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One of the most beautiful things in the world is a sleeping baby. As a parent you want to make sure your little one sleeps sound and safe. In this blog we will be talking about sleep safety with a focus on blankets in the crib. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of sleep safety will help you create a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby.

Why Sleep Safety Matters

Before we get into the nitty gritty of blanket safety let’s talk about why sleep safety matters for infants. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) creating a safe sleep environment is key to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep related incidents.

Safe Sleep Rules

To sleep safe for your baby follow these:

1. Back to Sleep: Always put your baby to sleep on their back for naps and at night. This reduces the risk of suffocation.
2. Firm Mattress: Make sure the crib has a firm flat mattress that fits snugly against the sides of the crib. No soft mattresses or mattress toppers.
3. No Loose Bedding: Keep the crib bare of pillows, stuffed animals and any loose bedding including blankets.
4. Temperature: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, around 68-72°F (20-22°C) so you don’t need to use heavy blankets and your baby doesn’t overheat.

Blanket Safety for Babies

Blankets can be warm and cozy but can also be a risk if not used correctly. Here are the must do’s for using blankets in your baby’s crib:

1. Use a Sleep Sack or Swaddle: Instead of traditional blankets use sleep sacks or swaddling blankets. These are designed to keep your baby warm without covering their face.

We recommend sleepsacks from Belan.J and Kyte Baby:

1. No Loose Blankets: Never use loose, fluffy blankets in the crib. Loose bedding can cover your baby’s face and increase the risk of suffocation.
2. Light Weight Materials: If you do use a blanket use one made of light weight material. This reduces the risk of overheating.
3. Tuck in Blankets: If you do use a thin, light weight blanket make sure it’s tucked in around the mattress and only reaches up to your baby’s chest. The blanket should be tucked in tightly so it can’t come loose.

For blankets we recommend the Copper Pearl Swaddle Blankets:

1. Monitor Room Temperature: Adjust the number of blankets or layers based on the room temperature. Don’t over bundle your baby.
2. Check for Safety Labels: When buying baby blankets or sleep sacks check for safety labels and certifications to make sure they meet safety standards.

Transitioning Away from Blankets

As your baby grows and becomes more mobile it’s time to transition away from blankets in the crib. Around 12 months you can start using a toddler sized sleep sack or simply dress your baby in warmer sleepwear to keep them warm during sleep.

Sleep safety is top priority for every parent. Follow the safe sleep and blanket rules and you’ll reduce the risk of sleep accidents and sleep peacefully while your baby sleeps. By following the dos and don’ts of blanket usage you’ll create a safe and snug sleep space for your little one.

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