6 Reasons Your Toddler Hates Covers

There are many reasons why your toddler might hate covers and blankets.

How can I keep my toddler warm at night without blankets?

There are a few ways you can try to keep your toddler warm at night without using blankets:

1. Use a sleep sack: A sleep sack is a wearable blanket your child can wear over their pajamas. It will keep them warm without needing loose blankets in the crib.
2. Try using a blanket sleeper: A one-piece pajama covers your child’s entire body, including their feet. This can be an excellent alternative to blankets if your child hates having something covering them.
3. Please dress your child in warm pajamas: Layering your child’s pajamas or dressing them in warmer materials like fleece can help keep them warm at night.
4. Use a room thermometer: Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for your child. A room that is too cold can make it difficult for your child to stay warm, even with blankets.
5. Offer your child a warm drink before bed: A warm drink like milk or herbal tea can help your child feel warm and relaxed before bedtime.

How do I get my toddler to sleep with a blanket?

If your toddler hates covers, getting them to sleep with a blanket can be challenging. Here are a few tips that might help:

1. Gradually introduce the blanket: Start using it to cover just the top of your child’s body, then gradually increase the amount of their body that is covered.
2. Choose a soft, comfortable blanket: Your child is more likely to accept a blanket if it is soft and comfortable to the touch.
3. Make it fun: Try making a game out of it by pretending to be animals or characters who like to snuggle under blankets.
4. Be patient: It may take time for your child to get used to sleeping with a blanket. Be patient and keep trying, and eventually, they may come around.

How to stop toddlers kicking off blankets:

Here are a few things you can try to help stop your toddler from kicking off their blankets:

1. Use a room thermometer: Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for your child. A room that is too cold can make it difficult for your child to stay warm, even with blankets.
2. Use a warm water bottle: Placing a warm water bottle at the foot of your child’s bed can help keep their feet warm and help them feel more comfortable. Just be sure to remove it before your child falls asleep to avoid the risk of burns.
3. Offer your child a warm drink before bed: A warm drink like milk or herbal tea can help your child feel warm and relaxed before bedtime.
4. Use a heavier blanket: If your child is still kicking off their blankets, you might want to try using a heavier blanket to help keep them in place.

Why doesn’t my baby like blankets?

There could be a few reasons why your baby doesn’t like blankets:

1. First, they find the blanket too hot or cold: Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and may not like being covered if they are too hot or too cold.
2. They don’t like the texture: Some babies may not like the texture of certain fabrics or may be sensitive to certain materials.
3. They don’t like the feeling of being covered: Some babies may simply not like the feeling of being covered. They may feel restricted or claustrophobic under a blanket.
4. They are developing a sense of autonomy: As babies grow and develop, they often assert their independence and may not like being told what to do. This can sometimes extend to bedtime routines, including being covered with a blanket.

How do I know if my toddler is cold at night?

There are a few signs you can look for to determine if your toddler is cold at night:

1. They are shivering: Shivering signifies that your child’s body is trying to generate heat to stay warm.
2. They are complaining of being cold: If your child is verbal and tells you they are cold, it’s a good indication that they are feeling chilly.
3. They have cold hands or feet: Touching your child’s hands and feet can give you a sense of body temperature. If they feel cold to the touch, it’s a sign that they may be too chilly.
4. They are snuggling with a stuffed animal or seeking warmth from you: If your child is seeking warmth from a stuffed animal or trying to snuggle with you, it may be a sign that they are feeling cold.

If you think your child may be cold at night, you can add an extra layer of blankets or clothing to help keep them warm. Just be sure not to overdress them, as a room that is too warm can lead to overheating and discomfort.

Will toddlers cry if too cold at night?

Your toddler may cry if they are too cold at night. Babies and young children cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so they are more susceptible to feeling cold. Crying is one-way babies, and young children communicate their needs, so if your toddler is crying and you suspect that they may be cold, it’s a good idea to check on them and see if they need an extra layer of blankets or clothing to stay warm.

Do toddlers sleep better, warm or cold?

Toddlers generally sleep better in a comfortable, moderate temperature range. Studies have shown that the ideal room temperature for sleep is between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit (15-19 degrees Celsius). A room that is too cold can make it difficult for your child to fall asleep, as their body will be working to stay warm. On the other hand, a room that is too warm can lead to overheating and discomfort, which can also disrupt sleep.

How to tuck in a toddler to enjoy covers:

Here are a few tips for tucking in a toddler to help them enjoy covers:

1. First, make it a game: Try making a game out of it by pretending to be animals or characters who like to snuggle under blankets.
2. Use a transitional object: If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or toy, you can try placing the blanket over it and encouraging them to “tuck in” their toy. This can help them feel more comfortable with the idea of being covered.
3. Gradually introduce the blanket: Start using it to cover just the top of your child’s body, then gradually increase the amount of their body that is covered.
4. Choose a soft, comfortable blanket: Your child is more likely to accept a blanket if it is soft and comfortable to the touch.
5. Ensure the blanket is tucked in securely: It is tucked in securely around the edges of the bed to prevent it from slipping off.
6. Be consistent: It’s essential to be consistent in your approach to bedtime. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it; your child will eventually learn to accept the blanket.

