How Do You Know When a Baby Can Sleep with a Blanket?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents wait until babies are 12 months old before giving them a blanket at bedtime or nap time. Before then, warm pajamas and a hat can keep your baby comfortable during cold weather or when the air conditioner is running. If you̵7;re anxious to give your baby that cute little blanket Grandma knit for him, know that some doctors give the OK for children as young as 6 months, according to NBCNews.com's Today Parenting. Before giving your baby a blanket, run a simple experiment to see if he seems ready for this milestone.

Instructions

    • 1

      Cover your baby̵7;s body -- but not his head -- with a thin baby blanket. Do this only if he can crawl and lift his head. Do this when your baby is awake.

    • 2

      Watch your baby to see if he can get out from under the blanket. He may roll over and crawl out, or he may push it off. Babies that accomplish this might be ready to sleep with a blanket. If he can̵7;t, wait another few weeks and try again.

    • 3

      Talk to your child̵7;s pediatrician about when it's safe to give your baby a blanket. Tell the doctor whether your child was able to push the blanket off of himself. The doctor may give you the go-ahead or tell you to wait a bit longer to be on the safe side.

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