5 Ways to Use a Cellular Blanket (& Which Ones Are Best for Your Baby)

Any parent will tell you that a cellular baby blanket is a must-have item for their little one. These snuggly, lightweight blankets are perfect for keeping your baby warm and cosy whilst reducing the risk of overheating throughout their early years. But did you know there are multiple ways to use a cellular blanket?

It’s an essential in every hospital bag and can be used right from birth for swaddling, as bedding, and even as a makeshift play mat. With so many uses, it’s no wonder that a cellular blanket is a must-have item for parents (we know that we certainly used ours every day!).

There are many options out there, but there are some that stand out above the rest.

Read on for our advice on how to use a cellular blanket and which ones to choose for your little one, from parent to parent.

What is a Cellular Blanket?

A cellular blanket is a lightweight cotton baby blanket which is designed with lots of little holes, or ‘cells’.

These cells help to maintain airflow and keep baby at the right temperature. They’re recommended by midwives, too, as they are a much safer option than other blankets that are tightly woven and thick, which may cause overheating.

Babies aren’t able to regulate their own temperature, so it’s our job as parents to make sure they’re not too hot or too cold. This is where cellular blankets come in – the cells allow air to circulate, preventing baby from getting too hot while also keeping them snug and warm.

As well as being practical, cellular blankets are also very versatile. They can be used for a bunch of different purposes, such as swaddling, tummy time, or as bedding to place in your little one’s Moses basket or crib.

They come in lots of different colours and patterns, too! You can match them to your nursery theme or pick a colour that complements your baby’s bedding. 

And the best part? They’re machine washable, making them easy to clean and care for.

How to Choose a Cellular Blanket for Your Baby

While it can be tempting to choose the sweetest or most stylish cellular blanket for your little one, it’s important to consider the practicality and safety of the blanket as well.

Cotton fabric is the best material for a cellular baby blanket as it is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. 

It’s also important to choose a lightweight blanket that is not too thick, as this can increase the risk of suffocation for infants.

You may also want to consider the tog rating, which measures the warmth of the blanket; a lower tog rating is recommended for warmer temperatures or summer months, while a higher tog rating is better for colder weather.

Cellular blankets will also vary in size – we say the bigger, the better (or certainly, the more flexible!).

pile of cellular blankets

What are the Best Cellular Baby Blankets?

Here at Hippychick, our hand-picked and crafted cellular blankets hit all the right criteria for your little one. Made from 100% natural cotton, they are soft and gentle on delicate skin, keeping your baby safely warm and snug throughout their sleep.

Our blankets also come in a range of beautiful colours, including Almond Cream, Dusky Pink, and Classic Blue, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.

They are all generously sized at 100cm x 75cm, too, which makes them perfect for lots of uses right from birth (which we’ll get on to later!).

Plus, our cellular blankets are machine washable and easy to care for, making them a practical choice for all you busy parents out there.

What Are Cellular Blankets Used For? & How Do You Use Them?

There are many ways in which you can use a cellular blanket: for swaddling, for feeding, as bedding, to mop spills, as a makeshift play mat and even for entertaining your baby with a game of peek-a-boo! 

Every new parent should have at least one, if not two, or even three. You really can’t have too many in our experience!

Here are our top five ways to use a cellular blanket:

1. Bedding

The Lullaby Trust promote the safest way for a baby to sleep is in a separate cot or Moses basket containing no more than a baby blanket – no toys or pillows.

Following the feet-first rule with your baby on their back and a lightweight blanket tucked no higher than their armpits, will encourage the safest sleeping position.

The feet-first rule is the recommendation to place a baby in their crib or bassinet with their feet touching the foot of the bed, rather than placing them with their head near the foot of the bed.

A cellular blanket, which traps air between the layers, will keep baby warm whilst still allowing the air to flow and therefore avoiding overheating.

baby wrapped up in cellular blanket

2. Swaddling

Swaddling may sound like an outdated technique, but many parents still swear by it, saying it helps to calm their little one and promotes longer periods of sleep. 

Swaddling does carry some risks, so we recommend you read up about it on trusted sites such as NCT, so you can make your own informed judgement about whether it’s right for you and your baby.

However, it is universally accepted that you shouldn’t swaddle too tightly and that a lightweight blanket, such as a cellular blanket, is the best way to prevent overheating. 

