Seeing your baby sleeping in cold weather may fill you up with fear. You may think to put a warm and cozy blanket in Crib to make your infant comfortable.

But actually, you are putting your baby at higher risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

A study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to lower the risk of SIDS reveals that adding soft toys, Pillow or a Blanket in a Crib, Pack N Play, Or a Bassinet is not safe up to certain age.

when can you put a blanket in the crib

These things can block the infant’s face & lead to suffocation because your newborn does not have the strength to remove or uncover their face.

Also, sometimes baby rolling in the Crib and his face blocked by the blanket can lead to infant death.

So now, what’s the solution; how can I keep my baby warm in winter? What should I do? When is it safe to put blankets in the Crib, and how to safely use them? Which crib blanket should I buy?

All these questions will be answered in this guide with proof and evidence to help you make better decisions for your infant. So stay tuned with me!

When Can You Put Blanket In Crib?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics [1], you can put the blanket in the Crib once your baby reaches up to the age of 12 months. Because at that age infant have enough strength to roll back [2] or uncover his face if he feels suffocated Or something interprets his airflow.

how to safely use blanket in crib

Statics also show that SIDS mainly occurs between 1 to 12 months, but this risk is even higher in infants between 1 to 4 months of age [3].

Even though SIDS can occur anytime during a baby’s first year, most SIDS deaths occur in babies between 1 and 4 months of age. SIDS is less common after 8 months of age, but parents and caregivers should continue to follow safe-sleep practices,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.

Erck B Lambert [4], the lead study author of the U.S CDSC in Chamberlee, also explain the same,

Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury death among infants <1 year old in the United States, with 82% being attributable to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.

Watch the below video by Nurse Dani [5] (labor and delivery nurse at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center).

So, at what age can you put a blanket in the Crib?

Well, in a nutshell, using a blanket in the Crib before 12 months is not a safe thing. But, once your baby becomes 1 year old, you can use it to keep him warm. Just follow the two golden rules are;

  1. The child must be above one year; and
  2. The child must be able to control their head

But, don’t forget to follow the safe sleep guidelines set by my APP to avoid any risk.

So, now we know when it is safe to use. But, now the next question is, how can you use the blanket in the Crib safely.

How To Safely Use Blanket In Crib?

First, make sure you only use the blanket designed for the Crib because it fits properly and is lightweight. Otherwise, you can use MuslinReceiving, Or Swaddle Blanket. They are safe for your baby and baby skin-friendly.

Now, follow the below-mentioned guidelines to use the blanket in the Crib safely;

  1. Don’t use more oversized blankets, as they can present strangulation and suffocation.
  2. Don’t use a blanket with long strings or ribbons on the edges, as they can wrap around the body and choke the baby.
  3. Check the blanket doesn’t impede the baby in any way.
  4. Place the baby’s feet at the bottom of the bed.
  5. Tucked blanket under the Mattress.
  6. Tucked blanket under baby’s arms. Don’t put a blanket over the baby’s mouth, arms and chest.
  7. Stomach and side sleeping is fine if your baby starts rolling and has sufficient muscle strength. Otherwise, put your baby to sleep on his back.

Check the below video to understand, How to use Muslin, Receiving, Or Swaddle Blanket safely can be used.

It’s okay if you give a soft blanket in a crib with safety measures to your one-year-old baby. But remove any soft toy, stuffed animals from the Crib before your baby goes to sleep. Use it after he transits from the Crib to a bed.

Note: Never use a pillow or widget to make him feel more comfortable; it only increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

If you need help, here is a guide: How to make crib more comfortable?

Here is the list of the best crib blanket, in case you want to check.

Now, what next. Well, here are a few more informative guides that help you to take care of your newborn baby!

  1. How to Make a Crib More Comfortable?
  2. How To Keep Crib Warm In Winter?

I hope you like our guide “How and When Can You Put Blanket In Crib?” and found it informative that it helps you make a valuable decision.

Now, it’s your turn. Let me know in the comments section what you think and which blanket you are going to buy. Let’s help other moms to make quick decisions.

And don’t forget to share the article because sharing is caring.

Dr. Sakshi Patel

Dr. Sakshi Patel

Senior Content Writer

Dr. Sakshi Patel, an expert in Human Development and Family Studies, combines her academic knowledge with personal experience as a mother to twins. She provides comprehensive articles and meticulous reviews on baby essentials, offering accurate and up-to-date information to help parents make informed decisions. Read more.