When can babies sleep with blankets?

Precautions

Descriptions

Use only thin blankets

Make sure that the blanket you use is very thin, as thicker blankets could trap a baby and suffocate him. The blanket should be made of cotton, nothing else, and should be long enough to tuck into the mattress at the base of the crib or bassinet. The blanket should come up to the baby’s chest – never put a blanket over a baby’s shoulders.

Try to avoid using blankets

Even if it’s okay to do so, you might want to avoid blankets. That’s because blankets can heat a baby up quickly and make them feel restricted, both of which are not good for sleeping. A nice, heavy sleepwear can be perfect for the baby instead of a blanket.

Consider sleep sacks

A sleep sack, or a big gown that covers the baby’s entire body, can make a great alternative to the blanket. Babies love being swaddled, but when they get older they want more room to move. The sleep sack is perfect for this transition, and it is much safer than any blanket. Sleep sacks are also a great way to keep a baby warm.

Keep the clothing appropriate

When the room is too cold, it can be very tempting to cover your baby with a blanket. To avoid that temptation, make sure the baby is dressed appropriately in the first place. Cold weather calls for warmer clothing, such as heavier sleep sacks, cozy socks and perhaps small cardigans that fit snugly around the upper body. You can also try dressing your baby in a cotton one-piece, and then add footed pajamas or a sleep sack on top of that. Remember, layers keep a baby warm, just like they keep parents warm!

Watch the room temperature

You can avoid the problem of needing blankets altogether by keeping the baby’s room toasty warm. Install a heater in your baby’s room if necessary, one that is kept well away from the crib or sleeping area. Drafts can make a room very uncomfortable, so make sure the windows and doors are closed. Windows should have good weather seals on them. Finally, turn up the heat in the house, so that when you bring your baby out of their room, they will not be shocked by the colder air in the rest of the home.