Muslin blankets are a must-have for every newborn baby. These lightweight and breathable blankets have many uses, from swaddling to burp cloths. But how many muslin blankets should you get before baby arrives?
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to how many muslin blankets you need:
- Get at least 6-8 muslin blankets to start
- Have 2-3 blankets designated just for swaddling
- Aim for 10-12 blankets total
- Buy different sizes: 3-4 large 47″x47″, 6-8 medium 36″x36″, 2-3 small lightweight blankets
- Stock up on extra blankets as baby grows and needs increase
While you can certainly get by with fewer blankets, having an ample supply of about 10-12 will ensure you always have a clean one on hand. The number you need depends on how often you plan to wash blankets and how many uses you want per blanket.
Uses for Muslin Blankets
Muslin blankets are so versatile – here are some of the main ways you’ll use them:
- Swaddling – Muslin is ideal for swaddling as it’s lightweight and breathable. Have 2-3 dedicated just for this purpose.
- Burp cloths – Drape over your shoulder or lap to catch spit up and milk. You can never have too many burp cloths.
- Stroller cover – Lightly cover baby in the stroller for sun protection or warmth.
- Nursing cover – Use a large blanket to discreetly cover up when breastfeeding in public.
- Tummy time – Put blanket down for baby to lay on during tummy time.
- Car seat or carrier cover – Keep baby cozy entering/exiting the car or carrier.
- Picnic or play mat – Spread blanket out for a clean surface outdoors or at home.
- Stroller, car seat, or shopping cart liner – Line these with a blanket for more comfort and cleanliness.
- Impromptu changing station – Lay down a blanket to change baby’s diaper anywhere.
- Light blanket – Use a lightweight small blanket to keep baby warm without overheating.
As you can see, blankets get used constantly with babies! The versatility of muslin makes them a new mom must-have.
How Many Blankets for Swaddling
Swaddling is one of the key uses for muslin blankets in baby’s first few months. You’ll want several blankets (at least 2-3) that you dedicate just for swaddling purposes.
Look for very large 47″x47″ blankets that give you plenty of fabric to wrap baby up snugly. Muslin offers just the right lightweight feel to keep baby calm and cozy when swaddled.
Some other tips for swaddling blankets:
- Get 100% cotton muslin – it’s very breathable for safe swaddling.
- Choose blankets in light colors like white, beige or grey so they can be bleached if needed.
- Have a few different patterns and prints – it’s helpful to distinguish “swaddle blankets” from others.
- Consider 2-3 velcro or zip-up swaddles for easy nighttime swaddling.
Have at least 2 blankets dedicated to swaddling, and up to 3-4 if you want more options for prints or to always have a backup clean one.
Blankets for Spit Up and Burping
You can never have enough burp cloths and spit up catchers! Plan to use your muslin blankets generously for these messy purposes.
Medium size blankets around 36″x36″ are ideal to drape over your shoulder, place in your lap, or lay baby down on for burping or tummy time.
Stock up on at least 6-8 blankets in this size range to handle frequent spit up and blow outs. More is better if you don’t want to be constantly doing laundry.
Some tips for blankets used for burping/spit up:
- Buy solid colored blankets to hide stains and for easy bleaching.
- Place multiple burp blankets around where you feed or burp baby to contain messes.
- Keep a stack of blankets near the changing table to help clean up blowouts.
- Drape blankets over yourself, the stroller, car seat etc. for instant protection.
Having a healthy supply of 6-8+ muslin blankets for burping, spit up and general messiness is a must!
Smaller Blankets
In addition to the large and medium blankets, you’ll want a few smaller lightweight blankets. Look for sizes around 30″x30″ or 36″x36″.
These smaller blankets come in handy to lightly cover baby in the stroller, car seat or carrier. They also work well for tummy time, playing on the floor, and covering up during nursing.
About 2-4 smaller muslin blankets is plenty. Focus on very lightweight, breathable muslin so baby doesn’t get too warm.
Tips for using small blankets:
- Drape lightly over baby, leaving their face exposed.
- Choose 100% cotton or bamboo with an open weave.
- Avoid large quilts, heavy fabrics, or loose blankets in cribs.
- Don’t cover baby’s head or use in excessively hot weather.
Small muslin blankets are great for the stroller, car seat and lighter coverage when needed.
Newborn Photography Blankets
Those sweet newborn photos you’ll take in the first weeks? You’ll want 1-2 dedicated photography blankets for the shoot.
