Are Blankets Safe For Baby?

As a new parent, it’s normal to worry about your baby’s safety and comfort. You may wonder if your baby is getting enough sleep, proper diet, and staying warm enough at night. However, before you reach for a cute and cozy blanket to tuck your baby in at night, it’s important to learn when it is safe to let your baby sleep with a blanket.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping the crib free of blankets, pillows, toys, and other items until the baby turns 12 months old.

These items can be suffocation hazards and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Once the baby reaches the one year old mark, the AAP recognizes that SIDS is no longer a threat, therefore you can tuck your baby in with a blanket.

 

How To Keep Baby Warm Without A Blanket?

Keep in mind that toddlers tend to move around a lot when they sleep and can’t reposition covers until they’re closer to 18 to 24 months of age. Even then, it’s important to choose a blanket that isn’t too large or bulky.

Also, make sure the blanket is easy to wash and doesn’t have tassels or shed, as babies tend to put things in their mouths, especially if they are teething.

If you want to keep your baby warm without using a blanket, it’s important to maintain a cool and consistent temperature in the nursery. The temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit would be ideal.

Also, choose a spot for the crib that isn’t in the direct path of air conditioning or heating vents or too close to a window. This will keep drafts from getting into the room..

The AAP recommends using sleep sacks, onesies, wearable blankets, and swaddling to keep babies comfortable throughout the night.

Swaddling involves wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket before putting them to sleep, to mimic the close and cozy feeling they had in the womb. It’s important to keep the baby’s hips loose as you swaddle to prevent possible injury.

However, when the baby starts doing more independent movements and can roll over, swaddling should be stopped.

By 4 months of age, swaddling is not longer necessary, as the baby gets use to life outside the womb and doesn’t need the constriction of the swaddle. At this point, it’s important to give the baby the freedom to move around the crib, which helps the baby build gross motor skills.

 

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.