Why Babies Love Comfort Blankets

The blankie has been reborn. Forget that old, raggedy quilt cover or cloth you used to drag around with you when you were young: today's blankies are silky-soft, tactile, colourful - and most of all, your baby loves them.

As to why, exactly, babies love blankets so much, well, consider what you know about babies. For one thing, they're tactile. To a baby, touch is everything. Without the ability to interact with the world through words and actions, the way adults do, babies use touch and smell as a way to comfort and reassure themselves.

Of course, the thing babies most like to touch is their parents. In the absence of a comforting pair of arms and that much-loved scent, however, a soft blanket is often the next best thing. How often have you seen a baby or toddler cuddling up to a blanket, or insisting that blankie comes too on trips or outings? There's a good reason for this: in the child's world, "blankie" has come to represent everything that's good and comforting. Its presence helps lull them to sleep, or gives comfort when they're feeling insecure. Why wouldn't they want to carry it with them wherever they go?

What the makers of today's breed of comfort blankets have come to realise is that, if your baby is going to have a "blanky", it's a good idea that the blanket is up to the job. The last thing you want is to see your child dragging around an old quilt cover or piece of clothing that's seen better days. These items may serve their purpose, but sooner or later they'll wear out or get lost - and when they do, their owner will be inconsolable.

These days, comfort blankets come in all shapes and colours. As many and varied as they are, however, none of the comfort blankets you can buy in stores or online are unique. This is a good thing. It means that, unlike that old sweater or fragment of shawl your baby's been clinging onto, if one of these blankets goes missing you can instantly replace it - perhaps even before baby realises it's gone.

So, what else do the new breed of baby blankets have going for them? Well, for one thing, they're specially designed to please even the most demanding of babies. Babies love the feel of satin on their skin, and some baby comfort blankets incorporate a satin edging or underside, which feels extra comforting to little hands.

Many baby blankets also include tags: small pieces of label-shaped ribbon sewn along the edges of the blanket, in a mix of different fabrics. As anyone who's ever watched a baby play with the labels on their clothes or bed linen will testify, labels can keep a baby occupied for hours, whether they're playing with them or sucking them. The great thing about using a specialist blanky is that no matter how much use it gets, you know it's safe for baby to use, and easy for you to wash and return!

Choosing the perfect baby gift

Looking for the perfect baby gift? Tired of seeing the 'same old thing' at every department store? Are you certain that everyone will not be giving the exact gift as you? Here are some great ideas for choosing the perfect baby gift that will be remembered for years to come.

Many people give baby blankets as a baby shower or newborn gift, but by giving a quality, personalized baby blanket you will make yours stand out and become a family heirloom.

If you can't decide on just one gift and you'd like to give a variety of gifts, then a newbaby gift basket is a great idea. They come filled with useful and decorative baby gifts in just about any theme imaginable. You can even personalize some baby gift baskets to match the baby's gender or the nursery theme the mum-to-be has picked out. There's tons of ideas for how to arrange or fill your baby gift basket. Some baby shower guests even create wonderful personal or gourmet gift baskets just for the mum or both parents to be. What a great way to show you're thinking of them and to help settle any unsteady nerves.

Other good choices for baby gifts are essential items like nappies, baby wipes, baby lotion or soap, a baby tub, crib sheets etc. A new mum can never have enough of these items, and they are great when given as a big gift basket, for example by using the baby tub or baby carrier as the 'basket' and filling it with essentials. Organic or all natural baby items are also a wonderful and unique way to go in baby gift ideas. Many mums choose to use cotton nappies and will treasure the thought not to mention the gift.

The most loved baby gifts are those that are given by a thoughtful friend or family member. It's not hard to find that very special baby gift. Just be creative and take your time choosing your gift. Make sure to find baby gift stores or websites where not everyone is shopping, and you're sure to find something different and unique to give. Stop and think about what the mum will need right after the baby arrives and also what they both may need in the future. Make this a special time for everyone to remember.