Ensuring a safe sleep environment for an infant is a primary concern for new parents. Current safety guidance, built on decades of research, requires the sleep space to be entirely clear of any items that could pose a risk. This commitment to a bare sleeping area includes all forms of soft and loose bedding, such as blankets, quilts, pillows, and crib bumper pads. Following these evidence-based practices promotes a consistently safe sleep routine.
Why Loose Bedding Poses a Risk
The primary danger of placing loose blankets in a crib is the risk of accidental suffocation and increased incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If a blanket shifts and covers the baby’s face, it compromises their ability to breathe. Studies indicate that soft bedding is the most frequent cause of sleep-related suffocation deaths among infants.
Young infants lack the motor skills and muscle strength to move a soft object away from their nose and mouth if breathing becomes obstructed. If the infant rolls their face into a soft surface, they may also start rebreathing their own exhaled air, leading to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide. The median age for soft-bedding related deaths is around three months. The risk is present with both heavy and lightweight materials, which is why the sleep space must remain completely clear for the first year of life.
The Recommended Age for Blanket Introduction
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises waiting until a child is at least 12 months old before introducing any loose bedding into the sleep environment. This milestone is linked to significant developmental progress that reduces the risk of sleep-related death. By this age, the risk of SIDS has decreased substantially, and children have typically developed improved head and neck control and the ability to maneuver their bodies within the crib.
The risk of SIDS is highest between one and four months of age, dropping steadily after six months. However, the safety recommendation extends to the first birthday to account for both SIDS and the risk of accidental suffocation. Waiting until the child is fully capable of easily moving objects away from their face provides an important safety margin. The ability to roll over is not sufficient justification to introduce a blanket, as the child must also have the strength and coordination to quickly and consistently remove an obstruction.
Once a child has passed the 12-month mark, the first blanket should be introduced thoughtfully and cautiously. Select a small, lightweight, and breathable blanket that is not overly thick or heavy. The sleep space should still remain minimalistic, meaning only one small blanket should be used, and soft items like pillows or bumper pads should still be excluded from the crib. A wearable blanket often remains a more practical option, as children frequently kick off loose covers during the night.
Safe Ways to Keep Baby Warm
Since loose blankets are unsafe for infants under one year old, parents must rely on safe alternatives to keep their baby warm. The preferred and most widely recommended option is the use of a wearable blanket, also known as a sleep sack. This garment is designed to be worn over the baby’s pajamas, zipping up around the torso and legs, much like a sleeping bag with armholes.
Wearable blankets provide consistent warmth without the risk of covering the baby’s face or being kicked off. They are available in various materials and thicknesses to suit different room temperatures. Another safe method for newborns is swaddling, which involves wrapping the baby snugly in a thin blanket to mimic the secure feeling of the womb and help manage the startle reflex. Swaddling must be discontinued immediately as soon as the infant shows any signs of attempting to roll over, which commonly occurs between two and four months of age.
The baby should also be dressed appropriately for the room temperature, typically in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear. Overheating is a known risk factor, so it is recommended to keep the room temperature regulated between 68°F and 72°F. Layers of clothing and the use of a breathable sleep sack are the most effective strategies for maintaining warmth while ensuring the crib remains bare.