Colin Snow
There are differing opinions on whether newborns should sleep with a blanket. Some sources advise that blankets should be introduced only after a baby's first birthday, as they can pose a suffocation risk and increase the risk of SIDS. However, some parents on Reddit have mentioned that they let their babies sleep with a blanket from as early as birth, and that this is a common practice in some countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for newborns to sleep with blankets | No |
| Risk of sleeping with blankets | Suffocation, SIDS, fatal sleeping accidents |
| Alternative to blankets | Swaddle or sleep sack |
| Alternative to blankets (2) | Dressing baby in cotton undershirt under their pajamas |
| Alternative to blankets (3) | Adjust room temperature to between 68 and 72 degrees F |
| Age to introduce blankets | 12 months old |
| Age to introduce blankets (2) | 18 months old |
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What You'll Learn
Safe alternatives to blankets
It is not safe for babies under 12 months old to sleep with blankets, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Introducing blankets too early increases the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So, what are some safe alternatives to keep your baby warm at night?
Swaddling
Swaddling is a traditional practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket for warmth and security, leaving only the head exposed. It can be a safer option than a loose blanket, especially when the infant has not yet tried to roll over. It is important to always place swaddled babies on their backs to sleep and to stop swaddling once they start rolling or attempting to roll, as this increases the risk of suffocation.
Sleep Sacks or Wearable Blankets
Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are a perfect alternative to using loose blankets in a cot. They provide warmth and security, zipping shut like a sleeping bag, and come in various sizes and materials for different climates. Sleep sacks are safer than blankets because they cannot come loose overnight, and the baby's comfort temperature remains steady. They are also available in different thermal grades to suit each climate.
Layering Clothing
Layering your baby's clothing is an effective way to keep them warm without using blankets. It is recommended to layer one piece of clothing beyond what an adult would wear in the same temperature. For example, during cooler months, you can dress your baby in a bodysuit with leggings or a bodysuit underneath a romper.
Adjusting Bedroom Temperature
Maintaining a comfortable room temperature can help your baby sleep through the night. Set your thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in your baby's room. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so it is important to ensure the room does not get too warm.
Firm Mattress
Using a firm mattress in your baby's crib can help reduce the risk of suffocation and keep temperatures down, providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no gaps, and memory foam should be avoided as it may be too soft.
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The risks of blankets for newborns
While it can be tempting to want to wrap your newborn up in a cosy blanket, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with doing so. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies do not sleep with loose blankets above or below them during their first year of life. This is because blankets can pose a serious safety risk to newborns, including:
Suffocation
Blankets can increase the risk of suffocation if they shift and block a baby's airways. This risk is heightened if the baby is sleeping on their front. According to the American SIDS Institute, accidental suffocation is not the same as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) but can be just as deadly.
Strangulation
Blankets with long or loose ends can wrap around a baby's neck and cause strangulation.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The inclusion of any soft items in a baby's crib, including blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, or stuffed animals, increases the risk of SIDS. SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year of age. It is the leading cause of death among infants one month to one year of age and is responsible for over 1,300 deaths in the US in 2020.
Overheating
Babies can easily overheat with too many layers, and the increased rate of SIDS during colder months has been attributed to parents adding blankets and extra layers to their infant's sleeping arrangement.
Inability to Move
Babies lack the strength to move themselves away from hazards or obstructions, increasing the risk of suffocation if a blanket covers their face.
Due to these risks, it is recommended that babies sleep in a crib or bassinet with only a fitted sheet and no loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals. Instead of blankets, parents can use sleep sacks or wearable blankets, or layer their baby's clothing to keep them warm.
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When is it safe to introduce a blanket?
It is generally advised that blankets are not introduced to a newborn's crib or bassinet. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that blankets are not used for babies under 12 months old. The AAP's safe sleep guidelines advise that babies sleep alone, on their back, in a crib. This is because blankets can increase the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Most experts agree that children should be at least 12 months old before blankets are introduced, but some advise waiting until 18 months or older. This is because babies can move around their cot space a lot during the night, and if there are any loose objects, there is a risk that they may obstruct their delicate airways.
Once your baby has reached 12 months, you can introduce a lightweight, breathable blanket if you choose to. Ensure that the blanket is firmly tucked in at the bottom of the cot, coming up no higher than chest height to ensure it can't be raised above your child's head during sleep.
