Ship your Christmas order ASAP!

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), NOW is the time to ship your Christmas gifts.  Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 16th) is the recommended ship date for standard mail packages that need to arrive by the 25th.  For First-Class and Priority Mail to arrive by Christmas, postmark by December 21st. For more information on shipping options for all your other gifts, visit usps.com or check out this USPS press release from last week.

Whether you’re looking for luxury cashmere, simple organics, comforting security blankets or another unique baby blanket, Blanket My Baby has it.  So be sure to order all of the gifts for the babies in your life from blanketmybaby.com by tomorrow. Or, simply select Expedited Shipping between the 17th and 21st of December for quick delivery!

We hope that you will keep BMB in mind for all of your baby shower gift and family blanket needs in 2010.  We look forward to serving you.

Happy holidays!

Find a baby blanket like Jon and Kate’s

In this video, Kate plays a fun game with the kids using a large fuzzy blanket.

Jon and Kate Baby Blanket Video

Check out our selection of stroller blankets, fleece blankets and handmade blankets at blanketmybaby.com.  Many of these blankets are large, fuzzy unique blankets that can grow with your baby and help you make fun memories of your own!  Sometimes the simplest gifts make the best gifts.

Stroller Blankets

Handmade Blankets

Fleece Baby Blankets

Great blankets for a jungle safari nursery or just to bring out your baby’s wild side

Little Jax, our friends’ baby appears in our posts often.  Our baby present to Jax was a baby bedding set that matches his jungle safari nursery.

Recently we’ve added several products to blanketmybaby.com that would compliment his “wild” room.  If you’re looking for the perfect animal accessory to coordinate with a themed nursery or if you’re just looking for a unique baby shower gift, visit the Blanket My Baby (BMB) online store to browse a plethora of animal-adorned blankets.  A few of the products offered by BMB are pictured below and many of BMB’s animal blankets can be embroidered/personalized.  Happy Shopping!

Nursing Covers and Blankets Help Moms Simplify

My best friend recently had her first baby and has more blankets than we can count, including some from blanketmybaby.com.  This is a good thing because her little guy is just over one month old and uses a lot of blankets.  He’s almost always wrapped in one and they get dirty quickly.  The times I see her use blankets most are for swaddling and nursing.

She’s struggled with the initial ups-and-downs of breastfeeding, just like most other first-time moms, but is coming out victorious.  I have noticed though, as she feeds (which it seems she is doing the majority of the time), the blanket she uses to cover with needs a lot of adjusting or often falls off completely.

I thought I had brainstormed the next blanket manufacturing idea–but it seems I’m a little late.  Nursing covers and nursing blankets are quite popular and utilize clips or are of large size to help breastfeeding moms stay covered.  They’re modest, typically easy to use and can be fashionable!  Well, if I can’t be the one to come up with it, check out some other great companies that have.  You can purchase covers with straps attached or just the clips/straps.

Clip’n'Feed is a Multi-Use product with custom made detachable clips and a Neck Strap, offering “2 Ways to Clip’n'Feed®” without exposing the mother to a nosey public while the neckline allows for direct eye contact with your baby. While our competitors are only offering single-use covers, Clip’n'Feed® solves four problems in one. Clip’n'Feed® also is a Stroller Cover, Car Seat Cover, and Baby Carrier Wrap. No other cover has “Stroller Straps” to tie down to the stroller and protect baby from the weather. (according to http://www.clipnfeed.com/)

“Cover Me” Nursing Cover Clips by Little Carr.  Little Carr offers a really well-made and high quality “Cover Me” clip in several different prints.  Unlike other breastfeeding clips that have metal clips, the Cover Me Nursing Clip’s hardware is a durable plastic clip that is very wash and wear friendly and the clips are adjustable so that the breastfeeding mom can adjust the strap to her desired length.  Need an extra reason to buy?  Your Cover Me Nursing Clip can also be used in a pinch as a bib cover – simply attach the clip to any cloth or paper napkin and adjust around your baby’s, infant’s, or toddler’s neck during dining.  (according to http://www.nursingcovers.com/)

And remember to shop blanketmybaby.com for all your swaddling blanket needs,  unique baby blankets and unique shower gifts.  Hopefully soon we’ll also be able to provide all your nursing blanket and nursing cover needs!

