How many blankets should a baby have at night?

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Quick Answers

The recommended number of blankets for a baby at night is 1-2 lightweight blankets, depending on the room temperature and what the baby is wearing. Babies should never sleep with loose bedding due to the risk of suffocation.

Determining how many blankets a baby needs at night is an important decision for parents. Using the right amount of bedding can help keep baby warm and comfortable without overheating. Using too many blankets or loose bedding can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

When it comes to bedding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep alone on their backs on a firm, flat surface without any loose bedding. Loose bedding, such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers, should be kept out of a baby’s sleep area to reduce the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

However, swaddling and wearable blankets are allowed in the crib during the first few months to help calm the baby. After that, Transitioning to sleep sacks is recommended. Sleep sacks keep the baby warm but eliminate loose bedding hazards.

Factors That Determine How Many Blankets

There are a few key factors to consider when determining how many blankets your baby needs:

Baby’s Age

Babies have different bedding needs at different ages:

Newborns: Swaddling is recommended during the first 2 months. After that, transition to a wearable blanket or sleep sack.
3-12 months: Use a lightweight sleep sack or 1 lightweight blanket.
Toddlers: Can use 1-2 lightweight blankets.

Room Temperature

The room temperature will impact how much bedding is needed. A good bedroom temperature for babies is between 68-72°F (20-22°C).

If the room is warm (above 72°F), your baby may only need to sleep in lightweight pajamas without any blankets.
For cooler rooms (65-72°F), use a long-sleeved sleeper and 1 lightweight blanket.

If the room is cold (below 65°F), use footed pajamas and 2 lightweight blankets.

What Baby is Wearing

What you dress your baby in will also affect their blanket needs:

Footed pajamas help keep legs and feet warm.

Long sleeves and pants help retain body heat.
Lighter pajamas like short sleeves may require 1 blanket.
Just a diaper requires 1-2 blankets.

Blanket Weight

Use only lightweight blankets:

Look for baby blankets made with breathable fabrics like cotton, muslin, or microfleece.
Avoid heavy materials like wool or quilts.

Choose blankets between 1-3 TOG (a measure of warmth).

Guidelines for Safe Sleep

While blankets can help keep your baby warm and comfortable, they also pose a risk of suffocation or overheating if used incorrectly. Follow these guidelines for safe sleep from the AAP:

Place your baby on their back to sleep, not their side or stomach.

Use a firm, flat sleep surface without any soft bedding.
Do not use loose blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, or stuffed animals.
Make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep.

Do not let blankets bunch up around your baby’s face.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature so additional blankets are not needed.

Sleep Sacks

Sleep sacks are a great alternative to blankets. They keep your baby warm while eliminating loose bedding that could cover the head or face:

Sleep sacks are worn over regular pajamas.
They come in different weights for different room temperatures.
Many have sleeves and some have leg portions as well.

They zip or snap in the front or back for easy diaper changes.
Transitional swaddle sacks allow you to swaddle arms in or out.

Wearable Blankets

Wearable blankets are another option. They are like blankety pajamas that zip or snap over your baby:

Made from lightweight, breathable fabric.
Designed to prevent loose bedding hazards.
Easy access for diaper changing.

Can be used for tummy time and playing.

How Many Blankets by Age

Here are blanket guidelines for babies at different ages:

Newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so it’s important not to overheat them. Recommendations include:

Use a swaddle during the first 2 months for calming and containment.
Transition to a wearable blanket or sleep sack after 2 months.
No loose blankets in the crib.

Make sure the baby’s head remains uncovered.

3-12 months

After 3 months, blankets can be introduced safely by following these guidelines:

Use a wearable blanket or lightweight sleep sack.

If using a loose blanket, choose a thin cotton, muslin, or microfleece blanket.
Only use 1 lightweight blanket at a time.
Tuck the blanket in around the mattress to prevent it from riding up.

Stop using a loose blanket once your baby can roll over (3-4 months).

Toddlers (12 months+)

Older babies have more control over their movements and can push away blankets if needed. Recommendations include:

Can use 1-2 lightweight blankets.

If using 2 blankets, put lighter blanket on top.
Tuck in blankets firmly under crib mattress.
Make sure blankets do not cover the head.

Dress baby warmly in footed pajamas to reduce blankets needed.

Choosing a Baby Blanket

Here are tips for picking out the right baby blankets:

Material

Look for these breathable materials:

Cotton – Natural fiber is soft, breathable, and helps regulate temperature.
Muslin – Lightweight cotton fabric keeps baby cool.
Microfleece – Very soft, lightweight synthetic material.

Bamboo – Naturally moisture-wicking and thermal regulating.

Weight

Choose blankets rated 1-3 TOG:

1 TOG: For warm rooms or wearable blankets. Good for summer.

2-2.5 TOG: All season weight. Works for most nurseries.
3+ TOG: Warmer blankets for cooler temperatures. Can use in winter.

Size

Pick the right size blanket for your crib mattress:

Small size: For newborns up to 9 months.
Large size: Fits toddler mattresses up to 52″ long.

Safety

Look for these safety features:

Fitted corners – Keep blanket in place.
Wearable design – Eliminates loose fabric.
Breathable fabric – Allows airflow.

Lightweight – Reduces overheating risks.

Monitoring Baby’s Temperature

Make sure your baby is comfortable and not overheated or cold in their sleep environment:

Your baby should not be sweating or feel hot to the touch.

Feel your baby’s chest or back to check if they are warm.
Do not overdress your baby for bed.
Set your thermostat to keep the nursery around 68-72°F.

Place a small fan in the room to improve air circulation.
Add or remove blankets as needed to maintain desired temperature.

If your baby’s temperature feels too cold or hot, make adjustments right away to help them sleep comfortably.

Common Questions

Can I swaddle my baby with a blanket?

Swaddling with a thin muslin blanket is recommended during the first 2 months for a newborn. Make sure to stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll over. Transition to a wearable blanket instead.

Is it safe for baby to use a quilt?

Quilts and duvets are not considered safe bedding for babies due to the risk of suffocation. It’s best to avoid using quilts or any heavy, loose bedding in your baby’s crib.

What about using blankets for tummy time or play time?

It’s fine to use a blanket or play mat during supervised tummy time and play. Just remove any blankets before putting your baby down to sleep.

Can I use a blanket in a car seat or stroller?

You’ll want to use a specially designed car seat blanket or bunting when baby is strapped into a car seat or stroller. Never use a loose blanket, as it could cover the head or interfere with straps.

Key Takeaways

Use only 1-2 lightweight blankets for babies depending on room temperature.
Never use loose bedding like quilts, pillows, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers.

Swaddle newborns for the first 2 months, then transition to a wearable blanket.
Stop using loose blankets once baby can roll over (3-4 months).
Make sure blankets do not bunch around baby’s face or cover the head.

Monitor baby’s temperature and add/remove blankets as needed.

Conclusion

Finding the right amount of bedding for your baby involves balancing keeping them warm while also avoiding potential suffocation hazards. Following the safety guidelines recommended by pediatricians will help minimize risks. Opt for wearable blankets or sleep sacks when possible, and use only 1-2 thin, breathable blankets if needed based on the temperature. With some caution, you can keep your little one cozy all night long.