Are Afghan Blankets Dangerous for Babies?
Apr 4, 2013 | By
It can be difficult to
resist the lure of those adorable blankets in your baby's crib. With so
many cute, fluffy blankets on the market, it can be difficult to forego a
blanket in your newborn's crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics
tells parents not use any type of blanket in a baby's crib, including
afghans, for safety reasons.
Guidelines
The
American Academy of Pediatrics states that parents should not put
anything soft in their baby's crib. This includes ant type of blanket,
pillow, crib bumpers and any stuffed animals. These items can cover a
baby's face and restrict breathing. Sometimes, babies roll up against a
soft object, and babies cannot roll over until about 4 months of age.
The AAP recommends against using blankets as a way to help reduce the
risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Baby's Age
Laura
Reno, the vice president of public affairs for the First Candle/SIDS
Alliance, states it's never safe to put a blanket in the crib with your
child, even after she turns one and the risk of SIDS decreases. Instead,
Reno advises waiting to use a blanket until your baby moves into a
toddler bed. However, an afghan is a perfectly safe choice for spreading
on the ground when you play with your baby. Lay her on her tummy on an
afghan and let her feel the nubby fabric with her fingers or let her
rest on her back and show her toys or books.
Wrapping Your Baby
Many
pediatricians recommend swaddling your baby when she's little because
the sensation emulates the tight quarters in the womb. It can often
comfort and soothe a baby who's having trouble sleeping. The Women's and
Children's Health Network suggests using thin, cotton or muslin
blankets for swaddling. Heavier fabrics, such as the yarn used to make
afghans, can restrict movement and prevent chest expansion, which isn't
safe for a sleeping baby. Once your baby can loosen her swaddle and move
out of the swaddling, it is safer to stop wrapping her and choose an
alternative to the blanket.
Alternatives
You
don't have to pack away those beautiful handmade afghans until your
baby is older, but they shouldn't be used for sleeping. Use it cover
your baby when she's in your arms or when you're comforting her during a
bout of crying, but put it aside when she's sleeping in the crib.
Instead, put your baby in a wearable blanket, which has arms like a pair
of pajamas, but keeps her warm with plenty of space to move her legs.
In addition, the AAP recommends you use a firm mattress with a tightly
fitted crib sheet, and always put your baby on her back for sleeping,
never on her tummy or side.
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