Can my baby sleep with a weighted blanket or stuffed animal?

Weighted blankets are designed for adults and teenagers to use as a tool for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, or for people with special needs such as autism or sensory processing disorders. They are not recommended for use by babies or young children. Babies should not sleep under any type of blanket until they are at least 12 months old and able to move the blanket off of their face. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet, and without any loose items or toys in the crib to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, the weight of the blanket can be too heavy for babies and young children, and it can be dangerous to use a weighted blanket for them. If a baby is too young to move the blanket off of their face, it can increase the risk of suffocation. It's also important to note that many experts suggest that weighted blankets are not recommended for children under the age of 2 and should be used with caution for children between the ages of 2 and 12. If you or your child have special needs, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional or therapist, to help you find the best way to improve sleep or reduce anxiety and to help you understand the safety guidelines for weighted blanket use.