Introducing blankets, pillows, and toys to the life of little ones is a typical yet very thoughtful stage in every new parent’s life.
Many of us have blankets sewn or knitted by the beloved ones that we use throughout our lives. Many people get these kinds of gifts at baby showers which are no doubt beloved keepsakes.
But what really is problematic here is how to incorporate these blankets in the life of a newbie. We wait for our babies to reach a certain age to introduce blankets in the bedding of babies.
Your babies doctor may have told you that you should avoid keeping blankets or any softer objects in the crib of a little one to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This syndrome is associated with sudden death due to suffocation while a baby is sleeping.
It’s essential to learn about When can a baby sleep with a blanket, and are these really safe? In this article, I will discuss when It is the safest time to start giving a Blanket to your baby. So let’s just get into the details of all your queries.
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When can a baby start to use blankets?
Are you wondering for when can a baby start to use blankets? The function of blankets is to serve warmth, so if you see your baby is cold and needs additional comfort, you can consider using blankets.
Before you think about introducing blankets in your baby’s crib, you must wait for his first birthday. Babies between the age of 1-2 improve their motor skills enough so when they find it suffocating, they can pull it off and move around.
If your baby has passed these milestones, then it is time to start using blankets for your little meatball. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that risks are associated with thick and large blankets.
Just ensure your baby’s Blanket is not too thick or has any feature of heavy fringe. Avoid using blankets with ribbons or strings as babies move around a lot, and these strings blankets can be problematic for them.
The type of Blanket
When you find out that your baby is old enough to start using blankets, then you must ensure certain factors including the type of Blanket to determine either it is safe or not.
Consider the Blanket’s size, fabric, and edging before using it in the baby’s crib.
The first thing is to consider the Blanket size; it must not be too large, which can cause suffocation to your baby even he has turned one. Prefer using smaller blankets to give your baby safe warmth—
secondly, Blanket’s fabric is crucial in its safety for babies. I suggest you give preference to blankets of muslin fabric over thick and quilted blankets. Blankets made of muslin can be breathed and are safe to use with infants.
Lastly, make sure the Blanket you prefer does not have strings or ribbons edging as these can wrap your baby and not safe to use at bedtime.
Is it safe for babies to sleep with blankets?
The biggest concern I have seen of many parents, is it safe for babies to sleep with blankets? I got a concise answer to this question, it all depends at what age you started using Blanket for your baby.
It can or cannot be safe for your baby. As babies can suffocate in Blanket if he doesn’t have developed enough motor skills, you may have to wait more than one year to use blankets.
For a baby under one year or less, the safest sleep environment is a bare crib free of comforters, pillows, blankets, and toys. Because your toddler needs only a fitted sheet tightly tucked on all sides.
When he is older than one year, then you may consider using blankets by carefully navigating the type of Blanket to make it super safe for your little one.
Make sure your baby is in a position to pull off the Blanket if he finds it suffocating, or you may concern your doctor to get help on his motor skills development.
Start with a lovie
Lovie can be useful for starters instead of using large blankets at first. You can find a good lovie and surprise your child with it.
Lovie is basically a stuffed object which babies use to soothe themselves to sleep better. What is really good about lovie is it does not pose any risk to your baby and give him the comfort he deserves.
While using it for the first time, you can watch your baby like what he does with it just to make sure everything is safe. So, introducing a lovie can help your baby along the road to a restful night’s sleep.
The best time to start using lovie is somewhere around 12 months before introducing Blanket to your baby’s crib. At this age, baby’s arms are free to sweep the crib, find their lovie and soothe themselves to settle.
How to wear a blanket?
Before you introduce blankets into your baby’s life, you must know how to wear a blanket to your little one.
Blankets can cover the entire nose and mouth of babies causing suffocation, so be aware of its proper and safe coverage on your baby.
A properly wrapped blanket on the baby’s body, not on his face, is safe and warm for him to sleep well. If you worry about your baby feeling too cold at night, then make sure he is wrapped well and safe.
Tightening your baby up in a Blanket may cause him to feel discomfort and restlessness in sleeping hours. While too loose bedding can cover your baby’s face. A safe coverage is not too tight or too loose, and don’t layer another blanket over a baby and cover him well.
As I have discussed earlier, using blankets for babies under 12 months is not safe as he can start rolling over in a Blanket, which may lead to suffocation.
Conclusion
At the end, I will say waiting for your baby to turn one year may seem a long time, but I guarantee this wait is worth for it.
Using adorable blankies on babies of older than one year is safe, and meantime you can use swaddles to keep your baby warm and comfortable.