Knitted Blankets for Babies: When Are They Safe?

A knitted blanket can be used with a baby during awake, closely supervised time, but it should not be left loose in a baby’s sleep space. For naps and nighttime sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and keep blankets, pillows, and other loose items out of the crib or bassinet. If you’re choosing a layer for sleep, a properly fitted wearable blanket is an alternative to a loose blanket.

You can spread a knitted blanket on a clean floor for supervised play or place it over your lap while you hold your baby, keeping the fabric away from their face and neck. Stay close enough to move it if your baby pulls it up, becomes tangled, or falls asleep; if they do fall asleep, move them to a clear, appropriate sleep space. Our guide to using a soft knit newborn baby blanket during awake time offers more context for that distinction.

Look for a blanket that is intact, without loose yarn, unraveling edges, or openings that could catch little fingers or toes. Before each use, smooth it out and check for pulls or damage; set it aside if the knit starts to come apart. Wash it according to its care instructions and let it dry fully before using it again, so you can keep the fabric clean without guessing at a temperature or method.

No: the name of a blanket does not make loose bedding safe for infant sleep. Our Soft Knit Newborn Baby Blanket – Cozy Swaddle is a blanket, so use the same awake-time supervision and clear-sleep-space rules you would use with any knitted blanket. If you choose to swaddle a young baby for sleep, follow safe-swaddling guidance, keep the fabric away from the face, and stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll.