Ashwin Lewis
Should a 7-month-old sleep with a blanket? This is a question that many parents ask, and it's an important one, as it can be dangerous for babies to sleep with blankets too early. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is unsafe for babies to sleep with blankets before their first birthday, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Pediatricians and child safety experts agree that babies under 12 months old lack the motor skills and strength to free themselves if a blanket covers their face and obstructs their breathing. While some parents may worry about their baby being cold without a blanket, there are safe alternatives to keep them warm, such as dressing them in layers, using a sleep sack, or swaddling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of suffocation | High |
| Risk of strangulation | High |
| Risk of SIDS | High |
| Risk of rebreathing the same air | Low |
| Safe alternative | Sleep sacks, swaddling |
| Safe age to introduce blanket | After 12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Suffocation risks
The risk of suffocation is one of the primary concerns when it comes to a 7-month-old sleeping with a blanket. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is unsafe for a baby to sleep with a blanket before their first birthday. This recommendation is based on the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
According to the AAP, soft objects, loose bedding, and blankets in the crib can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, leading to suffocation or SIDS. The risk of suffocation is higher for babies under 12 months old because they lack the motor skills and strength to free themselves if their breathing becomes obstructed. They may not have the ability to move or unwrap a tangled loose sheet from their head.
In addition to the risk of suffocation, there is also a risk of strangulation from a blanket. A baby who purposefully or accidentally pulls a blanket over their head and rolls around may face a strangulation hazard. This risk is particularly relevant for a 7-month-old who is starting to move around more and explore their environment.
To reduce the risk of suffocation and create a safe sleep environment for a 7-month-old, it is recommended to keep the crib free of loose items, including blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. Instead of a blanket, parents can use a sleep sack or a wearable blanket designed to keep babies warm without the risks associated with loose bedding. These alternatives provide warmth and comfort while reducing the risk of suffocation.
It is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is firm and flat, and that the baby is dressed appropriately for the temperature of the room. Dressing the baby in layers can help regulate their body temperature, but it is important to avoid over-bundling, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS.
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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old. Introducing a blanket into a baby's sleep space during the first year of their life increases the likelihood of accidental suffocation. This is because a baby could accidentally press their nose and mouth into a blanket during the night, which could lead to suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of an infant. About 3,400 infants die from SIDS each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risk of SIDS is increased by soft objects or loose bedding in the crib, such as blankets, pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and non-fitted sheets. These items can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, leading to suffocation, entrapment, or SIDS. Therefore, it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs with nothing in the crib except a fitted sheet. The crib mattress should be firm and flat, and the room temperature should be comfortable to prevent overheating, which can also increase the likelihood of SIDS.
Swaddling can be a safer alternative to giving a baby a blanket, as it provides warmth and security while leaving the baby's head exposed. However, swaddling should be stopped once the baby begins to show signs of trying to roll over to avoid the risk of suffocation. Sleep sacks or wearable blankets can also be used to keep babies warm and safe during sleep. These items won't cover a baby's face and risk suffocation.
While some parents may choose to introduce a blanket to their 7-month-old baby's crib, as seen in some online discussions, this is not recommended by the AAP due to the risk of suffocation and SIDS. It is important to prioritize the safety guidelines provided by experts over the baby's comfort.
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Safe alternatives to blankets
It is recommended that babies should not sleep with blankets until they are at least 1 year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket while they are less than a year old. The AAP also recommends wearable blankets, or sleep sacks, to keep babies warm.
- Swaddling: Swaddling is a technique where a baby is snugly wrapped in a blanket with only their head exposed. It can be a safer alternative to a loose blanket in a crib, especially when the infant has not yet tried to roll over. However, it is important to stop swaddling when the baby shows signs of trying to roll over to avoid the risk of suffocation.
- Sleep Sacks: Also known as wearable blankets, sleep sacks are recommended by the AAP to replace blankets and reduce the risk of suffocation. They are sleeveless to prevent overheating and are available in different weights for different seasons.
