When can a baby sleep with a blanket?
Sleep is a popular topic among
new parents, as most of them do not get much pleasure from it. Every new parent
wants to do everything they can to help their child sleep peacefully and safely
for longer hours at night.
You may be tempted to give
your baby a soft, warm blanket to comfort him at night. However, blankets are
not recommended until your child is 12 months old, as they may increase the
risk of accidental suffocation.
Safe sleep guidelines for your child
Blankets may seem harmless,
but they are not safe for your baby to sleep or sleep in. Anything that covers
his mouth and nose can cause the child to suffocate.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
is the leading cause of death in infants between birth and 12 months of age.
Research shows that there are simple ways to prevent your child's risk of
sudden infant death syndrome:
- Alone: parents, brothers and sisters should not sleep with the child. "Alone" also means leaving blankets, pillows, toys, and bumpers outside your baby's crib.
- On the back:
The best sleeping position for a newborn is on the back. Sleeping on your side
or stomach can lead to choking. Your child may not yet be developed enough to
move his head if he cannot breathe.
- Crib: Place your baby in a crib or bassinet designed for baby sleep during sleep and nap time. Do not put the child to take a nap in a deck chair or swing.
It should be noted that while
experts recommend that your child sleep in their own bed, they also suggest
that you keep the crib in the same room as you for at least six months, and
preferably a year. When your child is around, you are more likely to hear and
help immediately if something is wrong.
Blanket alternatives
The main reason for using a
blanket is to make sure your baby is warm while sleeping. If you live in a
place where it gets cold at night, buy pajamas with legs to keep you warm. The
diaper is also safe to sleep in while your baby is still not rolling over.
Swaddles give your baby a sense of security and also provide extra warmth.
Once your baby starts to roll
over on his own, stop swaddling him before bed. Leaving their hands free makes
it easier for them to move around if they need to get their face off of
something.
Other ways to protect your baby while sleeping
Blankets aren't the only thing
to keep in mind while your baby is resting. Also, when laying them, consider
the following:
- Sleeping position for your baby. Although it is recommended that the child be placed on
his back, once he begins to roll over on his own, he may roll over on his
stomach or on his side. If this happens, you won't have to put them on your
back overnight again.
- A firm sleep surface.
Make sure your child never sleeps on a plush surface. When you run your hand
over the surface of the crib, it should be flat and firm. Don't place them on a
blanket or pillow, which could cover their face while they sleep.
- Temperature. You want your child to be warm, but not hot. Make sure they don't overheat with pajamas and a diaper if it's hot outside.
- Try breastfeeding.
When you breastfeed, you provide exactly the nutrition your baby needs. If you
don't want your baby to breastfeed, try expressing milk and offering a bottle.
Your breast milk helps them fight disease and infection by freeing their lungs
to breathe.
- Try a pacifier.
Babies who use a pacifier during naps and at bedtime have a lower risk of
sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure you choose a safe pacifier with a wide
enough base so that the baby does not choke.
- Avoid smoking. Second-hand smoke is the smoke your child breathes in while around a smoker. Third-hand tobacco smoke remains on clothes, blankets and sinks. Because your child's lungs are very sensitive, being around a smoker puts them at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.