Baby Blanket Trends - Top 4 Styles For Fashionable Parenting
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by: Guest
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Baby blankets are a thriving sector of the baby gear market. Styles are continuously shifting as certain kinds of fabric fall in or out of style. So what is new with contemporary security blankets? Let's review the 4 major stylistic choices available today, with a focus on the pros and cons of each choice.
Classic Cotton Baby Blankets
Cotton has always the most popular material for the ordinary baby blanket, and that has not changed. However, today's options include many more colors than a decade ago. Many are offered in seasonal colors as well, so you can find something that is currently in vogue with the fashion world. For example, hot baby colors this spring include vibrant yellow, fuchsia red, salmon pink, and palace blue.
Another rising trend with cotton blankets is the use of organic cotton. This means cotton grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The "ecobaby" movement got its start with promoting organic cotton baby products, and each year more parents are making the switch.
The pro of cotton is that it can be inexpensive and is also durable. Cons: these blankets are not as soft as some of the new varieties, such as microfiber blends.
Microfiber Baby Blankets
Microfiber has rocketed to the top of the baby products chart in the last 5 years. For security blankets, microfiber blends boast a super soft feel that comforts infants. These fibers are usually proprietary blends that include nylon and polyesters. The strands are very thin compared to natural fibers, leading to a sleek and cozy profile.
One advantage to microfiber is that is wicks moisture from skin and still provides warmth when wet. Microfiber is superior to cotton in this department, but not as good as wool. Microfiber products are also easy to clean, and can get softer with each wash.
The cons of microfiber are the elevated cost compared to ordinary cotton blankeys. However, the durability of microfiber can outset this initial cost.
Faux Fur Baby Blankets
This is a trend that has been rising since 2007. Faux fur blankets are specialty microfiber blends that are designed to feel just like real fur. Recently, faux fur synthetic fabrics have become even more realistic, leading to a rise in popularity.
Also, celebrities are wearing fur again, which means that all fur and faux fur clothes are back in style!
The advantage of faux fur is its superior feel and warmth. Unlike real fur, these garments do not attract mites or dust, which is a product of real fur and animal hide.
The disadvantage? Only that faux fur blankets may be out-of-style again in a few years. But of course, babies have already outgrown their blankets by that point.
Designer Baby Blankets
Designer baby blankets are gaining in popularity too. These are blankys that have a following due to quality stitching, original or patented fabrics, as well as stylish considerations. Designer blankys include organic cotton, microfiber, and faux fur styles, but also may incorporate specialty fabrics such as satin or silk for the blanket's trim.
Another popular choice for these designer favorites is monogramming. Usually given as a gift for a baby shower or after a baby is born, personalized gifts like this typically have monograms of the baby's name, his or her birth measurements, or an inspirational phrase. Babies also reportedly like the monogramming because the texture is a strong contrast to a soft chenille or faux fur blanky.
Advantages? Great for gifts, for pampering infants with the best infant products on the market. Designer blankets also are generally well-constructed and durable too.
The obvious disadvantage to designer baby blankets is the higher price tag. However, sales can sometimes be found online and at department stores. The other disadvantage is that parents often get jealous of their baby's soft wraps and might be tempted to grab it when baby isn't looking!
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