(Image from Target.com)
Before I had a child, I thought that receiving blankets (or swaddling blankets for babies) just like the ones shown to the right made the perfect gift for new parents. After all, babies like to be swaddled, right? So a receiving blanket would be an extremely useful gift!
Only now do I realize how very wrong I was. I shudder to think about how many receiving blankets I’ve given at baby showers.
You may be very confused right now. Am I saying that babies don’t like to be swaddled, and therefore, don’t need blankets? Absolutely not! Most newborns absolutely love to be swaddled, and really NEED to be swaddled to help them feel secure, especially during the first 3 months of life (my little one is days away from being 4 months old, and she is still all about the swaddle). The blankets pictured above, along with the vast majority of receiving blankets you will find in stores, are simply WAY WAY WAY too small (the ones above are 30 x 30)! Darah was a smallish baby when she was born, and when we got her home we found that her receiving blankets could not contain her 6 pound 9 ounce little body. We received a homemade receiving blanket at a shower, and it was HUGE. We couldn’t imagine that we needed something that big, but in fact, it became our saving grace at nap time. Our traditional receiving blankets are sitting in her closet gathering dust while her homemade blankets are working overtime.
I haven’t really seen receiving blankets in any national chain stores that are truly big enough (edited to add, since writing this post, Amazon has started to carry some larger ones…always check the size!). But I have found a store on Etsy that makes exactly what you really need. Let me introduce you to Ahmelie. This shop carries a large selection of swaddling blankets that can actually get the job done (they measure 44 inches square for the large blankets). I was blown away by the beautiful patterns she offers. The price is outstanding, as well, starting at $11.00 per blanket. If you are expecting, I am begging you to get a large swaddling blanket like the ones at Ahmelie. If you are going to a baby shower any time soon, this would be a gift that the parents will thank you endlessly for once their bundle arrives (I promise!).
Buy it!
Ahmelie has swaddling blankets with a designer look, but without the designer pricetag. Head on over and stock up for yourselves or for your friends and family who have babies on the way! All orders come with a blank hand sewn card. BONUS: Anyone who places an order and mentions this post in their note to the seller will receive a free bib/nusring clip, which can be used to turn napkins and burp cloths into bibs or to secure a blanket in place so it can be used as a nursing cover!
Win it!
TWO lucky readers are going to win 2 swaddling blankets each of your choice from Ahmelie! Oh how I envy you! The contest will run until Sunday, December 12th at 7:59pm CST, when the winners will be chosen at random and emailed. The winners will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected. You must include your email address in your comment or make sure it is listed in your profile! You must complete the mandatory entry in order for any subsequent entries to be counted. Open to residents of the United States.
How to Enter:
Mandatory entry: Go check out Ahmelie’s swaddling blankets. Come back here and tell me which two you would pick if you won!
Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS. Leave a comment with your email address for the subscription (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
2. Become a fan of Ahmelie on facebook (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
3. Make a purchase at Ahmelie (5 entries, so leave 5 comments)
Disclosure: I received no product or compensation for this review and giveaway.
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
email subscriber
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i like the safari animals swaddling blanket
Anonymous says
My nursery colors are black, white and red so I would love the red marble and the white swaddler blankets. The colors are just gorgeous!
teacherlinz@yahoo.com
Anonymous says
Since we don't know the sex of our baby yet I would like to get the white baby blanket swaddler in large. I figure go with neutral until we have a decision.
efricke01@yahoo.com
LindsayC says
I'm a fan of Ahmelie on facebook #2 lindsay dot stixrud at yahoo dot com
LindsayC says
I'm a fan of Ahmelie on facebook #1 lindsay dot stixrud at yahoo dot com
LindsayC says
I would love to get two of the
Red Marble Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE
lindsay dot stixrud at yahoo dot com
Jessica says
subscribe #2
girlygirljess52207@yahoo.com
Jessica says
I subscribe!
girlygirljess52207@yahoo.com
Jessica says
2nd entry for fan on facebook!
girlygirljess52207@yahoo.com
Jessica says
became a fan on facebook!
girlygirljess52207@yaho.com
Jessica says
I like the Green with Envy Turtle Swaddler Baby Blanket and the Safari Animals Baby Blanket Swaddler.
