Ashwin Lewis
It is important to know how many blankets to give a newborn to sleep, as too many blankets can lead to overheating and an increased risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket if they are less than a year old. Instead, parents can try layering their newborn's clothing or using a sleep sack or wearable blanket sleeper to keep them warm. Swaddling is also a good option for newborns, as it provides warmth and security without the risk of suffocation.
How many blankets for a newborn to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of blankets | 2 single layers of cellular blankets |
| Positioning | Tucked in at the sides, up to the chest level |
| Room temperature | 18-20 degrees Celsius |
| Additional warmth | Socks, cardigan, sleep sacks, wearable blanket sleepers |
| Safety precautions | No pillows, duvets, or soft toys in the crib; avoid co-sleeping |
| Swaddling | Recommended until the baby starts rolling over |
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What You'll Learn
Swaddling: A safe practice to calm newborns and promote sleep
Swaddling is a safe and effective way to help calm newborns and promote better sleep. It involves wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket, preferably a swaddling blanket, to create a snug and cosy environment. The practice is particularly useful when a baby is fussy and cranky, as it can help soothe them and improve their sleep.
How to Swaddle
To swaddle a baby, lay a blanket in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down to the centre. Place the baby on top, ensuring their neck is above the top fold. Pull the few inches of blanket above the baby's left shoulder down to their chest, and then wrap the remaining part of the blanket around their chest, making sure their nose and mouth are unobstructed. It is important to ensure that the baby's arms are also not constricted.
When to Swaddle
Babies should only be swaddled when they are fussy and at sleep time. It is critical to discontinue swaddling once a baby can roll onto their side or starts trying to roll over, which typically occurs around two to four months of age.
Benefits of Swaddling
Swaddling can help newborns sleep better by providing a sense of comfort and familiarity similar to the womb. It can also aid in state regulation and sensory organisation, benefiting the immature nervous systems of newborns. Additionally, swaddling can prevent babies from being startled awake by their Moro reflex.
In conclusion, swaddling is a safe and effective practice to calm newborns and promote sleep. It is important to follow the correct techniques and discontinue swaddling once a baby shows signs of rolling to ensure their safety.
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Room temperature: Keep the room between 18-20°C or 68-72°F
Keeping your baby's room between 18-20°C or 68-72°F is important for their comfort and safety. This temperature range helps to maintain a comfortable environment for your newborn to sleep without being too hot or too cold.
Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so they need a stable room temperature to stay comfortable. A room that is too cold can make it challenging for your baby to maintain their body heat, leading to restlessness and frequent waking. On the other hand, an overly warm room can increase the risk of overheating, which is associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To achieve and maintain the ideal room temperature, you can use a room thermometer, adjusting the thermostat or using heating or cooling appliances as needed. It is recommended to keep the room temperature on the cooler side, as you can always add layers of clothing or lightweight blankets to your baby if needed. Overdressing or over-bundling your baby can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, ensure your baby's head remains uncovered while they sleep, as this is crucial for regulating their body temperature and reducing the risk of SIDS. You can also use swaddling techniques to provide extra warmth and a sense of security, ensuring their head is exposed.
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Number of blankets: 4-6 layers are recommended
It is important to ensure that your newborn sleeps in a safe and comfortable environment. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many blankets a newborn needs to sleep, a general guideline is to use 4-6 layers of blankets. This includes the vest and babygro as the first two layers, followed by cellular blankets.
The number of blankets you use will depend on the temperature of the room. It is recommended to keep the room temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius or 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed. It is important to ensure that your newborn does not overheat, as this can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
To achieve the recommended 4-6 layers, you can start by dressing your baby in a vest and babygrow, which count as the first two layers. You can then add two single layers of cellular blankets, tucked in at the sides and up to the chest level. Make sure to place your baby's feet at the bottom of the basket or cot so they can't slip down. If you feel your baby is still cold, you can add socks and a cardigan instead of extra blankets.
It's important to remember that your baby's hands and face may feel cold, but this is normal. To check if your baby is warm enough, slip your hand inside their vest and feel their chest, which should feel warm. Additionally, always keep your baby's head uncovered as they lose excess heat through their head.
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Safe sleeping: No pillows, duvets, or hot water bottles
When putting your newborn to sleep, it's important to remember that their crib should be free of any pillows, duvets, or soft toys. This is because these items can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Instead of using blankets, you can keep your baby warm by dressing them in layers of clothing, such as a vest, babygrow, and socks. You can also use a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper that covers the baby's body but not the head.
It is recommended to always place your baby to sleep on their back, with their feet at the bottom of the cot. Their head should always be uncovered to regulate their body temperature and reduce the risk of SIDS. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius). You can adjust the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets, but make sure to tuck them in no higher than your baby's shoulders.
Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle, electric blanket, or near a radiator, heater, or fire. Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS, so it's important to monitor your baby's temperature and remove any extra bedding if they are sweating or feel hot to the touch. It is also recommended to avoid co-sleeping with your baby, as this can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Swaddling your baby, or snugly wrapping them in a blanket with only their head exposed, can be a safe way to provide warmth and security. This practice is recommended until your baby starts trying to roll over, usually around 3 to 4 months but sometimes earlier. After this, you can transition to using a sleeping bag or a light blanket, depending on the temperature of the room. Remember, it's always safest to put your baby back in their own cot before you go to sleep.
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Sleeping position: Place newborns on their back to sleep
It is crucial to place newborns on their back when they sleep. This is known as the "feet to foot" sleeping position, with their feet at the bottom of the cot. This position is recommended for newborns who have not yet started trying to roll over.
The "feet to foot" position is considered safe because it helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so keeping their heads uncovered is essential. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the baby's face is also uncovered. You can adjust the baby's body temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets, but their head should always remain exposed.
To achieve the "feet to foot" position, tuck in the blanket no higher than the baby's shoulders. This way, their feet are at the bottom of the cot, and their head remains uncovered. It is also recommended to place newborns in their own cot in the same room as their caregiver for the first six months. This arrangement reduces the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
It is important to note that some babies may have spent time on their fronts for medical reasons during their early days in neonatal units. However, by the time they are ready to go home, they should be placed on their backs to sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that newborns do not sleep with any blankets as they increase the likelihood of accidental suffocation. Instead, try layering their clothing for additional warmth through the night.
A good rule of thumb is to not put on more than one layer beyond what an adult would wear in the same air temperature. Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper to keep them warm. Swaddling your baby can also give them added warmth and security on cold nights.
Swaddling refers to the practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket for warmth and security, leaving only the child's head exposed.
Always place your baby to sleep on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot. Their head should always be uncovered as babies lose excess heat through their heads.
