When can babies sleep with blankets?

How to Choose the Right Blanket for Your Baby

As a new parent, you want what's best for your baby. When it comes to choosing a blanket to sleep in, there are many factors to consider. What material should it be made of? How big should it be? What color should it be? Weighted?

There are a lot of options out there but don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect sleeping blanket for your infant.

When choosing a blanket for your baby, it is important to consider their sleeping habits and what type of blanket will best suit them. Some babies may prefer a lightweight sleeping blanket while others may need a heavier, weighted blanket to keep them warm in their crib at night. It is also important to consider the season, as blankets can get very cold in the wintertime.

Some babies will sleep better with a fitted mattress/crib sheet instead of a blanket. A fitted sheet is less likely to get tangled up and will allow your infant to move around easily during sleep. If you choose to use a sleeping blanket, be sure to choose one that is the right size and weight for your child.

When is it Safe for Babies to Sleep with Blankets

When can babies sleep with blankets? Generally speaking, once your baby is over 12 months.

It may also depend on the individual baby and their sleeping habits for sooner or later results. At 12 months and over, the infant's mind and body are ready to learn how to regulate their own body temperature, and so a sleeping blanket can help them to do this.

It's important to note that babies should never sleep with a blanket on their face or neck as this can lead to overheating. Instead, they should use a blanket as a cover to keep them warm and comfortable.

Why Shouldn't a Baby Under 12 Months Sleep in a Blanket?

There are a few reasons why a baby under 12 months old shouldn't sleep in a blanket. The first reason is about strength. At younger than 12 months, an infant is not yet strong enough to keep themselves warm. A baby's body temperature can fluctuate a lot, and if they are sleeping in a blanket they may not be able to regulate their own temperature well enough to stay warm.

Secondly, when sleeping, blankets can pose a safety hazard for babies in their crib. If a blanket is too tight or too large, it can become wrapped around a baby's neck or body and cause strangulation or suffocation during sleep. Finally, newborns should not sleep in blankets because they need to learn how to sleep on their own. Sleeping in a blanket can confuse them and make it harder to learn how to sleep without their favorite "blanky" at a later age.

Sleep Safety Tips For Your Infant

Baby Blanket Material

There are a few sleep safety tips you can do to make sleeping with a blanket easier for your infant.

1. Make sure the size of the blanket can cover the majority of the crib. A large, comfortable blanket will help calm an agitated infant and allow them to relax. If the blanket is too small or restrictive, it may cause your baby to cry and become restless.
2. Choose a soft fabric like a cashmere baby blanket instead of a scratchy one. Soft blankets are hypoallergenic, making them ideal for babies who suffer from eczema or other skin allergies/ sensitivities. This type of fabric won't irritate delicate skin and will also wick away moisture so your baby stays dry throughout the night. Not to mention these fabrics are super comfortable for your infant to sleep in.

Baby Blanket Size

It may seem difficult to get your baby to sleep in a blanket, but with a few tips, it can be easier than you think. Follow these simple steps and your baby will soon be sleeping soundly in his or her own sleep sack!

Before trying to put your infant into his or her sleep sack, make sure the size of the blanket is just right. A good rule of thumb is that the blanket should fit snugly enough so that the baby's arms are completely covered but not so tightly that the baby cannot move around comfortably. For newborn infants, it is also important to make sure the blanket itself is a little hotter than room temperature.

Avoid Over Warming the Baby Blanket

One of the most common mistakes parents make when trying to get their baby to sleep is over warming the blanket. A baby can be affected by heat much quicker than an adult because their body temperature increases faster than adults. An infant is more likely to overheat and be affected by heat-related illness when sleeping in their crib in a sleep sack or baby blanket. This can cause the baby to become overheated and uncomfortable.

Please understand that a baby cannot control its own body temperature, especially those under 12 months. When it's cold, a baby cannot shiver, and when it's hot, a baby cannot remove layers of clothing or blankets. For this reason it's best not to have extra garments inside of the crib. When it's time to sleep, keep an eye on your child's temperature and look out for any other symptoms of a more severe heat-related sickness that might require medical attention such as dehydration or SIDS.

Both you and your baby will sleep better if you make sure they're at the ideal body temperature. Parents can take a number of precautions to protect their infant from overheating in their crib before it's time to sleep. You can adjust some aspects of the environment in your baby's nursery to keep them cool and safe. A baby's room should be kept at a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20- 22.2 degrees celsius).

During the colder months, there's definitely no need for your infant to wear "winter" clothes, so be sure to clothe them modestly underneath their regular PJs. The risk of a newborn baby overheating is also reduced by using a thin, lightweight, safe sleep swaddle, which is a great option for parents.

Create a Sleep Environment that is Comfortable for Baby

In addition to the blanket itself, it is also important to create a comfortable sleep environment for your Infant. This means avoiding bright lights, loud noises, and drafts. Try to keep the room dark and quiet, and place your baby's crib in a comfortable location.

