Colin Snow
It is natural for parents to want to keep their babies warm and comfortable at night. However, blankets in the crib are generally not recommended for babies under 1 year old, as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. 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. Instead, parents can keep their babies warm by dressing them in layers, using a swaddle or sleep sack, or adjusting the temperature of the nursery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of suffocation | High |
| Risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) | High |
| Recommended age for sleeping with a blanket | 12 months or older, ideally 18 months or older |
| Alternative to blankets | Swaddling, sleep sacks, clothing layers |
| Crib recommendations | Firm and flat surface, fitted sheet, no soft toys or loose blankets |
| Room temperature | 68 to 72 degrees F |
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What You'll Learn
Keeping your baby warm without a blanket
It is recommended that babies sleep without blankets until they are at least 12 months old, 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. Therefore, it is important to keep your baby warm at night without using a blanket.
One way to do this is to dress your baby in layers, ensuring they are warm but not too hot. The general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same situation. For example, if you are wearing a t-shirt and a jumper, dress your baby in a vest, a sleepsuit, and a cardigan. Just be careful not to over-bundle your baby, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS.
Another option is to use a swaddle or sleep sack. Swaddling is a safe way to help your baby feel secure and cosy, and it can be used from birth until your baby starts trying to roll over (usually around 3 or 4 months). Sleep sacks are also a good choice, as they provide warmth without the risk of covering your baby's face. You can buy sleep sacks in different weights and materials depending on the temperature and your baby's needs.
It is also important to consider the temperature of your baby's room. The ideal temperature for good sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby's room is too warm, they may not need an extra layer. Additionally, breastfeeding can help regulate your baby's temperature and provide them with the nutrition they need.
Finally, it is recommended that babies sleep in their own bed, in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months, and preferably the first year. Co-sleeping can be dangerous, but it can also have benefits when done safely. If you choose to co-sleep, ensure that you create a safe sleep environment by using a firm mattress and no heavy blankets.
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Safe sleep positions
It is recommended that babies under 12 months old should not sleep with a blanket, as it may increase the risk of 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.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and at night-time. This is the recommended sleep position for infants up to 12 months old.
- Use a firm, flat mattress in your baby's crib or bassinet. The mattress should not be made of memory foam, as it can be too soft and pose a safety hazard. Ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib, with no gaps between the mattress and the crib 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 over-bundle them, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. You can follow the general rule of dressing your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same situation.
- Swaddling can be a safe alternative to using a blanket for a baby who has not yet started to roll over. Make sure to use a proper swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack, and do not layer another blanket on top, as this can increase the risk of suffocation.
- If your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, it is time to stop swaddling. At this stage, you can transition to a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper, which covers the baby's body but not the head.
- Maintain the ideal temperature for good sleep, which is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in all seasons.
- The AAP recommends that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months, and ideally for the whole first year. However, avoid sharing a bed with your baby, as co-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS.
Remember, it is always best to consult with your child's healthcare provider for specific advice and guidance regarding safe sleep practices for your 6-month-old baby.
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Safe sleep environment
It is unsafe to let a 6-month-old sleep with a blanket. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until a baby is at least 1 year old, and preferably 18 months old, before introducing a blanket while they sleep. This is because soft objects such as blankets can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, leading to suffocation and increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To keep your 6-month-old warm while sleeping, dress them in layers, but be careful not to over-bundle them, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. The ideal temperature for good sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also rely on swaddles or sleep sacks during cold nights. These wearable items won't cover your baby's face and won't pose a risk of suffocation. Make sure to stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.
- Place your baby on their back to sleep. This sleep position helps to keep their airways open and reduces the risk of SIDS.
- Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface. This could be a mattress in a crib, bassinet, or playpen that is made for infant sleep. The sleep surface should be free of any soft objects or loose bedding that could cover your baby's face and pose a suffocation risk.
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for the first year, or at least the first six months, when the risk of SIDS is highest. Keep your baby's crib in your bedroom to facilitate feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night.
- Establish a bedtime routine with soothing activities such as a warm bath, reading stories, or singing. This can help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep.
- Allow your baby to fall asleep on their own. As part of the bedtime routine, put your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If your baby cries, wait a few minutes before going in to soothe them. This will help them learn to self-soothe and fall back to sleep independently.
- Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the relevant consumer product safety organizations, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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Alternatives to blankets
It is generally not recommended that babies sleep with blankets until they are at least 12 months old. This is because blankets can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
- Swaddling: Swaddling is a great way to keep your baby warm and snug without the risks associated with loose blankets. You can use a swaddle blanket or a sleep sack, which are designed to be wrapped securely around your baby's body, leaving their head uncovered. Swaddling is generally considered safe until your baby starts trying to roll over, which usually happens around 3 to 4 months but can vary.
- Wearable Blankets or Sleep Sacks: These are designed to be worn over your baby's sleepwear, providing warmth without the dangers of loose blankets. They often have sleeves to prevent overheating and are a good option for babies who are too old for swaddling but not yet ready for a blanket.
- Dress in Layers: You can keep your baby warm by dressing them in layers of clothing, such as footie pajamas. Just be careful not to over-bundle, 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.
- Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature: Keeping your baby's room at a comfortable temperature can reduce the need for extra layers or blankets. The ideal temperature for good sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in all seasons.
- Safe Sleep Position: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Sleeping on their side or stomach increases the risk of suffocation, especially if there are soft objects or loose bedding in the crib.
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When to introduce a blanket
It is important to keep a baby's crib empty during the early days, with nothing but a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides. Soft objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, loose bedding, and blankets can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, posing a risk of suffocation, entrapment, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 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. This recommendation is based on data around infant sleep deaths and guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS.
However, there is no universally agreed-upon, official age for when blankets can be introduced to a child's bed or crib. While the AAP recommends waiting until a baby is at least 1 year old, most experts agree that children should be at least 12 months old, but ideally 18 months or older, before blankets are used. This is because, 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.
In the meantime, there are alternative ways to keep your baby warm at night. You can dress your baby in layers, but be careful not to over-bundle them, 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. Rely on swaddles or sleep sacks during cold nights. These wearable items won't cover your baby's face and risk suffocation. Make sure the nursery is set to the appropriate temperature (68 to 72 degrees F).
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is generally not recommended for babies to sleep with a blanket until they are at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months old.
Sleeping with a blanket can increase a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
You can keep your baby warm by dressing them in layers, using a swaddle or sleep sack, and setting the nursery temperature to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet, in the same room as their parents, with nothing in the crib except a fitted sheet.
Alternatives to using a blanket include sleep sacks, swaddle blankets, and layering your baby's clothing.