Unique Muslin Swaddle Blankets for Baby: Practical and Posh

If you’ve read any of the blanketmybaby.com blog series, “An Everyday Parent’s Advice for Buying the Perfect Baby Blanket” you may have noticed a trend.  Many moms and dads recommend swaddling blankets for new babies, but complain that typical receiving blankets are not big enough to swaddle with.  Several of these parents also mentioned that the fabric of swaddle blankets is key.  You want a blanket that will keep the baby warm.  However, the fabric should still be breathable so that the baby does not sweat and become uncomfortable.

We at blanketmybaby.com found a product line–Aden and Anais Australian Muslin Baby Wraps–that seem to come in a size and fabric that will quiet both complaints.  The swaddle blankets are 47 inches X 47 inches and are large enough for a comfortable swaddle.

The cotton muslin fabric keeps babies at a comfortable temperature.  According to Aden and Anais, “Muslin is a unique cotton fabric first introduced into England in the late 17th century. Muslin has a light, open weave that allows air to flow seamlessly through the material. The soft natural fibers allow your baby’s body temperature to adjust naturally, eliminating over-heating, but ensuring warmth and comfort.” Swaddle instructions and unique product options can be found on our website.

These products were developed by two moms who moved to the U.S. from Australia.  Shortly after the move, both moms looked for muslin swaddling cloths for their babies (apparently a baby staple in Australia) only to find that muslin swaddling blankets were actually quite uncommon in the U.S.  After many compliments on and requests for their hommemade muslin baby blankets, the two moms created Aden and Anais.

Aden and Anais muslin swaddle blankets come in many patterns and color combinations.  The blankets pictured above are from their mod line.  These are mostly white with small, colorful graphics.  From traditional solid to trendy prints, these blankets are both practical and posh.  They can be purchased in packs of two or four.  The blankets are machine washable and are safe to put in the dryer.  They actually get softer as you wash them!  Aden and Anais also carries muslin wash cloths and hooded towels.

An Everyday Parent’s Advice for Buying the Perfect Baby Blanket – My top three criteria include Fabric, Functionality and Style

Heather, 28, Florence, KY
Proud mom of David, Marisa, Joseph and TBD

The perfect baby blanket depends on the owner.  It has to be perfect for you and your baby.  My top three criteria for finding a baby blanket I love are:
fabric, functionality and style.

Fabric
The feel of the fabric must be comfy for the baby and not irritating to me.  The fabric should be heavy enough to keep my baby warm, but light enough so that the baby does not wake up drenched in sweat.  I avoid heavy fleece, thin cotton that allows my baby to feel a draft and all fabrics that are not breathable.

I despise cheap cotton/flannel receiving blankets.  They end up all skewed and out of square after the first washing. I know there’s no way to check for this before buying them, but my Gerber receiving blankets all did this, along with others from cheap stores. Name brands like Carters make really sturdy, much higher quality receiving blankets and it’s well worth paying a bit extra for blankets that hold up.  I use receiving blankets for EVERYTHING.  I love them.

Functionality
The blanket has to be big enough to swaddle with.  There are few things more annoying than trying to swaddle a baby with a blanket that is just a centimeter too small.

Also, since babies are professionals at getting things dirty, the blanket must be durable and able to withstand many washings.  As stated above, I suggest avoiding cheap, cotton/flannel receiving blankets.

Style
The blanket must be cute and unique.  There is a large selection of baby blankets on the market, so I look for one that meets all of my criteria.  With a little searching, I can always find a baby blanket that has a comfy fabric, functionality and my style.

An Everyday Parent’s Advice for Buying the Perfect Baby Blanket – Why you should buy unique baby blankets and an idea for the next top-selling, functional blanket

Heather, 28, Florence, KY
Proud mom of David, Marisa, Joseph and TBD

Unique Blankets
I like to buy baby blankets with really unique patterns and high quality, all-natural fabric.  I want a blanket that screams “unique” at first glance.  Why put in the effort to find a one-of-a-kind product if everyone mistakes it for a Babies-R-Us or Walmart blanket?  I try to find something that catches the eye of anyone passing the stroller.

