Evie Summers
Keeping a newborn warm and comfortable is a priority for parents, but it's important to be aware of the risks associated with using blankets. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that cribs should be clear of blankets, pillows, and other soft objects to prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Swaddling is a safer alternative to using a blanket, but only until the baby starts to roll over, usually around 3 to 5 months. So, what are the best options for keeping a newborn safe and warm while they sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of blanket | Cellular cotton blanket |
| Positioning | Baby's feet nearest the foot of the cot or Moses basket |
| Tucking | Tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders, and not doubled over |
| Mattress | Firm, flat, and waterproof |
| Mattress type | Not made of memory foam |
| Crib | Free of loose items, such as pillows, toys, and stuffed animals |
| Sleeping arrangement | Baby should sleep in the same room as parents but alone in a safe sleep space |
| Sleeping position | On their back |
| Swaddling | Should be stopped as soon as the baby starts trying to roll over |
| Alternative to blankets | Wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack |
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What You'll Learn
Swaddling
Parents who swaddle their infants should always place them on their backs to sleep. It is important to stop swaddling as soon as your baby starts to roll in any direction, even if only to their side. This will usually occur by 3 or 4 months of age, but sometimes earlier. Don't layer another blanket over a swaddled baby, as this loose bedding could cover your baby's face and increase the risk of suffocation.
Babies should sleep in a cot or Moses basket, and the mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof. The crib should be free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals, as these items increase the possibility of accidental suffocation.
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Safe alternatives to blankets
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket, with no toys, pillows, or loose bedding that could cover their mouth or nose, or make them too hot. A firm, flat, and waterproof mattress is recommended, and it is best to buy a new mattress or use a stored one from home, provided it has been kept in a clean, dry, and smoke-free environment.
Swaddling
Swaddling is the 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 blanket if they have not yet started to roll over. This practice can promote healthy sleep and comfort for the baby without direct parental contact. However, it is important to stop swaddling as soon as the baby starts to roll in any direction.
Sleep sacks
Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a safer alternative to loose blankets. They come in different thicknesses and can be sleeveless or with arms out, depending on the baby's age and development. Sleep sacks prevent the baby from kicking off their covers and getting cold, and they also ensure that the baby's face remains uncovered at all times, reducing the risk of suffocation.
Dressing in layers
Layering your baby's clothing can help keep them warm without the need for a blanket. Depending on the room temperature and the tog rating, you can adjust your baby's clothing accordingly. For warmer weather and room temperatures above 20°C (69°F), a 0.5-1.0 tog rating is recommended, while a 2.5 tog rating is suitable for standard room temperatures of 16°C-20°C (61°F-69°F).
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How to reduce the risk of SIDS
It is recommended that babies sleep without blankets until they are one year old. Instead, parents can use a baby sleeping bag or dress the baby in layers to keep them warm. If you do use a blanket, it should be lightweight and securely tucked under the baby's arms, so it does not cover their head. The baby should also be placed in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of the crib, cot, or Moses basket.
Create a safe sleeping environment
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets current safety regulations. The mattress should be firm, flat, well-fitting, clean, and waterproof, with only a tight-fitted sheet. Avoid soft mattresses, loose bedding, sleep positioners, quilts, pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft items in the baby's sleep area, as they can cover the baby's airway and increase the risk of rebreathing exhaled air high in carbon dioxide.
Place the baby on their back to sleep
Always put the baby to sleep on their back, both at night and during nap times. This simple act has significantly reduced the incidence of SIDS. If the baby can roll over onto their front and then back again, there is no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping.
Room-sharing
It is recommended to keep the baby in the same room as the caregiver for the first six months to one year. This allows for easier monitoring of the baby and can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Avoid co-sleeping
Do not share a bed with your baby, especially if you or your partner smoke, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken any drugs or medications that can make you drowsy. Sleeping with a baby on a sofa, couch, or armchair is also associated with a higher risk of SIDS.
Maintain a comfortable room temperature
Overheating increases the risk of SIDS. Keep the room temperature comfortable, around 16°C to 22°C. Dress the baby appropriately, and use layers of lightweight blankets if needed. Check the baby regularly to ensure they are not too hot.
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When to introduce blankets
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket, on a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress. The crib should be free of loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals, to reduce the risk of accidental suffocation. A fitted sheet that is tucked in firmly and snugly on all sides is recommended.
Swaddling, or snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket, is a safe practice recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to promote healthy sleep. The baby's head should always be exposed, and they should be placed on their back to sleep. Swaddling should be stopped as soon as the baby starts to roll over, which usually occurs around 3 to 5 months of age.
There is no official age deemed 100% safe to introduce a blanket, according to the AAP. Most medical experts recommend waiting until a baby is at least 12 months old, and ideally 18 months or older, before introducing a blanket to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
Until a baby is 12 months old, they should always be placed on their back to sleep. After this age, a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack, can be used to keep the baby warm and safe. A cellular cotton blanket can be used, tucked in firmly no higher than the baby's shoulders, to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of suffocation.
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Mattress and crib safety
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket. The mattress should be firm, flat, and level in the crib, and it should be waterproof. Avoid second-hand mattresses, and always ensure the crib mattress is new or has been stored somewhere clean, dry, and smoke-free. Check that the baby's head does not sink into the mattress by more than a few millimetres. A sunken mattress can make it difficult for the baby to lose heat, causing them to overheat.
Avoid bedsharing and soft bedding, including pillows, bumpers, comforters, fleece, sheepskin, and stuffed toys. These items pose a suffocation risk and can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The only thing in the crib should be a fitted sheet that is breathable and tightly tucked in on all sides.
Crib mattresses are often made with toxic chemicals, such as fiberglass, polyurethane foam, and flame retardants. These chemicals can be harmful to babies and toddlers. To ensure safety, choose a crib mattress made with natural materials, such as wool, rayon, and polylactic acid batting. Look for mattresses that are Greenguard Gold Certified and JPMA Certified, and consider an EWG VERIFIED crib mattress. Regularly clean the crib mattress with a high-quality vacuum to remove dust and toxic particles.
Additionally, ensure that the crib meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The crib should be safety-approved, with no gaps between the mattress and the crib frame.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest place for a newborn to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket. The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof.
It is recommended that newborns sleep without blankets until they are at least 12 months old. The crib should be clear of loose items such as blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals to prevent accidental suffocation. A fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides is recommended.
A wearable blanket such as a sleep sack or dressing the baby in layers is recommended to keep a newborn warm and safe. Swaddling is also a good option for newborns as it provides warmth and security, but parents should stop swaddling as soon as the baby starts to roll over.
The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof. It should not be made of memory foam as it can be too soft and pose a safety hazard. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no spaces between it and the crib's walls.
It is recommended that parents sleep in the same room as the newborn but not in the same bed, at least for the first six months. Bed sharing increases the risk of accidental suffocation. It is also important to ensure that the room temperature is comfortable for the baby and adjust their clothing as necessary.
