A 2021 study by the AAP revealed that 75% of explained suffocations in infants resulted from soft bedding. This is all the more reason to learn about baby blanket safety, ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby.
At SwaddleAn, we aren’t only committed to producing high-quality, safe baby products. We also become your trusted companion who provides you with science-backed parenting knowledge. This thorough baby blanket guide will dive deeper into the safety rules and maintenance tips for blankets.
Safe Sleep Fundamentals: The AAP’s Golden Rules
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep guidelines are the cornerstone of the safe sleep fundamentals. These are non-negotiable rules that help reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The “Bare is Best” Philosophy
The number one rule is “bare is best.” In the first 12 months, the AAP recommends your baby’s crib or bassinet should only have:
- A firm, flat mattress
- A well-fitted sheet
- NO loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or any other loose bedding.
The reason is simple. These soft, loose items can accidentally cover your baby’s mouth and nose, blocking their airway and posing a suffocation risk.
Worse yet, they can create pockets of stale air, so your little one may re-breathe in the carbon dioxide they’ve just breathed out. A drop in oxygen and a surge in carbon dioxide is the shortest way to breathing issues.
To make sure this doesn’t happen to your little angel, check out our safe sleep guidelines!
The Safe Alternative: Wearable Blankets
So, how to keep your baby warm without using loose blankets? Wearable blankets are the way to go! These blankets, specially designed so your little one can wear them like a sack, are experts’ choices.
These wearable blankets embrace a baby’s body snugly and only come up to their chest. So, they offer snug coziness while leaving the airway free, eliminating the risk of suffocation associated with loose blankets. Even better, its sack-like design ensures your little one can’t kick it off or pull it over their face.
Shop SwaddleAn Wearable Blankets for Your Baby Safe Sleep!
Essential Swaddling Safety: Do’s and Don’ts
Swaddling can benefit both the baby and parents, but only when you do it right. Follow the hip-healthy technique to swaddle your little one safely without affecting their healthy growth.
Proper Technique for Healthy Hips
When swaddling, you can wrap the baby’s upper body snugly for a secure sensation. However, always leave enough space in the bottom part. This allows your little one to bend and stretch in the frog-legged position naturally.
Wrapping the bottom part too tightly can put a lot of pressure on the baby’s hip. This can hinder normal hip development and potentially lead to hip dysplasia.
The Critical Transition: When to Stop Swaddling
Here is a fundamental safety rule: Stop swaddling when your baby starts rolling over. Some common signs include your little one trying to flip to their stomach from their back or easily rolling over while playing.
Rolling over with swaddled arms means they can’t manage to push up or turn their head when pressed down to the mattress. This poses a serious risk of suffocation if parents don’t step in promptly.
A Serious Warning: Never Use Weighted Blankets on Infants
Never use weighted blankets for your babies! Multiple medical organizations warn that these products can put a strain on a baby’s weak, immature rib cage. This can also put a strain on their stomach. It doesn’t take much pressure to obstruct their respiration and reduce the oxygen level.
At SwaddleAn, safety is always our top priority. So, we advise against using weighted blankets for infants, despite any hype about their benefits.
A Practical Guide to Blanket Care & Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance for baby blankets helps them last longer. It also ensures your baby’s safety and hygiene. This is even more important for natural fabrics that SwaddleAn uses. They require special, gentle care to maintain their superior properties.
How to Wash and Care for Different Materials
The key to a longer lifespan and lasting softness of baby blankets is routine washing and care.
- Cotton & Bamboo (like SwaddleAn’s baby blankets): Machine wash with cold or warm water on a gentle cycle to protect the soft fibers. Air-dry or tumble dry on low to maintain the softness and prevent shrinkage.
- Fleece & Minky: Wash in cold water. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can make the fabric less soft and less absorbent over time.
- Wool: Hand-washing is best. If you use a washing machine, choose a wool-specific cycle with cold water to minimize shrinkage and misshaping. Lay flat when drying to keep its shape.
Need more detailed instructions? Follow our guide to washing and caring for baby blankets here!
Choosing a Baby-Safe Detergent
Always go for odor-free, dye-free, and allergy-free liquid/powder detergents. We can’t stress enough how delicate a baby’s skin is. Even a little residue of harsh chemicals in the detergent can cause irritation, itchiness, and rashes. Look for products with a “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin” label.
Safety and Comfort, Hand in Hand
Creating a safe sleep space doesn’t mean giving up warmth and comfort. In fact, true comfort comes from peace of mind. By following AAP safe sleep guidelines and knowing when to stop swaddling, you're setting the stage for restful nights. Choosing smart alternatives like wearable blankets and caring for blankets properly also helps create a worry-free environment.
Ready to give your little one the safest sleep? Shop our baby blankets designed to the highest safety standards. We also provide the knowledge you need to make the best choices for your family. Your peace of mind is the foundation of your baby’s sweetest sleep.
References
A Guide to the 4 Different Types of Baby Blankets
The Best Baby Blanket Materials for Your Baby's Skin
Baby Blanket for Every Occasion: A New Parent's Guide (2025)
A 2-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Baby Blanket Size
References
- Explaining Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, 2011–2017: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/147/5/e2020035873/180831/Explaining-Sudden-Unexpected-Infant-Deaths-2011
- Safe Sleep: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/