girlygirljess52207@yahoo.com
Donna says
I entered your other giveaway.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
2.I subscribed.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I subscribed.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I would like the Marine Friends Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE and Mushroom Candy in Olive Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE
donna444444@yahoo.com
Candie L says
I am an email subscriber. Thank you
candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com
Candie L says
I like the pink yellow flower and the chocolate dot. THank you
candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com
Tylerpants says
I'm Bloglines subscriber. tylerpants{at}gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm an email subscriber. tylerpants{at}gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'd pick the Marine Friends and the Elephant Stomp swaddlers. Super cute! tylerpants{at}gmail.com
Wehaf says
I would choose the Mushroom Candy in Olive, and the Hippie Hoot Owl blankets.
urchiken at gmail dot com
trixx says
My two favories are the Urban Flannel Scribble Dot and the Chugga-Chugga-Choo-Choo Train!
ktgonyea says
Love ice cream dot and olive striped!
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Lori Taube says
Facebook fan of Ahmelie #1
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Lori Taube says
Facebook fan of Ahmelie #1
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Lori Taube says
Email subscriber #2
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Lori Taube says
Email subscriber
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Lori Taube says
I would choose the "Safari Animals Baby Blanket Swaddler" and the "Chocolate Party Dot Baby Blanket Swaddler."
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Gianna says
Irresistible Love Swaddler Baby Blanket–LARGE &.. I'd love 2 of the same design for my twins 🙂
kathy pease says
entered Dinner Needs to Make Itself!
kathy pease says
2 amehlie fan on facebook kathylpease
kathy pease says
1 amehlie fan on facebook kathylpease
kathy pease says
i love the Flower Stripes Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE and the Flowers in the Mud Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE
Andi says
I love the Olive Striped Baby Blanket Swaddler and the Icecream Dot Baby Blanket Swaddler.
Julie says
# 2 email subscriber
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Julie says
# 1 email subscriber
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Julie says
My 2 choices are : chugga,chugga choo,choo train and poppin flowers
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Garner5 says
I entered the Delicae Gourmet giveaway!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Garner5 says
I'm a fan of Ahmelie on Facebook user Lisa Garner.
Entry 2
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Garner5 says
I'm a fan of Ahmelie on Facebook user Lisa Garner.
Entry 1
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Garner5 says
I'm an email subscriber.
Entry 2
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Garner5 says
I'm an email subscriber. Thanks!
Entry 1
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Garner5 says
I would love to win these for my little girl who's due in Feb! My favorites are the Irresistible Love Swaddler Baby Blanket and the Chocolate Strawberry Baby Blanket Swaddler.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
giggling kids says
Hoot Owls and spiders baby Blanket
heatherstamper09@aol.com
mom2anutball says
I subscribe via email!
Entry #2
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I subscribe via email!
Entry #1
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I would choose the Chocolate Strawberry Baby Blanket Swaddler and the Oops-a-Daisy Cow Swaddler Baby Blanket.
Thanks for the chance!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
Anonymous says
i would choose the sock frog blanket and the elephant stomp blanket! heatheranya at hotmail dot com
Aisling says
My favorites are the Urban Flannel Chick Swaddler Baby Blanket in Olive and Chocolate – Large and the Tweety Tweet Bird Baby Blanket Swaddler.
helenlam says
I like the Sweet Stars Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE and Urban Flannel Chick Swaddler Baby Blanket in Olive and Chocolate–LARGE
Melanie says
FB fan @melanie bartlett 2
Melanie says
FB fan @melanie bartlett 1
Melanie says
I like the red marble and amy butler kaleidoscope
melanieinaz2003 at yahoo
Egare1 says
I'm an email subscriber! (entry 2)
Egare1 says
I'm an email subscriber (entry 1)
Egare1 says
I'd pick the sock frog and safari giraffe blankets, they're both gorgeous!
The Penny-Pinching Mama says
lovin Flowers in the Mud and Chugga-Chugga-Choo-Choo Train
Molly C. says
I love the Madell Inspiration Baby/Toddler Blanket & the ladybug blanket
Amanda says
I'd pick Chocolate Party Dot & Urban Flannel Scribble Dot!
fidget says
Urban Flannel Chick Baby Blanket Swaddler Olive Chocolate–LARGE
and
Mandarin Chocolate Mod Flower Baby Blanket Swaddler
are adorable! It's so hard to find blankets to swaddle beyond the first few weeks
fidgetblogs at gmail.com
erma says
I like the chocolate flannel and the Lady Bug Love Baby Blanket Swaddler.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
Jennifer T. says
I entered the Delicae Gourmet giveaway.
