Quick Answer
Babies should not sleep with a loose blanket until at least 12 months of age, and many paediatric guidelines recommend waiting until 18 months to 2 years. Before this age, loose bedding in the sleep space is a suffocation and SIDS risk. The safe alternative for the first year is a wearable blanket or sleep sack, which keeps your baby warm without any loose fabric in the sleep environment.
Why Blankets Are Not Safe Before 12 Months
Young babies do not have the motor control to move a blanket away from their face if it covers their airway. A loose blanket in the sleep space can:
- Cover the baby's face and obstruct breathing
- Cause overheating, which is an independent risk factor for SIDS
- Become tangled around the baby during sleep
For these reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and equivalent bodies in the UK, Australia, and other countries recommend keeping the sleep space completely clear of loose bedding, pillows, bumpers, and soft objects for the entire first year.
The Safe Alternative: Sleep Sacks and Wearable Blankets
A sleep sack (also called a wearable blanket or baby sleeping bag) is the recommended way to keep your baby warm during sleep without the risks associated with loose blankets. Sleep sacks:
- Cannot cover the baby's face
- Cannot be kicked off, so your baby stays at a consistent temperature throughout the night
- Are available in a range of tog ratings to suit different room temperatures and seasons
- Come in sizes from newborn through toddler, so they can be used well beyond the first year
Choose a sleep sack with a tog rating appropriate for your room temperature. As a general guide, a 0.5 tog is suitable for warm rooms (above 24 degrees Celsius), a 1.0 tog for rooms between 20 and 24 degrees, and a 2.5 tog for cooler rooms between 16 and 20 degrees. Always check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific product you are using.
Choosing the Right Room Temperature
Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so maintaining a comfortable room temperature is as important as the bedding you use. The recommended sleep room temperature for babies is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius (61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Signs that your baby may be too warm include:
- Sweating or damp hair
- Flushed cheeks
- Rapid breathing
- Feeling hot to the touch on the chest or back (not the hands or feet, which are often cool even when the baby is warm enough)
When Can a Blanket Be Introduced?
Most paediatric guidelines suggest that a light blanket can be introduced from around 12 months, when the risk of SIDS decreases significantly and babies have greater motor control. However, many families continue using sleep sacks well into toddlerhood, as they are practical, safe, and effective at keeping children at a consistent temperature through the night.
If you do introduce a blanket after 12 months:
- Use a lightweight blanket rather than a heavy duvet
- Tuck it in securely at the sides and foot of the mattress so it cannot ride up over the child's face
- Ensure the blanket reaches no higher than the child's shoulders when tucked in
- Continue to avoid pillows until at least 18 months to 2 years
What About Swaddling?
Swaddling is a separate practice from blanket use and is appropriate for newborns when done correctly. A swaddled baby should always be placed on their back, and swaddling should be stopped as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling (typically around 2 to 4 months), as a swaddled baby who rolls onto their front cannot push themselves back and is at increased risk of suffocation. Swaddle wraps and transition swaddles designed for this developmental stage can help bridge the gap between swaddling and a sleep sack.
Key Takeaway
No loose blankets before 12 months. Use a sleep sack in the appropriate tog rating for your room temperature to keep your baby warm safely throughout the first year. After 12 months, a light, tucked-in blanket is appropriate, though many families continue with sleep sacks into toddlerhood. Keep the room between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius and watch for signs of overheating.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.