Published
Sep 24, 2024
in
Sleep
Sleep
Published
September 24, 2024
9/24/24
in
Sleep

Can babies sleep with a blanket?

Blankets, swaddles, and tips for safe sleep
Dahlia Rimmon, RDN
Written by
Dahlia Rimmon, RDN
Content Writer
Jess Ellsworth
Medically reviewed by
Jess Ellsworth
Certified Sleep Consultant

What is safe sleep?

To keep your baby safe while they sleep, put them down to sleep on their backs in an empty crib or bassinet to reduce the risks of suffocation, strangulation, choking, and lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

When can a baby sleep with a blanket?

Avoid placing loose blankets in your baby’s sleep space as they can pose a suffocation risk and increase the risk of SIDS. It’s safest to wait until after your baby’s first birthday before introducing a blanket. By then, they can roll over and move objects that fall on their face and obstruct their breathing.

Ways to keep your baby warm without a blanket

Even without using a blanket for sleep, you can keep your baby warm at night with these alternatives:

  • A swaddle or sleep sack
  • By dressing your baby in cotton undershirt under their pajamas
  • Ensuring the room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees F

When babies begin rolling

Most babies begin rolling onto their side or stomach between 3 and 5 months old. Once your baby begins to roll, discontinue swaddling and use a wearable blanket like a sleep sack. This allows them to use their hands and arms to lift their head if they roll onto their side or stomach during sleep.

Are weighted swaddles or sleep sacks safe?

No, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using weighted swaddles and sleep sacks.

Lovies, stuffed animals, and pillows

The AAP recommends waiting until your baby is two years old and out of the crib before introducing pillows. At age 2, you can offer your child a small and firm pillow. You can introduce a small lovie or a stuffed animal after the first birthday. It should be lightweight, easy to clean, and free of small or loose parts that pose a choking risk.

Safe sleep practices for infant sleep

Back to sleep

Always put your newborn baby to sleep on their back. Placing them on their belly or sides increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS.  

Keep cribs empty

Cribs and bassinets should be clear of blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding, crib bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. Never attach any items to the crib slats, including toys or pacifiers, as they can pose a suffocation or strangulation risk. Do not put your baby to sleep before removing these items from their sleep environment.

Don’t bed-share

Always put your baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet. Bedsharing or co-sleeping increases the risk of accidentally rolled onto your baby and causing suffocation. Bed sharing includes sleeping in your bed in a baby pod, cushioned mat, or Dock-A-Tot. These products are not intended for sleep and should not be used.

Use a safe crib or bassinet

Only use a crib or bassinet that adheres to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This can ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Never use cribs that have been recalled, have broken pieces or parts, or are missing hardware.

Room-share

The AAP suggests room sharing with your baby for the first six months because it significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Placing your baby's crib or bassinet near your bed makes it easier to watch your baby and hear them throughout the night.  

Thank you for reading the Summer Health blog! We’d love your feedback to ensure the blog continues to meet your needs along your parenting journey. Share your thoughts for a chance to win a Lovevery play mat.
Sleep
Babywearing
Toddler
Newborn
Feeding
Gastrointestinal Issues
Skin Issues
Vitamins and supplements
Vomiting and diarrhea
Condition
Vaccines
Development
Sleep training
Development
Tummy time
Development
Sleep
Sleep
Rashes
Condition
Starting solid foods
Nutrition
Potty training
Development
Fever
Illness
Pink eye
Illness
Ear pain
Condition
Feeding issues
Nutrition
Minor cuts and scrapes
Condition
Diaper rash
Condition
Developmental milestones
Development
Cradle Cap
Condition
Constipation
Condition
Cough
Illness
Belly pain
Condition
COVID-19
Illness
Colds
Illness
Breastfeeding
Nutrition
Explore Summer Health
Ask about 
sleep
Our team of pediatricians are ready to answer the everyday questions you have about your child’s health.
Get started
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/mo

Got questions about

sleep

?

Our team of pediatricians are ready to answer your questions about
sleep
and all the everyday questions you have about your child’s health.
Text a pediatrician
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about food and nutrition?

Our nutritionists are ready to help with your family’s feeding questions.
Text a nutritionist
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about behavioral development?

Our development experts are ready to help with your behavioral questions.
Text a development expert
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about sleep?

Our sleep specialists are ready to help with your child’s nap and nighttime questions.
Text a sleep specialist
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month