Evie Summers
Sleep is a hot topic for new parents, and for good reason. There are many challenges to getting a baby to sleep through the night, and one of the most concerning aspects is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research shows that placing a baby flat on their back to sleep can decrease the risk of SIDS, and this is recommended by experts for the first 12 months of a baby's life. However, once a baby can roll over, which usually happens between 4 and 6 months, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their tummy. So, can an 8-month-old sleep on their stomach? The answer is yes, as long as they have rolled over of their own accord and are unswaddled on a firm mattress with no loose bedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep position | On their back |
| Risk of sleeping on the stomach | Increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Rebreathing | Increase the chance of rebreathing, which is when exhaled air is inhaled again |
| Rolling over | Babies can roll over starting from 3-4 months old |
| Safe to sleep on the stomach | When the baby can roll over consistently in both directions, it is generally safe to let them sleep on their stomach |
| Age | Babies should sleep on their back for the first 12 months |
| Sleep regression | Sleep regression can occur at 8 months due to teething, separation anxiety, or developmental milestones |
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Safe sleep practices
Placing Your Baby to Sleep
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side, for at least the first 12 months. This recommendation is supported by research showing a decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when babies sleep on their backs on a firm mattress with no loose bedding. Even for babies with reflux, placing them on their back is considered the safest option.
If your baby is around 6 months old and has good head and trunk control, which they develop as they start rolling over, it is generally not necessary to turn them back onto their back if they roll over during sleep. Most pediatricians agree that if a baby can roll over on their own, they are strong enough to lift their head and sleep on their stomach. However, it is important to ensure they are unswaddled and sleeping on a firm mattress with no loose bedding to avoid the risk of rebreathing.
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment
To create a safe sleep environment, it is important to keep soft items, such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, out of the crib. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and federal safety standards can guide you in choosing safe sleep products. Additionally, avoid covering your baby's head while they sleep, and dress them appropriately to avoid overheating.
Room-Sharing and Bed-Sharing
The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months when the risk of SIDS is highest. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib in your bedroom, which facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring your baby at night. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not, as it increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Reducing the Risk of SIDS
To reduce the risk of SIDS, avoid exposing your baby to secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk. Additionally, keep items with cords, ties, ribbons, or sharp edges away from the crib to prevent any potential hazards.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby prepare for sleep and reduce the chances of nighttime awakenings. Soothing activities, such as a warm bath, followed by stories or singing, can signal that it's time for bed.
In summary, while there is no universal age for safe tummy sleep, the recommended safe sleep practice is to place your baby on their back for sleep during the first 12 months. Once your baby can roll over consistently in both directions and has good head and trunk control, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep in the position they roll into. Always ensure a safe sleep environment by following guidelines from trusted sources, such as the AAP and CPSC.
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Rolling over
When babies reach the developmental stage of rolling over, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomachs. Most pediatricians agree that if a baby can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back on their own, they are strong enough to lift their head and breathe comfortably in this position. This typically occurs between 4 and 6 months of age, which coincides with a decrease in the risk of SIDS.
However, it is important to ensure that the baby's sleeping environment remains safe. This includes using a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding, blankets, or other soft objects that could increase the risk of rebreathing or suffocation. Additionally, swaddling should be discontinued once a baby starts rolling over, as it can restrict their movement and pose a safety hazard.
While rolling over is a positive milestone, it can also impact sleep patterns. Babies may become more mobile and eager to practice their new skills, resulting in disrupted sleep. This is a common phase, and it's essential to provide opportunities for babies to practice their new skills during awake times, creating a consistent sleep routine.
In summary, rolling over is a significant milestone that usually occurs between 3 and 6 months. It allows babies to sleep on their stomachs safely, provided a safe sleeping environment is maintained. This milestone may also bring sleep challenges, which can be addressed by encouraging skill practice during the day and establishing healthy sleep habits.
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SIDS risk
Sleeping on the stomach is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to the CDC, approximately 1,389 babies died of SIDS in 2020. Sleeping on the stomach means babies are breathing in less air, which increases their risk of SIDS.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 12 months. This is because the back-sleep position carries the lowest risk of SIDS. Sleeping on the back also has other benefits, such as reduced risk of fevers, stuffy noses, and ear infections.
However, once a baby can roll over both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach. This typically happens around the 6-month mark, although some babies may start rolling over as early as 3 or 4 months. It is important to note that even after a baby can roll over, parents should continue to place them on their backs for sleep.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended to avoid bed-sharing with infants. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS, suffocation, and other sleep-related infant deaths. Additionally, soft bedding, pillows, blankets, and toys should be kept away from the baby's sleep area, as they can pose a risk of suffocation and rebreathing. Rebreathing occurs when a baby inhales exhaled air that is trapped around their face, leading to lower oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide in the blood.
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Sleep regressions
It is generally recommended that babies are put to sleep on their back for at least the first 6 months to 1 year of their lives. This is because sleeping on the stomach can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and rebreathing, which is when a baby inhales exhaled air that is lower in oxygen and higher in carbon dioxide. However, once a baby can roll over both ways and has good head and trunk control, usually around 6 months old, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach.
The 8-month sleep regression is often caused by teething, greater mobility, and budding abilities. Babies at this age are learning to crawl, walk, and explore, and they are excited to practice their new skills, which can interfere with their sleep. Social babies who enjoy interacting with their parents may also wake up multiple times at night, expecting to play.
While most 8-month-olds can sleep 10-12 hours without needing to feed, some may still need 1-2 night feedings. If your baby is struggling with separation anxiety, it is important to avoid formal sleep training during this period and instead focus on improving their sleep quality.
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Safe sleep environment
It is important to note that there is no universal age for safe tummy sleep. The general recommendation is to place your baby on their back for sleep during their first year. Once your baby can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back, most pediatricians agree that it is safe for them to sleep on their stomach, as long as they are unswaddled and the sleeping environment is safe.
Sleep Surface
The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. A crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with a firm, flat surface and a fitted sheet is recommended. Sleep surfaces with one end higher than the other, or those that elevate both the baby's head and feet, increase the risk of positional asphyxia. A firm mattress is important as soft, adjustable mattresses can increase the risk of rebreathing, which can lead to a drop in oxygen levels in the blood.
Room Sharing
Room sharing without bed sharing is recommended. This means that the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents or adults but in a separate sleep space made for infants, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard. This arrangement reduces the risk of SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths compared to bed sharing or having the baby sleep in a separate room.
Sleepwear
Instead of loose blankets, use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm.
Sleep Position
Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep, even if they can roll over. This recommendation stands for both bedtime and nap time. If your baby can roll over consistently in both directions and has good head and trunk control, it is generally considered safe to let them stay in the position they roll into. However, if they are not consistently and intentionally rolling but end up on their tummy, gently place them back on their back.
Sleep Space
The sleep space should be clear of any items that could pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation. This includes pillows, blankets, loose sheets, soft bedding, comforters, toys, positioners, and bumpers. Ensure that the baby's sleep area is separate from the adult bed to prevent accidental suffocation or strangulation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for the first 12 months. However, once they can roll over both ways and have good head and trunk control, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach.
Sleeping on their stomach can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as it means they are breathing in less air. It can also cause rebreathing, where the baby inhales air that is lower in oxygen and higher in carbon dioxide.
Ensure your baby is unswaddled and sleeping on a firm mattress with no loose bedding or other objects such as pillows, blankets, or toys.
Sleep regression can occur at any age, and there is no set timeline for how long it lasts. It could be caused by teething, separation anxiety, or developmental milestones such as learning to crawl or roll.
