Evie Summers
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under 12 months old should not sleep with blankets. This is because blankets can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. The AAP also recommends that babies sleep on their backs and that their cribs are free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. However, swaddling a baby in a blanket is considered safe and can even promote good sleep. Once a baby is 12 months old, it is generally considered safe for them to sleep with a thin blanket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended minimum age for sleeping with a blanket | 12 months |
| Risk of sleeping with a blanket before 12 months | Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, strangulation |
| Alternative to keep the baby warm | Swaddle or sleep sacks |
| Safe sleeping position | On their back |
| Safe sleeping environment | Crib, bassinet, or play yard with no loose bedding and a tight-fitting sheet |
| Safe mattress type | Firm and flat |
| Safe room temperature | 68 to 72 degrees F |
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What You'll Learn
The risk of SIDS and suffocation
Introducing a blanket into a baby's sleep space during their first year of life increases the likelihood of accidental suffocation and SIDS. A baby's crib should be free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals, as these items increase the possibility of accidental suffocation. A baby could accidentally press their nose and mouth into a blanket during sleep, obstructing their airway and leading to suffocation.
Additionally, blankets increase the risk of entrapment and strangulation. Even when a child is older, a blanket with long strings or ribbons on the edges can wrap around and choke the child. 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 of a baby's life.
Swaddling is a safer alternative to using a blanket, as it provides warmth and security while leaving the baby's head exposed. However, swaddling should be discontinued once the baby starts showing signs of trying to roll over, usually around 3 to 4 months, to prevent the risk of suffocation.
To keep a baby warm without a blanket, it is recommended to dress them in layers, maintaining a room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and using sleep sacks or swaddle sleep sacks made from warmer materials like fleece.
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Safe alternatives to blankets
It is recommended that babies under one year old should not sleep with blankets. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old. 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.
- Swaddling: Swaddling is a safe alternative to using a blanket for newborns. It involves snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket or a swaddle sleep sack, leaving only their head exposed. It is recommended until your baby starts trying to roll over.
- Sleep Sacks: Also known as wearable blankets, sleep sacks are a safe alternative to keep your baby warm. They are sleeveless to prevent overheating and are available in different materials for different seasons.
- Dressing in Layers: You can dress your baby in layers to keep them warm, but be careful not to over-bundle them, as this can increase the risk of SIDS. The general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same situation.
- Firm Mattress: Using a firm mattress in your baby's crib can reduce the risk of suffocation and keep temperatures down, providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
- Room-Sharing: The AAP recommends room-sharing instead of co-sleeping. Sleeping in the same room as your baby for the first several months can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Maintain a Cool Room Temperature: Keep your baby's room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. A small thermometer can help you monitor the temperature.
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When to introduce blankets
It is recommended that babies sleep without blankets for at least the first 12 months of their lives. 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. The AAP's SIDS Task Force also recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for infants between birth and 12 months of age. Sleeping with a blanket can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. Babies do not have the strength to move their head and neck if something is obstructing their breathing. Blankets can also increase the risk of strangulation and entrapment.
Swaddling is a safer alternative to blankets for babies. Swaddling refers to the practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket for warmth and security, leaving only the child's head exposed. It is recommended to stop swaddling when the baby shows signs of trying to roll over, usually around 3 or 4 months, but sometimes earlier.
After 12 months of age, the likelihood of SIDS decreases significantly, and the risk of suffocation also drops as most 12-month-olds can roll over, sit up, or move around if their face gets covered. At this age, it is generally considered safe to introduce a thin blanket for comfort. However, some experts suggest waiting until the baby turns 18 months old, especially if they were born prematurely.
It is important to keep the baby's crib relatively empty, even after introducing a blanket. Avoid putting pillows, toys, crib bumpers, or other soft objects in the crib, as these can pose similar risks to blankets. Additionally, ensure that the crib mattress is firm and fits snugly, and that the baby is placed on their back to sleep.
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How to create a safe sleep environment
It is not recommended to let a 3-month-old 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. Sleeping with a blanket can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. The AAP recommends waiting until your baby is at least 1 year old, and some experts suggest waiting until they are 18 months old, especially if they were born prematurely.
To create a safe sleep environment for a 3-month-old baby, follow these guidelines:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep for naps and at night. Sleeping on their back reduces the chances of SIDS.
- Use a crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no space between it and the crib's walls.
- Keep the crib free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. These items increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
- Dress your baby in layers to keep them warm, but be careful not to overbundle, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. The general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same situation.
- Swaddling can be a safe way to keep your baby warm and provide a sense of security. Use a swaddle blanket or a sleep sack that won't cover your baby's face and risk suffocation. Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.
- Keep your baby's sleeping area in the same room as you, but on a separate surface. This can reduce the risk of SIDS and make it easier to monitor and care for your baby.
- Maintain the appropriate temperature in the nursery (68 to 72 degrees F).
- Ensure your baby receives all recommended immunizations.
- Avoid unsafe sleep surfaces, such as couches, chairs, car seats, carriers, swings, and strollers. If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, move them to a firm mattress as soon as possible.
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The benefits of swaddling
It is generally recommended that babies under one year old should not sleep with a blanket because it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental 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. The AAP's SIDS Task Force also warns that soft objects such as blankets can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, leading to suffocation, entrapment, or SIDS.
However, swaddling, which is the practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket for warmth and security, can be safer than giving your baby a blanket in certain circumstances. Here are some benefits of swaddling:
Calms and Soothes
Swaddling has a calming and soothing effect on babies, helping them to sleep longer and more consistently throughout the night. Recent studies have found that infants are quieter, sleep more, and have lower and more stable heart rates when swaddled. Touch has been proven to have neurological effects, triggering a self-soothing response in the human brain, stabilising heart rate and blood pressure, and lowering cortisol levels.
Recreates the Womb Environment
Swaddling recreates the secure and cosy feeling of the womb, making the transition to the outside world easier for newborns. The pressure and cocoon-like sensation mimic the womb and provide relief for babies, especially those suffering from colic.
Alleviates the Effects of the Moro Reflex
Swaddling helps to prevent the spontaneous movements caused by the Moro reflex, or startle reflex, which is a normal neurological response that causes newborns to feel as though they are free-falling. By constraining the baby's arms, swaddling prevents them from involuntarily flailing their arms and waking themselves up.
Optimal Temperature Regulation
Swaddling can help maintain the optimal temperature for babies, keeping them warm without the need for loose bedding or clothing that could pose a risk of suffocation. However, it is important to ensure that the swaddle is made of breathable fabric and that the baby's skin does not feel too warm after being swaddled.
It is important to note that swaddling should be discontinued once a baby starts showing signs of trying to roll over to avoid restricting their movement and posing a safety hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended for babies under 1 year old to sleep with a blanket. 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.
Sleeping with a blanket can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. A baby could accidentally press their nose and mouth into a blanket during sleep, leading to suffocation.
You can keep your baby warm by using a sleep sack or swaddle. Dress your baby in layers, ensuring they are warm enough without being over-bundled, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS.
It is recommended to keep pillows, toys, crib bumpers, and other loose items out of your baby's crib. These items increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
