Miya Pearson
Sleep is a common concern for new parents, and many wonder if it's safe for their newborn baby to sleep with a blanket. While blankets can be a strangulation and suffocation hazard, swaddling a newborn is recommended to calm them and promote good sleep. However, it's important to stop swaddling once the baby starts rolling over to avoid the risk of suffocation. So, when is it safe to introduce 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 to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep environment | A bare crib that’s completely free of comforters, bumpers, pillows, fleece, sheepskin and stuffed toys |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Crib | Flat, firm surface |
| Room-sharing | Recommended for the first six months |
| Swaddling | Safe from birth until the baby starts trying to roll over |
| Sleep sack/wearable blanket | Safe alternative to blankets |
| Layering | One layer more than an adult would wear in the same temperature |
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Safe sleep environment
Creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn is crucial to prevent any sleep-related accidents or hazards. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your newborn sleeps safely:
Crib and Bassinet Safety
It is recommended to lay your newborn to sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a crib or bassinet designed for infant sleep. Keep the crib or bassinet clear of any objects that could pose a hazard, such as blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. These items can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. Make sure to always use a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly and cannot come loose.
Room-Sharing and Safe Sleep Positions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with your newborn for the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS. Place your newborn's crib or bassinet near your bed, ensuring easy monitoring throughout the night. Additionally, always place your newborn on their back for sleep, both during naps and at night. This sleep position is recommended until they are 12 months old or until they start rolling over independently.
Swaddling and Blanket Safety
Swaddling your newborn can provide warmth and a sense of security. It is recommended to use a properly wrapped swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack until your baby starts trying to roll over. However, do not layer another blanket over a swaddled baby, as loose bedding could cover their face and increase the risk of suffocation. Once your baby begins to roll over independently, stop swaddling and allow their arms to be free, enabling them to move more easily if they need to adjust their position. Blankets are generally not recommended until your baby is at least 12 months old.
Temperature Regulation
To keep your newborn warm without using blankets, consider layering their clothing or using a sleep sack or wearable blanket. Ensure you do not overdress them, and adjust the layers according to the ambient temperature. Additionally, keep your newborn's sleeping area on the cooler side, as a warm environment can increase the risk of SIDS.
Crib Placement and Baby-Proofing
When decorating your newborn's nursery, consider crib placement to minimise hazards. As your child becomes more mobile, they may reach for objects or pull them into their crib, posing entanglement or suffocation risks. Keep the area around the crib clear, and lower the crib mattress as your child starts to pull themselves up and stand. Baby-proof the room to ensure your child's safety if they were to escape from their crib.
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Swaddling
It is important to know when and how to swaddle a baby safely. Firstly, it is recommended to stop swaddling once the baby begins to roll over in any direction, usually around 2 to 4 months. This is to avoid the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Secondly, make sure the baby is not wrapped too tightly. There should be enough room for their legs and hips to move, and the blanket should not come loose and cover their face. Their hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out. Pulling the blanket too tightly may increase the chance of hip dysplasia.
There are different ways to swaddle a baby, but a common method is as follows: spread out a thin baby blanket with one corner folded over slightly. Lay the baby face-up on the blanket with their head above the folded corner. You can put their arms at the sides, cross them, or even leave them out of the swaddle. Wrap the left corner over the baby's body and tuck it behind their back, going under the arm on the right. Bring the bottom corner up over the feet and fold it down at their chest. The right corner is then wrapped around the baby and tucked under their back on the left side, leaving only their neck and head showing.
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Sleep sacks
When choosing a sleep sack, it is important to ensure that it is the right size for your baby. A sleep sack that is too large may come off or have excess fabric that could create a choking hazard. Similarly, a sleep sack that is too small may restrict your baby's movement. Sleep sacks are typically used until a baby is about 2 years old, although size is a more important factor than age. Larger sleep sacks can accommodate infants up to 30 pounds and 40 inches tall.
