← Ask your own question

When can my baby sleep with a blanket or pillow?

Keep blankets and pillows out of the sleep space until at least 12 months, and most experts say pillows specifically should wait until age 2.

Before these ages, loose bedding raises the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and SIDS.

Strength of evidence

Strong

Based on AAP national guidelines and their technical report reviewing the supporting evidence, not a single trial but a comprehensive evidence-based policy.

What the evidence says

For babies under 1 year, the American Academy of Pediatrics says to keep the crib completely clear of loose blankets, quilts, comforters and pillows. Their guidance states that soft objects like pillows and blankets should be kept out of the infant's sleep space, along with stuffed toys and bumpers.

If you're worried about your baby being cold, dress them in an extra layer or use a wearable blanket (sleep sack) instead of loose bedding. Guidance also warns against weighted blankets or sleepers for infants.

After the first birthday, risk drops. Official guidance notes that while there's no research pinpointing an exact 100% safe age, most experts agree these objects pose little risk to healthy babies after 12 months of age.

For pillows specifically, one AAP-affiliated source advises waiting even longer, recommending not giving a child a pillow until age 2, and making sure it's small and firm when introduced. So a safe, guideline-backed approach is: no loose blankets or pillows before 12 months, and hold off on a pillow until closer to age 2.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 24, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

Report a problem with this answer

Related questions

Have a different question? Founded Parent searches published paediatric guidelines and peer-reviewed research, then tells you how strong the evidence actually is.

Ask a question

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so its answers may not apply to you. Never delay or disregard advice from a qualified health professional because of something you read here. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.