When Can Your Baby Safely Sleep with a Blanket? A Parent’s Guide

As a sleep specialist, one of the most common questions parents ask is about when it’s safe to introduce a blanket into their baby’s sleep space. Let’s look at the clear safety guidelines and recommendations.

The Simple Answer:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your child is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket for sleep.

Why Wait Until 12 Months?

The reasoning behind this recommendation is based on safety:

• Before 12 months, some babies may lack the motor skills to move blankets away from their face
• Young infants can become entangled in loose bedding
• Temperature regulation abilities are still developing

How to Keep Your Baby Warm Without Blankets (0-12 Months)

Safe alternatives include:

• Wearable blankets or sleep sacks
• Properly fitted swaddles (for younger babies who aren’t rolling)
• Appropriate room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C)
• Weather-appropriate sleepwear

Need More Personalized Support?

Understanding baby sleep can be overwhelming, and every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer one-on-one coaching with our certified Baby-Led Sleep and Well-Being Specialists. Our coaches will:

• Help you understand what normal infant sleep looks like
• Create strategies for reducing night wakings without sleep training
• Support your family’s unique needs and parenting style
• Respect and support bed-sharing and breastfeeding choices

Or, if you’re looking for comprehensive education about baby sleep, our “Sleep Without Sleep Training” course offers:

• 44 modules covering everything about normal infant sleep
• Science and fact-based information
• Guidance on navigating common sleep challenges
• Support for following your parenting instincts
• Tools to help you make confident decisions for your unique family

Ready to get personalized support for your family’s sleep journey? Click here to learn more about our one-on-one coaching or our comprehensive Sleep Without Sleep Training course.

Note: Every baby is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. Our approach focuses on supporting your individual choices and helping you find solutions that feel right for your family.