Herbie Murray
Sleeping on their belly is a considerable risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The risk of SIDS is one of the reasons why it is recommended that infants sleep on their backs for the first year of their life. However, if a baby can roll over on their own, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their belly. Rolling over and tummy sleep often begin when babies are 3-4 months old, but some babies may start rolling over as early as 6 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleeping position for a 7-month-old | On their back |
| Safe sleeping environment | Free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, loose-fitting sheets, and plush toys |
| Safe sleeping environment | Firm, flat surface |
| Swaddling | Should be stopped once the baby can roll over |
| Safe sleeping position if the baby rolls over | It is okay to let them sleep on their tummy |
| Risk of SIDS | Decreases significantly after babies turn 6 months old |
| Risk of SIDS | Babies who can change positions easily have a lower risk of SIDS |
| Risk of SIDS | Sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of SIDS |
| Risk of rebreathing | Higher when sleeping on the stomach |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep conditions to reduce the risk of SIDS
It is recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep for the first 12 months of their life. Sleeping on the back is associated with a lower risk of SIDS, as well as a lower risk of fevers, nasal congestion, and ear infections.
However, if a baby is strong enough to roll over onto their tummy, they are likely strong enough to lift their head and sleep safely in this position. If a baby rolls onto their tummy to sleep, it is important to ensure that they are unswaddled and placed on a firm, flat mattress with no loose bedding.
- Keep all objects, such as pillows, blankets, bumpers, loose-fitting sheets, and plush toys, away from the crib.
- Dress the baby in clothes suitable for the temperature of the room to prevent overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
- Avoid smoking or allowing smoking around the baby, both during pregnancy and after birth.
- Breastfeed the baby if possible, as this is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
- Room-sharing is recommended, where the baby's sleep space is near the caregiver's bed but not in the same bed, to facilitate easy feeding and comforting.
- The baby's sleep area should be in the same room as the caregiver, ideally until the baby is at least 6 months old.
- Avoid co-sleeping with the baby if the caregiver is smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs or medications that cause drowsiness.
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The dangers of rebreathing
While a 7-month-old baby sleeping on their belly may seem comfortable, it is not without risks. One of the most significant dangers is rebreathing, which occurs when a baby inhales their exhaled breath, resulting in increased carbon dioxide and decreased oxygen levels in the body. This can lead to hypoxia, a life-threatening condition.
Rebreathing can happen when a baby sleeps on a soft surface or has objects like stuffed toys, bedding, or pillows near their face. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a separate surface, such as a crib, without bumper pads or soft mattresses, to reduce the risk of rebreathing.
Additionally, sleeping on the stomach can obstruct a baby's airway and interfere with their body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to overheating, which is another risk factor for SIDS. It is also associated with sudden decreases in blood pressure and heart rate control.
To ensure the safety of your 7-month-old baby, it is recommended to always place them on their back to sleep, even if they can roll over. This recommendation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and is based on extensive research showing that tummy sleeping is linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
While it is understandable that parents may worry about their baby's comfort, the risks associated with belly sleeping outweigh any perceived benefits. By placing your baby on their back to sleep and following safe sleep practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers, such as rebreathing.
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The benefits of tummy time
It is recommended that babies are put to sleep on their backs for the first year of their lives. Sleeping on their backs lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is one of the leading causes of death during a baby's first year, especially within the first four to six months. Back sleepers also tend to have a lower risk of fevers, nasal congestion, and ear infections.
However, if a baby is strong enough to roll over on their own, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their tummies. Babies who can change positions easily usually have the agility to protect themselves from whatever it is about tummy sleeping that increases the risk of SIDS.
Tummy time, which is when a baby spends time on their belly while awake, is important for a baby's development. Here are some benefits of tummy time:
- It helps develop the muscles needed to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk.
- It helps strengthen arm, chest, and back muscles.
- It can help treat flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly), which can occur when babies spend too much time on their backs in the first few months of life.
- It encourages babies to look around and interact with their surroundings, promoting neck muscle relaxation and helping to treat torticollis, a neck condition that causes tight neck muscles.
- It can help babies get used to the idea of tummy sleeping, which some babies prefer once they are able to roll both ways.
