No, newborns generally do not need blankets for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends against using loose blankets for infants under one year old to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While many parents use swaddles or sleep sacks for warmth and comfort, these are different from loose blankets and are designed to prevent the baby from covering their face.
Safe Sleep Practices for Newborns
- Avoid loose blankets: Loose blankets pose a suffocation risk. Babies should sleep on a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet only.
- Appropriate alternatives: Swaddles, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets provide warmth without the danger of loose bedding. These are designed to keep your baby snug and secure without covering their face.
- Dress appropriately: Instead of blankets, dress your baby in appropriate layers to regulate their temperature. Remember to check your baby's temperature regularly.
- Room temperature: Maintain a comfortable room temperature suitable for your baby.
Several sources confirm this recommendation. The AAP's guidance emphasizes safe sleep practices, prioritizing the baby's safety over using loose blankets. Reddit threads and online forums such as r/NewParents and r/Parenting reflect a range of parental practices, but the consistent advice from pediatricians and child health organizations emphasizes the reduced SIDS risk associated with avoiding loose blankets in cribs. While some parents may choose to introduce blankets later, the consensus is that it's generally best to wait until at least 12 months or even longer. The use of additional layers of clothing is recommended instead.
