When it's safe for babies to sleep with blankets

It might be tempting to go shopping for that classic baby blanket, but blankets can be a hazard for infants. Find out how to keep you baby warm and safe.

• A newborn child is at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when sleeping with any loose bedding, from pillows to throws and sheets.
• At this stage they are too little and not strong enough to untangle themselves from bedding no matter what position you lay them in.
• Wait until your child is at least one year old before giving him or her a blanket.
• You may even want to defer giving your child blanket if they have no problems sleeping, just to be on the safe side.

• When the time comes and you do give your child a blanket to sleep in, start with an ultra-thin breathable cotton and nothing else.
• It should be long enough to tuck in at the feet, but never go past the shoulders; Sitting at the chest is the highest it should go.
• Make sure your baby can roll over and untangle all on his or her own before sleeping with a blanket.
• It’s a good idea to test this out while you child is awake just to be sure.
• If you’re not certain that your child is ready, ask your child's doctor.

Many alternatives to blankets have popped up on the market over the years, though some have come under fire for not being much safer, from sleep sacks to swaddling.

• Heavier clothing is a safer option and will often do the trick.
• Breathable fabrics like cotton will keep your baby from overheating, another important consideration.
• Essentially, you’ll want your child to sleep in a safe position in his or her crib, unencumbered by any objects at all.
• For the winter months, adjusting the temperature and giving your child thicker clothing is likely your best bet.
• For the summer months, try something sleeveless to keep your baby comfortable.

When your child is ready for that blanket, go all out and find that super soft object that they’ll treasure for years. But in the meantime, have fun shopping for onesies that will keep your baby comfortable at night.