Gina Johnson
Keeping a newborn baby safe while sleeping is a top priority for parents and caregivers. While it is natural to want to do whatever you can to keep your baby safe, there are many misconceptions about safe sleeping positions for infants. Sleeping in an upright, semi-upright, or seated position can cause a baby's head to fall forward and restrict their breathing. This is why it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This is known as the supine position and is the safest way to put your baby to sleep.
Can newborn sleep upright?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest sleeping position for a baby | On their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress |
| Sleeping position to avoid | Front or side as it increases the risk of SIDS |
| Sleeping space | Free of soft bedding, extra padding, bumper pads, stuffed toys, or pillows |
| Baby's sleepwear | Simple, fitted sleepwear to keep the baby comfortable at room temperature |
| Baby's sleeping space for the first six months | Same room as the parents |
| Baby's sleeping space for the first year | In a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets current safety regulations |
| Baby's sleeping space for the first few months | Avoid baby swings, bouncers, strollers, car seats, and high chairs |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleeping positions for newborns
The safest way for a newborn to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. Research has shown that placing a baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping a baby on their side or stomach increases the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.
It is important to place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night, to make it a routine. Babies who are usually slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS.
Babies should sleep on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. The crib or bassinet should be free of loose bedding, soft bedding, extra padding, bumper pads, stuffed toys, or pillows. The crib's slats should be no farther apart than 2 3/8 inches. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the frame of the crib or bassinet.
For the first six months, babies should always be in the same room as their caregiver. Room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as the caregiver but on a separate sleeping surface, can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to half. Bed-sharing, on the other hand, increases the risk of SIDS and can pose other dangers such as suffocation or the baby becoming trapped.
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Safe sleep environments
The safest way for a newborn to sleep is on their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This position significantly lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping a baby on their front or side increases the risk of SIDS. It is also important to keep the baby's cot clear of items such as toys, which could cover their face and keep their airways clear.
For the first six months, babies should always be in the same room as their parents. This makes feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby easier. It is also important to keep the baby's environment smoke and vapour-free, both before and after birth.
Babies should not sleep on surfaces that are not flat, such as inclined sleepers, baby hammocks, and crib wedges. Sleeping in an upright, semi-upright, or seated position can cause the baby's head to fall forward, obstructing their airway. Devices such as baby swings, bouncers, strollers, car seats, and high chairs are also not suitable for sleep.
The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. A firm, flat, and level surface might be on a mattress in a cot, portacot, bassinet, baby box, pepi-pod, or co-sleeper that meets the relevant safety standards. The mattress should be covered with a tight-fitting waterproof mattress protector and a fitted sheet. The mattress protector should not be padded or soft. This makes it easier for the baby to breathe even if they roll over.
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Safe co-sleeping practices
It is unsafe for newborns to sleep upright. Sleeping in an upright, semi-upright, or seated position can cause a newborn's head to fall forward and obstruct their breathing.
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This is the safest sleeping position and lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Keep the baby's sleep surface clear of toys, pillows, comforters, duvets, or any items that could cover their face and obstruct their breathing.
- For the first six months, the baby should sleep in the same room as the parent. This allows the parent to be close by and respond quickly if needed.
- Avoid co-sleeping on a couch, armchair, or seating device like a swing or car seat. These surfaces increase the risk of the baby rolling off or becoming trapped, leading to suffocation.
- If you choose to co-sleep, be sure to do so responsibly. Avoid smoking, alcohol, or drug use, as these can impair your responsiveness.
- Dress the baby in simple, fitted sleepwear that will keep them comfortable at room temperature. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
- Breastfeeding mothers may find themselves in a "cuddle curl" position, which can help keep the baby safe and away from puffy pillows.
- Once your baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.
Remember, creating a safe sleep environment is crucial to reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Always follow guidelines and recommendations from trusted sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and seek guidance from pediatricians or healthcare professionals if you have any concerns.
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Safe sleep products
It is not recommended for newborns to sleep upright. Sleeping in an upright, semi-upright, or seated position can cause a baby's head to fall forward and obstruct their breathing.
Cribs
Cribs are an ideal place for a baby to sleep, as long as they are new or have been checked for recalls, are free of loose bedding, toys, or stuffed animals, and have a firm, flat, waterproof mattress. The mattress should be new or stored somewhere clean, dry, and smoke-free. You can check if it's firm enough by making sure your baby's head does not sink into it by more than a few millimetres.
Bassinets
Like cribs, bassinets are a safe place for a baby to sleep, provided they are free of loose bedding, toys, or other items that could cover the baby's mouth or nose and restrict their breathing.
Playards
Playards are another safe option for baby sleep, as long as they have a firm, flat mattress and are free of hazards such as loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers.
Slings and Carriers
Slings and carriers can be useful for keeping your baby close, but they should not be used for sleeping. If a baby falls asleep in a sling or carrier, they are at risk of suffocation. If you use a sling or carrier, keep your baby's face visible at all times, and do not zip up your coat around them, as this increases the risk of suffocation and overheating.
Bed Sharing
While bed sharing is not recommended, there may be times when you do share a bed with your baby. If you do, make sure you know how to do it safely. For example, always place your baby on their back to sleep, and ensure they cannot become trapped between your body and the sleeping surface or bedding. Bed sharing also increases a baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and can pose other dangers, so it is generally safer for them to sleep in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as you.
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Safe sleep positions for newborns with reflux
Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition in newborns. While it is natural to want to help your baby sleep comfortably, it is important to ensure that their sleep position is safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthy infants with reflux be placed on their back to sleep, on a flat, firm surface. This is because sleeping on their back is the safest position for babies and lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping a baby on their front or side increases the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.
To reduce reflux, infants are often placed in an inclined position. However, inclined sleep devices have been linked to infant deaths, with suffocation as the apparent cause. Inclined positions can cause your baby's head to fall forward, obstructing their airway and making it hard for them to breathe. While some studies have shown that inclined positions may reduce hypoxia and bradycardia in infants with reflux, the supine position is still recommended by the AAP as the safest sleep position.
If your baby has reflux, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for advice on safe sleep positions and reflux management strategies. Some recommendations for safe sleep with reflux include:
- Using a firm, flat mattress in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets current safety regulations.
- Keeping the sleep space clear of toys, soft bedding, extra padding, and other items that could obstruct the baby's airway.
- Ensuring that the baby sleeps in the same room as their caregiver for the first six months.
- Avoiding bed-sharing, as it increases the risk of SIDS and can pose other dangers, such as suffocation.
- Dressing the baby in simple, fitted sleepwear that keeps them comfortable and prevents overheating, as this also increases the risk of SIDS.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborn babies should not sleep upright, in a semi-upright position, or while seated. This is because it can cause their head to fall forward and restrict their breathing.
The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This position significantly lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In addition to placing your baby on their back to sleep, you should also ensure that their sleep space is free of soft bedding, extra padding, bumper pads, stuffed toys, and pillows. The baby should also sleep in the same room as you for the first six months.
Bed sharing increases a baby's risk of SIDS and can pose other dangers such as suffocation on soft bedding or becoming trapped between the adult and the sleeping surface.
