Colin Snow
As a new parent, you might be wondering if your newborn can sleep with a receiving blanket. While it's understandable to want to keep your baby warm and comfortable, it's important to prioritize their safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in a bare crib without any soft or loose items, such as blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, as these can pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead of using a blanket, you can consider swaddling your newborn, which involves snugly wrapping them in a blanket, leaving only their head exposed. Swaddling can provide warmth, security, and comfort while reducing the risk of SIDS. It is generally considered safe until your baby starts trying to roll over, which can happen as early as 2 months. Once your baby reaches the age of 1, most medical experts agree that it is generally safe to introduce a lightweight blanket. However, it's important to ensure that your baby's sleeping environment is well-ventilated and maintained at an optimal temperature to prevent overheating, which is also a risk factor for SIDS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can newborns sleep with a receiving blanket? | It is not recommended for newborns to sleep with a receiving blanket as it can increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). |
| Safe alternatives to receiving blankets | - Sleep sacks |
- Swaddling (until the baby starts rolling over)
- Dressing the baby in several layers of clothing
- Using a fan or air conditioning to regulate the temperature | | When can babies start sleeping with blankets? | Most sources recommend waiting until the baby is at least 12 months old, while others suggest waiting until they are 18 months old or older. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe alternatives to keep a newborn warm
It is important to keep your newborn warm, but it is equally important to do so safely. Blankets can be a hazard in a crib as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend blankets for infants as part of safe sleep.
Swaddling
Swaddling is a safe way to help newborns sleep as they adjust to life outside the womb. It is also a great way to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep. A properly wrapped swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack can be used safely from birth until your baby starts trying to roll over, usually around 3 to 4 months. It is important to choose a lightweight, breathable cotton swaddle that is slightly insulated for cooler temperatures. Make sure to avoid weighted swaddles as they can place too much pressure on a baby's chest and lungs.
Sleep Sacks
Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are a good option once your baby has outgrown the swaddle stage. They provide warmth and enough legroom for your baby to kick around. Sleep sacks come in different thicknesses and Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) ratings, so you can choose the appropriate warmth for the weather.
Layered Clothing
Dressing your baby in layers is a flexible and effective way to regulate their body temperature. Start with a base layer like a cotton bodysuit or onesie, and then add warmer layers such as footed pajamas. Choose breathable fabrics to prevent overheating.
Room Temperature
Maintaining the right temperature in your baby's room is crucial. The optimal sleeping temperature for babies is generally between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Keep the room well-ventilated and ensure the crib is positioned away from drafts and heaters.
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When to introduce a blanket
It is important to keep your newborn's crib free of blankets, pillows, toys, or anything that could cause them to suffocate. The optimal sleeping temperature for babies is between 68 °F and 72 °F. You can adjust the temperature by using fans or in-home heating and cooling systems. If you are worried about your baby being too cold, you can try layering their clothing for additional warmth.
Swaddling is a safe way to help infants sleep and promote healthy sleep. It involves snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket, leaving only the child's head exposed. It is safe to do so until your baby starts trying to roll over, which can happen as early as 2 months. After that, you can try sleep sacks or clothing layers.
Most medical experts feel that soft bedding poses little danger in the crib to healthy babies after 12 months of age and ideally when they are 18 months or older. After 12 months, you can consider adding a lightweight blanket or a small stuffed animal as a transitional object for comfort.
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Safe sleep practices
As a new parent, it's normal to wonder about the best way to keep your baby warm and comfortable while they sleep. While you might be tempted to use a receiving blanket, it's important to prioritize safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your newborn sleeps safely:
Keep the Crib Bare
It is recommended to keep your newborn's crib bare and free of any soft bedding, including blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, and toys. These items can pose a significant risk of suffocation and strangulation. Instead, opt for a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.
Swaddle Safely
Swaddling your newborn in a receiving blanket can be a safe and effective way to provide warmth and security. However, it's important to ensure that only the baby's head is exposed, and this practice should be discontinued once they start trying to roll over, typically around 3 to 4 months. Do not layer another blanket over a swaddled baby as it increases the risk of suffocation.
Dress Appropriately
To maintain a comfortable temperature for your newborn, dress them in appropriate sleep attire. In cooler temperatures, you can use layers of clothing, starting with diapers, an undershirt, pajamas, or a baby gown. In warmer weather, a single layer, such as a diaper and an undershirt, may be sufficient. Ensure your baby's room is well-ventilated and maintains a comfortable temperature.
Sleep Sacks
If you're concerned about your baby staying warm without a blanket, consider using a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper. These provide warmth without the risks associated with loose bedding and are considered safe for newborns.
