Trends for Tots: The Hottest Baby Blanket Picks for This Season
If you’re looking for some of the coolest trends for your baby this year or searching for one-of-a-kind baby gift ideas, there’s been plenty of buzz in the news when it comes to unique all-natural baby blankets! Whether it’s Brangelina and their brood of beautiful babes, Tom and Katie with little Suri tagging along, or Sandra Bullock and her newly adopted son Louis, A-listers everywhere can be seen swaddling their little ones in their favorite designer blankies. This year, eco-friendly and green options are all the rage when it comes to shopping for your tiny tot’s nursery. Here’s a list of the most popular environmentally-conscious type of baby blankets on the market – perfect for your newborn or to give as a gift!
Organically Yours…
When browsing for the perfect blankie, plush toy or crib set, you can’t go wrong by going organic – whether selecting one for your own infant or buying presents for a loved one’s baby, choosy parents everywhere will love the benefits of baby bedding and blankets made from all-natural materials. Look for labels that indicate the fibers are ‘eco-friendly’, ‘non-toxic’ and ‘organically-grown’ – other qualities to look for are ‘hypo-allergenic’ and ‘anti-microbial’.
Bamboozled, Baby!
Bamboo has quickly becoming one of the hippest materials in today’s eco-friendly lifestyles – and baby blankets are no exception. These high-quality blankets make a wonderful artisanal gift, as they’re typically created in small batches using only the finest loom-woven fibers. Naturally anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic and ideal for swaddling infants, these breathable blankets are also moisture-wicking, keeping baby comfy & dry during the warmer weather.
Soft as a Cotton Cloud…
Who can resist the softness and purity of cotton for your little angel? With an ever-increasing awareness of the environment and the risk of harmful pesticides and chemicals on not only our planet, but on ourselves, choosing baby blankets and other items for your nursery made from certified organic cotton is a great option to consider. Many of today’s modern cotton baby bedding is produced using only non-toxic dyes and processed without harsh bleaches or toxins – ideal for baby’s delicate skin and respiratory system.
As you can see, there are many terrific all-natural baby blankets to choose from – whether you’re looking for an organic-cotton receiving blanket for your newborn or in need of a gift idea for a friend’s baby shower, shopping online for unique and thoughtful eco-friendly baby presents has never been easier – good for the environment, parents and babies everywhere!
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: The Benefits of Modern Baby Bedding
In the last several decades, baby bedding has come a long way from traditional receiving blankets and old-fashioned crib sets. In the past, store-bought synthetic blankets made from acrylic and other unnatural fibers were the only option for your little one. However, with the increased awareness of our environment and more ‘green’ and eco-friendly options available, parents can choose from a variety of natural fibers and styles, providing their babies with comfortable and safe bedding alternatives when shopping for their infant’s nursery. Below, a few things to keep in mind when selecting your baby’s bedding:
Tip #1: Go Green
Did you know that your child’s epidermis is 30% thinner than the skin of an adult? Whether or not this fact surprises you, it’s important to remember when choosing bedding, clothing and other items (such as toiletries and stuffed animals) that will come in contact with their delicate skin. Since it’s thinner, your baby’s skin is more susceptible to absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins; therefore, it’s always wise to go green whenever possible – opt for baby bedding and other nursery items made from organic, non-toxic materials and create an environmentally-balanced haven for your little one.
Tip #2: Avoid VOCs
Although you may not have heard of them, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are found in many of our everyday household items – items such as plastic are typically made from petroleum-based products and produce harmful emissions that may cause respiratory ailments and other health complications. When selecting baby bedding, avoid polyurethane foam, as it is also manufactured from petroleum. Instead, choose crib bedding and mattresses made from natural and organic materials, such as wool, certified organic cotton, and even foam made from natural latex. Read labels carefully to be sure the bedding you’re purchasing is made from materials that were not treated with insecticides or chemical fertilizers, and look for words such as ‘anti-microbial’ and ‘hypoallergenic’.
Tip #3: Keep it Natural
When you’re looking for the healthiest alternatives for your little bundle of joy, opting for undyed cotton bedding is a wonderful green choice to make. Since untreated, unbleached organic cotton contains no harmful chemicals or dyes, it’s naturally safer for their delicate skin and respiratory systems.
As we’ve discovered, although it’s still lovely to receive a handmade baby blanket from a friend or relative, there are many benefits to be noted in today’s modern baby bedding and a wealth of terrific options to choose from.