Ashwin Lewis
It is natural for new parents to want to ensure their baby is comfortable and safe while sleeping. While blankets may seem like a good way to keep newborns warm, they can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months. This is because babies can easily get tangled in blankets, or have their faces covered, leading to suffocation. Instead, it is recommended to use a firm mattress and fitted sheet, and consider footie pajamas or swaddling to keep newborns warm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | In Denmark, it is normal for babies to sleep with blankets. In the UK, knitted blankets with holes are used. In the US, blankets are considered a SIDS risk. |
| Age | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months. However, there is no official age deemed 100% safe to use a blanket. |
| Safety | Blankets can increase the risk of accidental suffocation, entrapment, strangulation, and SIDS. |
| Alternatives | Swaddling is recommended to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep. Sleep sacks, wearable blanket sleepers, and footed pajamas are also safer alternatives to blankets. |
| Temperature | Babies should be kept warm but not hot. |
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What You'll Learn
- It is recommended that newborns sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, and without blankets to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Newborns can sleep with blankets if they are swaddled, which is recommended to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep
- The fabric of the blanket matters; breathable fabrics like muslin are better than thick, quilted blankets
- The temperature is important—you want your baby to be warm but not hot
- The crib should be clear of objects like pillows and toys, which pose a suffocation risk
It is recommended that newborns sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, and without blankets to reduce the risk of SIDS
To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended that newborns sleep on their back as this position helps to ensure that the baby's airway remains open and clear. Sleeping on the stomach or side can increase the risk of suffocation as the baby's breathing may be obstructed, especially if they are unable to move their head away from surfaces that may block their airway. Once a baby can roll over onto their stomach and then back onto their back unassisted, they can be left to sleep in the position they choose.
It is also recommended that newborns sleep on a firm, flat mattress. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of the baby's head, increasing the risk of suffocation. A firm mattress provides a stable and secure surface for the baby to sleep on, reducing the chances of accidental suffocation. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using pillows, quilts, duvets, or other soft bedding that may cover the baby's face and restrict breathing.
Blankets are not recommended for newborns as they can pose a risk of suffocation. A baby's sleep environment should be free of any objects that could potentially cover their mouth and nose, restricting their breathing and leading to suffocation. This includes blankets, pillows, toys, and crib bumpers. Instead of using blankets, parents can dress their babies in sleep sacks or wearable blanket sleepers to keep them warm and comfortable during sleep.
While it is important to follow safe sleep practices, it is also crucial to consider the individual needs of the baby. For example, in warmer climates, parents may need to take extra measures to prevent their baby from overheating, such as using lightweight clothing or a fan in the room. Additionally, breastfeeding can help regulate the baby's body temperature. Ultimately, parents should consult with healthcare professionals to receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
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Newborns can sleep with blankets if they are swaddled, which is recommended to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep
It is generally recommended that newborns sleep without blankets to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. However, it is considered safe for newborns to sleep with blankets if they are swaddled, which is a popular technique to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep.
Swaddling involves wrapping a thin, breathable blanket or cloth snugly around a baby's body, leaving the head and neck uncovered. This practice can help newborns feel secure and comfortable, mimicking the sensation of being in the womb. It also prevents them from flailing their arms and legs, which can startle them awake.
To safely swaddle your newborn with a blanket, follow these steps:
- Place a thin, lightweight, and breathable blanket on a flat surface, folding it to create a triangular shape.
- Lay your baby on their back in the center of the blanket, with their neck and head uncovered.
- Gently bring one corner of the blanket across your baby's body and tuck it under their back.
- Bring the opposite corner across the front of your baby's body and tuck it in on the other side.
- Bring the bottom corner up and tuck it in securely, ensuring the swaddle is snug but not too tight.
It is important to note that once your baby starts rolling over, usually around 3 to 4 months, you should stop swaddling them and transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket sleeper. Additionally, always follow safe sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back, using a firm sleep surface, and ensuring they don't overheat.
