Herbie Murray
Should you give your newborn a blanket to sleep with? This is a question that many new parents ask, and it's an important one. While it may be tempting to want to give your baby a soft, warm blanket for comfort, it's important to know that blankets are not recommended for babies under 12 months old as they can pose a risk of accidental suffocation and increase the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So what should parents do to keep their newborns safe and warm while they sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for newborns to sleep with blankets | No |
| Risk of sleeping with blankets | Accidental suffocation, SIDS |
| Alternative to blankets | Swaddle, sleep sack, footie pajamas |
| Age to introduce blankets | 12 months or older |
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What You'll Learn
Safe alternatives to blankets
Swaddling
Swaddling is a traditional practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket for warmth and security, leaving only the child's head exposed. It can be safer than giving your baby a loose blanket in the right circumstances, such as when the infant has not yet tried to roll over. This practice can allow the baby to feel comforted without direct parental contact and promote healthy sleep. However, once the baby starts to roll over (typically around two months of age), parents should stop swaddling due to the increased risk of suffocation.
Sleep Sacks/Wearable Blankets/Baby Sleeping Bags
Baby sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets or baby sleeping bags, are a practical and safe alternative to loose blankets. They are worn over a baby's sleeper and have armholes to allow for free circulation of air and prevent overheating. Sleep sacks are available in various fabric weights, making them suitable for different seasons. They are designed to stay secure on the baby without covering their face, eliminating the risk of suffocation. The baby can't kick them off, ensuring they stay warm and comfortable throughout the night.
Transition Suits
Transition suits are similar to sleep sacks but are designed for older babies who have started to roll over. They provide a perfect alternative to using a loose blanket in a cot as they stay securely in place overnight, maintaining the baby's comfort temperature.
Layering Clothing
Layering your baby's clothing underneath a swaddle or sleep sack can provide additional warmth without the need for a loose blanket. It is important to ensure that you don't dress the baby in more than one layer beyond what an adult would wear in the same air temperature to prevent overheating.
Adjusting Bedroom Temperature
Maintaining a comfortable room temperature of between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in your baby's room can help them sleep through the night. Overheating may increase the likelihood of SIDS, making a well-regulated room temperature crucial.
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The risks of blankets for newborns
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that blankets are not used for babies under 1 year old. This is because blankets can increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, choking, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The risk of suffocation
Blankets can obstruct a baby's airways, and infants lack the strength to move away from hazards or obstructions, increasing the risk of suffocation. A 2019 study on unexpected infant deaths found that 14% happened as a result of suffocation, with soft bedding causing 69% of those deaths.
The risk of strangulation
Blankets with long or loose ends can wrap around an infant's neck and cause strangulation.
The risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the unexplained death of an infant before one year of age. It is more likely to occur between 2 and 3 months old, and 90% of SIDS deaths happen before 6 months of age. The risk of SIDS drops off once a baby is one year old.
How to keep newborns safe and warm without blankets
Instead of blankets, newborns can be kept warm with swaddling, sleep sacks, clothing layers, and by maintaining a room temperature between 68°F and 72°F.
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When can a newborn start using a blanket?
It is generally advised that newborns should not be given blankets to sleep with. Blankets can pose a serious risk of suffocation and increase the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, it is recommended that newborns are kept warm using other methods, such as swaddling or sleep sacks.
So, when can a baby start using a blanket?
Most experts agree that babies should be at least 12 months old before using a blanket. This is because, by this age, they will have developed the strength to move objects away from their face and will be able to roll over, reducing the risk of suffocation. Some sources suggest waiting until a child is 18 months old before introducing a blanket, to be extra cautious.
There are several ways to ensure your newborn stays warm at night without using a blanket:
- Swaddling: Swaddling your baby in a thin blanket or muslin can provide warmth and security. Make sure there are no loose parts that could come undone and cover your baby's face. Stop swaddling once your baby can roll over or lift themselves up, as this increases the risk of suffocation.
- Sleep sacks: A sleep sack or wearable blanket can provide warmth and security, without the risk of it coming loose or covering your baby's head.
- Clothing: Layering your baby's clothing can provide extra warmth. For example, you could dress them in a cotton undershirt under their pyjamas. Just make sure they don't overheat.
- Room temperature: Keeping your baby's room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure they stay comfortable throughout the night.
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Country-specific norms for newborn blankets
In Canada, recommendations are similar, with no blankets advised until babies are around one year old and can remove them themselves. In the UK, parents are often given blankets in the hospital to tuck their newborns in, and the use of sleep sacks or swaddling is also common. In Sweden, crib bumpers, blankets, duvets, pillows, and stuffed animals are generally considered acceptable, and co-sleeping is often encouraged.
In Denmark, it is common for newborns to sleep with blankets, bumpers, and even outside during winter for naps. German parents also use blankets and tuck them in firmly to prevent their babies from pulling them over their heads. Australian parents have access to a range of safe infant sleep bags or swaddles, depending on their baby's age, and are advised to avoid loose blankets until their child is at least 12 months old.
In summary, while there are country-specific norms for newborn blankets, the underlying principle is to ensure the safety and comfort of the baby. Parents should refer to the latest guidelines and recommendations in their respective countries to make informed decisions about their newborn's sleep environment.
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General safe sleep practices for newborns
Room and Crib Setup
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, ensure that the room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a crib or bassinet that meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and keep it clear of any loose objects that could cause suffocation, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and crib bumper pads. Place the crib or bassinet in the same room as the caregiver, preferably for the first six months but for at least the first four months, to ensure the baby can be monitored throughout the night.
Sleep Position
Always place your newborn on their back to sleep. Sleeping on their stomach or side increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This sleep position should be maintained for naps and night-time sleep until the baby is 12 months old. Once they start rolling independently, it is not necessary to move them back to their back during sleep.
Keeping Your Baby Warm
To keep your baby warm without the use of blankets, consider using a swaddle or a sleep sack. Additionally, you can dress your baby in a cotton undershirt under their pajamas or use footed pajamas if the climate is colder. It is important to ensure your baby does not overheat, so avoid using footed pajamas and a swaddle if the temperature is warm.
Other Considerations
Breastfeeding and the use of pacifiers are recommended as they have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Avoid smoking near your baby, as second-hand and third-hand smoke increase the risk of SIDS.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe for newborns to sleep with a blanket. Blankets can increase the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket.
There are several alternatives to keep your newborn warm while sleeping, such as using a swaddle or sleep sack, dressing your baby in a cotton undershirt under their pajamas, or maintaining a room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleep Alone on their Back in a Crib (ABCs of safe sleep). This means no blankets, pillows, toys, or crib bumpers in the crib, and room-sharing with the baby for at least the first six months.
Most experts recommend waiting until a baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a blanket. By this age, babies have better control of their head and can move objects that may obstruct their breathing.
