Miya Pearson
Sleeping on their stomach is considered unsafe for babies, especially newborns to five-month-olds, as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep until they are at least 12 months old. However, once a baby can roll both ways on their own, usually around five to six months of age, it is generally considered safe for them to sleep on their stomach, as they have developed the strength to move their head and breathe comfortably.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleeping position for babies | On their back |
| Safe sleeping environment | Free of blankets, pillows, and toys |
| Safe sleeping environment | Firm, flat surface |
| Safe sleeping environment | No swaddling |
| Safe sleeping environment | No loose bedding |
| Safe sleeping environment | No soft, adjustable mattresses |
| Safe sleeping environment | No comfort objects |
| Risks of stomach sleeping | Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Risks of stomach sleeping | Increased risk of rebreathing |
| Risks of stomach sleeping | Overheating |
| Safe age for stomach sleeping | After 12 months |
| Safe age for stomach sleeping | When the baby can roll both ways on their own |
| Safe age for stomach sleeping | After 4 months |
| Safe age for stomach sleeping | After 5 months |
| Safe age for stomach sleeping | After 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep practices recommend placing babies on their backs to sleep
Research has shown a decreased risk of SIDS when babies are placed flat on their backs for sleeping, specifically on a firm mattress with no loose bedding, blankets, pillows, toys, or other objects in the crib. This is true even for babies with reflux. Sleeping on the back has also been associated with a lower risk of fevers, nasal congestion, and ear infections compared to stomach sleeping.
It is important to note that babies should not be swaddled once they start showing signs of rolling over, which typically happens between 3 and 6 months of age. Instead, a sleep sack that allows the arms to be free is recommended. Additionally, supervised tummy time when the baby is awake and alert can help strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles and promote the development of rolling skills.
If a baby rolls onto their stomach during sleep after being placed on their back, it is generally considered safe to let them stay in that position. This is because babies who can roll over have the agility and strength to lift or turn their head while sleeping on their tummy, reducing the risk of SIDS. However, it is still recommended to place babies on their backs for sleep until they are at least 12 months old, as this is the optimal sleep position for reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related issues.
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Stomach sleeping increases the risk of SIDS
It is generally recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep for at least the first six months. Sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This risk is further elevated when a baby sleeps on a soft mattress or with bedding, stuffed toys, or a pillow near their face.
The risk of SIDS is particularly high for babies who sleep on their stomachs during their first year. This is because they are breathing in less air, which can increase their chance of SIDS. One of the most concerning aspects of stomach sleeping is "rebreathing". This occurs when a baby breathes in their own exhaled air, which is lower in oxygen and higher in carbon dioxide. As the baby rebreathes this air, the oxygen level in their body drops, and the level of carbon dioxide rises.
Research has shown that babies who never sleep on their stomachs do not learn behaviours that may lessen their risk of SIDS. In one study, babies with experience of sleeping on their stomachs lifted and turned their heads to the side when they sensed the air was stale, increasing their supply of oxygen-rich air. In contrast, inexperienced infants nuzzled the bedding or briefly lifted their heads before resuming their sleep. Overall, inexperienced infants spent more time fully face down than experienced infants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. This recommendation has been supported by a large body of research and compelling scientific evidence from around the world. Following the AAP's Back to Sleep campaign recommendation, the rate of SIDS has dropped significantly.
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Babies should not be swaddled once they can roll over
It is generally advised that babies should sleep on their backs for at least the first six months after birth, as this is known to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, this does not mean that they have to stay in this position throughout the night. If a baby can roll over on their own, it is considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach.
Swaddling is a common practice for newborns, as it helps them feel secure and sleep better. However, once a baby starts to show signs of rolling over, it is important to stop swaddling them. This is because swaddling can pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation if the baby rolls over onto their stomach while still wrapped up. It is recommended to transition to a sleep sack that allows the baby's arms to be free once they start rolling over.
The ability to roll over typically develops between 3 and 4 months of age, but some babies may start attempting this as early as 2 months. It is important to monitor the baby's development and adjust their sleep practices accordingly.
Additionally, it is advised to stop swaddling if the baby shows signs of overheating, such as sweating, flushed skin, or rapid breathing.
In summary, while swaddling can be beneficial for newborns, it is important to discontinue this practice once the baby starts to roll over or show signs of overheating to ensure their safety and well-being.
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Tummy time helps strengthen neck, shoulder, and arm muscles
It is generally advised that babies should be put to sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). However, once a baby can roll over on their own, it is considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach, as long as they are placed on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding.
Tummy time is an important activity for babies, and it involves placing them on their stomach while they are awake. It helps to strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, preparing them for various milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. Here are some reasons why tummy time is beneficial for strengthening these muscles:
Neck Muscles:
Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck muscles by encouraging them to lift their heads while lying on their bellies. This movement helps relax and develop the neck muscles they need to gain head control, turn their heads, and eventually sit up, crawl, and walk.
Shoulder Muscles:
Lying on their stomachs during tummy time also helps babies strengthen their shoulder muscles. This strengthening occurs as they practice lifting their heads and chests by straightening their arms, which engages and strengthens the muscles in the shoulders.
Arm Muscles:
Tummy time helps develop arm muscles as babies practice pushing up with their arms while on their stomachs. This movement strengthens the arms and prepares them for milestones like pushing up to a crawl position and eventually walking.
It is recommended to start tummy time with newborns by placing them belly-down on your chest or lap for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the duration as they get comfortable. Always ensure that tummy time is done on a safe, low surface, and that you stay with your baby during this activity.
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Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding
It is important to remember that babies should sleep on their backs for at least the first six months. Sleeping on the back has been shown to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, once babies start rolling over, usually around 3-4 months, they may end up on their tummies. If your baby has rolled over independently, it is okay to let them sleep on their stomach as long as they are unswaddled on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding.
A baby's sleep surface should always be firm, flat, and level. A firm mattress ensures that the baby's chin does not sink into the surface and block their soft and flexible airway. Soft surfaces also increase the risk of suffocation. For instance, the baby's face could get buried in the surface if they turn their head. Similarly, bumpers on a cot or bassinet may block the baby's airway if they turn their face into the padding.
Babies should sleep on a flat surface, like a table, not a hammock. The surface should also be level, not at an angle or inclined. A crib with only a fitted sheet covering the mattress is the safest option for a baby. Soft or squishy items in the crib, such as pillows, stuffed toys, comforters, quilts, blankets, and positioners, can be dangerous. Crib bumpers and bedding other than a fitted sheet have been linked to serious injuries and deaths from SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
Loose bedding, such as quilts, blankets, and pillows, is not safe for babies as they increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation. Research also shows that babies who sleep on soft surfaces, like couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, or adult mattresses, are at a higher risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Bed-sharing with a baby is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS and sleep-related death. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is the safest option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not considered safe for babies to sleep on their stomachs until they are 1 year old. Research shows that placing babies on their backs to sleep reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If your baby can roll both ways on their own, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach. However, it is recommended that you place your baby on their back to sleep until they are at least 1 year old.
To create a safe sleep environment, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding, pillows, blankets, or toys. Stop swaddling your baby once they start to roll over. Instead, use a sleep sack that allows their arms to be free.
