Baby Blanket Policy: Safe Sleep Alternatives and UK Guidelines

When it comes to your baby’s sleep, the baby blanket policy, a set of safety guidelines used by UK health professionals to reduce the risk of SIDS isn’t about rules for fun—it’s about survival. The NHS, alongside pediatricians and SIDS research groups, has been clear since the early 2000s: loose blankets in a crib increase suffocation risk. That’s why the current policy doesn’t just suggest avoiding them—it strongly advises against them for babies under one year old. Instead, parents are guided toward sleep sacks, a wearable blanket alternative designed to keep babies warm without covering their face and swaddle alternatives, secure, breathable wraps that mimic the snug feeling of a blanket but stay in place. These aren’t trendy gadgets—they’re medical recommendations backed by data showing a 50% drop in SIDS cases when babies sleep without loose bedding.

The shift away from traditional blankets isn’t about taking away comfort—it’s about replacing something dangerous with something just as cozy, but far safer. A swaddle alternative, like a zip-up swaddle with arm positioning support lets your baby feel secure without the risk of slipping under the covers. And a sleep sack, a sleeveless or short-sleeved garment that zips up from the feet, keeps your baby at the right temperature without overheating. Overheating is another silent risk—babies can’t regulate their body heat like adults, and too many layers or thick fabrics can raise their core temperature dangerously. The policy doesn’t say "no warmth," it says "no risk." That’s why materials matter: cotton, bamboo, or merino wool are preferred. Polyester blends? Avoid them. Too many parents think a heavier blanket means a better sleep, but the opposite is true. The safest sleep environment is cool, clutter-free, and contained.

What about loveys? What about those tiny blankets your baby clings to? The policy allows a small, lightweight lovey after 12 months—but only if it’s breathable, no larger than a handkerchief, and never tucked in. Before then? No exceptions. That’s why the top posts in this collection focus on what to use instead: swaddle sacks, wearable blankets, and how to transition from swaddling without panic. You’ll find real advice from UK parents who’ve been there—what worked, what didn’t, and how to spot signs your baby is ready to move past swaddling. There’s no guesswork here. Just clear, practical steps to follow the baby blanket policy without sacrificing comfort or sleep.