Gina Johnson
As a new parent, you may be wondering if it's safe for your newborn to sleep with a blanket. The answer is that it's generally not recommended for babies under one year old to sleep with blankets or other loose bedding due to the risk of suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in a bare crib without any soft objects that could pose a safety hazard. However, swaddling, which involves snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket, can be a safe and effective way to promote sleep and provide warmth and security. It's important to stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over, as this can increase the risk of getting stuck in an unsafe sleep position. To keep your newborn warm without a blanket, you can use a sleep sack, wearable blanket, or dress them in appropriate sleepwear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of newborn | It is recommended to wait until a baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a blanket. |
| Alternatives to blankets | Swaddling, sleep sacks, or wearable blankets are recommended to keep newborns warm. |
| Crib | The crib should be bare and free of loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. |
| Sleep position | Newborns should be placed on their backs to sleep until they are 12 months old. |
| Mattress | The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation. |
| Room temperature | The temperature of the room should be adjusted to keep the baby warm but not hot. |
| Clothing | Footed pajamas, long-sleeved cotton bodysuits, or sleep sacks can be used to keep the baby warm instead of a blanket. |
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What You'll Learn
Swaddling is a safe alternative to a blanket
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that swaddling, when done correctly, can effectively calm infants and promote sleep. It can help to reduce the startle reflex, allowing the baby to sleep soundly without being disturbed by their own reflexes. Swaddling is generally considered safe for newborns until they start to roll over, which usually occurs between 3 and 6 months of age.
It is important to note that once your baby shows any signs of trying to roll over, swaddling can become dangerous. A swaddled baby who rolls onto their tummy may get stuck in that position as their arms are restricted, increasing the risk of suffocation or SIDS. Therefore, parents should stop swaddling as soon as their baby starts to roll in any direction, even if they are only coming up on their side.
Swaddling is not suitable for every baby, and factors like arm position and fabric type can vary depending on the baby's preferences and comfort. It is essential to ensure that the swaddle is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton or a cotton blend, and does not constrict the baby's movement unnaturally or cause overheating.
Instead of a blanket, parents can use infant sleep clothing, such as layers of clothing, wearable blankets, or sleep sacks, to keep their baby warm and comfortable during sleep. These options provide warmth while eliminating the risk of loose blankets covering the baby's face.
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The dangers of soft bedding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) all recommend that infants under 12 months sleep in a crib with no soft bedding of any kind, either under or on top of them. This recommendation is based on evidence that soft bedding has been associated with SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death. In fact, past studies have shown that one-third of babies who die from SIDS may have suffocated due to soft bedding.
Even if a baby is placed on top of a blanket, there is still a risk of suffocation as they move in their sleep and the blanket can become wrapped around them or get stuck in the crib corners. It is also important to note that swaddling a newborn in a thin blanket or a swaddle sleep sack is considered safe and can promote healthy sleep. However, once the baby starts trying to roll over, swaddling should be stopped to prevent the risk of suffocation.
To reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation, it is recommended to use a firm mattress in the baby's crib that fits snugly with no gaps. The crib should be free of loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals until the baby reaches 12 months of age. A fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides is recommended, and a pacifier may also reduce the risk of SIDS.
It is important for parents to be aware of these guidelines and to prioritize creating a safe sleep environment for their newborns, even if it means delaying the use of cute crib accessories like quilts and stuffed toys.
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Sleep sacks and wearable blankets
When choosing a sleep sack, look for one that is made of lightweight and soft material, is easy to put on and take off, and is machine washable. Some sleep sacks also come with convenient features like a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes. Here are some highly-rated options:
- HALO Sleepsack Wearable Blanket: This sleep sack is made of super soft micro-fleece fabric and has a 1.0 TOG rating, making it suitable for moderate climates. It features a basic, uncomplicated design that is easy to use and prevents older babies from unzipping it themselves.
- Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket: This classic sleep sack is made of 100% organic cotton, making it breathable and lightweight. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns and is one of the most affordable options. However, the zipper can be a bit difficult to use if your toddler is wiggly.
- Gllquen Baby Sleep Sack: This premium organic cotton sleep sack has a two-way zipper and comes in a cute grey planet and star print. It is available in sizes for newborns up to 3-month-old babies.
In addition to using a sleep sack, you can ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe by providing a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib, using a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly, and keeping the crib free of loose items like blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals until your baby is at least 12 months old.
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Crib safety
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or playpen that is specifically designed for infant sleep. Here are some guidelines to ensure your baby's crib is as safe as possible:
Mattress
Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress that fits snugly in the crib, leaving no space between the mattress and the crib walls. This will help to reduce the risk of suffocation and keep temperatures down, ensuring a safe and comfortable sleep environment. Avoid memory foam mattresses, as they may be too soft and pose a safety hazard.
Bedding
Until your baby reaches 12 months of age, keep the crib free of loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals. These items increase the possibility of accidental suffocation. Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleeper or a swaddle. If you do use a blanket, place the baby with their feet at the foot of the crib, and only cover them up to their chest. Use a fitted sheet that is specifically designed for crib use and remains snugly on the mattress without bunching or coming loose.
Crib Condition
Check that the crib has all its hardware and that all parts and slats are in good condition. Only use manufacturer-provided parts for any repairs. Make sure the crib has not been recalled by the manufacturer. Regularly check and tighten screws and other hardware as necessary. Cribs that are incorrectly assembled or have missing, loose, or broken parts can pose a serious safety risk.
Crib Placement
Do not place the crib near a window or drapes, as the baby could fall or become entangled in blind and drape cords. Keep the crib in the same room as the parents for at least the first six months, and preferably for the first year, to ensure the baby can be monitored and attended to immediately if needed.
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The ideal room temperature for newborns
Keeping a newborn warm and comfortable is a priority for new parents. However, it is essential to be cautious about overheating, which can increase the risk of SIDS. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is generally between 64°F and 72°F (20°C and 21°C).
A newborn's room should be well-ventilated, and it is recommended to avoid using extra heaters or AC units. Fans can be useful for circulating air and reducing the risk of SIDS. On cooler evenings, it is advisable to dress the baby in breathable, layered clothing, such as a temperature-appropriate swaddle or sleep bag. The baby should wear one more layer than an adult would. Hats are also useful for trapping heat when it's cold and protecting the baby from too much sunlight when it's warm.
It is important to regularly check the baby's body temperature to ensure they are comfortable. The best way to do this is to gently feel the back of their neck or chest. If the baby's skin feels cool to the touch, it may indicate that they are too cold. Additionally, parents should pay attention to the baby's behaviour, as waking up unsettled during sleep could be a sign of temperature discomfort.
To ensure a safe sleep environment, it is recommended to place the baby on their back on a flat, firm surface in a crib, bassinet, or playpen designed for infant sleep. The crib should be free of loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, and crib bumpers until the baby is at least 12 months old. Instead of using blankets, swaddling is recommended for newborns to provide warmth and security, leaving only the baby's head exposed. Swaddling can promote healthy sleep and reduce the risk of sudden death, but it should be discontinued as soon as the baby starts to roll over.
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Frequently asked questions
No, soft bedding is a danger to newborns and can cause suffocation. The best way to keep your newborn warm is to swaddle them, which involves wrapping them snugly in a light cotton or muslin blanket with only their head exposed.
Newborns can be kept warm by swaddling them or using a sleep sack. It is important to ensure that the room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blankets can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They can easily cover a newborn's mouth and nose, restricting their breathing.
It is recommended that you wait until your baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months old, before introducing a blanket.
It is important to ensure that your newborn is neither too cold nor too hot. Signs of being too cold include shivering, while signs of being too warm include sweating, damp hair, or a heat rash.
