Colin Snow
As a new parent, you might be wondering if it's safe for your newborn to sleep with a blanket. While it may seem like a good way to keep your baby warm and comfortable, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. The leading cause of infant death is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and soft items in the crib, such as blankets, pillows, and toys, can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs in an empty crib, bassinet, or playpen with no loose objects that could obstruct their breathing. So, when can you introduce a blanket? While there is no definitive answer, some sources suggest waiting until your baby is at least 12 months old, while others recommend waiting until they are capable of easily moving a blanket away from their face. In the meantime, there are alternative ways to keep your baby warm, such as swaddling, sleep sacks, or layering their clothing.
Can newborns sleep with a blanket?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe to use blankets | Not recommended until the baby is at least 12 months old |
| Alternative to blankets | Sleepsacks, swaddle or swaddle sacks, footie pajamas |
| Safe sleeping position | On their back |
| Crib | Should be empty without any soft items |
| Safe sleeping guidelines | Babies should sleep on their backs in a cot or bassinet, free from obstructions such as pillows, soft toys or loose blankets |
| Risk of blankets | Increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment or strangulation |
| Country-specific practices | Babies sleeping with blankets is normal in Denmark and the UK |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Alternatives to blankets
The following alternatives to blankets can be used to keep your baby warm at night:
Swaddling
Swaddling refers to snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket, leaving only the child's head exposed. It can be safer than giving your baby a blanket if they have not yet tried to roll over. Swaddling can give your baby warmth and security without direct parental contact, promoting healthy sleep. Swaddled babies rarely experience sudden death. However, once your baby begins to roll over, it's time to stop swaddling and move them into a transition suit or sleep bag.
Sleep Sacks
Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets or transition suits, are a perfect alternative to using a blanket in a cot. They are designed to cover the body, not the head, resembling a sleeping bag for babies. 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 thermal grades to suit different climates. They are safer than blankets because they cannot come loose overnight, maintaining your baby's comfort temperature.
Footed Pajamas
Footed pajamas can be made of cotton or fleece, depending on the temperature. They are available in footless options as well for babies who run hot.
Layering Clothing
You can keep your baby warm by layering their clothing without adding a blanket. Adjust your thermostat to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in your baby's room. An ideal sleeping temperature helps babies sleep through the night, and overheating may increase the likelihood of SIDS.
Newborn's Sleep: Understanding Nighttime Screams and Cries
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safe sleeping guidelines
Sleep Position
It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs, as this sleeping position has been associated with a lower risk of SIDS. Sleeping on the back allows babies to regulate their breathing and body temperature and utilizes their natural gag reflex to prevent choking.
Sleep Surface
Newborns should sleep on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, pillows, and bedding should be avoided as they can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation.
Sleep Location
The recommended sleep location for newborns is in their own sleep space, in the same room as their caregivers. Sharing a room with caregivers can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50% and is much safer than bed-sharing.
Avoiding Hazards
Loose blankets, pillows, soft toys, and other loose objects should be kept out of the newborn's sleep area to prevent accidental suffocation and strangulation. Instead of loose blankets, consider using a swaddle or sleep sack, which can provide warmth and security while reducing the risk of hazards. Make sure that the swaddle or sleep sack fits properly and does not have excess fabric that could pose a choking hazard.
Temperature Regulation
To maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature for your newborn, adjust the thermostat to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in their room. You can also layer your newborn's clothing to provide additional warmth without the need for blankets. However, avoid over-bundling, as overheating may increase the risk of SIDS.
Swaddling
Swaddling, when done correctly, can provide warmth and security for newborns. It involves snugly wrapping the baby in a blanket, leaving only the head exposed. Swaddling is generally considered safe until the baby starts to roll over or lift themselves up, typically around the 4-month mark. After this stage, it is recommended to transition to a sleep sack or Transition Suit.
Sleep Sacks for Newborns: Choosing the Right One
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Swaddling
There are alternative ways to keep your baby warm at night without the need for a blanket. You can layer your baby's clothing for additional warmth or use a sleep sack or wearable blanket, which offers similar warmth and security but zips shut. 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.
Newborn's Rapid Sleep Breathing: What Parents Should Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safe sleep sacks
Sleep sacks, also known as infant sleeping bags, are a safe alternative to blankets for newborns and infants. They are designed to keep your baby comfortably warm during the night. Sleep sacks are widely recognised as a safe and comfortable choice for babies and toddlers, helping to regulate body temperature throughout the night and ensuring a good night's sleep, which is crucial for their growth and development.
Sleep sacks are fitted around the torso, leaving the neck and head uncovered. The baby's legs are enclosed within a loose fabric bag, creating a warm and cosy environment. They are considered one of the safest bedding options, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians. Unlike blankets, sleep sacks do not cover the neck or face, eliminating the risk of strangulation or suffocation. They also prevent babies from becoming entangled in blankets, thereby reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sleep sacks are available in different thicknesses and thermal grades to suit each climate. They can be used from birth until the baby begins to roll over or lift themselves up, usually around the four-month mark. It is important to ensure that the sleep sack is the right size for your baby, so it doesn't come off or have additional fabric that can create a choking hazard. Most babies can use a sleep sack until they are about two years old.
Sleep sacks offer a convenient and user-friendly option for parents. They are simple to put on and take off, and some even allow for diaper changes without removing the baby's arms. They also provide a consistent and comfortable sleep routine for babies, aiding them in falling asleep and staying asleep.
Newborn Sleep Patterns: Post-Feeding Naps Normal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Country-specific practices
In contrast, some European countries, such as Iceland, Germany, and the Netherlands, have different practices. In these countries, it is not uncommon for newborns to sleep with blankets, although there is still an emphasis on ensuring the blanket is tucked in securely to prevent any safety hazards. For instance, one parent from Germany mentions that they use a blanket for their baby but take care to tuck it in well at the bottom and sides to prevent it from being kicked up over the baby's head.
In the UK, while there is no specific mention of a blanket policy, one parent shares their experience of using different tog-rated sleep sacks to maintain a comfortable temperature for their baby during the summer months. This suggests that UK parents may also be cautious about using blankets for newborns, opting for alternative solutions to regulate their baby's temperature.
Additionally, in countries with varying climates, such as those with colder winters and hotter summers, there may be different considerations for newborn sleep practices. For instance, in places with colder winters, parents may be inclined to use blankets to keep their newborns warm, but this should be done with caution, ensuring the baby's head remains uncovered to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of SIDS. In hotter climates, maintaining a comfortable temperature for newborns without relying on blankets is essential, and parents may need to be creative in their solutions, such as using fans or air conditioning to regulate the room temperature.
Sleep Peacefully Alongside Your Newborn: A Guide for New Parents
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe for a newborn to sleep with a blanket. Blankets can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. It is recommended that newborns sleep on their back in a crib free from obstructions such as pillows, soft toys, or loose blankets. Instead, you can keep your newborn warm by using a swaddle or a sleep sack.
It is recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket to their crib. At this age, they are more capable of moving a blanket away from their face if needed.
There are several ways to keep your newborn warm without using a blanket. You can dress them in footie pajamas or layer their clothing for additional warmth. You can also use a swaddle or a sleep sack, which provide warmth and security while reducing the risk of SIDS.
