Knitted Blankets and Baby Sleep: What Parents Should Know

No. A knitted blanket is a loose item in the sleep space, so you should keep it out of your baby’s crib, bassinet, or play yard during naps and overnight sleep. For a baby under 12 months, the safer setup is a firm, flat sleep surface with a fitted sheet and no blankets, pillows, toys, or other loose bedding.

Dress your baby in sleep clothing suited to the room temperature rather than covering them with a blanket. If you need another layer, use a wearable blanket or sleep sack that fits your baby’s size, leaves the head uncovered, and does not ride up over the face; avoid overheating by checking whether your baby feels hot or sweaty.

A knitted blanket can be useful during awake, supervised time, such as when you are holding your baby or sitting with them for floor play. Our Soft Knit Newborn Baby Blanket – Cozy Swaddle guide focuses on awake-time use: if your baby falls asleep with a blanket, move them to their own clear sleep space and remove the blanket.

Choose one that is easy for you to keep away from your baby’s face, and inspect it before use for loose yarn, unraveling edges, or anything that could detach. Follow the blanket’s care instructions, and set it aside if washing or wear leaves it damaged; our featured Soft Knit Newborn Baby Blanket – Cozy Swaddle is still a blanket, not a substitute for a clear sleep space.