How to Know When a Baby can Sleep With a Blanket

Using blankets in a baby's bed presents the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndome (SIDS). However, there are ways to reduce the risks of suffocation by choosing specific types of blankets, or even purchasing alternatives to blankets for baby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider using a blanket when the baby is a year old. At this age, the baby can use her hands to get the blanket away from her face if it happens to ride up there, and the risk of death from SIDS decreases dramatically.

2. Use a thin blanket. A thin blanket is much safer to use, since the risk of suffocation is much lower than with a thicker cover.

3. Dress baby appropriately. This eliminates the need for anything more than a thin baby blanket.

4. Remember babies only need as much cover as adults. Avoid using too many blankets, as this will just cause overheating. It also increases the risk the baby will get caught up in the blanket.

5. Tuck the blanket in at the bottom of the crib mattress and along the bottom sides. Make sure it only comes up to the baby's chest, below the armpit. This helps keep it away from the baby's face.

6. Try using a blanket sleeper. Especially when the baby is a small infant, this is a great alternative to blankets. They are usually made of a fleece material, and have holes for the arms. The bottom part is similar to a sleeping bag, and a zipper goes all the way from the bottom to the chin, like pajamas.