Quick answer
To keep a blanket on a baby at night, use a firm, tucked blanket or a wearable sleep bag, and stop using loose blankets once your baby can roll or push up on hands and knees.
Why loose blankets are a risk
Until your baby can roll over consistently, loose blankets in the cot can cover the face and increase the risk of suffocation. That is why many experts recommend avoiding them altogether for the first year.
If you do use a blanket, make sure it is thin, breathable, and tucked securely under the mattress so it cannot ride up over the face.
When to switch to a sleep bag
A wearable sleep bag is often the simplest way to keep your baby warm without the worry of a blanket slipping off. It cannot be kicked off, and it keeps the baby's head and face clear.
If your baby consistently kicks off a tucked blanket, a sleep bag with the right TOG rating for the room temperature is a safer and more practical choice.
Diagnosis: why the blanket won't stay on and what to do
- Symptom: The blanket keeps slipping off during the night, leaving your baby uncovered or with the blanket over the face.
- Likely cause: The blanket is too large, too loose, or your baby is active enough to kick it off.
- Corrective action: Use a firm, tucked blanket that reaches only to the baby's chest, and place the baby with feet at the bottom of the cot so they cannot wriggle under. Check that the blanket is securely tucked and cannot be pulled over the face.
- When to stop or choose another option: If your baby can roll over, push up on hands and knees, or is over 12 months old, stop using a loose blanket and switch to a wearable sleep bag or appropriate sleep clothing. Consider a sleep bag with the correct TOG rating for the room temperature.
Product spotlight
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Baby green knitted pattern blanket: This Newbie blanket is made from 100% organic cotton and measures 85 x 85 cm, with tassels on the edges. The breathable cotton fabric and compact size make it suitable for tucking securely in a cot, while the tassels should be kept away from the baby's face.
Baby green knitted pattern blanket