Look for soft textured blankets in white, cream or grey with subtle patterns. Large blankets around 47″x47″ give photographers lots of room to pose baby.
See if you can find heirloom-quality blankets made of premium muslin that will hold up to repeat use and washes. Bonus if your photography blankets double as swaddle blankets after the shoot!
How Many Total?
Taking into account all the ways you’ll use muslin blankets, a good total number to have on hand is:
- 2-3 large 47″x47″ blankets for swaddling and photography
- 6-8 medium 36″x36″ blankets for burping, spit up and more
- 2-3 small 30″x30″ or 36″x36″ lightweight blankets
- 1-2 premium photography blankets (optional)
This brings you to around 10-12 total blankets. While you may be able to get away with less, having this many means you’ll always have a clean one handy.
Should You Buy More?
If possible, buy more muslin blankets than you think you need! Here are some reasons to stock up:
- You’ll go through multiple blankets per day as baby gets older.
- Blankets in the laundry or dirty hamper can’t be used.
- Having extras allows you to designate blankets for certain uses like swaddling or burping.
- More blankets mean less time spent washing blankets and more time relaxing!
- Muslin blankets make great gifts or hand-me-downs to other moms.
- Stocking up means you won’t have to shop for more when you run out.
Owning 15-20 blankets isn’t unreasonable if you want the convenience of always having some on hand or don’t want to wash constantly. Consider your lifestyle and laundry schedule when deciding how many to buy.
What Type of Muslin to Buy?
When purchasing your blankets, look for:
- 100% cotton muslin – very breathable and natural for baby.
- Medium or lightweight weight – not too heavy or overly warm.
- Plain patterns or prints – solids, stripes, geometrics that hide stains.
- Oeko-Tex certified – tested safe for baby.
- Heirloom brands like Aden + Anais, Copper Pearl, or Kickee Pants for quality.
- Affordable bulk packs if buying many – Amazon Basics, Burt’s Bees Baby.
Focus on quality, breathability and versatility when selecting blankets.
When to Buy
It’s smart to buy most of your muslin blankets:
- At your baby shower – put on your registry or ask for blankets as gifts.
- During third trimester – take advantage of completing your registry discounts and sales.
- As soon as baby is born – pick up extra blankets once you see how often you use them.
Buying most of what you need before baby arrives means you’ll be stocked up those first few weeks when leaving the house with a newborn feels hard!
Where to Buy
You can find muslin baby blankets at:
- Baby specialty stores – Buy Buy Baby, Target, Walmart
- Department stores – Macy’s, Nordstrom
- Online – Amazon, manufacturer’s sites
- Second hand – Facebook Marketplace, consignment sales
Shop sales leading up to your due date, and take advantage of completion discounts from registries. Join rewards programs for baby stores you frequent to get perks.
Ask family to gift you blankets at your shower. Register for extra blankets so you can pick up more yourself after the shower if needed.
Budget for Blankets
Expect to spend:
- $5 – $15 on average per standard sized blanket from mainstream brands
- $15 – $30+ on premium heirloom blankets from higher end brands
- $40+ for multi-packs of 4-8 blankets from Amazon Basics and similar
So for 10 blankets, plan on a budget of around $100 – $300 depending on the brands chosen. Going for all premium blankets will be pricier.
Here are some ways to save:
- Look for coupon codes online before buying.
- Join loyalty programs for baby retailers.
- Buy in bulk multi-packs.
- Shop sales leading up to your due date.
- Buy secondhand blankets in great condition.
- Use registry completion discounts.
Getting high-quality blankets that will last doesn’t have to blow your budget. With some savvy shopping, you can stock up affordably.
Caring for Your Blankets
To keep your muslin blankets fresh and in great shape:
- Wash regularly – every 1-3 uses depending on how soiled.
- Use a gentle detergent without dyes or perfumes.
- Wash in cold water and tumble dry low to avoid shrinkage.
- Bleach white blankets if stained – test first.
- Avoid fabric softener as it can impact absorbency.
- Wash similar colors together so dyes don’t bleed.
With proper care, your muslin blankets can last through multiple children!
Time to Shop!
Now that you know how versatile muslin blankets are and how many to buy, it’s time to start building your stash!
Head to your favorite baby stores armed with the knowledge of what to look for. Ask for blankets at your shower. And don’t be afraid to stock up on extra – you really can’t have too many.
Those adorable muslin blankets will quickly become one of your most reached for baby items. Enjoy snuggling your little one while building beautiful memories wrapped up in the softness of muslin!