There are various brands of sleep sacks available in the market, including the Milk Snob Sleep Bag, Halo Sleep Sacks, Woolino Sleep Sacks, and Kyte Sleep Sacks. Some sleep sacks have adjustable wings that make them easy to put on and remove, as well as adjustable tightness to accommodate your baby's growth. Others feature a two-way zipper for quick diaper changes and a zipper shield on the neckline for added safety. Some sleep sacks are made with premium rayon-blend fabric and filled with plush filling, while others are made with lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton or Merino wool.
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Safe sleep position
To ensure your newborn sleeps safely, it is recommended that you place them on their back to sleep. This is because sleeping on their side or stomach increases the risk of suffocation, as they may not be developed enough to move their head if they can't breathe.
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 is because blankets can increase the risk of accidental suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The AAP suggests room-sharing with your baby for the first six months, as this can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.
If you do choose to co-sleep with your infant, it is essential to remove all blankets, sheets, and pillows from the area where the baby will be sleeping. Instead of using a blanket, you can keep your newborn warm by dressing them in a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper. These one-piece outfits are made to cover your baby's body but not their head.
Once your baby starts to roll over on their own, you should stop swaddling them. Leaving their arms free allows them to move more easily if they need to get their face away from something. If your baby starts to roll over independently during sleep, you don't need to move them onto their back again.
To check if your baby is too warm or cold, look for changes in their breathing, check the back of their neck to see if it's sweaty or cold, and look for flushed cheeks. It is recommended to keep your baby's sleeping area on the cool side.
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Room-sharing
It is understandable for new parents to worry about their newborn's comfort and safety, especially when it comes to sleep. While blankets may seem like a good way to keep your baby warm and comfortable, they can pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding away from the baby's 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 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Place the crib or bassinet near your bed: This makes it easier to watch your baby and listen for any signs of distress during the night.
- Ensure the crib or bassinet meets safety standards: Only use a crib or bassinet that adheres to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure the mattress is firm and covered with a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.
- Keep the crib clear of hazards: Remove all blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys from the crib. These items can pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entanglement.
- Dress your baby appropriately: Instead of using blankets, layer your baby's clothing to provide additional warmth. Dress them in one layer more than you would wear in the same air temperature.
- Monitor your baby's temperature: Check for signs of discomfort, such as changes in breathing, a sweaty or cold neck, or flushed cheeks, to ensure they are neither too warm nor too cold.
- Be mindful of your baby's sleep position: Always place your newborn on their back to sleep. Sleeping on their stomach or side increases the risk of suffocation, especially if they do not yet have the strength to lift their head. Once they can roll over independently, you don't need to move them back to their back during sleep.
- Create a safe environment: As your baby becomes more mobile, baby-proof their room to prevent any potential hazards. Lower the crib mattress as they start to pull themselves up and stand to avoid the temptation to climb or jump out.
- Stop swaddling once your baby becomes mobile: Swaddling can provide warmth and security, but stop once your baby starts rolling in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Remember, it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night, and their sleep patterns may differ from adults. By creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment through room-sharing, you can ensure your baby's well-being and gradually establish a healthy sleep routine.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborns do not need blankets to sleep. In fact, blankets can be a hazard in the crib and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation. The safest sleep environment for a newborn is a bare crib with a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.
If you are concerned about your newborn being cold while sleeping without a blanket, you can try layering their clothing or using a sleep sack or wearable blanket sleeper. Make sure to avoid overdressing your baby and keep their sleeping area on the cooler side.
The best sleep position for a newborn is on their back. Sleeping on their side or stomach increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Once your baby starts rolling over on their own, they may turn to their stomach or side during sleep, and you don't need to move them back.
It is generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket. This is because younger infants are at a higher risk of accidental suffocation or strangulation from blankets.
Yes, instead of using a blanket, you can try swaddling your newborn or using a sleep sack or wearable blanket sleeper. Swaddling can provide warmth and help calm a cranky baby. However, it is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
