Miya Pearson
There are many concerns and questions that new parents have, and one of them is whether it is safe for newborns to sleep sideways. The answer to this is no, newborns should not sleep sideways. The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. Sleeping on their back is the safest position for a baby as it prevents choking and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest place for newborns to sleep | In the same room as the parents but in a separate bassinet or crib |
| Newborn sleeping position | On their back |
| Swaddling | Safe until the baby starts rolling onto their side |
| Harlequin colour change | Temporary and harmless condition that affects 10% of newborns sleeping on their sides |
| Torticollis | A neck condition that can develop if a baby sleeps on their side |
| Risk factors | Difficulty breathing, overheating, and suffocation |
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What You'll Learn
- It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs
- Side sleeping can lead to sleeping on the front, which increases the risk of suffocation
- Side sleeping can cause torticollis, or wry neck
- Harlequin colour change is harmless but can be prevented by avoiding side sleeping
- Swaddling can help newborns sleep safely on their backs
It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs
Secondly, sleeping on the back helps regulate the baby's body temperature. Side sleeping can make it harder for a baby's body to release excess heat, leading to overheating, which is another risk factor for SIDS. Additionally, sleeping on the back can help prevent a condition called torticollis, or "wry neck," which can develop if a baby sleeps on their side due to the lack of support for the neck and head.
Thirdly, back sleeping is recommended to prevent positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. When babies consistently sleep on their sides or backs, the pressure can cause the skull to flatten. While this is not a major health concern and often improves over time, it is still advisable to encourage back sleeping to distribute pressure evenly.
Finally, sleeping on the back is recommended to establish a safe sleep routine. Consistency is essential in helping newborns adjust to a sleep routine, and by always placing them on their backs, they will get used to this position. Swaddling can also help newborns feel secure and comfortable while sleeping on their backs, mimicking the sensation of being in the womb. However, it is important to stop swaddling once the baby starts rolling onto their side to prevent restricting their movements.
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Side sleeping can lead to sleeping on the front, which increases the risk of suffocation
While it may be tempting to let your newborn sleep on their side, especially if they seem to prefer it, it is not recommended. Side sleeping can lead to sleeping on the front, which increases the risk of suffocation.
Newborns haven't yet developed the muscles or skills to roll over from their front to their back. If a baby ends up face down with their mouth covered, they may not be able to move their limbs to get themselves out of this dangerous position. This is why it's crucial to always put your baby down to sleep on their back.
However, once your baby can roll over independently, it's okay to leave them to sleep on their side if they've rolled over in their sleep. At this stage, they will have the strength and coordination to move their head and body to avoid suffocation.
To help your baby get used to sleeping on their back, you can try swaddling them securely, as this mimics the feeling of being in the womb. You can also try rocking them until they are drowsy and then placing them in their crib on their back. Consistency is key—the more your baby sleeps on their back, the more they will get used to this position.
Additionally, it's important to keep your baby's sleep environment safe. Remove any pillows, blankets, toys, or crib bumpers from their crib, as these can pose a suffocation risk. Ensure your baby's room is not too warm to prevent overheating, which is another risk factor for SIDS.
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Side sleeping can cause torticollis, or wry neck
While it is important to ensure that newborns get enough sleep, it is equally crucial to prioritize their safety and well-being during sleep. One common concern is whether newborns can sleep sideways, and if this practice can lead to torticollis, also known as wry neck.
Torticollis, or wry neck, is a condition that affects the neck muscles, causing the head to twist or tilt to one side. It can be congenital, present at birth due to positioning in the womb, or acquired later in infancy or childhood. While it is generally painless for infants, it can cause noticeable discomfort and limited head and neck movement.
Side sleeping can indeed be a contributing factor to torticollis in newborns. When babies sleep on their sides, their necks are less supported, increasing the risk of developing torticollis. This condition can cause the neck muscles to tighten or stiffen, making it challenging for the baby to turn their head. In some cases, torticollis may also lead to a flat spot on the head (positional plagiocephaly) from lying in one direction for extended periods.
