During your baby’s first months of life, you’ve sworn by the “bare is best” rule for safe infant sleep. But there comes a time to introduce a blanket, especially when they’ve become a little walker. The question is: when can babies use blankets safely?
Parents should take this transition seriously, ensuring it happens at the right time and in the right way. You’re not alone, though! Our expert-backed article will walk you through the clear signs to help you decide.
This is part of our guide to baby blankets. You can learn more about creating a safe sleeping space for your baby.
The Official Recommendation: Understanding the “Why” Behind the Wait
Before deciding on the timing, you should first understand why experts give such cautious recommendations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Age Guideline
The AAP recommends that parents only introduce soft bedding, like a blanket, when their babies are at least 12 months old. Most AAP experts agree that these soft items pose little risk of suffocation and entrapment to babies who are 1 year old and older.
That said, other child safety experts and organizations advise waiting until your little one turns 18 months old or older. This timeline isn’t random, but it’s based on a baby’s physical growth and motor development.
Why the Wait? The Primary Risks Involved
The wait is well worth it because it reduces these risks of loose bedding:
- Suffocation: Babies under 12 months old don’t have enough muscle strength to pull a blanket away. This is a danger if it covers their face or nose.
- Entanglement: Your little one can get tangled in a blanket, causing discomfort, or, in the worst case, wrapping around their neck.
- Overheating: A thick blanket can increase your baby’s body temperature while limiting airflow, leading to overheating. This is one of the main culprits behind the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Is Your Toddler Ready? 3 Key Signs to Look For
Age aside, it’s crucial to look for developmental signs to decide when your baby is ready for a blanket.
Strong and Confident Motor Skills
This is the most important indicator. A baby can use a blanket when they can:
- Roll over effortlessly: Your little one can flip from back to stomach and vice versa.
- Sit up independently: They can sit up on their own without any help.
- Move freely in the crib: Your baby can move around, stand up in the crib, and get out of uncomfortable situations themselves. Simply put, they have to be strong enough to remove the blanket from their face when needed.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all sign since every baby is unique.
My baby can walk pretty well now, so I switched to a blanket instead of a sleep sack. But she keeps pulling the blanket over her face and sometimes nuzzles her face into the pillow when sleeping. I really panic whenever I see her like that. Any help?
Our advice: First things first, STOP using pillows at this time, Kate! The AAP suggests not using pillows until your baby is 2 years old. For the blanket, even when your little one seems ready for it, it doesn’t mean she has to use it right away. This is true even if she is old enough and able to walk.
Head-covering can cause risk of SIDS, so we recommend sticking with sleep sacks until your baby is at least 18 months old. At SwaddleAn, we offer sleep bags for babies up to 2 years old, so your little one might not yet outgrow this sleepwear.
The key takeaway is to observe your baby and trust your parental instinct.
Successful Transition from a Sleep Sack
If your baby has moved from a swaddle to a wearable blanket, that’s a great sign that it was time to stop swaddling. It means they sleep soundly without that snug, wrapped-up feeling, showing they may be ready for the next step in their development.
Choosing the First Toddler Blankets: A Guide to Safety & Comfort
Choosing the right toddler blankets for your baby is just as important as knowing when they’re ready for it.
Size Matters: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
Go for a small, lightweight blankets that match your baby’s crib or bed size, preferably 30x40 inches. Steer clear of adult or weighted blankets, which are too heavy and hazardous.
Material is Key: Prioritize Breathable Fabrics
Safety starts with the right materials. Always prioritize natural, breathable fabrics:
- The number one choices: Organic cotton and bamboo fabric are sought after. They are incredibly breathable, can regulate temperature well, and prevent overheating. These fabrics are also super soft to the touch, making them gentle on a baby’s delicate skin.
- Knit blankets: SwaddleAn’s knit blankets are also ideal options for your baby’s first blanket, bringing enough warmth without being stuffy. You can even add your child’s name on it!
Avoid Potential Hazards in Design
Before your baby can sleep with a blanket, make sure there’s nothing that could put your little one at risk:
- Avoid: Ribbons, tassels, detachable decorations, or loose stitching.
- Do not use: Blankets that are too heavy, thick quilted blankets, or weighted blankets for young children.
3 Steps to Introduce the Blanket Safely
Slowly introducing a blanket will help both you and your baby feel more comfortable.
- Start with nap time: Try using the blanket during short daytime naps when you can keep a closer eye on your baby.
- Keep the crib simple: When adding a blanket, don’t introduce pillows or stuffed animals at the same time. A minimal, clutter-free sleep space is always safest.
- Blanket placement matters: Lay your baby at the foot of the crib. Cover them with the blanket up to their chest and tuck the sides and bottom under the mattress. This keeps the blanket from sliding up toward the face.
A Safe Transition to Cozy Nights
Choosing the right time to introduce a blanket means balancing safety guidelines with your child’s developmental readiness. By waiting until your baby is old enough and strong enough, you're creating a cozy, secure sleep environment. Using a blanket designed with safety in mind encourages sweet dreams.
At SwaddleAn, your baby’s comfort and safety are always our top priority. We're here to support you through every milestone.
References
- Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation: https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article/doi/10.1542/peo_document088/79989/Safe-Sleep-and-Your-Baby-How-Parents-Can-Reduce
- Safe and sound: Help young children get a good night's rest: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/28/3/25/21710
