free zone and use them in rotation as and when you need them.
Also, check the blankets regularly for tears or worn-out stitches and replace them when they get too worn out.

P.S. Before you use your new swaddle blankets, give them a quick wash. This should be the norm regardless of whether you purchased them online or bought it at the store. This makes sure the blankets are completely clean before you use them for your little angel.

Wrapping Up: How Many Swaddle Blankets Do I Need

It is always a good practice to have a minimum of 2–3 traditional swaddle blankets and 3–4 adjustable or Velcro swaddles too. Depending on how often you do your laundry, your lifestyle, and the climate in general, you can choose to add more to this number or get multipurpose blankets too.

When you buy a swaddle or receiving blanket, pick out ones that use soft fabrics like muslin, cotton, etc., Also, stay informed about the different types of swaddling blankets to get one that best suits your baby’s needs.

Until next time!