At 5 Little Monkeys, our mission is to help families everywhere experience the life-changing difference that healthy, restful sleep can make in a child's life. We're proud to offer one of the best kids mattress systems on the market to make that happen, but in addition to our children's sleep system, we strive to be a comprehensive resource to help parents through every aspect of fostering healthy sleep. Proper safety precautions are a critical part of fostering that healthy sleep, which means it's important to never let your infant sleep with a blanket in their crib. But that raises the question: when should your toddler start sleeping with a blanket?

When Kids Should Start Using Blankets

When you first bring home your newborn, they should sleep in a crib with nothing else – no blankets, pillows, or toys to speak of. This precaution is important because it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a poorly-understood condition that causes some infants to tragically die in their sleep. Research has linked the presence of blankets or other objects in the crib during sleep to an increase in the risk of SIDS, which is why parents should keep the crib clear for babies. But this rule obviously doesn't apply forever. So when should you let your child start sleeping with a blanket?

While the timelines aren't exact, the guidelines around SIDS risk and blankets generally apply only during the first 12 months. After this point, the risk posed by blankets and stuffed animals in the crib drops dramatically, although it's still important to be careful. As you introduce objects to the sleep space, make sure they're appropriate and not too big. A small blanket or stuffed toy is fine after age 1, but down comforters will need to wait until your child has sized up a little more.

Try the Best Kids Mattress Online

Following these guidelines can help you reduce the risk of SIDS and promote healthier sleep, but as always, if you have other questions about these recommendations, you should talk with your child's pediatrician. If your child is getting ready to outgrow the crib and in need of a children's bed, we can help. The 5 Little Monkeys Sleep System is one of the best kids mattresses on the market, and thanks to our 100-Night Rest Test, you can try it absolutely risk-free. So what are you waiting for? See the difference that proper sleep makes and try our kids bed today!