All parents look forward to exciting milestones in their children’s lives. From their first words to their first steps, each landmark is a precious moment. But one milestone that can bring both joy and worry is introducing a blanket to your toddler’s sleep routine.
Baby blankets provide comfort and warmth for your growing child, and often become precious mementos as kids grow up. Knowing how to introduce a blanket to a toddler the right way can help keep them safe, happy, and healthy in the process.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about introducing a blanket to your toddler, including the right stage in their development, types of blankets, and keeping your little one safe all the while.
When Can Toddlers Sleep With a Blanket?
Giving your child a blanket might seem like one of the easier parts of caring for a toddler. Your child has long outgrown their swaddling clothes, so of course it’s time to start introducing them to more grown-up bedding.
It’s not quite so simple, however. Even children who seem healthy and strong can suffer serious complications from being given blankets and other bedding at too young an age.
As a baseline, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep alone in a crib that has a flat, firm mattress. The mattress should be covered only with a taut sheet and no other bedding or blankets.
For this purpose, an infant is any child under 12 months of age. Your little one should be at least that old before you even consider giving them a blanket.
This recommendation should not be taken lightly. Soft bedding and obstructive materials are thought to be the leading causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
While rates of SIDS have declined since the 1990s, it continues to affect thousands of babies in the United States every year. Although most cases of SIDS cannot be explained, there is evidence to suggest a correlation with dangerous sleeping conditions.
A 2021 study found that nearly 72 percent of cases occurred in a sleep environment deemed “unsafe.” Factors that contribute to unsafe newborn care include soft mattresses, loose bedding, and any object or material that a child could become trapped or entangled in. Loose articles like baby blankets fall into that category.
Why Does Age Matter?
While it’s not always clear why SIDS incidents occur, the culprit in most cases seems to be some form of asphyxiation.
Children laid to sleep on their stomachs, for example, may find their faces pressed against their mattresses and lack the ability to turn themselves over. If a mattress is too soft, they might sink into it and struggle to breathe. And if they’re given a blanket, they can become tangled in it and unable to get free.
Pillows, stuffed toys, and blankies may seem harmless to us. But it’s crucial not to underestimate how fragile your little one is. In the first year of their life, a child simply doesn’t have the strength or motor skills to reliably adjust their sleeping position or pull a blanket off of them if they need to.
That’s how the AAP arrived at their 12-month rule. By that stage in their development, a healthy child will start growing stronger and more self-sufficient.
But remember that no two children will have the same development. Premature babies may need to wait longer, taking into account their adjusted age. And some toddlers may simply take longer to master important motor skills like rolling over and moving objects away from their faces.
Signs Your Toddler is Ready for a Blanket
Those key motor skills should be the first things that you look for. Beyond them, certain behaviors can indicate your toddler is ready for a blanket. Look out for the following cues:
- Your child shows an interest in your pillows or blankets
- Your child lays on their stuffed animal or toy as if it were a pillow
- They intentionally cuddle under blankets while being read to or watching TV
If your child displays these signs and has reached the appropriate age and developmental milestones, it may be a good time to introduce a blanket. Always consult with their pediatrician to ensure that they’re ready for a blanket.
Choosing the Right Blanket for Your Toddler
In December 2022, Target recalled about 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets after two young children became entrapped in one earlier that year. This tragic incident illustrates the importance of not only choosing the right time to introduce a blanket to your child but in making sure that the garment itself is safe for their use.
When picking out a blanket for your toddler, you need to look at a few key criteria.
The blanket should be the right size for your little one. Opt for a smaller blanket that is appropriate for your toddler’s age and body size. It should be large enough to cover them comfortably but not so big that it can pose a risk of entanglement.
Choose a blanket made from breathable and hypoallergenic materials. Natural fibers like organic cotton and bamboo are good choices. These materials are gentle on your child’s skin and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Always opt for a lightweight blanket. This will help ensure that your child can move freely and doesn’t get tangled. It will also help prevent overheating on warm nights.
Avoid blankets with loose parts, frills, or ribbons. They may look cute, but errant bits of fabric can pose a choking hazard.
You may also need to consider your regional climate. Muslin blankets are made from finely-woven cotton. They’re soft, breathable, and perfect for warm nights.
Merino wool blankets are ideal for colder climates. Merino wool is known for its temperature-regulating properties. Blankets made from it can keep your child warm without the risk of overheating.
How to Introduce a Blanket to a Toddler
Adding a blanket to your toddler’s bedtime routine isn’t as easy as tossing it in their crib and wishing them goodnight. Like so many things in those early years, it takes a more patient approach. Here’s a little parenting advice to help you through this transition.
