A receiving blanket is a small, lightweight blanket used to wrap or swaddle newborns, as well as in infant care more generally.[1]

A swaddled infant rests on a standard hospital receiving blanket

In the United States, many hospitals use a standard white cotton flannel receiving blanket, patterned with pink and blue stripes, manufactured by Medline Industries.[2] Handmade receiving blankets, sometimes given as gifts to a new or expectant parent, may feature colorful prints and be embellished with ruffles or decorative stitches.[3][4]

Hospitals use receiving blankets for a variety of applications. Some neonatal intensive care units use receiving blankets to cover incubators, in order to reduce light and improve infant rest.[5] The use of receiving blankets during kangaroo care of preterm infants is recommended in order to maintain the infant's body heat.[6]

Parents may use a receiving blanket to cover a sleeping infant, or place a blanket beneath the infant to create a soft sleeping surface.[7] Some mothers cover their infants with receiving blankets while breastfeeding, feeling that it provides modesty and discretion.[8] Receiving blankets are often recommended for miscellaneous purposes in infant care, such as propping up an infant[9] or as a place for a sponge bath.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Curran, Erica Jackson (18 March 2022). "What is a receiving blanket and how can parents use them?". Care.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  2. ^ Hsu, Andrea (22 July 2011). "Born In The USA? This Blanket Might Look Familiar". NPR. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  3. ^ Hawley, M'Liss Rae (5 November 2010). Fast, Fat Quarter Baby Quilts with M'Liss Rae Hawley: Make Darling Doll, Infant, & Toddler Quilts - Bonus Layette S. C&T Publishing Inc. pp. 62–64. ISBN 978-1-60705-092-6.
  4. ^ Kim, Sue (1 December 2013). Baby Boutique: 16 Handmade Projects - Shoes, Hats, Bags, Toys & More. C&T Publishing Inc. p. 127-132. ISBN 978-1-60705-722-2.
  5. ^ Lee, Yi-Hui; Malakooti, Nima; Lotas, Marilyn (2005). "A comparison of the light-reduction capacity of commonly used incubator covers". Neonatal Network: NN. 24 (2): 37–44. doi:10.1891/0730-0832.24.2.37. ISSN 0730-0832. PMID 15835478. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  6. ^ Ludington-Hoe, Susan M.; Ferreira, Carla; Swinth, Joan; Ceccardi, Jennifer J. (September 2003). "Safe Criteria and Procedure for Kangaroo Care With Intubated Preterm Infants". Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 32 (5): 579–588. doi:10.1177/0884217503257618. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  7. ^ Flick, Louise; White, Deborah K.; Vemulapalli, Caroline; Stulac, Barbara B.; Kemp, James S. (1 March 2001). "Sleep position and the use of soft bedding during bed sharing among African American infants at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome". The Journal of Pediatrics. 138 (3): 338–343. doi:10.1067/mpd.2001.111428. ISSN 0022-3476. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  8. ^ Sheeshka, Judy; Potter, Beth; Norrie, Emilie; Valaitis, Ruta; Adams, Gerald; Kuczynski, Leon (February 2001). "Women's Experiences Breastfeeding in Public Places". Journal of Human Lactation. 17 (1): 31–38. doi:10.1177/089033440101700107. ISSN 0890-3344. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  9. ^ Lipman, Blythe (7 April 2010). Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions: How to Survive (and Enjoy) Your Baby's First Year. Simon and Schuster. p. 2,6,12,16. ISBN 978-1-57344-563-4. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  10. ^ Birchenall, Joan M.; Streight, Eileen (15 October 2012). Mosby's Textbook for the Home Care Aide. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-323-29294-8.