1 Trend, 3 Ways: Lightweight Summer Baby Blankets

Summer’s newest pint-size arrivals are here — and proud parents including Christina Milian, Claudia Schiffer and Erica McGraw — can’t wait to show off them off.

But with the temperatures rising, these celeb mommies are keeping their newborns secure (and comfy) with chic summer blankets.

National Photo Group; Bauer-Griffin; Alison Dyer

Soft, cozy and breathable, lightweight summer blankets are the best way to keep babies cuddled and cool.

Need one for your new tot? Check out our top picks — for every budget — below!

Courtesy of Kitson Boutique

Splurge

Crafted from soft 100% cotton, Baby YaYa‘s super luxe White Floral Blanket ($95) is hooded to protect your little one from too much sun. Plus, we love the pretty floral stitch design and cute pom-pom.

Courtesy of Bed, Bath & Beyond

Affordable

Everyone from the Alves-McConaugheys to the Spelling-McDermotts love aden + anais‘ muslin swaddlers ($30). Not only does it let plenty of air in, the extra large size makes it super versatile (think: nursing cover, stroller blanket).

Courtesty of Swaddle Designs

Bargain Buy

Sweet and retro-inspired, Swaddle Designs‘ Marquise Swaddling Blanket features a cool open weave design. And for only $14, it’s a total steal!

Erica McGraw (above) must agree. She swaddles daughter Avery in the Pastel Pink Paisley style.

— Anya Leon

Comments

I received a pack of Aden + Anais swaddling blankets when my daughter was born and it was the BEST gift that I got. They are big, light and so soft. I used them to swaddle her, cover her, as a floor mat, I use them as nursing covers, car seat covers and stroller covers. She is 2 1/2 and still takes them to daycare to use as her blanket. They are the most versatile baby item I have. And when my son was born, he got his own set too!

- miche on July 7th, 2010

Aden + Anais muslin swaddles are FABULOUS, but EXPENSIVE! I wish we had found them before our son was born, but I’m glad we bought some for our baby girl. They’re bigger than any swaddle blankets we’ve seen and they’re nice and light for the summer. Well worth the price.

- Heather on July 7th, 2010

Erica McGraw and her two sisters (triplets) designed the paisley style for Swaddle Designs. All three of them are new moms.

- Sky on July 8th, 2010

I have never in my life put a blanket on a baby in the summer. It’s HOT and I’d sweat to death if I was covered with a blanket when it’s 90 degrees, so there’s no way I’d wrap a baby in a blanket!

- Sandy on July 8th, 2010

I cannot say enough good things about aden + anais blankets. I first used them on my son who is now 4 and then on my daughter who is now 1. They are completely amazing. They keep them warm in the cold months and also do not overheat the babies in the summer months. You will not get a better swaddle anywhere else. Then when my babies out grew being swaddles I used them as blankets since they are so breathable I never worried about putting them in their crib. I have so many products from aden and anais, bibs, washclothes, towels, quilts and I have never loved a baby product more than this company. It makes me want to have another baby!

- Mommy on July 8th, 2010

I LOVE Aden+Anais swaddling blankets! Theyre made of muslin and so lighweight, you don’t need to worry about overheating Sandy My favourite design is the one with stars on- they make perfect gifts. Where I bought them from it was £11 for a swaddling muslin in a bag! Bargain!
The whole range matches too! Im glad there seem to be a lot of Aden Anais fans out there x

- sarahsmiles on July 8th, 2010

Can’t say enough about A&A muslin blankets. I use them all of the time and get lots of compliments on them! I use them for everything and highly recommend them even though they are a bit on the expensive side.

- Susan on July 8th, 2010

For those looking for an even cheaper alternative, you can buy muslin cloth from your local fabric store and use an overlocker to tidy up the edges (I had a friend’s mother who helped me out with this). We used it to wrap all our kids while they slept and my son ended up keeping his as a blankie. Super light weight and because it was so cheap, we were able to keep a huge stash of emergencies around the place.

- Catey on July 8th, 2010

We absolutely LOVE Swaddle Designs products!!! Their Marquisette Swaddling Blankets are much softer than the muslin blankets mentioned here. Swaddle Designs was the first company to make the large square blankets in the US and we LOVE that they have swaddling instructions right on the blanket. This REALLY helped my DH LOL! Okay, me too…We give the as gifts to all of our new parent friends. LOVE their flannel blankets for cooler nights and the Marquisette for when it’s warmer. And their Zippie sacks are won-der-ful! Such great quality! Their designs are really great too. LOVE the Paisleys! Swaddle Designs are MUST HAVES!!

- Mary on July 13th, 2010

I love muslin blankets – especially having summer babies in AZ. I received the Solana Babywear blankets – they have the thinnest organic fabrics I’ve seen yet. And they’re made in the USA. My girls loved being swaddled – just another suggestion if you’re looking for lightweight blankets. http://www.solanababywear.com

- Theresa on July 19th, 2010