Ashwin Lewis
There are differing opinions on whether a 7-month-old baby can sleep with a blanket. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. However, some parents introduce blankets to their babies at 7 months, while others wait until their baby is at least 12 months old. The AAP recommends waiting until a baby is at least 1 year old, as by this age, their motor skills are sharp enough that they can roll over and push objects away from their face if they are having trouble breathing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Blankets in cribs are a strangulation and suffocation hazard |
| Guidelines | Official guidelines recommend no blankets in cribs for under 12 months |
| Alternatives | Wearable blankets, sleep sacks, swaddling, crib sheets, heaters |
| Parenting choices | Some parents choose to use blankets for 7-month-olds, especially if the child moves a lot or gets cold easily |
| Risk factors | Babies under 12 months are at risk of SIDS and may not have the strength to move away from hazards |
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What You'll Learn
The risks of blankets for babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old. Introducing a blanket into a baby's sleep space during the first year of their life increases the likelihood of accidental suffocation. Sleeping with a blanket can also increase a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
Babies can start sleeping with blankets when they are at least 1 year old, according to guidance from the AAP. Once a baby is older than 1 year, their motor skills are sharp enough that they can roll over and push objects away from their face if they're having trouble breathing. However, some experts suggest waiting until a baby turns 18 months old before introducing a blanket, especially if they were born prematurely.
Until your baby is 12 months old, you should always place them on their back for both naps and night-time sleep. A sleep sack or wearable blanket can offer similar warmth and security to a blanket but without the same risks. It is important to make sure your baby’s sleep sack is the right size so that it doesn’t come off or have additional fabric that can create a choking hazard. If you are concerned about your baby getting cold without a blanket, you can also consider turning up the heat or dressing them in warmer clothing.
Swaddling can be safer than giving your baby a blanket, but only in the right circumstances. It is important to stop swaddling once the baby begins rolling in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
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Alternatives to blankets
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents wait until their baby is at least 1 year old before letting them sleep with a blanket. However, some experts suggest waiting until they turn 18 months old, especially if they were born prematurely. This is because soft bedding poses little danger to healthy babies after 12 months of age, and ideally when they are 18 months or older. The risk of SIDS is highest between one and four months and drops steadily after that, with 90% of SIDS deaths occurring before six months of age.
Due to the risks associated with blankets, it is recommended to keep a baby's crib empty during the early days, with only a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides. Here are some alternatives to blankets that can be used to keep a baby warm:
- Swaddling: A properly wrapped swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack can be used safely from birth until the baby starts trying to roll over (usually around 3 to 4 months). It is important to not layer another blanket over a swaddled baby, as this loose bedding could cover the baby's face and increase the risk of suffocation.
- Sleep Sacks: Wearable blankets or sleep sacks are recommended by the AAP to keep babies warm. These are closed gowns with holes for the baby's arms and no casings for their legs. They usually have zipper or Velcro closures and are easy to put on and take off. Sleep sacks are available in a wide range of sizes and allow babies to move around freely.
- Dressing in Layers: It is generally recommended to dress a baby in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same situation. However, it is important to not over-bundle the baby, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS.
- Room Temperature: Maintaining a comfortable room temperature of between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit can help ensure the baby is not too cold without a blanket.
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When to introduce a blanket
There is no official age that is deemed completely safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket. However, most experts agree that it is best to wait until a child is at least 12 months old, but ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a blanket to their bed. This is because blankets can pose a safety risk to younger babies, increasing the chances of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation.
Babies can move around a lot during their sleep, and if there are blankets or any loose objects in the cot, there is a risk that they may obstruct the baby's delicate airways. Blankets can also be a strangulation hazard, especially for young babies who do not yet have the strength to move away from suffocation hazards. While some sources suggest that a baby should be at least 12 months old before sleeping with a blanket, others recommend waiting until they are 18 months or older to reduce the risk of entanglement.
To keep your baby warm without a blanket, you can use a sleep sack, a swaddle, or a wearable blanket. You can also adjust the temperature of their room, dress them in warmer clothing or pajamas, or use a space heater or heavier crib sheets to keep them warm.
Some parents choose to introduce a blanket to their baby's sleep routine earlier than 12 or 18 months. If you decide to do this, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. Ensure that the blanket is lightweight and breathable, and that it is firmly tucked in at the bottom of the cot, coming up no higher than your baby's chest to prevent it from covering their head during sleep. It is also recommended to layer lightweight blankets that can be easily added or removed according to the room temperature.
Additionally, it is important to supervise your baby when they are sleeping with a blanket, especially if they are younger than 12 or 18 months. If you notice that the blanket is covering their head or obstructing their breathing, remove it immediately and consider waiting until they are older before reintroducing it.
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How to choose a safe blanket
While it is important to keep your baby warm and comfortable, it is also crucial to prioritise safe sleep practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months, and ideally until they are 18 months old. This is because blankets can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
Size
Select a blanket that is large enough to provide adequate cover for your baby without being too big, leaving excessive loose material in the cot. Larger blankets can pose strangulation and suffocation hazards.
Fabric
Choose breathable, natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or muslin, which allow for air circulation and help regulate temperature. Avoid thick, quilted blankets, and weighted blankets, which are not suitable for infants.
Safety
Ensure the blanket is free from small parts that could be a choking hazard. Avoid blankets with long strings, ribbons, or loose threads on the edges, as these can wrap around your baby's neck.
Ease of Care
Look for blankets that are machine washable and durable, as they will need to be washed frequently. Merino wool blankets are an exception, as they do not require frequent washing.
Swaddle Blankets
Swaddle blankets are designed to help your baby feel secure and promote better sleep. They are typically elastic and square-shaped for easy swaddling. However, it is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, as they will need their hands to flip back over.
While it is ultimately your decision as a parent to choose what is best for your baby, it is recommended to prioritise safe sleep practices and follow guidelines from reputable sources, such as the AAP, to reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
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Benefits of a security blanket
While there is no official age deemed 100% safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most medical experts agree that soft bedding poses little danger to healthy babies after 12 months of age, and ideally when they are 18 months or older. Some parents introduce a blanket to their baby's crib when they are 10 months old, while others wait until their baby turns one. However, it is important to note that some parents have given their babies blankets from the day they were born.
Security blankets, also known as loveys or comfort objects, provide several benefits to babies and toddlers. Firstly, they help to soothe babies and make them feel secure and comfortable, especially when they are alone or separated from their parents. This sense of security can reduce anxiety and stress, especially during travel or transitions to new environments or sleep routines. Additionally, security blankets can aid in a child's sleep by providing comfort and a sense of familiarity, even when their parents are not present. They can also empower babies to move around more independently, knowing that they have a "support system" with them at all times.
Security blankets can also contribute to a child's sensory development, as their soft and gentle texture provides a comforting tactile experience. Furthermore, they can act as a transitional object, helping children cope with emotional moments and providing extra support during new experiences or challenging steps, such as leaving their child with a caregiver for the first time. Security blankets can boost confidence in shy children, giving them the safety they need to take small risks, grow, and explore.
Overall, security blankets are commonly used to provide comfort and a sense of security to babies and toddlers, aiding in their sleep and emotional development.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended for babies under 12 months old to sleep with a blanket, as it increases the risk of suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old.
You can dress your baby in layers, ensuring you don't over-bundle them, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. You can also rely on swaddles or sleep sacks during cold nights.
The ideal temperature for good sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in all seasons.
Most medical experts feel that soft bedding poses little danger to healthy babies after 12 months of age, and ideally when they are 18 months or older. The AAP recommends waiting until your baby is at least 1 year old before introducing a blanket.