Always keep an eye on your little one while they’re swaddled to ensure they are comfortable and that the blanket isn’t covering their face. Do not swaddle too tightly, and discontinue swaddling once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over.

3. Layering Up

In the depths of winter you may worry about your baby keeping warm at night. Instead of relying on a solitary heavy blanket, the NHS recommends using a layering technique utilising lightweight baby blankets. With their unique cellular open weave cellular blankets are ideal for this.

When using layered blankets, it’s crucial to be mindful of the cumulative effect of multiple layers.

A folded blanket, for instance, contributes two layers, so remember to count layers as opposed to the number of blankets used.

It’s important that your baby doesn’t overheat, and if they show signs of being too warm, you must remove layers.

Here are a few signs to look out for that may mean your baby is too hot:
  • They feel warm to the touch
  • Your baby’s skin is red
  • They have a rapid heartbeat
  • They have a fever but aren’t sweating
  • Your baby is lethargic or unresponsive
  • Your baby is vomiting
  • Your baby seems dizzy or confused

4. Travelling Play Mat

Easily washable, quick to dry, and extremely lightweight, cellular blankets can fit easily into a changing bag when you are out and about and make a great pop-up play mat!

Simply lay the blanket out on the floor and add toys and baby! This is super helpful for parents with older children when baby tags on to playdates and soft play centre visits.

baby in cellular blanket

5. Out & About

Whether you’re out and about with a pram or pushchair, stopping for a picnic or getting some fresh air in the garden, cellular blankets will help maintain your baby’s ideal body temperature wherever you might happen to be.

  • Suddenly turned chilly on your afternoon stroll? A cellular blanket will keep your little one snug in their pram or pushchair.
  • Prefer to nurse with a cover? Their breathable nature keeps baby cool and you covered.
  • Bored toddler when visiting relatives? Possibly their lesser-known use, however they make great fort covers!
  • Impromptu picnic? Keep uninvited creepy crawlies out of your food by laying one as a makeshift picnic blanket.

Essentially, wherever you and your baby go, a cellular blanket can come in handy.

How Many Blankets Does a Baby Need?

We weren’t lying when we said a cellular blanket can come in handy just about anywhere, so the more you have stashed away, the better!

We recommend having around 2 or 3 cellular blankets on hand as a minimum, so you can rotate them when one is in the wash or if your little one has an accident. You can keep one for travelling, one for home, and an extra just in case.

Also, the more you have, the less you’ll need to worry about misplacing one or forgetting it somewhere.

We find many parents choose our blankets in a few different colours, too, so they can mix it up or match with their pram or nursery.

Summary: A Versatile Newborn Essential

With their ability to adapt to various situations, from traditional baby blankets to picnic mats and nursing covers, we think, cellular blankets really are the number 1 newborn essential for babies!

Our cellular blankets are crafted with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind to make your life as a parent easier.

Unlike heavy woven blankets, our cellular design ensures optimal breathability to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature all year round.

Plus, with their large size, you can use these blankets for multiple purposes – you’ll never run out of uses for them!

Shop our selection below (we even offer free UK delivery when you spend over £50, so you can stock up on baby blankets without the extra cost!).

FAQs

How Do You Swaddle With a Cellular Blanket?

To swaddle with a cellular blanket, lay the blanket flat on a surface, like a changing table or bed, in a diamond position. Fold down the top corner to create a straight edge at the top. Place your baby on their back with their head above the folded edge.

Wrap one side of the blanket across your baby’s chest and tuck it underneath their body. Then, take the bottom corner of the blanket and bring it up over your baby’s feet. Lastly, wrap the remaining corner of the blanket across your baby’s chest and tuck it underneath their back.

How Can You Tell If a Blanket is Cellular?

You can tell if a blanket is cellular by looking at the pattern of the weave. A cellular blanket will have a signature ‘honeycomb’ or waffle-like texture, which allows for better air circulation and keeps your baby at a comfortable temperature.

Are Cellular Blankets Warm Enough?

Cellular blankets provide the right amount of warmth for your baby without risking overheating. The cellular design allows for air flow, making them breathable and regulating your baby’s body temperature.

However, it is always important to monitor your baby and make sure they are not too hot or too cold.

Are Cellular Blankets Best for Babies?

The NHS states that “a cellular cotton blanket is best” for babies as they are lightweight and breathable, making them safe for newborns. Additionally, the open weave design allows for better air circulation to prevent overheating, unlike heavy or tightly woven blankets.

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