Fashion is fun, but not most important.  You still have to be practical when it comes to baby products.  I would want a heavy enough weave to keep the wind out, but not bulky or too warm.  I like a blanket that can be used during all seasons.  I avoid materials that pill or fade quickly so that it seems indulgent and special for longer than all the generic, cheaper, common blankets.

My idea for the next best-seller
I think a blanket with a slit at the center of the lower third that you could put the bottom of a car-seat or stroller buckle through would be a nice addition to my collection.  This way the baby could be bundled up from below for extra insulation rather than just wrapping the exposed top of them. But, the slit would have to have some sort of soft flap so it wouldn’t be drafty.  It would also need to be designed so that it wouldn’t be bunchy for the baby to sleep on.

Unique Baby Blanket for St. Patrick’s Day – Baby Blankets for Special Occasions Series

We at blanketmybaby.com are always looking for where to find unique baby blankets for special occasions.  Below, there is a picture and product description of a blanket sold by St. Patrick’s Guild.  If you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day ’09 or looking for a great “welcome” gift for a baby with Irish heritage, check out the blanket/pillow combo featured below.

The blanket and pillow look like they are made of fleece or cotton with a satin trim.  They feature embroidered Irish-themed designs and festive green text that says “Wee lads and lassies”.

Lads and Lassies Baby Blanket and Pillow Set from St. Patrick’s Guild

“Wrap your Irish wee one up in love with this adorable Irish throw and pillow set. The light green with a dark green trim set is the perfect way to welcome a new baby into the family. The soft throw and pillow each say ‘Wee Lads and Lassies’ in green writing with delicate designs around the words. The Irish throw and pillow set will be the perfect addition to any baby room, and makes a great gift for a baby shower or a Baptism. The Irish throw and pillow set is also machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about those little messes that your wee lad or lassie may make.” (product description is as it appears on www.stpatricksguild.com)

An Everyday Parent’s Advice for Buying the Perfect Baby Blanket – Unique animal blankets

Sherri, 36, Cincinnati, OH
Proud mom of Makayla and McKinley

I love unique animal baby blankets.  They are a blanket and a toy in one.  My girls love to play and cuddle with them.

One animal blanket I received as a gift was the “Puppy Blankie & Little Friend Set”. The blanket has a little puppy head on the corner (pictured).  Too cute!  You can find it on the American Gift Factory website (link below).   We also own a similar giraffe animal blanket.

If you are looking for a unique animal blanket, here’s some info:  The FunBath Angel Dear Blankies are square-shaped and made with super light, cashmere material.  I love how soft the fabric is, and so do my kids. The blankets also come with a “Little Friend Toy”.  The best part is that the whole set is machine washable—we all know how messy babies can be.

If I were going to buy a baby blanket as a unique shower gift, I would definitely purchase an animal blanket.

American Gift Factory

An Everyday Parent’s Advice for Buying the Perfect Baby Blanket – Lightweight, cotton receiving blankets with unique designs

Sherri, 36, Cincinnati, OH
Proud mom of Makayla and McKinley

Cotton receiving blankets can be used for several functions:  swaddling an infant, covering a growing baby, burping (if you can’t find the burp cloth), making a child feel secure and more.  Below, Sherri, mom of two, describes why she would recommend these baby blankets.  Sherri says—

I’m not a fan of heavier fleece blankets.  They are much too warm for baby and the material doesn’t have much give.  Lightweight, durable blankets with unique designs are my favorite.  They are practical, stylish and easy to find.  Typically, a cotton receiving blanket is what meets all these criteria.

One brand I recommend is Just One Year (a division of Carter’s, Gift).  You can often find this brand at Target or Walmart.  Try the cotton, standard-size receiving blanket made of a soft, stretchable cotton.  There are various designs on this type of blanket.  They usually have two designs with one on each side.