There was a time when a toddler blanket was defined as a rectangular-shaped covering, approximately 30"x36", often given as a gift.  Research studies on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) along with creative blanket manufacturers have brought us a plethora of blanket shapes and sizes to choose from.  While the very popular 30"x36" blanket is still standard, these new sizes have their own special role in your toddler's life.

Let's start small.  These smaller blanket versions are best known for making toddlers feel secure.  They don't cover much more than an arm or leg, but that's not the purpose behind them anyhow.  Security blankets are the most loved and abused blankets in the world.  They are like your toddler's best friend, loved and cuddled, spat up on, there when you need a shoulder to cry on and always in attendance at tea parties.  Security blankets can range in size but vary in texture, color, pattern and trimming but it's best that they are made small enough as not to drag on the floor when being carried around by our little friends.  Most security blankets have a silk binding around the edge and that's often all that's left of the blanket by the time the owner reaches kindergarten.  Some security blankets also have ribbon loops along the edge.  

Toddler blankets are often twice as long as a baby blanket and should cover and hang off the edge of a crib mattress, also used in a toddler bed.  They should cover and be snuggle ready for children ages 2 and up.  Toddler blankets can be taken to kindergarten for nap time and should last through age 6.  Of course, it's often so hard to let go of a beloved blanket, and it gets used until the owner decides that he or she is embarrassed to be seen with it by friends.

With all of the choices on the market, buying the right toddler blanket isn't easy.  Just know that what ever size blanket you choose, it will be loved and cherished for many years to come.