When Can Babies Sleep with a Blanket?

Keeping your baby warm and safely tucked in overnight can help both of you sleep better. But between swaddles, sleep sacks, and blankets, it can be confusing to understand what you should use and when—especially if you’re a new or expecting parent.

In fact, you may wonder, when can babies sleep with a blanket? What types of baby blankets are considered safe?

Don’t worry, Mama—we’re here to help guide you on proper blanket use with your little one.

That’s why we’re here to help.

Find everything your baby actually needs, from the nursery to the bathroom and beyond, in this comprehensive newborn baby essentials checklist.

So, when can babies start sleeping with blankets? When it comes to a traditional loose blanket, it’s recommended to wait until your child is at least 18 months old to introduce them.

While children and adults can safely sleep with blankets, babies can easily become tangled in them, posing a risk. Prioritize back sleeping on a flat surface (crib or bassinet) with a fitted crib sheet , and avoid napping or overnight sleeping on chairs, couches, car seats, swings, or strollers. It’s also important to note here that loose covers, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers can all pose similar issues for newborns, so these need to be left out of the crib.

Once your baby is over a year old, it is safe to introduce some of these cozy items, so those adorable baby blankets and stuffed bears you bought won’t go to waste. 

Swaddling is an excellent option that provides both warmth and comfort. However, swaddling is only recommended for babies who haven’t tried to roll over yet. Once a baby can roll over, a swaddle can be dangerous as it prevents them from using their arms to hold themselves up while on their stomach.

If you swaddle, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always lay your baby on their back

• Ensure the swaddle is tight enough not to come undone but loose enough that your baby can still move their hips easily

As we mentioned, it’s only recommended to swaddle your newborn until they start to show signs of rolling over. Sometimes, this can happen as early as two months, so you’ll need an alternative before your little one is ready to switch to a blanket.

One idea is to swap the swaddling for layering. A general rule of thumb for dressing your baby in layers is to opt for one more layer than you would feel comfortable in.

Or, you can also give sleep sacks a try.

A  baby sleep sack  is a wearable blanket—imagine sleeping bags with sleeves or openings for your little one’s arms. Sleep sacks can be an excellent option for babies between the rolling stage and their first birthday (or those who otherwise aren’t ready to transition to a blanket).

Sleep sacks also work well for babies on the move. Their arms are out, allowing free movement, and they’re still able to kick their legs around.

Ensure you buy a safe sleeping sack in an appropriate size and TOG for your baby, and you’re ready to provide your little one with warmth and comfort. You can even continue to use sleep sacks after your child’s first birthday.

When your baby is ready for their first blanket, start with something thin and lightweight, and keep these safe sleep tips in mind:

• Avoid thick blankets to reduce the risk of accidental suffocation and overheating

• Choose a material that’s soft, breathable, and designed for sensitive skin

• Opt for blankets without ribbons or strings to reduce potential safety risks

With Posh Peanut, you can keep your baby safe, warm, and stylish. We pride ourselves on designing luxe, high-quality clothing, and accessories that are as soft as your baby’s delicate skin yet breathable and lightweight enough to help with temperature regulation. 

Whether you’re hunting for swaddles for your newborn or transitioning to loose blankets, we have everything you need to keep your little one cool and comfortable all day and night. And we have matching pajama options for parents, too!

See for yourself by shopping our extensive collection of adorable baby clothes and beautiful blankets today.

Sources: 

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 

2. American Academy of Pediatrics. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162938/60309/SIDS-and-Other-Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated?autologincheck=redirected 

3. Sleep Foundation. When Can Your Baby Sleep With a Blanket? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/when-can-baby-sleep-with-blanket 

4. Healthy Children. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx 

5. Healthy Children. Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby? https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx

6. Nationwide Children’s. Safe Sleep Practices for Babies. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/safe-sleep-practices-for-babies

7. VeryWell Family. What's the Difference Between a Swaddle and a Sleep Sack? https://www.verywellfamily.com/swaddles-and-sleepsacks-explained-7095735 

8. Healthline. When Can Baby Sleep with a Blanket? https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-can-baby-sleep-with-blanket#when-is-it-safe 

9. American Academy of Pediatrics. Safe Sleep. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/