Evie Summers
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping on their back also improves airflow and prevents choking. However, once a baby can roll over independently, which typically happens between 4 and 7 months, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach. This is because they have the strength to lift or turn their head while sleeping on their tummy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleeping position for babies | On their back on a flat and solid surface with no extra bedding or toys |
| Safe sleeping position for six-month-olds | On their back or stomach, depending on the baby's development |
| Risks of sleeping on the stomach | Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, choking, and overheating |
| Benefits of sleeping on the stomach | Soothing for babies, can activate calming mechanisms, and can help prevent flat spots on their head |
| Tips for helping babies sleep on their back | Swaddling, using white noise or a fan, and using a pacifier |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep conditions to reduce the risk of SIDS
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a flat and solid surface, with no extra bedding or toys. Sleeping on the back improves airflow and reduces the risk of choking. Once a baby can roll over independently, they may sleep on their stomachs.
- The baby's sleep space should be near but not in your bed. Room-sharing with the baby is safer than letting them sleep in their own room.
- Keep the baby's head uncovered. Tuck the blanket under their arms so it doesn't cover their head.
- Dress the baby in clothes suitable for the room temperature. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
- Use a firm, flat, well-fitting, clean, and waterproof baby mattress. Cover it with a single sheet.
- Do not use duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls, or pillows.
- If the baby usually sleeps on their back, putting them on their stomach or side to sleep increases the risk of SIDS by up to 45 times.
- If the baby can roll over onto their front and back by themselves, there is no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping.
- Breastfeeding your baby and not smoking around them reduces the risk of SIDS.
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Babies sleeping on their side
It is generally recommended that babies under 12 months sleep on their backs, as this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, choking, and overheating. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep for the first 12 months.
However, it is recognised that some babies may prefer to sleep on their sides or that they may roll onto their sides during sleep. While side sleeping can be safe for older babies who have stronger necks and better head control, it is generally not recommended for newborns or younger babies. This is because babies who sleep on their sides may easily roll onto their stomachs, which can increase the risk of SIDS and impair their breathing.
If your baby is under one year old and you find them sleeping on their side, it is recommended that you gently roll them onto their back. You should continue to do this until your baby can roll over both ways by themselves. To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is important to ensure that your baby's sleep space is free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other items that could increase the risk of suffocation.
Once your baby has reached the age of one, it is generally considered safe for them to sleep on their side. At this age, they will have stronger necks and better head control, reducing the risk of SIDS and other potential hazards associated with side sleeping.
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The benefits of tummy time
It is recommended that babies are put to sleep on their backs until they are 1 year old. Sleeping on the back is considered the safest position for babies, and it helps to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Babies should only sleep on their stomachs once they can roll over independently. However, even after a baby has learned to roll over, it is still recommended to place them on their back to sleep.
Tummy time is important for babies' development and has many benefits. Here are some reasons why tummy time is good for babies:
- It helps to develop the muscles they need to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk.
- It strengthens arm, chest, neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
- It encourages babies to look around and interact with their surroundings, promoting neck muscle relaxation and helping to treat conditions such as torticollis and flat head syndrome.
- It can be a fun bonding experience for parents and caregivers, who can sing, play, and interact with the baby during tummy time.
- It can help babies with reflux, as spending time on their stomach can aid digestion.
- It can help babies sleep better. Karp's methods, for example, show how the stomach position, along with other tricks, can activate a calming mechanism in babies.
Pediatricians recommend that babies have a total of 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day by the time they are 2 months old. It is important to gradually introduce tummy time, starting with short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes when the baby is fed, changed, and happy. As the baby gets older and more comfortable, the length of tummy time can be increased.
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How to help babies sleep on their back
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs until they are at least one year old. Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and improves airflow, lowering the chances of choking.
- Create a safe sleep environment: Remove all extra bedding, toys, and pillows from your baby's sleep area. Ensure that your baby sleeps on a firm, flat, and solid surface.
- Swaddle your baby: Wrap your baby securely in a swaddle to provide a sense of comfort and security. However, stop swaddling once your baby can roll over or show signs of rolling. Instead, use a sleep sack that allows their arms to be free.
- Use white noise: Imitate the womb environment by using a sound machine to play loud, rumbling sounds during naps and bedtime.
- Supervised tummy time: Provide your baby with supervised "tummy time" when they are awake for 10 to 15 minutes, at least three times a day. This helps prevent flat spots on the back of their head and is important for their overall physical development.
- Adjust their crib position: Change your baby's position in the crib each day to prevent flat spots from developing. One day, place them with their head toward the head of the crib, and the next day, switch it up by positioning them toward the foot of the crib.
- Room-sharing: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months. Keep your baby's bassinet or crib in your room to ensure easy access and supervision during the night.
- Consistency and routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine for your baby. A consistent sleep schedule can make a significant difference in helping your baby sleep through the night.
Remember, once your baby can roll over independently, they may choose to sleep on their stomach. However, until they reach this milestone, it is essential to always place them on their back to sleep, reducing the risk of SIDS.
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What to do if your baby rolls onto their stomach
It is recommended that babies are always put to sleep on their backs until they are 1 year old, even if they can roll over. This is because sleeping on their back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If your baby rolls onto their stomach while sleeping, the first thing to do is assess whether they are able to roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy) independently. If they can, it is generally considered safe to leave them to sleep on their stomach. Most babies will be able to roll both ways by around 6 months old, but some may start rolling as early as 3 or 4 months.
If your baby has rolled onto their stomach but cannot roll back, you may want to gently roll them back onto their back. However, if they have been consistently and intentionally rolling onto their stomach for some time, they may be safe to continue sleeping in this position. In this case, you should still place them on their back to sleep until they are consistently rolling both ways.
To help your baby stay safe while they sleep, it is important to keep their sleep surface clear of any blankets, toys, or other objects that could pose a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for at least the first six months. If you are awake and alert, it is safe for your baby to sleep on their stomach on your chest, as this can provide comfort and security. However, if there is any chance you may fall asleep, there are serious risks associated with sleeping with your baby on your chest, including an increased risk of SIDS.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally considered safe for a baby to sleep on their stomach once they can roll over both ways independently, which usually happens around the age of six months. However, it is still recommended to place babies on their back to sleep until they are at least one year old.
Babies who sleep on their stomachs have an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as they may breathe in less air and inhale more carbon dioxide, leading to life-threatening hypoxia. Sleeping on the back improves airflow and reduces the risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating.
Once your baby can roll over independently, it is generally safe to let them sleep on their stomach if they roll that way while sleeping. However, always ensure that their sleep environment is safe and free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or other objects that may cause suffocation.
In addition to being able to roll over independently, a baby is typically ready to sleep on their stomach when they have good head and trunk control. Spending time on their tummy during the day helps build the necessary strength and is also beneficial for motor skill development.
If your baby prefers sleeping on their stomach, you can try swaddling them to provide a sense of security and reduce the startle reflex. Using white noise or a pacifier can also help soothe your baby and make it easier for them to fall asleep on their back.
