Herbie Murray
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first six months of their lives to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should be encouraged to have plenty of tummy time while they are awake, as this helps them develop the muscles needed to roll, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. It also helps prevent flat head syndrome, which can occur when babies spend too much time on their backs. Once a baby can roll both ways (back to tummy and tummy to back), it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach. However, it is important to ensure that the sleeping environment is safe and that there are no loose objects in the crib that could pose a risk of suffocation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleep position for babies | On their back |
| Risk of sleeping on the stomach | Increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, choking, and overheating |
| Tummy time | 15 to 30 minutes of supervised tummy time each day for babies under 2 months old |
| Safe age to sleep on the tummy | When the baby can roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy) |
| Safe sleep environment | Crib or other separate surface free from bumper pads, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or wedges |
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What You'll Learn
- Babies should sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Tummy time while awake helps babies build strength and motor skills and prevent flat head syndrome
- Babies can sleep on their tummies once they can roll both ways
- Babies should sleep on a firm mattress with no loose bedding or comforters
- Babies who sleep on their tummies may be at risk of choking on spit-up
Babies should sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS
The medical community agrees that putting a baby to sleep on their back is the only safe way to sleep. Stomach sleeping can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to the CDC, approximately 1,389 babies died of SIDS in 2020. One of the most concerning aspects of baby sleeping on their stomach is rebreathing. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
While some parents are concerned that sleeping on the back may increase the risk of choking, it actually improves airflow. A baby's airway anatomy and gag reflex will prevent choking. Babies with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) should also sleep on their backs.
Tummy time when the baby is awake is important for several reasons. It helps babies build core, neck, shoulder, and arm strength, which they need to roll, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. It also plays a key role in developing motor skills and can help prevent flat head syndrome, which can develop when babies spend too much time on their backs.
Once a baby has learned to roll over, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach. The ability to roll both ways—from back to tummy and tummy to back—is key. If a baby can only roll from tummy to back, they should still be placed on their back to sleep. If they roll onto their tummy during sleep, it is okay to leave them in that position.
It is important to keep the baby's sleep environment safe. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumpers should be kept out of the crib or bassinet, as they can lead to suffocation. Incline sleepers or sleep positioners are also considered unsafe and may increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation. A firm crib mattress that meets safety standards is recommended.
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Tummy time while awake helps babies build strength and motor skills and prevent flat head syndrome
Tummy time is an important activity for babies, but it should always be supervised and take place while they are awake. It helps babies build strength in their core, neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which they need to roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. It also plays a key role in developing their motor skills.
Babies can start tummy time as early as a day or two after they are born. It is recommended that they get 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time per day by the time they are 2 months old. This can be achieved through multiple short sessions throughout the day. It is important to ensure that tummy time takes place on a safe, low surface, such as a blanket on the floor, and that babies are never left unattended during tummy time.
In addition to strengthening muscles, tummy time can also help prevent flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly. This condition occurs when a baby's soft skull moulds to form a flat spot at the back of the head or a bulge at the forehead due to prolonged pressure from lying in the same position. Tummy time helps to reduce the amount of time babies spend lying on the back of their heads, thereby lowering the risk of flat head syndrome.
While tummy time is beneficial, it is important to note that it should not be the only method used to prevent flat head syndrome. Research suggests that additional activities, such as "face time," where babies are held upright and encouraged to lift their heads and follow eye contact, can also help strengthen neck muscles and prevent flat head syndrome.
It is generally recommended that babies sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other issues such as suffocation and choking. However, once babies can consistently roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomachs if they roll over during sleep.
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Babies can sleep on their tummies once they can roll both ways
It is recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep until the age of 1, as this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, choking, and overheating. However, once a baby has reached the developmental milestone of being able to roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their tummy.
The ability to roll both ways is a critical milestone that indicates a baby has the strength and coordination to move their head and body, reducing the risk of SIDS and other hazards associated with tummy sleeping. This typically happens between 4 and 7 months, but some babies may achieve this milestone earlier or later. It's important to ensure that your baby has consistently and intentionally learned to roll both ways before allowing them to sleep on their tummy.
