We want our babies to feel cozy and comfortable when sleeping since this will help them sleep better. Most mothers routinely use blankets for infants and babies believing this will render coziness and warmth. Truth be told, soft blankets and pillows can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation. According to experts, you should not let your baby sleep with a blanket early on in life. So, when can a baby sleep with a blanket?
This depends on many factors. For one, your baby should be out of any possible risk for SIDS. Researchers and pediatricians believe that all babies below one year of age are at high risk for SIDS which means that you cannot allow a blanket for your baby at least until they are a year old. Here is what you must know about when and how you can introduce blankets to your babies, and other important factors you must consider.
In This Article
- Is it Safe For Babies to Sleep With Blankets?
- When Can Babies Sleep With Blankets?
- How Do You Introduce a Blanket to a Baby?
- How Can You Keep Your Baby Warm Without a Blanket?
- FAQ’s
Is it Safe For Babies to Sleep With Blankets?
No, it’s not safe for babies to sleep with a blanket. Babies sleeping with a blanket may feel entrapped, suffocated, and strangulated and are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome. In fact, babies can sleep comfortably at night without a blanket. A fitted sheet tightly tucked on all sides in good enough for your baby’s crib.
Do not be tempted by the ads for wedges, positioners, special mattresses and other surfaces for your babies. These materials only increase the risk of SIDS. So, you should avoid introducing blankets to your baby at all costs, at least until they are a year old.
When Can Babies Sleep With a Blankets?
Your baby must be at least a year old for you to introduce blankets to them. But then again, depending on your baby’s age, you will need to choose different types of blankets and betting to ensure that your baby is cozy, comfortable, and safe.
After the age of 12 months, babies are at a lower risk of SIDS. By this age, they can sleep with a soft blanket. However, you should avoid bedding, especially soft bedding, and extra blankets around babies while they are sleeping. It can increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, strangulation and SIDS.
When your baby turns 18 months old, a lightweight blanket would be appropriate for your baby. Once your baby is 18 months old and can untangle themselves from the blanket, you can start using a blanket to wrap your baby while sleeping. Be sure your baby can move easily from the blanket and roll up.
You can also consult a pediatrician to know what age and type of blanket you should use for your babies.
While transitioning to the bigger blanket, try to use a muslin cloth-based blanket. Avoid using quilts and heavy-weight blankets to wrap your babies. The weighted blankets can cause suffocations which can be problematic for babies.
[Read : SIDS in Babies]
How Do You Introduce a Blanket to a Baby?
Once your baby is ready to sleep with a blanket or able to unfold itself easily, it is the right time to introduce a blanket to your baby. There are chances your babies may show a lack of interest in a blanket. Hence, it is better to show them a blanket and new pillows once they are ready to sleep. Let them play with the blanket and touch it. Show them how to sleep with a blanket and tuck themselves in a blanket.
Let them understand the blanket and practice how to use a blanket to sleep. Your baby may take longer to sleep with a blanket. But let them continually practice sleeping with a blanket. Be sure to monitor them while they are playing with a blanket to avoid any accidents.
How Can You Keep Your Baby Warm Without a Blanket?
It is perfectly fine for babies to sleep without a blanket, you can swaddle them instead. Swaddling can also reduce the risk of sudden deaths till they start rolling. Once your baby starts rolling, you may need to resort to other methods to ensure your baby stays warm even when without a blanket.
According to an article by the sleep foundation, here are a few ways in which you can keep your baby warm.
1. Use a Swaddle or a Sleep Sack For Your Baby
You can use a swaddle till your baby learns how to roll. Beyond this stage you can use a sleep sack or a wearable blanket for your baby. Make sure you buy a sleep sack of the perfect size for your baby.
[Read : Dressing Your Baby For Bed]
2. Maintain an Ideal Temperature in Your Baby’s Room
Try to maintain the ideal temperature of the room around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not have the room temperature too hot or too cold. If possible, allow for proper ventilation.
3. Add Extra Layer of Clothing For Warmth
While you can layer clothing to your baby to keep them warm, avoid over-bundling by adding too many layers. This can result in overheating.
A blanket may feel cozy, but it can be dangerous for babies. It can make them suffocate and increase the risk of SIDS. Therefore, try to avoid wrapping your baby with a blanket. But when they turn 12-18 months old, you can introduce a light blanket that doesn’t suffocate your babies. Alternatively, try using a swaddle or wearable blankets that don’t cover their head and let them sleep peacefully.
[Read : All About Swaddling a Baby]
FAQ’s
1. What Temperature Should the Baby’s Room Be?
The ideal baby room temperature is 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. How Do You Know if Your Baby is Cold at Night?
To know if your baby is cold at night, touch the skin on the back and tummy. If it is cold, then your baby might be feeling cold.
3. How Do I Know if My Baby is Too Hot While Sleeping?
You can touch the tummy of the baby to check if they are feeling hot while sleeping.
4. What Can I Use Instead of a Baby Blanket?
A baby sleep sack is an excellent alternative to a baby blanket. It keeps the baby cozy and comfortable. Since it does not cover the baby’s face, there is no issue with the baby getting strangled or choked. Alternatively, you can add an extra layer of clothing to your baby if the weather is too cold.
5. Do Babies Need Special Blankets?
Babies do not need special blankets. In fact, babies do not need blankets at all. Blankets can pose choking or strangling hazards. Instead, you can clothe your baby according to the weather and make sure they are comfortable for their sleep time.
Read Also: How To Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
