Blanket in Crib: Safe Sleep Essentials for Babies

When it comes to blanket in crib, a covering placed over a sleeping infant to provide warmth. Also known as baby sleep cover, it’s one of the most debated items in infant care—even though many parents want to keep their baby warm, the safest answer is often no blanket at all. The American Academy of Pediatrics and UK safe sleep guidelines are clear: loose bedding, including blankets, increases the risk of SIDS. That’s why experts recommend sleep sacks, wearable blankets, or onesies instead.

What you do put in the crib matters more than you think. SIDS prevention, a set of practices to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome isn’t just about sleeping position—it’s about the whole sleep environment. Items like thick quilts, fluffy pillows, or even a lightweight cellular blanket can block a baby’s airway if they roll or shift during sleep. Research shows the highest SIDS risk occurs between 2 and 4 months, when babies can’t yet push things away from their face. That’s why breathable fabrics and fitted sleepwear are the gold standard.

Many parents ask, "But my baby gets cold!"—and that’s valid. The solution isn’t a blanket. It’s breathable baby blankets, lightweight, airy covers designed for swaddling or layering under a sleep sack made from cotton muslin or bamboo. These allow air to pass through while offering gentle warmth. You can also adjust room temperature, dress your baby in layers, or use a well-fitted sleep sack with a tog rating suited to the season. The key is keeping the crib bare except for your baby and a fitted sheet.

It’s not about being strict—it’s about being smart. You don’t need to risk your baby’s safety for comfort. Over 1,000 babies die each year in the U.S. from sleep-related causes, and many of those cases involve unsafe bedding. The good news? You can keep your baby warm and safe without ever putting a blanket in the crib. The posts below show you exactly what works: from the best breathable fabrics to what to avoid, how to tell if your baby’s too hot or cold, and real-life swaps parents swear by. You’ll find practical tips, expert-backed advice, and clear comparisons so you can make the right call—without guesswork.