The Best baby Blankets for Summer: Muslin vs Cellular vs Waffle
Choosing the Best Summer Baby Blanket: Muslin, Cellular or Waffle?
When the weather warms up, one of the questions many mums ask is: What blanket should my baby sleep with in summer?
With so many options available, it can be confusing to know which blanket is best for keeping your little one comfortable without overheating. Three of the most popular choices are muslin, cellular and waffle blankets. Each has its own benefits, and the right choice often depends on the temperature and your baby's individual needs.
Let's take a closer look at each option.
Muslin Blankets: The Lightweight Favourite
Muslin blankets are often the first choice for summer, and it's easy to see why. Made from loosely woven cotton or bamboo blends, muslin fabric is incredibly lightweight and breathable.
The open weave allows air to circulate freely, helping to regulate your baby's temperature during warmer nights and daytime naps. Muslin blankets are also wonderfully soft and become even softer with every wash.
Why mums love muslin blankets:
Lightweight and breathable
Soft and gentle on delicate skin
Perfect for hot summer days
Versatile for swaddling, pram use and nursing covers
Easy to wash and quick to dry
For particularly warm weather, a muslin blanket is often all that's needed to keep baby comfortable.
Cellular Blankets: Breathable with a Little More Warmth
Cellular blankets have been trusted by parents for generations. They are recognisable by their distinctive cell-like pattern, which creates small pockets of air throughout the blanket.
Although cellular blankets are generally a little heavier than muslin blankets, their design allows excellent airflow. The cellular structure helps trap air when warmth is needed while still allowing excess heat to escape, making them a practical choice for changing temperatures.
Why mums choose cellular blankets:
Excellent airflow through the cellular weave
Slightly heavier and cosier than muslin
Helps regulate temperature naturally
Suitable for summer evenings that cool down overnight
A long-standing nursery favourite
Many mums find cellular blankets ideal for British summers, where temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Waffle Blankets: Soft, Stylish and Cosy
Waffle blankets are loved for their beautiful textured appearance and soft feel. The distinctive waffle weave creates a gentle texture while allowing some breathability.
Waffle blankets tend to sit between muslin and cellular blankets in terms of warmth, depending on the fabric and thickness. They offer a cosy feel without being overly heavy and are often chosen for both nursery styling and practical use.
Why mums love waffle blankets:
Soft and comforting texture
Stylish addition to any nursery
Breathable weave
Suitable for prams, cots and cuddle time
Available in a range of beautiful colours
Waffle blankets can be a lovely choice for cooler summer evenings or when you want something slightly more substantial than muslin.
As mums, we all know that every baby is different. Some little ones naturally run warmer, while others prefer an extra layer of comfort. The key is choosing breathable fabrics and adjusting layers according to the room temperature.
Whatever you choose, muslin, cellular and waffle blankets can all be wonderful additions to your baby's summer essentials, helping your little one stay comfortable, safe and settled throughout the season.
Safe Sleep and Blanket Safety
As mums, keeping our babies comfortable is important, but safe sleep should always come first.
If you choose to use a blanket, follow current NHS safer sleep guidance:
Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
Position your baby in the feet-to-foot position, with their feet at the bottom of the cot or Moses basket.
Use lightweight blankets and tuck them in securely.
Keep blankets no higher than your baby's shoulders and tucked under their arms to help prevent them from slipping over your baby's face.
Avoid duvets, quilts, pillows, cot bumpers and loose bedding.
Check your baby's temperature by feeling their chest or the back of their neck rather than their hands or feet.
Keep the room temperature between 16°C and 20°C where possible.
Many parents also choose a well-fitting baby sleeping bag instead of loose blankets, particularly for younger babies.
Further Reading: NHS Safe Sleep Advice for Babies
Comments