If you are looking for ways to keep your baby warm without the use of a blanket, there are several alternatives you can try. These include:
- Swaddling or a sleep sack
- Dressing your baby in a cotton undershirt under their pyjamas
- Adjusting the room temperature to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit
- Layering your baby's clothing
- Using a pacifier
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How to keep a newborn warm without a blanket
It is not safe for babies under 12 months old to sleep with blankets, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Blankets in a newborn's crib increase the chances of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and fatal sleeping accidents due to obstructed breathing.
Layered Clothing
Layering your baby's clothing is a flexible and effective way to regulate their body temperature. Start with a base layer like a cotton bodysuit or onesie, followed by warmer layers such as footed pajamas. Ensure that you choose breathable fabrics to prevent overheating.
Using the Proper TOG-Rated Sleepwear
Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) ratings indicate the warmth of baby sleepwear. Opt for sleepwear with the appropriate TOG rating for the temperature in your baby's room. For example, a TOG rating of 2.5 is suitable for indoor temperatures between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Optimal Crib Placement
Position the crib away from direct exposure to cold drafts from windows, air conditioning, or heating vents. This helps maintain a consistent temperature around your baby's sleep area.
Warming the Crib Safely
You can pre-warm the crib to make it more inviting for your baby. Place a hot water bottle or a heating pad in the crib before bedtime, but be sure to remove it before placing your baby in the crib to avoid overheating or burns.
Room Temperature Monitoring
Keep the nursery at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a room thermometer to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed, as the temperature in your baby's room may differ from the rest of the house.
Hands-on Temperature Checks
Regularly check your baby's temperature by feeling their neck or back. This will help you gauge if they are too warm or cold and adjust their clothing or room temperature accordingly.
Safe Bedding
If you're using a sleep sack, ensure it fits well and doesn't have any loose parts or strings. The sleep sack should allow freedom of movement while keeping your baby snug and warm.
Swaddling
Swaddling your baby can provide warmth and security. Ensure that you use the proper swaddle technique, leaving only the baby's head exposed. Stop swaddling once your baby starts to roll over or attempt to roll, as this increases the risk of suffocation.
Transition to a Sleep Bag
When your baby begins to roll over, it's time to stop swaddling and transition them to a sleep bag or transition suit. Sleep bags are a perfect alternative to blankets as they cannot come loose overnight, helping to maintain a steady temperature for your baby.
Additionally, make sure your baby's room doesn't have any loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals, as these increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
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Safe sleep practices for newborns
Cribs and bassinets
It is recommended that newborns are always put to sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet, free from obstructions such as pillows, soft toys, loose blankets, sheets, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. A fitted sheet that remains snugly on the crib mattress is permitted. The crib or bassinet should adhere to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Room temperature
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swaddling
Swaddling is a safe alternative to blankets for newborns. It is important to stop swaddling once the baby starts to roll over or lift themselves up, which usually happens around the 4-month mark.
Clothing
Layering your newborn's clothing is a safe way to keep them warm without the use of blankets. It is recommended to not put on more than one layer beyond what an adult would wear in the same air temperature.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are safe for newborns and may even reduce the risk of SIDS. It is important to choose a safe pacifier with a wide enough base to avoid choking hazards.
Bed-sharing
Bed-sharing, or having your baby sleep in the same bed as you, is not recommended as it increases the risk of injury or suffocation. Room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as you in a crib or bassinet, is recommended for the first 6-12 months of a newborn's life as it can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recommended as it provides the exact nutrition your baby needs and helps them fight off illness and infection, leaving their lungs clear for breathing.
Avoiding smoke
Second-hand and third-hand smoke should be avoided as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Blankets
The use of blankets for newborns is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other health organizations due to the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Blankets can be introduced once the baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months or older.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not safe for babies under 12 months old to sleep with blankets, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Introducing a blanket too early increases the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
There are several ways to keep your baby warm at night without using a blanket. You can use a swaddle or sleep sack, dress your baby in a cotton undershirt under their pajamas, or ensure the room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most experts agree that children should be at least 12 months old, but ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a blanket. By this age, babies have the strength to move objects that fall on their face and obstruct their breathing.
To keep your baby safe while they sleep, always put them to sleep on their back in an empty crib or bassinet. This will reduce the risks of suffocation, strangulation, choking, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
