Evie Summers
Sleep is a common concern for new parents, and many are tempted to offer their baby a soft, warm blanket for comfort. However, there are differing opinions and cultural norms surrounding the use of blankets for newborns. While some countries like Denmark encourage the use of blankets, others recommend waiting until a baby is at least 12 months old due to the risk of accidental suffocation. This has led to a “no-blanket” policy in many places, with alternatives such as swaddling, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets suggested to keep newborns warm and comfortable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleep position | On their back |
| Crib | Should be empty with no blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys |
| Co-sleeping | Not recommended |
| Swaddling | Safe until the baby starts trying to roll over |
| Blankets | Not recommended until the baby is at least 12 months old |
| Sleep sack | Safe alternative to blankets |
| Room temperature | Between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns and swaddling
Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping a newborn baby in a blanket to help them feel secure and calm. It is often recommended as a way to soothe a fussy baby and promote good sleep. Swaddling can also provide added warmth on cold nights. It is generally safe to swaddle a newborn from birth until they start trying to roll over, which typically occurs around 3 to 4 months of age but can happen earlier.
When swaddling your newborn, it is important to use a proper swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack that fits well around the shoulders. Make sure the blanket is wrapped snugly, with no risk of the baby's head slipping down. Avoid loose bedding, and do not layer another blanket over a swaddled baby, as this can increase the risk of suffocation. Additionally, stop swaddling your baby once they start rolling in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to place your swaddled baby on their back to sleep, as sleeping on their side or stomach increases the risk of suffocation. The crib or bassinet should be clear of blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. These items can pose a suffocation or strangulation risk. Instead of using loose blankets, you can consider using a sleep sack or a wearable blanket sleeper, which offers warmth and security and zips shut, reducing the risk of choking.
It is important to note that blankets are not recommended for babies under 12 months old. Introducing a blanket too early increases the risk of accidental suffocation. To keep your baby warm without a blanket, you can adjust the room temperature or layer their clothing. Sleeping bags with appropriate tog ratings based on the warmth they provide can also be used instead of blankets.
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Safe alternatives to blankets
Keeping your newborn warm and cosy is a priority, but it is important to remember that blankets are not considered safe for a baby’s first year of life. Pediatricians and child safety experts agree that it is not safe for a baby to sleep with blankets or any other soft bedding until at least 12 months of age. This is because infants lack the motor skills and strength to free themselves if their breathing becomes obstructed by the blanket, which can lead to suffocation or strangulation, or increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
So, what are the safe alternatives to blankets?
Wearable Blankets or Sleep Sacks
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends wearable blankets, or sleep sacks, to keep babies warm. These are designed to be worn over a baby’s sleepwear, keeping them warm without the risks associated with loose blankets. Sleep sacks are made to cover the body, not the head, and are essentially closed gowns with holes for the baby’s arms and no casings for their legs. They usually have zippered or Velcro closures and are easy to get on and off. Their loose shape allows the baby to move around. Sleep sacks are available in a wide range of sizes, from newborn to 5T, and in different weights for different seasons.
Footed Pajamas
Footed pajamas, or "footies", are another option to keep your baby warm at night. They come in a variety of fabrics, including cotton and fleece, and can be purchased with or without feet, depending on the temperature.
Swaddling
Swaddling is a traditional method of wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket to help them feel secure and comforted, mimicking the sensation of being in the womb. Modern swaddles are often made with innovative fabrics, such as IntelliThread™ technology, which helps to maintain an ideal temperature and avoid overheating, a contributing factor in SIDS.
Proper Room Temperature
Keeping the baby's room at a comfortable but cool temperature can reduce the need for a blanket. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C).
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When to introduce blankets
The topic of babies sleeping with blankets is a highly debated one, with some parents advocating for blankets and others against them. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under 12 months should not sleep with blankets because they can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. The AAP promotes the ABCs of safe sleep, which stands for Alone on their Back in a Crib. This means that parents and siblings should not share a bed with the baby, and that blankets, pillows, toys, and crib bumpers should be left out of the baby's crib.
