According to the experts babies should not have a blanket on them when sleeping in order to prevent SIDS. There's a great company out there by the name of Halo (Greg of course loves this name) that makes wearable blankets and swaddlers. Sheldon had a couple of these when he was a newborn, but he has outgrown them now. And now that it's getting colder out I was on the lookout for a good deal on one. Look at what I stumbled upon...an Extra Large Wearable Blanket for $3.74 (plus $5.99 shipping) from buybuybaby.com! That's a GREAT deal, considering these usually cost around $25 each!
While I'm on the topic, here is some important info on SIDS taken from Halo's website:
- Place baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and at night time.
- Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snuggly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
- Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
- Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
- Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.
- Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (adult beds, sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins etc.)
- Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.
I know that when you're shopping for a new baby it is tempting to want to buy a whole bedding set for your little one, but it's actually safest to just have a sheet on the crib - no blankets or pillows or bumper bads or stuffed animals. It's better to be safe than sorry. And hey, it saves money! All I had to buy for the crib was a sheet and mattress cover.
