Can Babies Safely Sleep With Blankets In Their Cot? 

We all like to snuggle up in bed with a good blanket, there’s nothing cosier. So naturally you may think a blanket would make a nice, comforting addition to your baby’s cot. Perhaps you’ve received an adorable baby blanket for your new arrival and can’t wait to use it. However, blankets in the cot are generally a no-no for babies.  

Safe sleeping guidelines recommend that babies sleep on their backs in a cot or bassinet, free from obstructions such as pillows, soft toys or loose blankets. Instead, opt for a safe infant sleep bag or swaddle, depending on your baby’s age. In this article, we’ll explore at what age you can introduce a blanket to your baby’s cot or bed, and provide some alternative suggestions to using blankets. 

 

What are the risks of allowing your baby to sleep with a blanket? 

Blankets, sheets, and pillows in cots or bassinets increase the chances of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death).    

 

Allowing your baby to sleep with a blanket: 

• Increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies are at greater risk of SIDS if they have unsafe sleeping environments. 

• Increases the risk of fatal sleeping accidents due to obstructed breathing. 

Babies can move around their cot space a lot during the night, so if there are blankets or any loose objects in the cot, there is the risk that they may obstruct their delicate and tiny airways. Infants lack the strength to move themselves away from hazards or obstructions by themselves, increasing the risk of suffocation.  

Considering the risks outlined above, it is strongly advised by Red Nose Australia and many other health organisations around the world, that in order to maximise the safety of your baby, the cot should remain free from any obstructions, including blankets. 

 

When can a baby sleep with a blanket? 

If you’re wondering when infants can sleep with blankets, there is no universally agreed, official age for when blankets can be introduced to your child’s bed or cot. However, most experts agree that children should be at least 12 months of age, but ideally 18 months or older before blankets are used. This is for a number of safety reasons.  

From 18 months of age, you can introduce a blanket to your baby’s cot, if you choose to. It’s advised that the blanket is firmly tucked in at the bottom of the cot, coming up no higher than the chest to ensure it can’t be raised above your child’s head during sleep.  

 

How can I keep my baby warm at night without using a blanket?  

There are a number of ways to keep your baby warm at night without the need for a blanket: 

Swaddles – From birth until the time your baby begins to roll over or lift themselves up (usually around the 4- month mark), babies can be kept comfortably warm through the night with appropriate clothing and either a swaddle or Swaddle Up™. The advantage of using a Swaddle Up, is that when it is correctly fitted, it won’t come loose as your baby moves around during sleep. They are also available in different thermal grades to suit each climate. This is ideal if you’re concerned about your baby becoming cold overnight. 

Transition suit or Sleeping bag – When your baby begins to roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling and move them into a Transition Suit or Sleep Bag. Sleep bags are a perfect alternative to using a blanket in a cot, as when correctly fitted, they can’t come loose overnight, meaning that your baby’s comfort temperature will remain steady. 

Layering clothing – Layering your baby’s clothing underneath a swaddle or sleeping bag is a much safer alternative to using a blanket. During the cooler months you may choose additional layers such as a bodysuit with leggings, or a bodysuit underneath a romper to maintain warmth overnight.  

Use our clothing guide for more ideas on what layering combinations are suitable in each climate. When layering clothing, always make sure to check your baby’s temperature to ensure they’re not at risk of overheating. 

 

Is it safer to swaddle my baby rather than use a loose blanket?  

It’ is much safer to swaddle your baby than to cover them in a loose blanket. Correctly swaddling your baby so there are no loose parts, or using our a Swaddle Up™ negates the risk of having a blanket pose a safety hazard to your baby by potentially obstructing their breathing. Swaddles offer warmth and come in a variety of safety-conscious designs, made for a range of climates. 

 

Are there any specific types of blankets that a baby should sleep with? 

When your baby reaches 18 months or older, and if you decide to introduce a blanket, ensure it is lightweight and breathable. Red Nose Australia recommends that if using blankets, you should layer lightweight blankets that can be easily added to, or removed according to the room temperature, and that can be tucked underneath the mattress. Check that the blanket is firmly tucked in and that it cannot cover your baby’s head during sleep. 

 

When can a toddler sleep with a blanket? 

After around the 18 month to 2 year mark, you may choose to offer your toddler a lightweight blanket, (firmly tucked in) for sleep. 

 

So, rather than using that adorable knitted blanket for your baby’s bed, consider using it to keep their feet warm on chilly days out in the stroller instead. For helpful advice and ideas on creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, check out our Sleep Library.