However, some parents, especially those in colder climates, may feel that their baby needs more warmth and comfort at night than just a sleep sack or swaddle can provide. In these cases, it is important to make sure that the baby's crib or bassinet is in the same room as the parents, and that the blanket is tucked in firmly, no higher than the baby's shoulders, and not doubled over to prevent overheating. It is also important to stop swaddling the baby once they start rolling in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Some parents choose to use a sleeping bag or sleep sack instead of a blanket to keep their baby warm. Sleeping bags are given a tog rating according to the warmth they provide, and parents can adjust their baby's clothing as necessary depending on the room temperature and the tog. Sleep sacks are also a good option as they offer similar warmth and security to blankets but zip shut, reducing the risk of suffocation.
It is important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. It is always best to consult with a pediatrician or other health professional to get personalized advice and recommendations for your baby's sleep environment.
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Safe sleep positions
When it comes to safe sleep positions for newborns, the most important guideline to follow is to always place your baby on their back to sleep, for both naps and at night. This recommendation is supported by extensive research, which shows that placing your baby on their back significantly lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping on their back is known as the supine position and is considered the safest way for a baby to sleep.
It is crucial to avoid placing your newborn on their stomach or side to sleep. Sleeping on their front or side increases the risk of SIDS and is not recommended due to the instability of these positions. Babies who are placed on their sides are more likely to roll onto their stomachs, which poses the highest risk for SIDS. Therefore, it is essential to place your baby on their back every time they sleep, whether it's during the day or at night.
Creating a safe sleep environment is also crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related hazards. Keep the crib or bassinet clear of any items that could pose a suffocation or strangulation risk, such as blankets, sheets, pillows, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. Soft bedding should be avoided, even if you plan to place your baby on top of the blanket, as it could still become wrapped around them or get stuck in the crib corners.
Swaddling your newborn in a blanket is considered safe and is often recommended to calm a fussy baby and promote good sleep. However, it is important not to layer another blanket over a swaddled baby, as loose bedding could cover their face and increase the risk of suffocation. Once your baby starts trying to roll over, usually around three to four months, you should stop swaddling and allow them to find their own sleeping position.
Additionally, it is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents or caregivers for the first six months. This allows for close supervision and quick response in case of any sleep-related issues. While it is important to create a safe sleep environment, it is also normal for babies to wake up during the night, and this should not be considered a sign of poor sleep.
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Safe sleep environments
Creating a safe sleep environment is essential to lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Here are some guidelines to ensure a safe sleep environment for newborns:
Sleep Surface
It is recommended to place newborns on their backs to sleep, as sleeping on their belly or sides increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS. The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. Cribs or bassinets should be clear of blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. A fitted sheet covering the mattress is recommended. Sleep surfaces with one end higher than the other or those that elevate both the baby's head and feet, like a hammock, are not safe as they increase the risk of positional asphyxia.
Room-Sharing
Room-sharing is recommended as it makes feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby easier. Keep the baby in a safety-approved crib next to the adult bed, making it convenient to check on the baby and breastfeed. If you fall asleep while feeding or comforting the baby in your bed, move them to their own sleep area, such as a bassinet, as soon as you wake up.
Swaddling
Swaddling a newborn is considered safe and is recommended to calm the baby and promote good sleep. A properly wrapped swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack can be used until the baby starts trying to roll over. However, avoid layering another blanket over a swaddled baby, as loose bedding could cover the baby's face and increase the risk of suffocation.
Blanket Usage
The use of blankets for newborns is a controversial topic. While some countries like Denmark, consider it normal to let babies sleep with blankets, others advise against it due to safety concerns. If you choose to use a blanket, ensure it is tucked in securely at the bottom and sides to prevent it from covering the baby's head.
Other Considerations
Breastfeeding and avoiding smoking are recommended by the AAP to promote safe sleep. Additionally, keep loose items like pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers out of the sleep space. Always follow safe sleep recommendations to prevent Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and create a safe and comfortable environment for your newborn.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended for babies under 12 months old to sleep with blankets as they can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. Instead, it is recommended to use a firm mattress in the baby's crib to reduce the risk of suffocation and keep temperatures down.
Some alternatives to blankets for newborns include swaddling, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets. It is important to make sure that your baby's sleep sack is the right size so that it doesn't come off and create a choking hazard.
To keep your newborn warm without a blanket, you can try layering their clothing for additional warmth or using a firm mattress in their crib to regulate temperatures.
If your newborn is sleeping with a blanket, make sure that the blanket is tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders, and not doubled over to prevent overheating. It is also important to stop swaddling once the baby begins rolling in any direction to avoid the risk of suffocation.