To help your baby develop the strength and skills needed to roll over, it is recommended to provide ample tummy time while they are awake and supervised. Tummy time helps build core, neck, shoulder, and arm strength, which are essential for rolling, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking. It also plays a crucial role in developing your baby's motor skills and can help prevent flat spots on their head from spending too much time on their back.
Once your baby has mastered rolling both ways, you may notice that they develop a preference for sleeping on their tummy. It is generally safe to let them sleep in this position, but it is important to ensure a safe sleep environment. Avoid using sleep positioners, wedges, pillows, or loose bedding, as these can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Instead, provide a firm crib mattress that meets safety standards and ensure your baby is always placed on their back for naps and bedtime until they are 1 year old.
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Babies should sleep on a firm mattress with no loose bedding or comforters
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 6 months to 12 months of their lives. Sleeping on the back improves airflow and reduces the risk of choking, SIDS, suffocation, and overheating. However, once a baby can roll over and has good head and trunk control, it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their stomach if they roll over during sleep.
To ensure the safety and comfort of babies during sleep, it is crucial to provide a firm mattress with no loose bedding or comforters. A firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation. The mattress should be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or sagging, and should fit the cot or bassinet properly, with no more than a 20mm gap between the mattress and the cot sides. It is also important to avoid adding soft bedding, such as quilts, pillows, duvets, or comforters, as these can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. Instead, use a fitted sheet and, if needed, a baby sleep bag or firmly tucked-in sheets and blankets.
Creating a safe sleep environment for babies is essential. Avoid using sleep positioners, wedges, or pillows, as these can be unsafe and increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Additionally, ensure that the baby's sleep area is free from toys, bumpers, and other loose items that could pose a hazard. It is also recommended to place babies in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as their caregivers for the first six months.
While it is important to follow safe sleep practices, it is also crucial to provide supervised tummy time during the day. Tummy time helps to strengthen the baby's core, neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, aiding in their motor skill development and reducing the occurrence of flat spots on their head. It is recommended that babies get around 15 to 30 minutes of supervised tummy time each day, starting from around 2 months of age.
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Babies who sleep on their tummies may be at risk of choking on spit-up
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies always sleep on their backs for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping on the back also reduces the risk of choking and aspiration, even for babies with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This is because, when a baby sleeps on their back, the trachea (windpipe) is located anterior to the oesophagus, making it less likely for spit-up to enter the airway.
According to the AAP, babies should be placed on their backs for every nap and bedtime until they are one year old. Once a baby can consistently roll both ways (back to tummy and tummy to back), it is okay to leave them on their stomach if they roll over during sleep. This typically happens between 4 and 7 months old. However, if a baby is not yet consistently rolling both ways, it is recommended to gently place them back on their back if they end up on their tummy while sleeping.
While it is generally safe for babies to sleep on their backs, some parents worry that this may increase the risk of choking if the baby spits up. However, this fear is largely unfounded. Healthy babies have natural protective reflexes that prevent them from choking on spit-up. They will often turn their head to the side or swallow it back down. Additionally, when a baby sleeps on their back, regurgitated milk from the oesophagus lies at the lowest level and can be easily swallowed, reducing the risk of choking.
While tummy sleeping is not recommended for newborns, some babies may prefer this position as it activates a calming mechanism. If a baby frequently spits up, it is still recommended to place them on their back to sleep. To help with reflux, the head of the crib mattress can be raised slightly (no more than 30 degrees) by placing a rolled towel or blanket under the mattress. It is also important to avoid overfeeding and keep the baby upright during feeding to prevent spit-up.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs for at least the first 12 months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Once your baby can roll both ways (from back to tummy and tummy to back), it is generally considered safe to let them sleep on their tummy.
Sleeping on their tummy can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating. Babies who sleep on their tummies may also experience flat spots on their heads, also known as plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.
You can encourage your baby to develop the necessary head and trunk control by providing plenty of supervised tummy time during the day. This will help them build core, neck, shoulder, and arm strength, improving their ability to roll and reducing the risk of flat head syndrome.
