Curious about when your little one can finally have a blanket at bedtime? Here’s what you need to know about blankets and baby sleep safety.
Is it Safe for Babies to Sleep with Blankets?
In short, no. Blankets can pose a significant risk in the crib. Every year, approximately 3,600 infants in the U.S. die unexpectedly during sleep, often due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation—risks that are heightened by the use of blankets. To ensure the safest sleeping environment, it’s best to keep your baby’s crib completely free of soft bedding, including blankets.
When Can I Introduce a Blanket?
The recommendation is to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing any type of blanket. By this age, the risk of SIDS significantly decreases, making it safer for your child to have a blanket in their crib. Until then, you can keep your baby warm with appropriately fitted sleep sacks or wearable blankets that are designed for infants.
How to Keep Your Baby Warm Without a Blanket
To ensure your baby stays cozy without the risks associated with blankets, consider using sleep sacks or swaddles. These alternatives are safer as they won’t lead to suffocation or entrapment. You might also want to check out this link to makeamom.com for fertility supplements that can pair well with your home insemination journey, as well as this authority guide on pregnancy-safe skin care ingredients to keep your skin healthy during pregnancy.
Summary
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to use those adorable blankets for your baby, it’s crucial to prioritize safety first. Wait until your baby is at least 12 months old to introduce a blanket into their sleeping environment. Until then, opt for safer alternatives to keep your little one warm and snug.