When Can Babies Use Blankets for Sleep?
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Ensuring the safety and comfort of babies is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to their sleep environment. Blankets can be a great way to keep babies warm, but determining when it is appropriate to introduce blankets requires careful consideration. Here is a guide on when babies can use blankets for sleep.
0 - 6 months:
During the first six months after birth, experts recommend that babies sleep only on a dry, clean, and firm surface. This means avoiding the use of blankets to cover the baby as it can increase the risk of suffocation. Instead, use appropriately sized fitted sheets to cover the mattress, ensuring that the baby's breathing is unobstructed. Here the muslin swaddle can be used for wrap babies, it can help baby with smooth sleeping when they are newborn.
6 - 12 months:
When babies reach six months of age, you can begin considering the use of blankets in their sleep environment. However, it is not recommended to cover them with blankets while they sleep alone, especially if they are under 12 months old. This is because young infants may have difficulty controlling the blanket, posing a risk of suffocation. Nevertheless, when you take your baby outdoors, such as using a stroller, you can use blankets to keep them warm.Also you can use blanket as playmat or crimb mat while they are doing day family time.
Over 12 months:
When babies reach 12 months old or start walking, you can consider using blankets in their sleep environment. At this stage, they have better control over the blanket, and the risk of suffocation is lower. However, it is still essential to ensure that the blanket does not cover the baby's face entirely, ensuring their breathing remains unobstructed.
Important considerations:
0 - 6 months:
During the first six months after birth, experts recommend that babies sleep only on a dry, clean, and firm surface. This means avoiding the use of blankets to cover the baby as it can increase the risk of suffocation. Instead, use appropriately sized fitted sheets to cover the mattress, ensuring that the baby's breathing is unobstructed. Here the muslin swaddle can be used for wrap babies, it can help baby with smooth sleeping when they are newborn.
6 - 12 months:
When babies reach six months of age, you can begin considering the use of blankets in their sleep environment. However, it is not recommended to cover them with blankets while they sleep alone, especially if they are under 12 months old. This is because young infants may have difficulty controlling the blanket, posing a risk of suffocation. Nevertheless, when you take your baby outdoors, such as using a stroller, you can use blankets to keep them warm.Also you can use blanket as playmat or crimb mat while they are doing day family time.
Over 12 months:
When babies reach 12 months old or start walking, you can consider using blankets in their sleep environment. At this stage, they have better control over the blanket, and the risk of suffocation is lower. However, it is still essential to ensure that the blanket does not cover the baby's face entirely, ensuring their breathing remains unobstructed.
Important considerations:
- Before using blankets for your baby, make sure they do not have any loose parts, such as tassels or fasteners.
- Choose blankets that are suitable for your baby's age and size, ensuring they are neither too big nor too small.
- Regularly inspect the condition of the blankets to ensure there are no signs of wear or damage.
In summary, when babies can use blankets for sleep depends on their age and ability. During the first six months, avoid using blankets to cover the baby to prevent the risk of suffocation. Between 6 and 12 months, you can gradually introduce blankets but still exercise caution. After 12 months, babies generally have better control and can use blankets, but it is crucial to ensure unobstructed breathing.
If you want to know more about baby blanket sizing, you can read this link.