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The fabric of the blanket matters; breathable fabrics like muslin are better than thick, quilted blankets
The fabric of the blanket matters a great deal when it comes to newborn babies. Breathable fabrics like muslin are better than thick, quilted blankets. The reason for this is that babies have thinner, more sensitive, and less developed skin than adults, which makes them more prone to irritation, allergies, and discomfort. Their skin is up to five times thinner than adults', making them much more sensitive to rubbing against rough fabrics. This can cause rashes and irritation, which parents will want to avoid.
Breathable fabrics are essential because babies are prone to overheating. These fabrics allow air circulation, which helps regulate body temperature and prevents excessive sweating. Fabrics that are more breathable include natural fibres like cotton, bamboo, and wool. Cotton is one of the most popular options on the market and has been used for generations. It is soft and gentle on an infant's delicate skin. Bamboo is also highly breathable and suitable for babies. Wool is another good option, as it keeps babies warm in winter and cool in summer due to its breathable and temperature-regulating properties.
It is best to avoid heavy fabrics, as these can prevent babies from maintaining a constant body temperature, increasing the risk of SIDS. It is also important to avoid coarse wool, as this can irritate newborn skin. Microfleece is another fabric to avoid for direct skin contact or swaddling, as it is made of synthetic fibres. However, it is a great choice for an outer layer, especially in colder climates, due to its heat-retaining properties.
In addition to the fabric, it is important to consider the age of the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend blankets for babies under 12 months old, as they can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. However, it is generally considered safe to introduce a blanket when a baby is old enough to handle it, usually around 12 to 18 months.
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The temperature is important—you want your baby to be warm but not hot
It is recommended to keep the crib clear of blankets, pillows, and toys, which also means keeping it clear of bumpers. They may look cute and match your nursery decor, but bumpers pose many of the same suffocation risks as toys and loose bedding. They can also be used to aid older children in climbing out of the crib.
The fabric of the blanket also influences its safety. Blankets made from fabrics like muslin that can be breathed through are a better option for little ones than thick, quilted blankets. Weighted blankets are sometimes used for older children with sensory concerns but are not safe for use with infants. Even when a child is older, a blanket with long strings or ribbons on the edges can wrap around and choke the child, so those are not safe to beddings.
There is no official age that has been deemed 100% safe to use a blanket, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, most medical experts feel that soft bedding poses little danger in the crib to healthy babies after 12 months of age and ideally when they are 18 months or older. The AAP recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months.
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The crib should be clear of objects like pillows and toys, which pose a suffocation risk
Keeping the crib free of objects is essential to creating a safe sleeping environment for newborns. While it may be tempting to provide a soft, warm blanket to comfort your baby, it is important to consider the potential risks. Blankets can increase the risk of suffocation, especially if they cover the baby's mouth and nose. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the crib clear of blankets, pillows, and toys, which can pose a similar danger.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area for at least the first 12 months. This recommendation is based on data around infant sleep deaths and guidelines for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between birth and 12 months, and blankets can increase this risk. Additionally, soft bedding can become wrapped around a baby as they move in their sleep, leading to potential strangulation hazards.
It is worth noting that the practice of swaddling a newborn is considered safe and even recommended. Swaddling involves wrapping the baby snugly in a thin blanket, which can help calm and soothe them. However, it is important to ensure that the baby's arms are not restricted, and once they start to roll over, swaddling should be stopped as it may increase the risk of suffocation.
To keep your baby warm without using blankets, you can dress them in a sleep sack, wearable blanket sleeper, or footed pajamas. These options provide warmth without the same risks as blankets. It is also crucial to ensure that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and that their sleep position is on their back, as recommended by experts.
While it is natural to want to provide comfort and warmth to your newborn, keeping the crib clear of objects like blankets, pillows, and toys is a crucial step in creating a safe sleeping environment. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of suffocation and promote healthy sleep habits for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended for newborns to sleep with a blanket, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. However, it is considered safe for newborns to sleep with a swaddle blanket or a swaddle sleep sack until they start to roll over.
To keep newborns warm while sleeping, they can be dressed in layers, footie pajamas, or a sleep sack. It is also recommended to set the nursery temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safe sleep practices for newborns include placing them on their back on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet. It is also recommended to keep the crib clear of any soft objects, loose bedding, and toys to reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