Go for a design that's easy to care for

It's no secret that babies love to snuggle up in a warm blanket, and there are many benefits to bedding your child in one. A cozy blanket can help create a safe and comforting sleeping environment for your baby, as well as improve their sleep indicators such as breathing and heart rate. When making the decision of whether or not to use a blanket with your baby during nighttime (or in general), consider these tips:

• Go for a design that's easy to care for - A fuzzy and durable blanket is great for keeping your little one snug, but may be difficult to clean. Choose a design that is machine-washable and easy enough to put in the dryer on low heat. While baby blankets made from 100% cotton can be great for summertime use, they may not be as comfortable to sleep in cold weather.
• Cashmere blankets are a popular choice during autumn and winter, as they are both warm and soft. It is also important to note that while all blankets are made with the mindset of providing warmth, it is usually about determining how much warmth your baby needs. Since this factor can vary from baby to baby, we recommend trying a few to find the right one!
• Don't overthink the blanket size  - While it's important to keep your baby warm, don't overdo it. A small blanket can be just as effective as a large one when bedding your child for sleep.

Choose one that will last

There are many factors to consider when choosing a blanket for your baby. The type of blanket, the size of the blanket, and the material of the blanket are all important.

The type of blanket you choose will depend on your baby's sleeping habits. A swaddle sleep sack is a good choice for babies who like to be wrapped up in a tight hug. A soft fleece blanket is a good choice for babies who like to sleep on their side or stomach. A cotton or polyester blanket is a good choice for babies who like to sleep on either their back or stomach.

The material of the blanket is another important factor for things like regulating body temperature, skin sensitivity, overall comfort. Possibly the most common baby blanket material is cotton. Cotton is soft and great at regulating body temperature, and a great all-around option for your infant.

Fleece is a good choice for your baby to sleep in those colder winter months. But keep in mind, it's best used as an outer layer as fleece may cause skin irritation. For the best of both worlds, we recommend going with cashmere. Yes, it's a luxury and premium material, but the fibers from the cashmere goat are excellent for long lasting, comforting, and best option for baby blankets around!

In addition to being a great baby blanket option, cashmere is also perfect for clothes. Learn more about this and other fabrics for baby clothes by clicking the hyperlink.

The Benefits of Cashmere Blankets for Your Baby

Cashmere blankets are some of the most luxurious and soft blankets on the market: They are a perfect gift for your infant because of great warmth and comfort. Is your baby prone to overheating? Due to the breathability and construction of cashmere, you can be assured that your baby will always be comfortable. In addition to the warmth and comfort, cashmere baby blankets are very durable, perfect for life long use as your baby grows up. 

Differences Between Cashmere and other Blanket Materials

There are a few key differences between cashmere and other blanket materials. First, cashmere is incredibly soft and warm, making it the perfect material for cold winters. Babies who are susceptible to the cold will find great solace in being wrapped in cashmere comfort. Cashmere also absorbs sweat and body oil very well, which keeps your baby extra dry as they sleep in their crib at night.

Cashmere also makes for a thinner garment, meaning that it can be less scratchy or irritating to infant skin when compared to other common materials like wool or cotton. The density of the cashmere fibers means the baby blanket will be smoother, which is why cashmere blankets are so incredibly soft. When it comes to washing and caring for cashmere, they tend to retain their shape better thanks to the unique properties of the cashmere fibers.

Finally, due to its slow-drying properties, cashmere baby blankets can last for years if cared for properly.

How to Care for a Baby Blanket

When it comes to caring for a baby blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the care instructions to make sure the blanket is machine-washable. If not, hand-wash it in cold water with a mild detergent and lay it on a flat surface to allow for air drying. It's important that you never put a delicate blanket material like cashmere in the dryer, as you can damage the fibers.

When not in use, it's best to hang or properly fold the blanket and store it away from sunlight and heat.

The Best Time to Introduce a Blanket to Your Baby

When it comes to introducing a blanket to your baby, the answer can vary. Some babies sleep in their crib better without a blanket, while others may not be ready until or even after 12 months. Ultimately, it's up to you and your baby to decide when they are ready to sleep with a blanket. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make an easier decision.

Once an infant reaches 12 months old, babies can start becoming more mobile and curious of their surroundings. Introducing a blanket at this stage, will likely help with your baby falling asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. Why is 12 months such a factor? Well, in addition to all the information above, babies will also start to develop better sleep habits within their crib.

However, it is important to note that not all babies are ready for a blanket at 12 months. Pay attention to how your baby responds to changing temperatures and how easily they fall asleep: some babies may not be interested in sleeping with a blanket until they are older or until they have developed healthy sleep habits. It is important to listen to your baby and determine when they are ready for a blanket.

In Summary

If you're looking for a way to help your baby get a good safe sleep at night, introducing a cashmere blanket can be a great way to do it. There are many different types of blankets available, so be sure to choose one that is soft and comfortable for your baby. Cashmere blankets are an excellent option for babies who are 12 months or older, as they will be extremely soft and gentle on your baby's skin. Following the care instructions carefully to keep your baby blanket in good condition, will make it last for years to come!