When Can Toddlers Sleep With a Blanket?

One of the most common questions among first-time parents is: when can my baby sleep with a blanket? Although blankets seem like a natural accessory to provide warmth and comfort, parents should know what is the best and safest time to introduce a blanket into their baby’s sleep routine. Also, let’s get the hang of blanket types best for sleeping and what alternatives are available for those who are not ready for a blanket.

When Can a Baby Sleep Safely with a Blanket?

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) organization recommends that babies sleep without blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals until they are at least 12 months old. However, some pediatricians believe that it is best to wait until a child is 18 months old.

For the first year, babies should sleep on a solid surface, such as a crib mattress, covered only by a fitted sheet. This is done to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) happening as well as other sleep-related accidents.

Beginning in their first year, it’s safest for babies to use a light blanket, but it’s important to continue to supervise their use. Choose blankets that are light and breathable, such as cotton blankets, to prevent your baby from overheating.

Many parents worry about whether their baby is really warm during the night. If you think they will be too cold in a long-sleeved onesie, it is better to use a wrap instead of a blanket.

Which Baby Blanket Is Best for Sleeping?

A baby blanket should be no longer than half the length of your child. It is also best to use blankets made of super lightweight and breathable materials, such as cotton or merino wool. Make sure the blanket you use is not too heavy - weighted blankets are not safe for a child and are generally not recommended until they are 5 years old.

When a child is a year old, or even better – 18 months old, it is worth getting them used to sleeping under a blanket because it is a good introduction to covering themselves with a duvet later on. But a blanket is also an important element for children related to a sense of security. Many of them have their favorite blanket, which helps them calm down, for example, during a few hours’ separation from their parents when they go to work or grocery shopping.

Nor Ready for a Blanket? Alternative Ways to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night

During the winter months, you may feel like your little one needs an extra layer to stay warm at night. Remember that even if you’re worried about your baby being cold, it’s not safe to put a blanket on the bed until your baby is one year old.

There are other ways to keep your baby warm without a blanket. Start by keeping the room at the right temperature during the night. In general, babies only need one more layer than you to feel warm. So, babies will be fine in a warm onesie or a fairly covering swaddle. If you are very worried about your baby getting cold, you can also use sleeping bags made of warmer materials, such as fleece, instead of cotton.

Let’s compare four different ways of baby cover so you have a choice to get the option that works for you and your little one best.

Comparing Different Ways to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night

1. Blanket

A universal solution that will work in many different situations is a blanket. A blanket can be the only cover on summer days; you can throw it over a duvet on winter evenings, it will also be useful during a nap or on a walk.

The best choice will be a bamboo, fleece, or cotton blanket. Such baby covers can be washed in a washing machine, which is a nice perk. A bamboo blanket has thermal insulation, anti-allergic, and antibacterial properties.

2. Baby Wrap

The swaddle works best for babies up to 6 months. It provides warmth, is made of good, natural materials, and does not pose a risk of overheating. The youngest babies feel very good in it because they are wrapped up similarly to their mother’s belly, but it is not tight.

The swaddle is also comfortable for carrying the baby. It is useful for feeding, and when unfolded, the swaddle can be used as a mat for tummy time or playing.

3. Baby Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is a top-notch solution for children who dig around at night. A sleeping bag does not restrict movement (it should be quite wide at the bottom), but at the same time, it does not allow the baby to uncover itself. It is safe because the baby cannot pull it over their head, nor will they turn onto their tummy in it, which is important for kids who cannot yet lift their heads.

A big advantage of sleeping bags is that they can be unzipped, and it is best to choose one that unzips along its entire length. This allows you to comfortably put the child in the sleeping bag, as well as change their diaper at night without waking them up.

4. Duvet

In winter, you can opt for a duvet. This is a classic option and will be optimal for many children, especially older ones. Choose a light cotton duvet with an anti-allergic filling. Do not buy a duvet with feathers. Pay attention to whether it is machine washable.

It is also worth paying attention to whether the filling in the duvet is sewn into the pillowcase. Thanks to this, during use and washing, the properly sewn filling does not move and always stays in place, and the cover will retain its shape.

When sleeping under a duvet, the child should be dressed lightly because the cover will certainly provide them with the right amount of warmth. You can tuck the corners of the duvet under the mattress, which will prevent digging.

Conclusion

To sum up, the best time when toddlers can sleep with a blanket is at 12 months old. If you’re super concerned and not sure if your little one is ready for a blanket, wait till 18 months old. Also, we mentioned the other ways to keep your baby warm at night and remember that different covers are best to introduce at different ages. Always consult your pediatrician if you’re not sure which blanket is best for your little one. Thankfully, there are dozens of baby blankets available on the market, including our personalized blankets, so you’re sure to pick the one that suits your sleeping needs best.

Also, feel free to read our baby blanket size guide that can help you make the right choice.