How to Care for Organic Cotton Baby Blankets
By Burt's Bees Baby | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your baby's organic cotton blanket soft and safe with these simple washing and drying tips. Learn how to care for cable knit and reversible blankets.
Quick answer
Wash your organic cotton baby blanket in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. This preserves the fabric's softness and prevents shrinkage.
Why organic cotton needs special care
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, making it gentle on your baby's sensitive skin. However, it also lacks the chemical treatments that make conventional cotton more resistant to shrinking and wear. That's why following the right washing routine matters more for these blankets.
Cable knit vs. reversible blankets: one difference
Cable knit blankets (like the Organic Cotton Cable Knit Baby Blanket) have a textured sweater knit that can snag if washed with zippers or hooks. Reversible blankets (like the Swaying Branches Organic Cotton Reversible Baby Blanket) are quilted for extra warmth and may need a bit more drying time. Both are machine washable, but treat them gently.
Step-by-step care routine
- Pre-treat stains gently: Spot-clean any stains with a mild baby-safe detergent and cold water. Rub gently with your fingers or a soft cloth. Avoid vigorous scrubbing that can damage the organic fibers. Never use bleach or fabric softener—they can irritate baby's skin and break down the cotton.
- Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water: Place the blanket in the washing machine with a small amount of mild detergent. Select the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can shrink organic cotton and fade any prints. Wash similar colors together to prevent dye transfer on printed or reversible blankets.
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry: Remove the blanket from the washer and shake it out. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to air dry. High heat can cause shrinkage and stiffen the fabric. Remove the blanket while still slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. If the blanket feels stiff after drying, toss it back in the dryer with a clean, damp towel for 10 minutes on low to soften it.
Product facts
- Organic Cotton Cable Knit Baby Blanket - Oat: Made from 100% organic, breathable cotton and machine washable and dryable. You can toss it in the washer without worry, but the cable knit texture means you should avoid washing with rough items.
Organic Cotton Cable Knit Baby Blanket - Oat - Swaying Branches Organic Cotton Reversible Baby Blanket - Ice Flow: Quilted for extra warmth, made with organic cotton, breathable jersey. The quilted layers may hold moisture longer, so allow extra drying time or use a low-heat setting for thorough drying.
