Receiving Blankets

You have just been given one of life’s most precious gifts; very fitting that they should be called receiving blankets!

A receiving blanket is a smaller, lighter blanket that your baby will use through her infancy. They can be wrapped snugly to give your baby the secure feeling she felt in the womb. They can be spread under the baby when she lays on surfaces other than her crib, or used as a light blanket during the warm weather. Soon the baby will outgrow the blanket and it can be used for other functions (in an emergency it can even be employed as a bigger baby’s diaper!) but the humble receiving blanket is one of the most useful baby care items one can own.

Receiving blankets can be an inexpensive yet excellent baby shower present. There is no such thing as too many of these handy blankets. Colors and patterns vary, so choose a good quality blanket that can stand up to repeated washings.

There are as many handy ways as there are babies. When baby is outside during a picnic or other summer function, the blankets can be placed over their heads to protect from sunburn and eyestrain; a blanket or two can be draped over baby’s playpen or travel crib to the same effect. Drape loosely around baby to prevent windburn or deflect flying sand at the desert or beach. Dirty baby laundry can be tied up hobo-style in a receiving blanket. There is always the ubiquitous cute picture of baby peeking out from under the blanket, so keep that camera at hand!

There may be the nay-sayers who say that the idea of giving yet another receiving blanket for a baby shower is unoriginal and boring. Creative seamstresses gifting an infant with a handmade, receiving blanket will be very much appreciated. A touch of pretty embroidery makes it even more special. These are the kind of presents you will find laid away in hope chests, awaiting the next generation of babies.

Even if bought on sale, receiving blankets can find a whole new definition in the hands of a clever seamstress.

Next time you are invited to a baby shower, consider giving one of these handy, versatile gifts. If you like giving something that will be useful, rather than stuck away in a drawer or a closet, you may have found exactly the right gift!