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