Baby Blankets Under the Tree: An Old Wives’ Tale

Have you ever heard the superstition about putting a baby blanket under the tree on Christmas Eve? The gesture is supposed to encourage fertility and conception. It’s a sweet, hopeful little tradition that gets passed around, especially during the festive season. As you might figure, there’s no scientific proof to back it up—hence why we dub it an old wives’ tale. But this myth in particular is harmless, and it can actually bring quite a bit of love, hope, and joy to couples trying for a baby.

Interested in learning more? Below, we’ll dive into the background of old wives’ tales, the specific reasoning behind putting baby blankets under the tree, and the real, practical purposes of these soft pieces of fabric.

What Are Old Wives’ Tales?

Every family has its own set of quirky traditions, and some of the cutest come from old wives’ tales—those stories your grandma might have told you, full of charm and imaginative hope. Old wives’ tales are bits of folklore and superstitions passed down through generations, often by word of mouth. They can range from predictions about a baby’s gender to creative cures for hiccups and advice about home life. While they often lack scientific evidence, they’re woven into the fabric of our cultures, shared as original “life hacks” long before the Internet made advice-sharing easy.

These tales grew from times when science couldn’t always explain life’s mysteries. Communities, especially women, used them to share wisdom, comfort one another, and mark major life changes like marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth. Even today, these traditions spark smiles and connection, offering a glimmer of hope or a sense of agency when things feel uncertain.

The Baby Blanket Story

One particularly adorable example is the baby blanket under the Christmas tree. The story goes that if a couple trying to conceive puts a new baby blanket beneath their tree on Christmas Eve and sleeps with it there, a baby will arrive before the next holiday season. It’s easy to see why this tradition keeps popping up during the festive season—it’s sweet, lighthearted, and filled with hope.

And while we can all agree there’s no magical link between a blanket under the tree and conception, there’s still something special about the tradition. It’s a way for couples to express their dreams, to participate together in a meaningful (and admittedly, delightfully silly) ritual. Sometimes, it’s not about whether these tales are true, but about the hope and joy they bring to the moment.

So no—you don’t need to sleep with a blanket under the tree to grow your family. But if the tradition brings you a smile or helps you feel more connected with your partner, then it’s doing a little bit of good in its very own way.

The Real Purpose of a Baby Blanket

Alright, so a blanket isn’t a fertility charm. What is it good for, then? Baby blankets are essential items for any new parent, but their use comes with some very important safety rules. Let’s explore the ways that blankets can comfort your future child and how to use them correctly.

Comfort and Security

A baby’s first years are all about finding comfort and security in a big, new world. A soft, familiar blanket can become what’s known as a “lovey” or a transitional object. This special item helps a baby self-soothe and feel safe, especially when they’re temporarily separated from their parents. It can be a source of comfort during naps or car rides, doctor visits, and other stressful situations.

Practical Uses

Beyond emotional support, baby blankets have plenty of practical applications. These are just a few ways to use them:

• Tummy time: A clean, soft blanket creates a perfect spot for your baby to practice lifting their head and building muscle strength.
• Swaddling: For newborns, swaddling can mimic the snug feeling of the womb, helping them feel secure and sleep more soundly. Just make sure you learn the proper, safe swaddling technique!
• Stroller cover: A lightweight blanket can shield your little one from sun, wind, or nosy strangers when you’re on the go.
• Play mat: A blanket can serve as a clean surface for your baby to play on, whether you’re at home or visiting friends.

Safety Advice

Here’s the most important part: safe sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface with no soft bedding, including blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, in their crib until they are at least 12 months old. This guideline is crucial for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A baby can use a blanket for comfort when they are awake and supervised, but never leave it in the crib while they sleep.

From Superstition to Sweet Gifts

The old wives’ tale about the baby blanket under the tree is a lovely piece of folklore. It’s a testament to the enduring hope and magic surrounding the creation of a family. While it holds no scientific truth, it can still be a meaningful ritual for couples who are trying to conceive. It transforms a simple object into a symbol of their dreams for the future.

When you’re ready to find the perfect blanket, Bunnies by the Bay offers beautiful baby security blankets, or “lovies.” These aren’t just blankets; they are cute, soft, comforting products designed to be a baby’s first best friend. They are part stuffed animal and part blanket, making them the perfect transitional object for a little one. Our Buddy Blankets, for instance, have super soft fur, charming hand-embroidered features, and a satin trim that babies love to touch. They are perfectly sized for tiny hands to hold, and they’ll provide years of warmth and comfort when maintained. Speaking of which, all of our lovies are machine washable and made with hand-stitched eyes instead of plastic to eliminate choking hazards. They are designed to be safe, durable companions for naps, stroller rides, and everyday cuddles. So while a blanket under the tree might not bring a baby, a Bunnies by the Bay lovey will certainly bring comfort and joy to the baby who has arrived.