What one baby item is crucial to survival of the parent? If you have to pick only one, you should pick the swaddling blanket. They can save your sanity on a cold, noisy night.

Why is the swaddling blanket so important? The first function of course is to keep your baby warm. They are the perfect size to wrap up your baby when you are going out, putting them down for a nap, or even after the bath. They are cut to easily wrap up your baby, and keep them nice and warm.

While keeping them warm is important, it may not be your favorite reason to have plenty of swaddling blankets. One of the most effective ways to quiet a fussy, crying baby is to make them feel secure. They are not used to the feeling of being able to kick their legs and arms around. They have spent nine months safely confined in the womb with limited movement.

When you wrap them up tightly, with their arms and legs inside the swaddling blanket, they feel the same security. Adding in a little light shaking or rocking motion, a little soft noise, and suddenly they feel secure, comfortable, and the crying stops. Many new parents go from being nervous wrecks, to smiling parents when they learn of the power of the swaddling blanket. You must safely keep those arms inside, or they will still scare themselves, and cry.

There are two different style of swaddling blankets you may want to have on hand. The most common is the standard square cut blanket. They are soft, just the right size, and easy to carry with you. You will learn how to quickly wrap up your newborn by putting their heads at one corner, and then using the other three corners to create a cocoon of comfort.

The second style of swaddling blankets use velcro tabs or straps. These small pieces of velcro help you to make the blanket nice and snug, and then to make sure it stays in place. They cost a little more, but make your job easier when wrapping up the baby.

Many parents quickly learn swaddling blankets can serve many other purposes. They become the favorite substitute for a baby towel. They are the preferred blanket to throw over the top of the stroller or car seat to protect the baby’s eyes from the sun and prying eyes. They are a quick privacy screen when needing to breast feed in public. They make a great burp towel, too.

The reason swaddling blankets are so great in all their purposes is because of their size, and ease of carrying. You can stuff several into a diaper bag on your way out the door, and have your needs for towels, covers, and privacy all taken care of.

If you have not put swaddling blankets on your baby shower wish list, or purchased some for yourself, you are not ready for the baby. This is one essential you will not want to be without.