- Dressing in Layers: It is recommended to dress a baby in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same situation. However, it is important to avoid over-bundling as it can also increase the risk of SIDS.
- Firm Mattress: Using a firm mattress in the crib can help reduce the risk of suffocation and keep temperatures down, providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
- Room Temperature: Maintaining a comfortable room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit can help ensure the baby doesn't get too cold without a blanket.
- Pacifier: According to the AAP, using a pacifier may even reduce the risk of SIDS.
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How to keep a baby warm without a blanket
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket if they are under one year old. This is because blankets can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. So, how can you keep your baby warm without a blanket? Here are some tips:
Firstly, you can use a sleep sack or a baby swaddle. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that go over your baby's sleepwear, providing warmth without the risk of suffocation. Swaddling refers to the practice of snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket, leaving only their head exposed. It is important to choose a lightweight, breathable cotton swaddle that is slightly insulated for cooler temperatures. Safe options include the Comforter Sleepea Swaddle and the Comforter SNOO Sack, which are super-soft, breathable, and comfortable. Make sure to stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.
Secondly, you can dress your baby in layers, ensuring they have one more layer than you would wear in the same situation. For example, you can put them in a long-sleeve onesie under a sleeper for extra warmth. Just be careful not to over-bundle your baby, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. Avoid putting a hat on your sleeping baby, as this can cause them to overheat.
Thirdly, pay attention to your baby's temperature cues and the temperature of their sleeping environment. The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your baby is not sleeping near a drafty window or a heater, as this can affect their temperature.
Lastly, use the right bedding materials. Breathable fabrics made from natural fibres, like organic cotton, keep babies warm while promoting airflow and reducing the risk of overheating. Synthetic fabrics, such as fleece and other polyester blends, are not recommended as they can increase the risk of overheating.
By following these tips, you can keep your baby warm without the use of a blanket, ensuring a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
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Safety guidelines for cribs
The following safety guidelines can help ensure that your baby sleeps safely in their crib:
- Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress that fits snugly in the crib, leaving no space between it and the crib’s walls. A firm mattress reduces the risk of suffocation and helps regulate temperatures.
- Ensure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress. This prevents the baby from getting trapped between the mattress and the crib.
- Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib. These items can obstruct an infant's nose and mouth, increasing the risk of suffocation, entrapment, or SIDS.
- Place your baby on their back in the crib for sleep. This has been shown to reduce the chances of SIDS.
- Avoid placing the crib near windows with blind or curtain cords, baby monitor cords, or other hazards that could potentially cause strangulation.
- Follow the latest crib safety guidelines and standards set by organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Opt for a new model that meets these standards, especially if you're considering a secondhand crib.
- Inspect the crib regularly for any missing, loose, or broken hardware or slats. Incorrectly assembled cribs can result in entrapment or suffocation hazards.
- Ensure the crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can) to prevent the baby's body from fitting through the slats.
- Use a fitted sheet specifically designed for crib use. Avoid using soft or loose bedding until after the baby's first birthday, as recommended by the AAP.
- Keep the baby's sleep space clear of any objects, including blankets, until they are at least 12 months old. This reduces the risk of accidental suffocation and SIDS.
While these guidelines provide a general framework for crib safety, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider or a trusted organization like the AAP for the most up-to-date and comprehensive advice.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended for babies under 12 months old to sleep with a blanket due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
You can dress your baby in layers, ensuring they are warm without being too hot. Footie pajamas can also help keep them warm.
Swaddling or using a sleep sack is a safe alternative to a blanket for babies under 12 months old. However, you should stop swaddling when your baby starts to show signs of trying to roll over.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under 12 months old sleep on their back with nothing in the crib except a firm, flat, and snug-fitting mattress and a fitted sheet.
Most experts recommend waiting until your baby is at least 12 months old, as this is when they typically develop the strength and motor skills to move objects away from their face if they are uncomfortable or can't breathe.
