Jun. 23, 2025
Apparel
During the first year of their life, babies spend more time sleeping than awake. Since safety guidelines are always evolving, we’ve outlined the most important things you’ll need to know to ensure your baby has a safe sleep space. From choosing the right crib to setting up the sleep environment, here’s what you should know according to current guidelines.
"Safe sleep" refers to various practices and standards that promote the well-being of babies and children when they're sleeping (or falling asleep). When we talk about “safe sleep,” we’re referring to two categories: (1) the sleep space itself (i.e., the furniture), and (2) the conditions within the sleep space. You’ve probably already figured out that we’re obsessed with improving sleep at Huckleberry and safety is also a top priority.
In , the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force on SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) issued an updated policy statement [ ] on safe sleep, which recommends using a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Keep the following in mind when choosing a crib:
Antique cribs are out
No modified, broken, or dropside cribs
Examine the gaps
Inspect the slats
Assess the hardware
Check the corner posts
Avoid cutouts
Find more details below:
It can be so helpful when generous friends and relatives offer second-hand baby gear. However, it’s important to know that the CPSC warns against using cribs that are older than 10 years.
The AAP and CPSC [ ] also caution parents to avoid using cribs that are broken, modified, or have a dropside design.
According to the CPSC, crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. This helps prevent a baby’s body from fitting through the slats.
Check for missing or cracked slats. All slats should be present and in good condition.
Make sure all of the screws, brackets, and hardware are installed properly. We don’t want any missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed parts on the crib or the mattress support.
Any corner posts should be no more than 1/16th inch high, so your baby's clothing cannot catch.
Pass on cribs that have cutouts in the headboard or the footboard, as these pose a risk of the baby’s head getting trapped.
Once we’ve made sure the crib is safe, we’ll turn our attention to the “hows” involved in safely putting your infant in the crib for sleep. Note that some of these guidelines only apply to babies under 12 months of age. We’ll add an asterisk next to those.
Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Ensure that there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress to prevent getting trapped between the mattress and crib.
To prevent suffocation, keep pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or pillow-like stuffed toys out of the crib. Consider using a sleepsack once you’ve transitioned out of the .
Place your baby on their back in the crib for sleep. Once a baby starts to roll, it’s usually OK for them to remain sleeping on their stomachs [ ] if they roll themselves that way (assuming a firm, flat surface without soft objects or loose bedding), but please confirm with your pediatrician, who knows your child's health history and development.
Along these lines, as your baby gets older and begins to outgrow their crib, it's important to watch for the signs it's time to .
Never place a crib near a window with blinds, curtain cords, or baby monitor cords, as they have the potential to strangle.
In a study [ ], 14 were tested for safety. All of the machines at maximum output exceeded hospital-recommended noise levels. As a result, the AAP recommends placing noise machines at least 7 feet (200 centimeters) away from a baby’s sleep space and lowering the volume below the maximum volume setting. Ideally, the volume should be no louder than 50 decibels, or the volume of an average vacuum cleaner or hair dryer.
The AAP recommends [ ] sharing a room for at least 6 months, ideally a year. However, according to the AAP and the public health campaign from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [ ], babies should be placed in a separate sleeping area rather than share a bed with you. We know this can be a challenge, so we also have tips for .
It’s important to acknowledge that many families do choose to bed-share despite the potential risks. Others begin the night in separate sleep spaces, but then bed-share at some point during the night. This is especially common after nighttime feedings.
Research shows that it is more dangerous to fall asleep in an armchair or sofa than in an adult bed. If you choose to bed-share, or there’s a chance a caregiver will fall asleep while feeding your baby in an adult bed, be sure to remove all soft items and bedding from the bed. This will reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, and other sleep-related causes of death.
"Safe sleep" refers to practices and standards that promote the well-being of babies and children when they're falling asleep and sleeping.
Crib safety is vital to safe sleep. When choosing a crib, ensure it's safe by fully examining all components and avoiding antique and dropside cribs as well as any cutouts. Inspect the slats and examine the gaps, corner posts, and hardware too.
When you're putting your child in the crib, be sure the mattress is firm and tight-fitting and there are not any items (like pillows, blankets, bumper pads, and stuffed toys) in the crib. Also be sure there aren't any cords or other hazards near the sleep space. In accordance with safe sleep standards, always put your baby on their back in the crib for sleep.
A soft, well-constructed baby blanket is a versatile tool for parents of little ones, and it’s a cute yet helpful item to add to a baby registry or bring to a baby shower. Beyond being soft and comfortable (which are non-negotiables), a high-quality baby blanket should hold up long enough to last through the toddler years and possibly even beyond. Because there are so many options out there—and you can't always judge by the pictures!—we tested baby blankets at home with our own littles to find the best for you to choose from.
