Learn when it’s safe for a baby to sleep with a blanket in the crib
If your baby has outgrown the swaddling stage and you’re wondering when can babies have blankets in the crib, keep reading. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that Bare is Best which means nothing goes into the crib with baby until they are at least 12 months old. That means no blankets, no toys, no bumpers anywhere in their sleep space due to risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The chances of SIDS appear to be greatest for infants between 1-4 months, and greatly seem to decline by the 1-year mark. So until then, remember that bare is best when it comes to infant sleep. More FAQs about when can babies have a blanket in their crib are below:
When can you put a blanket in baby’s crib?
Because of risks of SIDS, it’s best not to put anything to sleep with your baby until they are at least 12 months old. That means no blankets, no toys, no bumpers anywhere in their sleep space but baby himself, dressed in either a swaddle or a sleep sack. But once your baby reaches 18 months, it’s generally fine for them to sleep with a blanket or comfort object as they are likely able to push it out of the way on their own.
Prior to that milestone, a sleep sack is a great option to ensure that baby is safe while he sleeps. A sleep sack is basically a wearable blanket that can be used starting at birth, however most parents feel that swaddling is a better option for their newborn. Swaddling is meant to mimic life inside the womb and is a familiar feeling for your newborn to be wrapped up tight and snuggly. That said, sleep sacks are a great and easy option for new parents who are intimidated by swaddling techniques.
Why should you not put blankets in a crib?
While there’s no 100% guarantee to prevent SIDS, a good place to start is your baby’s sleep space. A safe sleep environment should also be a healthy sleep environment that creates a safe sleep space for baby. In addition to the bare is best concept, according to the AAP, follow this acronym for the ABC’s of safe sleep to help reduce the chances of SIDS:
- A – ALONE. Baby should always sleep alone but in the same room as her caregiver
- B – BACK. Baby should always, always, always, be put to sleep on her back – both for naps and nighttime sleep.
- C – CRIB. Baby should sleep in a crib or co-sleeper with a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheet – that is it! No bumpers, no extra bedding, no cuddle toys!
How do I keep my baby warm at night without a blanket?
If you’re still wondering when can my baby have a blanket in the crib because you’re concerned your baby may be cold or need that extra bit of comfort, sleep sacks help regulate your infant’s body temperature which keeps him from being too cold, too hot, and makes their sleep just right. Sleep sacks help ensure that your infant will sleep safely by eliminating the need for anything extra in his crib. No blankets, no toys, just baby in his crib, bassinet or co-sleeper, in nothing but his wearable blanket!
What age can babies have a blanket in bed?
The chances of SIDS appear to be greatest for infants between 1-4 months, and greatly seem to decline by the 1-year mark. So if you’re still questioning when can a baby have a blanket in the crib, it’s best to wait until he’s at least a year old. Until then, to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome, please put baby to sleep on his back for all sleep and remember that bare is best when it comes to anything extra in his crib.
Typically, the age baby can sleep with blanket, whether to keep him warm or as a comfort object, is at least one year old and/or when he can safely keep a blanket from covering his nose and mouth.
Are comforters SIDS safe?
Comforters are a no-no when it comes to safe sleep for your infant. Remember, AAP guidelines say that bare is best for infant sleep. In this case, “bare” simply means that baby should be put to sleep in an empty crib. Just baby, on his back, in a onesie, swaddle, or sleep sack, on a firm mattress and that is it! No comforter, no bedding, no pillows and no toys! This helps to avoid accidental suffocation which is one of the believed causes of SIDS.
Can you use a weighted blanket in a crib?
Using a weighted blanket in the crib is really a matter of size and weight as opposed to age. That’s why it’s always best to follow manufacturer instructions. That said, no blankets of any kind should be used in your baby’s crib until he is old enough to push it aside on his own to avoid the risk of suffocation. Until then, a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a great option for crib sleep because it helps to keep baby safe and secure. Read more on this in the next question!
Are weighted wearable blankets safe for babies in the crib?
Wearable blankets are considered safe when it comes to crib sleep because they adhere to the AAP recommendations of safe sleep and the bare is best concept. The Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack has been designed to reduce stress and increase relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give your baby feelings of security and comfort – like a hug! Weighted sleep sacks are proven to calm your baby and help baby sleep better for longer stretches of time.
