When Can My Baby Start Sleeping with a Blanket?

Is it safe for a newborn to sleep with a blanket?

If we’re talking about covering your baby with a loose blanket, the answer’s no. Loose blankets pose a significant safety risk to babies under 12 months old, since there’s a danger of the blanket covering their nose or mouth and causing suffocation. Because of this, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is dramatically increased. The same goes for comforters, pillows, and soft toys. 

However, as long as it’s tucked in snugly on all sides — with your baby’s feet at the foot of the crib and the blanket coming no higher than their shoulders — then it’s generally safe for your newborn to sleep with a blanket. Just remember that they should sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface, free from any loose bedding or objects. 

How else can I keep my baby warm at night?

In addition to using a safely tucked-in blanket, there are a few other things you can do to keep them warm and snuggly enough as they sleep — especially in the winter months when their room might get particularly chilly. For example:

• Use a sleep sack or sleeping bag, ensuring it fits snugly while still allowing your baby to move their legs freely.

• Keep the room temperature at 68–72°F (20–22°C), as this creates the optimal conditions for safe, comfortable sleep.

• Add layers — for example, a snug-fitting onesie and a pair of footed pajamas (if in doubt, dress your baby in one more layer than you’d wear in the same room).

• If it’s particularly cold, keep their hands and feet covered with mittens and socks — but ensure they fit snugly so they can’t slip off and cause a hazard.

Of course, while you want to create a warm, cozy environment for your little one, it’s essential not to risk overheating your baby by putting them in too many layers or setting the room temperature too high. If their back or neck feel sweaty to the touch, you should consider removing a layer of clothing or lowering the temperature.

When is it safe for a baby to sleep with a loose blanket?

As per the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s not safe for your baby to sleep with any loose bedding or objects in their sleeping area — including soft toys, pillows, and blankets — until they’re at least 12 months old, while many experts suggest it’s best to wait at least 18 months (especially if your baby was born prematurely). 

By 12 months, most babies have developed the physical and motor skills needed to roll over, reposition themselves, and push objects away if they obstruct their breathing, so it’s generally much safer to introduce loose bedding. There’s also a much lower risk of SIDS at this stage, so the presence of a loose blanket poses less of a safety concern.

If you do decide to let your baby sleep with a loose blanket from 12 months onwards, here are a few factors to consider: 

• Choose a blanket made from a thin, breathable material such as cotton or muslin. 

• Avoid heavy, thick blankets like quilts of comforters.

• Make sure the blanket has no loose elements attached like buttons, ribbons, or tassels. 

• The blanket should be appropriately-sized for your little one — with no excess blanket hanging over their crib or bed.

To introduce a loose blanket safely, it’s often best to offer it during supervised naps at first, so you can see how your baby adjusts. You should lay the blanket securely across them, tucking it in at the sides of the crib if needed to reduce movement. It’s important to place the blanket no higher than their shoulders to avoid covering their face.

Can I swaddle my baby in a blanket?

Yes. While it’s not recommended to let your baby sleep with a loose blanket until at least 12 months of age, swaddling them in one is a different matter. This involves snugly wrapping them in a thin, breathable blanket, creating a womb-like sense of security and calm — which can help to tame your baby’s Moro reflex and encourage longer, deeper sleep.

Swaddling your baby isn’t something you should necessarily do for every sleep, but it can be useful for those times they’re feeling particularly fussy or sleep-resistant.

In order to swaddle your baby safely, it’s important to remember the following:

• Always place your swaddled baby on their back on a firm, flat surface.

• Keep the swaddle snug but not too tight, ensuring they’re comfortable but allowing for natural movement.

• Dress your baby in light layers to avoid overheating.

• Avoid placing any loose items in the bed such as pillows or soft toys.

When should I stop swaddling my baby?

You should avoid swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs they’re able to roll over. Swaddling restricts movement, so it can be dangerous if your baby manages to roll onto their stomach and is then unable to roll back into a safe sleeping position. 

Babies usually show signs of ‘rollability’ at around 2 months, but you should stop swaddling altogether by 16 weeks at the very latest.

The blanket-or-no-blanket debate can be a little confusing, since they can be great for things like swaddling but can’t be used as loose bedding for at least the first year. The general rule is: covering your newborn in a snugly tucked-in blanket is perfectly fine, but sleeping with a loose blanket is a no-no until they’re at least 12 months old. 

For more information on creating the optimal conditions for safe, cozy sleep, take a look at our guides to setting your baby’s room temperature and how to dress them for bed.

Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in December 2024.