When can toddlers cover themselves with a blanket?

It is generally safe for toddlers to start covering themselves with a blanket when they are 18-24 months old. At this age, toddlers have developed the fine motor skills to move a blanket and tuck it around themselves.

Before this age, it is generally recommended to use a sleep sack or other wearable blanket to keep your child warm at night. This will help prevent your child from accidentally covering their head or getting tangled in the blanket while sleeping.

If you decide to use a blanket for your toddler, it’s essential to ensure it is not too heavy and not placed over your child’s head. You should also check on your child periodically throughout the night to make sure they are safe and comfortable.

Reasons Your Toddler Hates Covers

1. The cover is too heavy.

The main reason why your toddler refuses to wear their blanket might be because it is too heavy for them. If the blanket is too heavy, it can make them feel weighted down and uncomfortable. For kids, especially, finding a cover that is lighter in texture and not overwhelming for them is vital. The best way to get your child to use their blanket is to let them pick one out. The next time you go to a store to pick out new bedding, let your toddler pick their bedtime cover. This will encourage them to want to use it. Letting your toddler control certain decisions is a great way to teach independence and decision-making. You should use an even lighter blanket in the summertime because it is warm outside. You can use heavier blankets in the winter because it is colder outside. Size matters, and since your toddler is a tiny human, a large, heavy blanket can be too much for them to have on at night.

2. Your toddler feels trapped.

Many people sleep with their blanket over their upper body and let their feet hang out. Letting your feet hang out can help regulate your body temperature and make you feel less overheated. If your toddler is kicking their blanket off, you should try letting them cover themselves from the waist up. Kids move around a lot in their sleep, and getting caught up in their blankets can make them uncomfortable. If they get twisted up in their blanket, they might be annoyed and take it off. Kids cannot figure out how to solve problems like this, so taking the initiative can make a difference in their nighttime comfort.

3. Is your toddler ready for a cover?

Your child did not use a cover for the first year of their life. As parents, we dress them up warm enough at night to ensure they do not get cold in their sleep. Since putting blankets on babies while sleeping (especially unattended) is dangerous, parents usually refrain from using them in the first year. Research has shown that blankets can cause suffocation and death in small children, and it is no wonder why parents refrain from putting a cover on their babies. When your child becomes a toddler, you start to lessen restrictions and allow them to bring a stuffed animal in the crib with them and even a blanket. The question is, is your child ready for them? See your child’s pediatrician to see if your child is ready for a blanket at night. Every child conquers milestones in their own time, and you never want to rush something that could harm them before they are ready. Do not get frustrated if, at first, your toddler refuses to use a blanket. Remember that they have not used a blanket for all their life up until this point. Naturally, your toddler will have to get used to wearing a blanket, so give them time.

4. What about heavy pajamas?

Other ways to keep your child warm at night without using a cover. If you are worried about your toddler’s temperature at night, you can always put them in thicker pajamas. Adding socks will also help keep your toddler warm while they are sleeping. Many products are available such as wearable blankets. You can find these in stores and online, a blanket made into an outfit. They are usually heavy and thick and replicate what a blanket feels like. Wearable blankets are a great tool to keep your child warm because they are big and warm and will not come off! You should always buy these wearable blankets a size larger so your child can feel comfortable and have room to wiggle around. Try not to buy wearable blankets with hoods on them because this is a sleeping hazard for small children. If the wearable blanket is too much for your toddler, wearing heavier pajamas and thick socks should do the trick to keep them warm.

6. Your toddler might dislike how covers feel.

Some kids do not like having a blanket on. Blankets might make them uncomfortable and sweaty. Try adjusting the temperature if your child is complaining that they are hot at night with the blanket. It is best to turn your air conditioner down at night to give a more relaxed feeling in the house. If the house is colder, it will encourage your child to want to use the blanket. Keeping a fan in the room can also help because it circulates air around it. If the room still has air, it can make your child feel suffocated by wearing a blanket at night. You can always start with light blankets and move up to heavier blankets. Starting with even a sheet might help since it is fragile and lightweight. If your child refuses to wear a blanket, there is no reason to force it. Toddlers can understand when they are cold and hot, and they will ask for a blanket if they are cold enough. Forcing your toddler to wear a blanket is an unnecessary battle you can avoid by just putting them in thicker pajamas.

There are many reasons why your toddler does not want to wear a blanket. Try out these different tips and find a solution.