Avoid Co-Sleeping
Bedsharing or co-sleeping is not recommended as it increases the risk of accidental suffocation or rolling onto the baby. It is advised to always put your baby to sleep in their own crib or bassinet that meets safety standards.
Wait Until After the First Birthday
It is generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a lightweight blanket. This aligns with the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risks of suffocation and SIDS.
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Risks of suffocation and SIDS
The biggest risk of letting a newborn sleep with a receiving blanket is the possibility of suffocation. Soft bedding materials, such as blankets, can pose a serious danger to babies, especially those under one year old. Infants lack the physical ability and control to move away or reposition themselves if these materials obstruct their airways. This risk is particularly high when babies are placed on their stomachs or sides, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends placing infants on their backs to sleep.
Loose bedding, such as quilts, comforters, or sheepskins, can easily bunch up around a baby's face and increase the risk of suffocation. Even if a baby is placed on top of a blanket rather than under it, the blanket could still become wrapped around them as they move in their sleep or get stuck in the crib corners at night. This risk is heightened once a baby starts working on rolling over, usually around 2-4 months, as the blanket could become wrapped around them and increase the risk of suffocation.
The use of blankets has also been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a type of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) that occurs while the infant is asleep, and suffocation is another type of SUID. While the cause of SIDS is not entirely clear, unsafe sleeping setups, such as the presence of soft bedding, have been correlated with SIDS. About 3,500-3,600 babies in the United States die unexpectedly each year during sleep due to unsafe sleep environments, with blankets increasing the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
To minimize the risk of SIDS and suffocation, experts recommend adhering to safe sleep practices. These practices include placing infants on their backs to sleep and ensuring that the sleeping area is free from soft bedding materials, such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. The AAP recommends waiting until a child is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket during sleep, as most infants have the physical ability to move their heads if the blanket accidentally covers their face at this age.
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Country-specific cultural differences
United States:
In the United States, there is a strong emphasis on safe sleep practices for newborns, with many parents following guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP recommends keeping the crib or bassinet free from blankets, pillows, and other soft bedding to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. As a result, many American parents opt for swaddling or sleep sacks instead of blankets during the early months. Additionally, it is common for babies in the US to sleep in their own beds and rooms, separate from their parents, even from a very young age.
Scandinavian Countries:
In contrast to the US, countries like Denmark and Sweden often have different cultural norms around newborn sleep. For example, in Denmark, it is considered normal for babies to sleep with blankets, and there are no reported increases in infant deaths associated with this practice. Similarly, in Sweden, it is common for newborns to start off sleeping next to their mothers in the hospital, and co-sleeping or having the baby's crib in the parent's room is the norm.
European Countries:
Across Europe, there is a mix of practices regarding newborn sleep and blanket usage. For instance, in Iceland, the practice of not sleeping with blankets is a relatively new concept, and the country has one of the lowest rates of infant death. In the Netherlands, blankets are commonly used, and parents take care to tuck them in securely to prevent any safety hazards. Similarly, in Germany, while some parents use sleep sacks, others use blankets, ensuring they are tucked in well to avoid any risks.
United Kingdom:
In the UK, the use of blankets for newborns may vary, but due to the lack of air conditioning in most homes, parents often have to consider ways to keep their babies cool during hot summers. This may include using thin sleep sacks or adjusting the layers of clothing rather than relying solely on blankets.
Australia:
In Australia, a multicultural country with a diverse population, cultural practices and norms can vary significantly. Some parents may follow Western practices, while others may have unique preferences and traditions. For example, some parents may request swaddling their baby very tightly or using blankets that fully enclose the baby, reflecting their cultural descent.
These examples highlight how cultural differences can influence newborn care and the use of receiving blankets for sleep. It is important for caregivers and educators to be sensitive to these variations and respect the preferences and practices of families from diverse backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborns should not sleep with a receiving blanket as it can increase their risk of suffocation if the blanket shifts and blocks their airways. It is recommended to wait until your child is at least 12 months old before introducing a lightweight blanket.
The risks of a newborn sleeping with a blanket include suffocation, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), strangulation, and entrapment. Soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys can cause these risks, with blankets being responsible for 69% of suffocation cases.
To keep your newborn warm without a blanket, you can swaddle them or use a sleep sack. You can also layer their clothing, but be careful not to add more than one layer beyond what an adult would wear in the same temperature. Keep the room temperature between 68 °F and 72 °F, and use fans to improve ventilation if needed.
It is generally considered safe to introduce a lightweight blanket to your newborn once they are at least 12 months old, and ideally when they are 18 months or older. This is because, by this age, they have the strength and coordination to move or remove the blanket if needed.
