Difference between muslin blankets, receiving blankets, and swaddles.
Muslin and receiving blankets are both loose cloth blankets. There are no significant differences between muslin and receiving blankets. Muslin simply means a type of cotton weaving that allows more breathability, and this type of blanket is slightly larger than receiving blankets to allow ease in swaddling. Receiving blankets originally meant the blanket newborns are first wrapped in after birth.
Swaddle blankets are typically loose cloth swaddles. There are now modern types of swaddles that which are wearable, non-loose cloth swaddles. These wearable swaddles typically have Velcro, zipper, and button snap designs, and is recommended for a healthier, safer method of swaddling. Loose cloth swaddling is strongly discouraged due to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and hip dysplasia when swaddled incorrectly.
Embé carries a collection of wearable swaddles and advocates against loose cloth swaddling. Learn how to swaddle safely here.
How many swaddles do you need?
It depends on how often you do your laundry, but at a minimum, two swaddles are recommended, one to wear and an extra for change. If your baby spits up a lot, more swaddles would be recommended. Most moms have 4 to 8 “go-to” swaddles.