Pediatricians recommend that by about two months of age, babies get 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time daily, working up to about an hour of tummy time a day by the time they are three months old. To make tummy time enjoyable for your baby, you can place toys within their reach, sing songs, or get down on the floor to interact with them.
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The importance of head and trunk control
While it is important to place a baby to sleep on their back for the first year of their life, if they roll from their back to their stomach on their own, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep in that position. This usually happens between 4 and 7 months of age, and it is a significant milestone in their development.
The ability to roll over and control their head and trunk is a crucial aspect of a baby's development. Head control, which infants typically master by 3 months, enables them to maintain stable vision and facilitates the development of reaching and grasping skills. The uncoupling of head and arm movements during this period allows for more flexibility in eye, head, and hand coordination, which is essential for environmental exploration.
Trunk control is also critical for a baby's development. The SATCo test, which assesses static, active, and reactive control, found that infants achieved head control at 3 months prior to sitting onset, and eight out of ten infants achieved complete trunk control by the time they could sit independently. This highlights the importance of trunk control in attaining major developmental milestones.
Tummy time is an excellent way to promote the development of head and trunk control. It helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles, and it can be started as soon as the baby is born. By 4 to 7 months, babies typically enjoy tummy time and are actively working on rolling back to belly and belly to back. This is a critical period for them to exercise their muscles and master the skills needed to reach the next milestone.
In summary, the development of head and trunk control is vital for a baby's ability to maintain stability, explore their environment, and reach and grasp objects. Tummy time and supervised play are excellent ways to promote these skills and help babies achieve important developmental milestones, such as rolling over and sitting up.
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The risks of swaddling
While placing a baby to sleep on their back is recommended for at least the first six months of life, if a baby is strong enough to roll onto their tummy, they are likely strong enough to lift their head and sleep safely in this position.
Swaddling is a technique that recreates the cosy feeling of the womb and can help soothe and calm infants, promoting better sleep. However, there are several risks associated with swaddling that parents and caregivers should be aware of.
The Risk of Suffocation
Swaddling can increase the risk of suffocation, particularly if a baby rolls onto their stomach while swaddled. In this position, they may not be able to return to their back, and their airway can become obstructed. This risk is heightened if the swaddle is too tight, preventing the baby from bending their legs or restricting their chest and arms. It is important to ensure that the swaddle is not done so tightly that the baby cannot move their hips, as this can also lead to hip dysplasia.
Overheating
Swaddling with blankets can increase the risk of overheating, which is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is important to monitor the baby for signs of overheating, such as quick breathing, flushed skin, and sweating. Using light, breathable materials for swaddling and removing layers if the baby feels warm can help mitigate this risk.
Loose Blankets
If a swaddle is not properly secured, a baby can wriggle out, leading to the risk of suffocation from loose blankets. It is important to avoid loose blankets and instead use infant sleep clothing, such as swaddling bags or sleep sacks, which can provide comfort and warmth without the same risks.
Increased Risk of SIDS
In addition to the risk of overheating, swaddling has been found to increase the risk of SIDS in other ways. Some researchers believe that SIDS may be caused by low arousal in infants, making it harder for them to wake up. Swaddling a baby may further lower their arousal, increasing the risk of SIDS.
It is important to note that swaddling can be safe when done correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, parents and caregivers should be aware of these risks and follow safe sleep practices, such as placing babies on their back to sleep, using appropriate swaddling techniques, and monitoring for signs of overheating.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 12 months of their lives. Sleeping on their backs reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is one of the leading causes of death for babies under 1. However, if your 7-month-old can roll over on their own, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their belly.
SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome. It is the unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, usually during sleep. SIDS is the most common cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year old.
Sleeping on the back is recommended because it lowers the risk of rebreathing. Rebreathing is when a baby inhales air that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous for their brain and respiratory function.
If your baby is strong enough to roll over on their own, they are likely strong enough to lift their head and sleep safely in that position. You do not need to adjust their position, but you should ensure they are sleeping on a firm surface without any loose bedding or toys that could be a suffocation risk.
Some babies prefer tummy sleeping as they find it more comfortable. It can also help with their head and trunk control, and may even help reduce the risk of ear infections, stuffy noses, and fever.
