Are you one of the many new parents struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? Are you at your wit’s end, considering all of the possible solutions out there? When it comes to getting our babies to sleep, we will do whatever it takes.
Whether that means buying every parenting book out there, following every baby sleep training method, or spending a fortune on sleep aids, we just want our little ones to get the rest they need. Well, before you go out and buy a weighted blanket for your little one, let me stop you right there. Weighted blankets are not safe for babies! Keep reading to find out why…
Are weighted blankets safe for babies?
While every parent wants to find the perfect solution for their baby’s sleep problems, weighted blankets are not safe for little ones. They can cause serious injury or death.
While weighted blankets may be helpful for adults, there is no evidence to suggest that they are safe for children. In fact, there is some research that suggests that weighted blankets can actually be dangerous for young children.
Sleeping with ANY blankets (a weighted blanket included) are not safe for those under the age of one. You should never put babies to sleep with anything that can obstruct their breathing – blankets, quilts, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.
Most companies recommend keeping the blanket away from your child until they are over 2 years old.
What the research says:
One study that was conducted on neonates in ICU with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) found that the use of weighted blankets appeared to have a more comfortable and calmer sleep. This study supports the use of weighted blankets in neonates (babies) within a controlled environment such as the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
However it certainly does not support their safety for home use. Babies at home are not monitored 24 hours a day by highly medically trained staff thus a weighted blanket cannot be safely used at home.
Another randomized controlled trial, published in the journal “Pediatrics” looked at the use of weighted blankets on autistic children.
This study found that while the use of weighted blankets did not cause any adverse effects, they did not improve sleep or help them fall asleep faster. Parents did however find that their child experienced a more restful and peaceful sleep with a weighted blanket.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends that weighted blankets should not be used on babies due to increased risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleep related infant deaths is the most common cause of death in babies of age between 1 month and 1 year.
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of weighted blankets for infants.
So what can you do to help your baby sleep?
What Can I Do To Help My Baby Sleep?
There are a number of alternative methods that you can try before resorting to a weighted blanket. When babies are young, it is important to thoroughly and cautiously assess the situation and not make any changes until your baby seems ready.
1.Try using a pacifier:
Pacifiers are a great way to soothe and calm your baby, and can be very helpful in getting them to fall asleep. Infants tend to associate the pacifier with sleep and will often suck on it until they drift off.
Pacifiers are also associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
There are many different types of pacifiers available on the market, but the important thing is to find one that your baby likes and that you can consistently keep in their mouth.
2.White noise:
Many infants find comfort in white noise. This is a type of noise that is consistent and uninterrupted. It can be something like the sound of a fan or waves crashing against the shore. You can find white noise machines and apps that will create this sound for you.
Many babies find the sound of white noise calming and soothing, which can help them to fall asleep.
3.Swaddling your baby:
Swaddling is a popular way to soothe your baby and may help them feel more secure, calming and relaxed. There are many different types of swaddles available on the market, but the key is to make sure that your baby can still move their hips and arms. You do not want them to be too constricted.
It has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), but it is important not to over-do it. If you do not know how to swaddle your baby, find a good video tutorial and practice before the days leading up to bedtime.
4.Try using a sleep sack:
As your baby gets older, you can transition to sleep sacks. A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that goes over your baby’s body. A sleep sack is not the same as a blanket, but functions much like it.
The main difference is that your baby’s feet are free for easy kicking and you do not have to worry about covering them up. This sort of traditional sleep sack is safe for babies according to experts from AAP.
This can be especially handy if you live somewhere with warmer weather.
There are many different types and brands of sleep sacks available on the market. Make sure to choose a sleep sack that is snug-fitting but not too tight and has a zipper on the front.
Many have also asked about a weighted sleep sack for their babies. Especially about dreamland baby and their weighted sleep sack.
Are weighted sleep sacks safe for babies?
No, weighted sleep sacks are not safe for babies.
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of weighted sleep sacks for infants. Weighted sleep sacks pose the same risks as weighted blankets- suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome.
SIDS is most common in infants who sleep on their tummies. The risk increases even more when babies learn how to turn from the back onto their tummy. Weighted sleep sacks would make it difficult for babies to move while trying to get back on its back. This can obstruct their breathing and causes suffocation.
Safe sleep tips for first time parents:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, regardless of how long they have been sleeping.
- Keep all loose bedding and toys out of the crib to ensure a safe infant sleeping environment.
- Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for your baby- not too hot or too cold. We recommend 70 to 72 degrees F.
- Do not smoke around your baby or allow anyone else to smoke around your baby.
- Avoid letting your baby sleep in your bed or on a couch with you. Bed sharing is not recommended.
- Give your baby plenty of time to wake up and move around during the day.
- See your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s sleep habits.
For more information on safe sleep for your baby, please visit the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Conclusion
So while weighted blankets may be great for older children and adults, they are not safe to use in babies under the age of 2.
As much as we want our babies to have a restful night’s sleep, there is no evidence yet that shows that infants should use weighted blankets. In fact, there are reports that weighted blankets can cause harm and even death!
That being said, here are some alternative options to help babies sleep. You can try sleep sacks (not weighted sleep sacks), swaddles, white noise machines, and more to help your little one get their ZZZs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets are blankets that have been weighted with pellets or other materials in order to provide extra weight. They are often used as a form of therapy for people with conditions like autism and anxiety.
Can a child sleep all night with a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are often recommended by doctors to provide calming pressure all night long. However, if your child is under the age of 2 or does not have the strength to remove the blanket if they become too hot, it is not safe to let them sleep with it all night. This could lead to suffocation.
Can a 3 year old sleep with a weighted blanket?
It is generally safe for children over the age of 2 to sleep with a weighted blanket as they are more likely to remove it if they become too hot. Experts say that they are beneficial in older kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing issues, anxiety and any problems with sleeping.
However, always consult with your pediatrician before using a weighted blanket with any child.
How do I keep my baby warm at night without a blanket?
According to AAP, it is safer not to use any loose blankets in the crib for at least the first year. This is to avoid accidental suffocation, overheating and death from SIDS.
If you are concerned about keeping your baby warm at night, you can try using a sleep sack or wearable blanket. You could also use a heater in the baby’s room, but make sure it is fireproof and far away from the crib.
Surprisingly, babies do not need as much insulation as we think. Just dress them in the same number of layers or one more layer than you are wearing. Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature.
When can babies have a blanket and pillow?
Babies should not have a blanket and pillow in their crib until they are at least 12 months old. Again, this is to avoid accidental suffocation, overheating and death from SIDS.
The safer alternatives to keep warm at night are suggested above.
