January 13, 2023
When can my baby safely sleep with a blanket? I’m worried about what might happen if I give her a blanket too early.
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As many as 3,600 infants die unexpectedly in the U.S. each year. Many of these deaths are believed to be related to SIDS, suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment (getting wedged into a tight space). Blankets may be a contributing factor to each of these.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using blankets for babies younger than 12 months. Other soft bedding items, including pillows, bumpers, fleece, and soft toys, should also be avoided in your child’s sleeping space.
If you are worried your child might get too cold, you can dress her in layers. Wearable blankets or sleep sacks are another good option for keeping your baby warm.
For more information on the topic of sleep concerning your baby or toddler, explore our resources here.
Tyler Sexton, M.D., is a physician specializing in pediatrics, a remarkable feat for someone who was born with Cerebral palsy, a condition often resulting in physical and mental disability, blindness, and seizures. From a young age, his steadfast determination and faith in God enabled him to achieve his goals in spite of numerous obstacles that included painful operations and therapy, setbacks, disappointments, and the low expectations of others. Tyler is also a motivational public speaker and a co-author with his mom of two books titled God Bless These Little Legs and No Such Thing as Can’t. Learn more about Tyler at his website, tylersexton.com.
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