While babies should not sleep with loose blankets, they can still play on them and may start to form an attachment. Little ones often develop emotional connections with their baby blankets, so they may cling to them for years to come. They can also be used to swaddle your bundle of joy or act as burp cloths, tummy time mats, changing table cloths, and more.
To find the very best baby blankets, we spoke with pediatricians and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding sleep safety and how blankets can be used appropriately with babies. Then, we sent 22 blankets home with our editors to use with their babies. Parenting editors and other staffers tested these as swaddles, nursing covers, play mats, stroller blankets, and more, assessing their comfort and durability (even after washing them multiple times).
The Sweet Acorn Knit Baby Blanket is 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (meaning it meets high environmental standards), so it’s soft on your baby’s sensitive skin and planet-friendly. The roomy blanket measures 43.5 by 30 inches and is great for tummy time or as stroller cushioning to prop up the baby if they’re slouching.
This lovely blanket comes tied in a sweet bow, making it a thoughtful baby shower gift, too. And since it comes in several colors (you can choose between a solid or a diamond pattern in each hue), it’s a great gender-neutral gift.
While this is primarily a blanket, it’s stretchy enough to be used as a swaddle if desired. It’s machine washable, though the brand recommends laying it flat to dry. One of our editors draped it over a woven laundry basket to dry, and it held up well. Even after the wash, we noticed no pilling, fading, or stray threads.
The Details:
This quilted baby blanket is sweatshirt-like jersey cotton that gets softer with each wash, as we experienced during our testing period. The thicker material holds up through tummy time (even if a big brother wants to join in, according to one of our editors), and we love that it’s machine washable. We even had no trouble cleaning spit-up out of the blanket: Simply use stain remover and pre-soak it before putting it in the washing machine, and it’s as good as new.
The cozy blanket comes in several neutral and pastel colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches the nursery decor. Its affordable price tag is a plus, too.
Some customers have found that the blanket shrinks in the wash, though our editors have yet to observe this.
The Details:
Is there anything cuter than a baby all wrapped up in a wearable blanket? This hooded blanket from Hudson Baby comes in several animal options, including a fox and a moose. Parents aren’t the only ones who will get a kick out of it: One editor’s 10-month-old couldn’t stop smiling at herself in the mirror when she had it on. The plush blanket is made from polyester fleece that makes snuggle time even cozier, and it’s easy to put on your kiddo—just place the hood on their head and wrap the blanket around them. This baby blanket holds up well in the washer and dryer, and it’s spacious enough that your baby can enjoy it well into their toddler years.
The hood may be too large for smaller babies, like newborns.
The Details:
Tummy time is important for helping your baby develop and strengthen their trunk and neck muscles. (It’s also a great opportunity to bond with parents or a big sibling.) You’ll want a comfortable, clean spot for your baby’s tummy time, so we recommend this soft blanket from Burt’s Bees. It’s GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton and is thicker than many other options, so it’s a supportive surface for tummy time.
We love that the reversible blanket has different patterns on either side. There are lots of pattern combinations, too: Most options have stripes on one side and an exciting pattern on the other, like dinosaurs, deer, or tulips. The ringspun blanket is well-stitched and retains its quality after being washed.
Our only complaint is that the 30 x 40-inch blanket isn’t quite long enough for a toddler to use in their crib, but it’s the right size for tummy time or play.
The Details
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Bamboo material is known for its softness, and this sweet bamboo blanket is no exception. The thin, lightweight material makes it a great option to go in a car seat or under a footmuff, and its stretchiness means you can use it as a stroller cover. Plus, it’s a smart choice for summertime.
We didn’t notice any pilling or running colors after washing it multiple times, and it’s still super smooth and stretchy. We also appreciate that you can tumble dry it on low—no waiting for it to air dry. Though it could be more budget-friendly, we feel it’s worth the price because of its multiple uses.
The blanket features a colorful Western cowgirl print with horses, snakes, boots, and more—a bold print that may not appeal to all tastes.
The Details:
This square baby blanket features a beautiful floral pattern on one side and a simple pattern on the other. While the Flora pattern we tested is no longer available, Pottery Barn Kids still offers other floral prints, like the Meredith pattern or the Monique Lhuillier design. It’s made from 100% organic cotton muslin that’s OEKO-TEX-certified, meaning it’s free from over 1,000 harmful chemicals. Because of its large size (47 x 47 inches), it can be used for more than tummy time and padding the stroller. One editor plans to use this as a bedspread or quilt for her little one when she’s older.
Even after frequent laundering, it's still as soft as the day we received it. Plus, there was no pilling or dye bleeding, although the brand does recommend laying it flat to dry, which may be inconvenient for some families.
While its price tag is a splurge, this is a high-quality blanket that would make a thoughtful baby shower gift that the expecting parents can get a lot of use from.
