As your baby grows, you might start to think about when you can introduce a blanket into their sleep routine. After all, you probably slept with a blanket when you were younger and it was probably pretty cozy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that soft bedding, like blankets and pillows, should be kept out of your baby’s sleep area — whether that’s a crib, bassinet, or play yard — until your baby is at least 12 months old. This recommendation is based on data from the National Institutes of Health, which found a correlation between soft bedding and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So, when can babies sleep with a blanket? The AAP says that you can start to introduce a light blanket to your baby’s sleep routine when they are 18 months old.
But, even then, you should make sure that the blanket is tucked in securely, so that your baby can’t pull it over their head. If you’re concerned about your baby getting too warm at night, you can try using a sleep sack. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that are designed to keep your baby warm without the use of loose blankets. Bottom line: wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket into their sleep routine and make sure that the blanket is tucked in securely if you do. If you’re concerned about your baby getting too warm, try using a sleep sack instead.
Sheet sets, comforters, quilts, and knitted afghans are some of the greatest crib-related baby shower gifts.In addition, if these adorable blankets as well as other sleep accessories have been in the closet for sometime, you may want to have them in your little one’s crib.The safest course of action is to wait until your baby is old enough to handle switching from soft to firm bedding, whether at night or during naps.We’ll explain the risks of blankets and how to keep your child warm until you’re ready to give it a try. We’ll also explain when it is safe for babies to sleep with a blanket. Read on.
Is the safety of babies at risk?
According to a new study, the safety of babies may be at risk. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that nearly one in five babies in the United States is injured each year.
The most common injuries include falls, being hit by an object, and being bitten by an animal. The study also found that the number of injuries is rising. There are a number of factors that may be contributing to the increase in injuries. One is the growing number of babies being born each year.
Another is the fact that more families are living in poverty, which can lead to unsafe home environments. It’s important to keep your baby safe by taking some simple precautions. For example, always use a safety gate at the top of the stairs and never leave your baby unattended in a room with an open window. If you’re concerned about the safety of your baby, talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider.
A blanket in the crib can be dangerous, so no. Sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS, lack of air, trapping inside the beddings or strangulation are among the causes of sleep-related deaths that happen in the United States every year and sleeping with blankets has been a risk factor.
A bare crib, without a comforter, bumper, pillow, fleece, sheepskin or any other stuffed objects, is the safest sleep environment for a baby. A fitted sheet that is tucked tightly in on all sides is all your baby needs at night.
Be wary of any ads for SIDS prevention products such as positioners, wedges, special mattresses or surfaces, as these products have not been proven to work and could possibly pose an unnecessary danger.
When should you use a blanket on your baby?
Data from AAP or the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that blankets, quilts, and comforters have not been deemed 100 percent safe for healthy babies but, after 12 months and ideally 18 months of age, majority of health professionals are of the opinion that soft bedding materials are not hazardous to healthy babies.
Since your baby could still become tangled in the blanket when young, it’s better to wait until at least eighteen months old to cover her at night or during naps with a blanket.
A thin blanket, a small lovey, and a tuck-in routine, mostly in the form of tucking in the child after 18 months can be used.
You shouldn’t place your newborn on top of soft bedding, even though the blanket would be under them, since it could end up wrapping around her as she moves as she sleeps or getting caught in the corner of the crib.
Is swaddling recommended?
Do you find it confusing that the no-blanket policy applies to all babies and are you wondering when its safe to swaddle the baby in a blanket at night?
Don’t worry, since swaddling a baby at night is a perfectly acceptable practice that’s recommended for getting a baby to settle down and help promote a good night’s sleep.
When they start rolling over at around 2 months of age, babies can be safely swaddled in a swaddle blanket or sleep sack that has been properly wrapped.
A swaddled baby should not be covered with another blanket, because the bedding is loose and could cover their face and subsequently cause suffocation.
What options are available?
A baby does not need a blanket to sleep comfortably, so if yours is younger than 12-18 months or you don’t want her to use soft bedding, you can dress her in either a wearable pillowcase or a sleep sack.
The one-piece garments are designed to cover your child’s body, but not her head. These outfits have snaps, zippers, or elasticized gathers at the bottom.
Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that temperatures inside your home or in your baby’s room may be quite high, so this extra layer might not be necessary. 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for good sleep in all seasons. However, if the room runs very warm, this extra layer may not be needed.
Overheating an infant can lead to SIDS, so raising the thermostat or over bundling can lead to it.Try feeling your baby’s nape to find out if she’s warm enough at night.If she feels cold or if she’s sweating, it means she’s too hot, and if her skin feels cold, translates to more clothing..
She needs to add another layer if her skin feels cold, and if her skin feels very hot or she is sweating, and very hot.
Conclusion
As you can see, blankets are not recommended for use in very small children. Overall, It’s important for you to feel comfortable in the sleepwear your baby is wearing so that you can determine whether it is the right weight.
Father of four home schooling kids.