Jennifer T. says
I subscribe via e-mail. #2
Jennifer T. says
I subscribe via e-mail. #1
Jennifer T. says
I would pick the Lady Bug Love Baby Blanket Swaddler and the Chocolate Strawberry Baby Blanket Swaddler.
kristinevans says
Just subscribed to your email.
krievans at gmail dot com
kristinevans says
Just subscribed to your email.
krievans at gmail dot com
kristinevans says
I would love the Beach Strip or the Safari Animals. I totally agree with you – before I had my baby I bought a large receiving blanket. i was thinking, why is this so big – now I know! It's the only blanket that works – i need a couple of more!
Tarah says
If I won I would pick the Green with Envy Turtle Swaddler and the Urban Flannel Chick Swaddler Baby Blanket in Olive and Chocolate
Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com
Sara says
entered playskool giveaway
Sara says
subscribe rss
Sara says
I like the chocolate daisy and scribble dot!
Anonymous says
I would choose Safari animals and surfs up for my son.
josh.welch717 (at) gmail.com
Katrina says
Safari animals and surfs up. =) They are so cute!
Sarah says
I would chose the mandarin chocolate mod flower, and the oops-a-daisy cow swaddler.
slynn41202 at yahoo.com
amy says
ice cream dot and ocean flannel.thanks
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
Jet'set says
Thanks for this! Our 8 day old is loving the swaddle and our receiving blankets just don't cut it!
I liked the Amy Butler Happy Stripe
inalak at msn dot com
Meredith says
I would pick chugga-chugga-choo and ocean flannel.
Kaycee @ Fit for a Child says
email subscriber #2
iloveyouhecried at gmail dot com
Kaycee @ Fit for a Child says
Email subscirber #1
iloveyouhecried at gmail dot com
Kaycee @ Fit for a Child says
Ooh these are lovely! I really like the Valerie Wells designer chic print in mandarin orange and the hippie hoot print! They look kinda vintage and I am loving it!
iloveyouhecried at gmail dot com
angel maia says
I think I'll be receiving blankets on my baby shower soon… hehe. So I think I won't buy blankets till after the baby shower. 😉
Kimberly L says
I'd choose the Mushroom Candy in Olive Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE and the Safari Animals Baby Blanket Swaddler–LARGE
brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com
mogrill says
I like the love bug flannel blanket. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Brittany at Mommy Words says
I followed / am subscribed #2
Britttany at Mommy Words says
I followed / am subscribed
Brittany at Mommy Words says
facebook fan #2
Brittany at Mommy Words says
facebook fan #1
Brittany at Mommy Words says
I am a fan of Ahmelie on facebook! Brittany Vanderlinden
Brittany at Mommy Words says
I love the Mandarin Chocolate and the Flower stripes!
ps you are so right about those recieving blankets. I did use them in my diapr bag though for putting on changing tables!
email is mommywords@gmail.com
Colengal says
I like the olive stripe and chocolate. beautiful colors and patterns.
Kristin says
subscription comment #2
http://www.mytwobabesdesigns.blogspot.com
(I also favorited her shop – such cute stuff!!)
Kristin says
I subcribed to your feed… #1
http://www.mytwobabesdesigns.blogspot.com
Kristin says
The 'love bug' flannel blanket is adorable!
http://www.mytwobabesdesigns.blogspot.com
randio says
I'm an email subscriber.
randio says
My 1st grandchild is due within weeks & I know she'll love to be swaddled! I like the green marble & the safari giraffe.
erin, maker of chimes says
2 x i'm an email subscriber
dinnertimechimes
at
aol
dot
com
erin, maker of chimes says
1 x i'm an email subscriber
dinnertimechimes
at
aol
dot
com
erin, maker of chimes says
Great pattern choices! I'd choose Urban Flannel Chick and Urban Flannel Scribble Dot
Nicole says
I would choose the Green with Envy Turtle Swaddler Baby Blanket and the Green Marble Baby Blanket Swaddler!!
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
mverno says
this is nice as we are gettig a new baby the colors are beautiful mverno@roadrunner.com
Kim says
subscriber #2
Kim says
subscriber #1
Kim says
love ice cream dot and olive striped!
Amy says
thank you for posting this! My little one loooves to be swaddled but he is so long he doesn't fit in the reg blankets! i love these–the ice cream dots and the mandarin olive chick are my two favs!