The Details:
Measuring 47 by 47 inches, the Aden + Anais Dream Blanket is a roomy pick that’s great for tummy time or covering your baby’s legs during outings. Made from four layers of 100% organic cotton muslin, it’s plush enough to provide extra support and cushioning for your baby’s head when lying on it. And though it’s multilayered (which we love for durability’s sake), the blanket is still very breathable for your little one’s comfort.
After washing it, we didn’t see any loose threads or faded colors, and we like that it’s safe for the dryer and the washing machine. It also comes in a wide variety of prints, from hearts to animals to Disney characters.
Despite its size and shape, keep in mind that this is just a regular baby blanket, not one designed for swaddling. And while it's a little pricier than other options, we think you’re getting what you paid for with the multilayered construction and large size.
The Details:
A versatile baby blanket like the Burt’s Bees Baby Cable Knit Blanket is an adorable yet practical gift for a baby shower or viewing. It comes tied with a sweet bow, so there’s no need to add one of your own, and since it doesn’t look like it’s only meant for babies, it’s a gift that can grow along with the child or be used in the guest room, too. Measuring 30 x 40 inches, the blanket can be used to keep your little one warm in their car seat, prop them up in their stroller, or for playtime and tummy time.
Available in pink and gray, the cable knit blanket is made from GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton that feels like butter. After a few washes, it loses a tiny bit of its initial softness, but it’s still impressively soft, and we didn’t notice any pilling or tearing after taking it out of the washing machine.
The Details:
A cozy blanket is a wise purchase if you’re expecting a fall or winter baby. You can use it to keep them warm in the stroller or their car seat, and it still comes in handy inside during the warmer months. We love this cable knit blanket from Pottery Barn Kids with fluffy faux shearling lining to keep your baby extra snug. The other side is a blend of viscose and nylon, and sweet pom poms are attached to the corners. One of our editors notes that the comfy material keeps her 15-month-old daughter warm in the jogging stroller during early morning runs.
Since it can be customized with the new addition’s name or initials, this would make a great baby gift, though you’ll have to pay an extra fee for the personalization. (You can also choose between several thread colors.) While we appreciate the warmth the thick material provides, note that it’s too thick to be used as a swaddle.
The Details:
If you’re expecting a summer baby or live in a warmer climate, we recommend a lightweight option like the Parachute Waffle Baby Blanket. Whether you choose the light blush or the beige, this neutral blanket will blend in with any nursery decor. Made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, the roomy blanket measures 36 x 50 inches and is machine washable. Though the brand suggests line drying the blanket, it also says you can put it in the dryer on a low setting with wool dryer balls. We decided to air-dry it, and it felt as good as new after.
Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for milder weather, though we recommend a heavier blanket for colder temperatures.
The Details:
The blankets in this versatile multi-pack from Aden + Anais function as baby swaddles or light blankets, so you can get a few years of use out of them. The lightweight muslin is great for the warmer months, and we appreciate that they’re breathable for transitional weather.
When your baby is ready to move on from the swaddle (and sleep sacks, after that), these make cozy, spacious baby blankets—they can even be used as changing table covers or burp cloths. Measuring 47 x 47 inches, the square blankets are great for tummy time too, and we love that the multi-pack comes in so many patterns and color combinations.
While first-time swaddlers experienced a bit of a learning curve during our test (there are no flaps or hooks), once they got the hang of it, they felt confident using them with their babies with these after just a day.
The Details:
For a budget-friendly addition to your nursery, we recommend these Simple Joys by Carter’s baby blankets, which come in a multipack of seven for under $22. The 100% cotton blankets are machine washable and easy to take along for on-the-go diaper changes, and we love how many colors and patterns are included in each bunch. Plus, the lightweight fabric takes up little space in a diaper bag or the nursery, and the 47 x 47-inch blankets work as swaddles, too.
One of our editors used these to swaddle her newborn and as a blanket for her 2-year-old, and they were a great pick for both.
We did find that the quality decreases as you wash them, and they aren’t the coziest picks. On the other hand, for seven versatile baby blankets, we think the affordable price is well worth it.
The Details:
This plush blanket provides ample cushioning for tummy time, and the thick fabric is warm and snuggly for colder weather. In addition to the plush polyester, there’s a satiny border around the blanket. We love that it comes in lots of different patterns and colors to coordinate with your nursery—the brand also sells matching pillows, mobiles, and more if you want a full theme. (We particularly like the elephant and sheep options.)
Since it is quite thick, this blanket is not the best choice for summer, particularly while you’re outside with the stroller.
The Details:
Before testing the blankets, we consulted with two pediatricians to discuss safe sleep and blanket use and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on safe sleep, swaddling, and car seat and stroller safety.