To prevent torticollis, it is recommended to place newborns on their backs to sleep. This position is considered the safest and helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). By placing babies on their backs, parents and caregivers can ensure that their airways remain unobstructed, reducing the chances of accidental suffocation. Additionally, it is important to stop swaddling once the baby starts rolling over to avoid restricting their movement.
If your newborn exhibits signs of torticollis, such as a tilted head, limited neck movement, or uneven facial features, consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider. Treatment for torticollis typically includes gentle muscle stretches, position changes, and physical therapy. In rare cases where conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery may be considered to lengthen the affected muscle and correct the condition.
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Harlequin colour change is harmless but can be prevented by avoiding side sleeping
While it is important to ensure that newborns sleep in a safe position, it is also normal for babies to be active sleepers. They may move around and even roll throughout the night. However, it is best to avoid letting newborns sleep on their sides.
The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. This is because newborns may not have the strength to support their heads, and sleeping on their tummies could cause their faces to become stuck against the mattress, making it difficult to breathe. Sleeping on the side increases the risk of rolling onto the tummy. Even if a baby can roll onto their side, it is still recommended to place them back onto their back.
It is also important to note that the sleeping environment should be safe. This includes ensuring that the baby cannot fall off the bed or surface, that there are no pillows or objects that could fall into the baby's space, and that the room is not too warm to prevent the baby from overheating.
Harlequin colour change is a benign condition that occurs in about 10% of healthy newborns. It is characterised by a sudden, well-demarcated colour change, with one half of the body and face turning red or pink, while the other half remains pale. This colour change typically lasts for 30 seconds to 20 minutes and resolves on its own. It is important to recognise Harlequin colour change to avoid confusion with other conditions, such as Harlequin ichthyosis, a life-threatening condition with large plate-like scales covering the body.
Harlequin colour change is typically harmless and does not require treatment. It occurs due to blood pooling in the smaller blood vessels on the side that the baby is lying on. While it is benign, it can be prevented by avoiding side sleeping. This is because the colour change is more likely to occur when a baby is placed on their side. Therefore, by placing newborns on their backs to sleep, you can help prevent Harlequin colour change.
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Swaddling can help newborns sleep safely on their backs
It is not recommended to let newborns sleep on their sides. The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. Sleeping on their side can cause a condition called torticollis, or "wry neck", which happens when the baby's neck and head are not adequately supported. It can also lead to a harmless but disconcerting condition called harlequin colour change, where one side of the baby's face and body turn red due to blood pooling.
To swaddle your baby safely, make sure their legs are not wrapped tightly, as this can cause hip problems. The swaddle should be tight at the chest but loose at the hips and knees, and it should not cover their head. It is also important to keep the crib free of blankets, pillows, or toys, as these can cover the baby's face or cause them to become trapped.
Swaddling can be an effective way to help newborns sleep safely on their backs, but it is important to follow safe swaddling practices and to stop swaddling once the baby starts to roll over.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. Sleeping on the side can lead to sleeping on the front, which is the biggest risk factor for infants as it may cause suffocation.
If your baby rolls onto their side while sleeping, there is no need to wake or move them. However, you should ensure that their crib is free of anything other than the mattress and a fitted sheet to prevent suffocation.
In addition to the risk of suffocation, sleeping on the side can also make it harder for your baby's body to release excess heat, leading to overheating and an increased risk of SIDS.
Yes, swaddling your newborn can help them feel safe and secure, in addition to keeping them warm. However, you should stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling onto their side and instead opt for a sleep sack or swaddle transition garment.
To encourage your newborn to sleep on their back, you can try rocking them until they are drowsy and then transferring them to their crib on their back. Consistency is key when it comes to sleep routines, so even if it takes time and persistence, your newborn will eventually get used to sleeping on their back.
