Gina Johnson
It is generally not recommended to put a baby under 1 year old to sleep on their stomach. Sleeping on the back is considered the safest position for infants, as it lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research shows that babies who sleep on their stomachs are more susceptible to rebreathing expired air with high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels, which can lead to SIDS. Research shows that babies who sleep on their stomachs are more than twice as likely to die of SIDS, with most deaths occurring in babies between 1 and 4 months old. However, if a baby can roll onto their stomach and back again unassisted, it is generally considered safe to leave them in that position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping position for infants | On their back |
| Risk of sleeping on the stomach | Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) |
| When can babies sleep on their stomach | After they turn 1 year old |
| What if the baby rolls over on their own? | If the baby can roll over on their own, it is fine to let them sleep on their stomach |
| Use of products to prevent SIDS | Products like sleep positioners, monitors, weighted blankets, etc. do not prevent SIDS |
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What You'll Learn
Babies should sleep on their back until they are 1 year old
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs until they are 1 year old. This is because, during their first year, babies who are put to sleep on their stomachs are more than twice as likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than infants sleeping in other positions. Most deaths from SIDS occur in babies between 1 and 4 months old.
Research shows that placing babies on their backs to sleep reduces the risk of SIDS. This is true even for babies with reflux. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months or, ideally, until a baby's first birthday. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
If your baby rolls onto their tummy on their own, it is okay to leave them in that position. However, it is important to ensure that they are unswaddled on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding. Babies should only be placed on their stomach during supervised tummy time when they are awake and alert. These sessions will strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles and may help them master rolling, which can lead to safer sleep.
It is important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. This includes always placing your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night, and ensuring that the sleep surface and products used are approved by the relevant safety commissions and meet federal safety standards.
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Stomach sleeping is linked to SIDS
It is not safe to put your baby to sleep on their tummy during their first year. Research shows that babies who are put to sleep on their stomach are more than twice as likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than infants sleeping in other positions. Sleeping on the stomach can lead to dangerously high carbon dioxide levels and low oxygen levels in babies' bodies, which can cause harm to their brain and respiratory function.
Most babies will wake up and breathe fresh air, but some infants are slower to respond and will not be able to roll over, leading to a loss of consciousness. Babies who never sleep on their stomachs don't learn behaviours that may lessen their risk of SIDS. Researchers have found that babies who usually sleep on their backs or sides but shift to the prone position have a 19-fold increased risk of sudden death.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends putting babies to sleep on their backs until at least 12 months of age. If your baby can roll onto their tummy on their own, it is okay to leave them in that position as long as they are unswaddled on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding. It is important to note that swaddling does not reduce the risk of SIDS and can increase the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related deaths.
Overall, it is crucial to prioritize your baby's safety when it comes to sleep positions and follow the recommendations of the AAP and other medical professionals to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Babies should sleep on a firm mattress with no loose bedding
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 12 months, or longer if they were born prematurely. Sleeping on their backs on a firm mattress with no loose bedding is the safest position for babies. This is because babies have a larger head in proportion to their body size, and the occiput (the bump at the back of the head) is more pronounced. They are also still developing head control and neck musculature. As a result, babies who are not on a firm, flat surface can end up with their chin resting on their chest, blocking their soft and flexible airway.
Soft surfaces also increase the risk of suffocation. For example, the walls of a nest or padded bumpers on a cot may block a baby’s airway if they turn their face into the padding. Similarly, babies who roll over while lying on a soft surface may end up with their mouth and nose pressed into the surface. Soft bedding such as nests, bumpers, sheepskins, additional padding, mattresses or pillows should not be added to a cot or portable cot.
Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Research shows that babies who are put down to sleep on their stomachs are more than twice as likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than infants sleeping in other positions. Most deaths from SIDS occur in babies aged 1 to 4 months.
However, if a baby is strong enough to roll onto their tummy, most doctors agree that they are strong enough to lift their head and safely sleep in this position. If a baby is rolling to their tummy, they must not be swaddled.
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Babies should not be swaddled once they start rolling onto their tummies
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 12 months, or until they are able to roll from their back to their tummy and back again. Sleeping on their stomach before they are able to do this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Swaddling is a popular way to help calm babies and promote sleep. However, it is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts to roll over. This is usually between 2 and 4 months of age. When a baby rolls onto their tummy, they need their hands free to push themselves up, so swaddling is no longer safe. If your baby is rolling in their sleep and is comfortable sleeping on their stomach, it is important that they are unswaddled and placed on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding.
If your baby is still breaking out of the swaddle, there are some options to help keep them swaddled safely. You can try using swaddles that are designed specifically for swaddling, such as those that use velcro to make safe swaddling easier. You can also try using a swaddle that has an inner band and an outer wrap, which makes it more difficult for the baby to break out of.
If you are transitioning out of the swaddle, you can start the night with one or both arms out of the swaddle. Each night, try to go a bit longer with arms free. When your baby is able to sleep well with both arms out, or they are showing signs of rolling, you can transition to a sleep sack. Sleep sacks or wearable blankets can be worn up to about 2 years of age or about 30 lbs. Once your baby outgrows a sleep sack, they can transition to a wearable blanket.
It is important to remember that all babies develop on their own timelines. If you have any concerns about your baby's sleep position or swaddling, it is best to consult your pediatrician.
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Tummy time helps strengthen neck, shoulder and arm muscles
It is not recommended to put a 2-week-old baby to sleep on their stomach. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should be placed on their backs to sleep until at least 12 months of age. This recommendation is based on research that shows a decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when babies sleep on their backs.
Now, while it is not advisable to put a 2-week-old baby to sleep on their stomach, you can still engage them in "tummy time" when they are awake and supervised. Tummy time is essential for your baby's development and has numerous benefits, one of which is strengthening the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles.
During tummy time, your baby lies on their stomach, propped up on their elbows, while slightly arching their back. This position helps to strengthen the muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. It also improves the spine's range of motion and mobility and gently stretches the abdominal muscles and hip flexors.
To start tummy time with your newborn, place them belly-down on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes at a time, two to three times a day. As your baby gets used to it, you can gradually increase the duration and frequency. By the time your baby is 3 months old, they should work up to about 1 hour of tummy time per day.
Remember, tummy time should always be supervised, and your baby should always be placed on their back to sleep until they are old enough to roll over and back on their own.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe for your 2-week-old baby to sleep on their stomach. Babies should sleep on their back until they are at least 1 year old.
Babies who sleep on their stomachs may be at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They may also re-breathe expired air trapped in the bedding, leading to dangerously high carbon dioxide levels and low oxygen levels in their bodies.
If your baby has rolled onto their stomach while sleeping, it is okay to leave them in that position as long as they can easily roll from their stomach to their back. Make sure they are unswaddled on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding.
Here are some recommendations for creating a safe sleep environment for your baby:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm, safety-approved sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet.
- Remove any blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers from their crib or bassinet.
- Room-share with your baby without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months.