Based on thorough market research and conversations with our experts, we selected 22 baby blankets and sent them home with our editors to evaluate for comfort, durability, ease of use, and value. To test the blankets' durability, we washed them as instructed and took note of any pilling, fraying, or fading. We also observed whether the blankets shrunk in the wash or became rougher to the touch.
To assess comfort and quality, editors used them with their babies during tummy time, while nursing, and more. We also tucked them around our little ones in their strollers and car seats to keep them warm and snug, making sure to never fully cover the babies' faces, since rebreathing poses suffocation and overheating risks. After using these blankets at home for a few weeks, we chose the best for keeping your baby cozy and safe.
To ensure the safe use of baby blankets, we spoke with two pediatricians who provided insight into safe sleep guidelines and what features to look for in a baby blanket. The experts we spoke with before and after testing are:
Baby blankets come in all different types of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Above all, these blankets should be made from a breathable fabric to allow for easy airflow, Dr. Casares says. Common materials for baby blankets include:
Kids will put their well-loved baby blanket through a lot, which means it needs to be able to withstand all of the wear and tear that comes with childhood. Between spit-up, accidents, mud, dust, milk, and whatever else a kid can manage to spill on their blanket, it will go through the washer and dryer pretty regularly over the years. With that in mind, a baby blanket needs to be convenient for you to wash. Read the care instructions before your purchase—if a blanket is air-dry-only, consider whether that fits in with your laundry routine.
You also want to choose a durable blanket to avoid unreasonable tearing, fading, or pilling. Consider the blanket's material and look at the stitching to see if it's strong or likely to unravel. Additionally, since fraying and loose threads pose a choking hazard, you’ll want to keep a close eye on how the blanket holds up, Dr. Casares says.
There’s no point in buying a baby blanket that’s not comfortable. After all, this may be the blanket they sleep with (when they’re old enough), bring in the car with them, insist on taking to overnight stays at relatives’ homes, and carry around the house—so it needs to be cozy. In swaddle form, it’s a great tool for soothing your baby to sleep, says Dr. Casares, so a comfortable baby blanket can help you and your baby develop healthy sleeping patterns in those early months.
And if you’re wondering whether your baby is comfortable in their blanket, don’t worry: They'll tell you if they’re not comfortable, Dr. Casares says. “If your baby is crying, sweating, or downright fussy, consider taking the blanket off and trying it again,” she advises.
Babies under 12 months old should not sleep with any loose items in their crib or bassinet, according to the AAP. Older babies and toddlers may sleep with a blanket, but make sure that it has no loose threads to avoid a choking hazard. For babies under 1, blankets can be used safely as mats to make tummy time more comfortable. They’re also handy props when your baby is slouching in their stroller, the AAP notes. And on cooler days, a baby blanket can help keep your little one in their stroller or car seat (over, not under the harness). You’ll want to tuck it around them, making sure that it doesn’t cover the entire car seat or stroller opening since that can lead to rebreathing and related suffocation risks.
Until they are around 12 months old, babies should not sleep with blankets (or other soft or loose bedding), as there is a correlation with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for babies under 6 months old. For babies between 6 and 12 months old, blankets can potentially cause accidental entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation. Instead, keep babies warm with cozy pajamas or a sleep sack.
Every baby is different, and many doctors recommend waiting until your baby is 18 months old to let them sleep with their blanket. When they’re between 12 and 18 months of age, use your discretion or consult your pediatrician first.
According to Dr. Casares, the best way to swaddle a baby is to first fold the swaddling blanket into a triangle and lay it down on a flat surface. Fold down the upper corner of the blanket, then place the baby on their back with their feet towards the blanket's bottom corner so their neck is at the folded edge. Next, wrap one side snugly across the baby’s arms and tuck it in at their side, then fold up the bottom corner of the blanket. Last, wrap the other side of the blanket across the baby’s body and tuck it in at the side.
Make sure that your baby is swaddled tightly enough that they can't break out of the swaddle since loose blankets are a SIDS risk. A baby who is swaddled should always be on their back. Once your baby starts trying to roll, it's time to stop swaddling, the AAP says.
It's not safe to completely cover an infant car seat with a blanket. Babies are apt to fall asleep in the car, and they should not sleep with blankets covering them, since this can cause rebreathing, which creates a suffocation risk. Plus, a covered car seat obstructs your view of the baby, and you want to have your eyes on your baby as much as possible.
Blankets tucked around your baby are safe and can help keep them warm, but always place the blankets in the car seat after you have buckled them in. Underneath the harness, babies should be dressed in just one warm layer that is not bulky. Wearing extra layers or adding blankets before buckling can interfere with the car seat's ability to protect in the case of a crash.
Phoebe Sklansky is a Parents editor. As an avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She’s researched hundreds of baby products and has tested dozens in our lab, from strollers to baby swings to diaper bags. (Though she’s in her twenties, Phoebe still has her baby blanket, named Pia.)
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