Wait for a time when your child is ready for a change in their sleep routine. As noted above, you may have noticed them taking an interest in pillows or blankets already.
Or you could wait until you make the move from a crib to a toddler bed. Upgrading to a new stroller is another great opportunity. High-end models like Silver Cross Jet Strollers may make your life as a parent easier, and allowing your child to carry a blanket with them can make them more comfortable with that change.
Let your toddler get accustomed to their new blanket. Allow them to interact with it during their awake hours. Encourage play and exploration with the blanket to help them form a positive association with it.
Make the blanket a part of your child’s bedtime routine. Young children crave structure and familiarity, and even small changes to regular patterns can be upsetting. Take the time to show them how to lay on the pillow or tuck them under the blanket to make it a comforting and soothing experience.
Your child may need time to adjust to the new addition to their sleep routine. They might initially reject the blanket or remove it during sleep. Be patient and give them time to adapt.
Remember that every child is different, and their comfort levels may vary. Trust your instincts as a parent and monitor their response to the blanket. If they don’t show interest or seem uncomfortable, it’s okay to postpone the introduction and try again later.
Safe Sleep Practices
If you’ve waited for the appropriate age and picked out the right blanket for your toddler, you should have little to worry about. But in those first few weeks and months, it pays to be extra diligent with your little one’s safety. Follow these parenting tips to make sure that your toddler is adjusting to using a blanket and guarantee a safe bedtime every night.
Always supervise your child when they are using a blanket, especially during sleep. Check on them regularly to ensure the blanket is not covering their face or causing any discomfort.
Keep your child’s sleep environment at a comfortable temperature. Dress them in appropriate sleepwear for the weather. This will help keep them from overheating, minimize tossing and turning, and help them get a good night’s rest.
Be wary of any hazards. You will have avoided any blankets or pillows that have frills, ribbons, or excess fabric. But you should also remove any tags or other parts that can scratch your toddler or present a choking hazard.
Store tags with care instructions in the laundry room or another secure location.
Caring for Your Toddler’s Blanket
Naturally, you want to keep your little one’s blanket in prime condition for as long as possible. It might be a precious keepsake one day when they’re all grown up.
Unfortunately, natural fabrics have an uncanny ability to attract dirt, stains, and germs. To keep your baby’s blanket clean and fresh, you may need to wash it more often than your regular linens.
Always follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Natural materials like cotton and bamboo often need special care, so putting a blanket in with the rest of your bedding or dark clothes can ruin them. Expect to use the delicate cycle or handwashing to care for your baby’s blankets.
We all know that little ones can be messy, so stains will be a fact of life. Treat any blemishes right away using a mild detergent or stain removers suitable for the fabric. Always test on a small area before applying to the entire blanket.
Dry the blanket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some blankets may be suitable for machine drying, while others may require air drying to maintain their shape and quality.
Inspect the blanket often for any signs of wear and tear, loose threads, or damage that could pose a safety risk. Replace the blanket if necessary.
Taking proper care of your toddler’s blanket not only ensures its longevity but also maintains a clean and hygienic sleep environment.
Additional Tips for Bedtime
Putting a child to bed is a struggle for a lot of first-time parents. And it can be frustrating for children, as well. You have to remember that they’re still learning the rules of the world, and it can be upsetting when they don’t understand what’s happening or why.
Making even a small change, like putting them to bed with a blanket, can frustrate them further. Creating a predictable bedtime routine can help your toddler ease that aggravation. This can include soothing activities such as reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to calming music.
That said, sometimes little ones simply don’t want to do as they’re told. Hence, you need to establish clear boundaries and rules for your toddler’s sleep routine. This can help them understand expectations and give them a feeling of security.
At the same time, you want to foster a sense of independence. Encourage your toddler to develop self-soothing skills by allowing them to calm themselves. This can help reduce the need for nighttime interventions over time.
Address any recurring issues. If your toddler experiences sleep challenges, like difficulty falling asleep or frequent night awakenings, consult with their pediatrician or a sleep specialist for guidance.
And while parents do know best, it’s important to listen to your little one. Maintain open communication with your child and address their needs and concerns. Understanding their emotions and providing reassurance can contribute to a positive sleep environment.
Parenting is a unique journey, and what works for one child may not work for another. But if you trust your instincts and seek support when needed, you’ll find the right strategies to suit your child’s individual needs.
Give Your Child a Safe and Restful Bedtime
Introducing a blanket to your toddler’s sleep routine is an exciting step in their development. But like every milestone, there’s more than a little apprehension, too. Knowing how to introduce a blanket to a toddler the right way can help take the stress out of your nightly routine.
Of course, getting your little one used to a regular bedtime is only one step on this journey. To find more parenting tips for every stage of your child’s development, be sure to check out our other posts.
