Herbie Murray
The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back, as this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Research has shown that babies who sleep on their stomachs are at a higher risk of SIDS, which is used to describe the unexpected or unexplained death of a healthy infant. Babies should sleep on their backs for the first 12 months, after which they can sleep on their stomachs if they have learned to roll over.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping position for newborns | On their back |
| When can newborns sleep on their tummy | After they can roll over by themselves |
| Rolling milestone | Around 4-7 months old |
| Safe sleeping position | On their back |
| Risk of sleeping on the tummy | Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Tummy sleeping risk | Decrease in blood pressure and/or heart rate control |
| Tummy sleeping risk | Hyperthermia |
| Tummy time while awake | Helps avoid flat head syndrome |
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What You'll Learn
- Rolling over: Once your baby can roll both ways, it's okay to leave them on their tummy if they roll over during sleep
- Safe sleep guidelines: Ensure there are no obstructions in the cot, and stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over
- Tummy time: Encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy while they're awake to help them build strength and avoid flat head syndrome
- Medical advice: Consult your doctor or pediatrician if you're unsure about what's best for your baby's sleep position
- Back sleeping: Always place your baby on their back to sleep for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related issues
Rolling over: Once your baby can roll both ways, it's okay to leave them on their tummy if they roll over during sleep
Rolling over
Once your baby can roll both ways, it's generally considered okay to leave them on their tummy if they roll over during sleep. However, it's important to ensure that your baby can consistently and intentionally roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy) before allowing them to remain in this position.
If your baby is still mastering the art of rolling and ends up on their tummy, gently place them back on their back. This is recommended for babies who can only roll one way or not at all. You can also give them a few minutes to see if they can roll back on their own before intervening. Rolling over is a natural part of your baby's growth and development.
To help your baby get used to their sleep space, you can have them practice rolling in their sleep environment during the day. This will familiarize them with different angles and perspectives, reducing any potential startle factor when they wake up. It is also beneficial to provide tummy time for your baby during the day, as this helps with their development and strengthens the muscles they need for rolling and sitting up.
It is worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies on their backs for sleep until they are one year old, as this is the safest position to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related issues.
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Safe sleep guidelines: Ensure there are no obstructions in the cot, and stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over
Safe sleep guidelines for newborns
The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. This position significantly lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. Research has shown that babies who are usually slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS.
Safe sleep practices:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for all sleep times, including naps, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Ensure there are no obstructions in the cot, such as loose blankets, toys, or pillows that could pose a suffocation risk.
- Stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over. Swaddling restricts your baby's arm movement, which can hinder their ability to self-correct and safely reposition during sleep. It can also increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation if your baby rolls over onto their stomach while swaddled.
- Once your baby can roll over, transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket that allows arm movement while still providing comfort and security.
- Continue to place your baby on their back for every sleep until they are 1 year old, even after they have mastered rolling.
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Tummy time: Encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy while they're awake to help them build strength and avoid flat head syndrome
While it is important to always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), you can encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy when they are awake. This is known as "tummy time" and it helps to prevent flat head syndrome, as well as having other benefits.
Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, occurs when a baby sleeps with their head turned to the same side, causing a flat spot on the back or side of the head. It is often caused by tight neck muscles, or torticollis, which make it hard for babies to turn their heads. Tummy time helps to prevent this by strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles and preparing them for crawling. It also helps to develop the muscles needed for sitting up.
You can start tummy time soon after birth, beginning with 1-2 minutes at a time, and building up to 10-15 minutes several times a day. By the time they are 3 months old, babies should be working up to about 1 hour of tummy time a day. You can start by placing your newborn on their belly on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day. As they get used to it, you can place them on a blanket on the floor for longer periods. Always stay with your baby during tummy time and make sure it is done on a low, safe surface.
To encourage your baby to lift and turn their head, you can place toys or safe objects close to them, moving them from side to side. You can also get down on the floor next to them and turn the pages of picture books or magazines, or put a non-breakable mirror next to them so they can see their reflection.
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Medical advice: Consult your doctor or pediatrician if you're unsure about what's best for your baby's sleep position
While the general advice is to place your baby on their back to sleep, there may be specific reasons why your baby needs to sleep on their tummy. If you're unsure, your baby's doctor can guide you on what's best for your baby's sleep position.
For instance, some babies have specific medical needs that require them to sleep on their stomachs. In such cases, your doctor will advise you on the best course of action. They can offer recommendations based on your child's individual needs.
Additionally, if your baby is consistently and intentionally rolling onto their tummy, you can leave them in the position they choose as long as they can roll both ways (back to tummy and tummy to back). However, if they can only roll one way, it's recommended to gently reposition them onto their back.
If you're concerned about your baby's head shape or flat spots developing from sleeping on their back, consult your pediatrician for advice. They can provide guidance and suggest alternatives such as tummy time, switching the direction your baby lies on, reducing time in certain seats, and holding your infant upright while they're awake.
Remember, the general recommendation is to place your baby on their back to sleep for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult your doctor or pediatrician for personalized advice.
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Back sleeping: Always place your baby on their back to sleep for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related issues
The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, rather than on their front or side, as this is one of the best things you can do to make sure they’re sleeping as safely as possible. There is a lot of evidence from around the world showing that placing your baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep or nap, day or night, lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS.
Research has shown that babies who are usually slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS. This means it’s best to make this a routine and place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night. Sleeping a baby on their side or stomach increases the risk of SIDS, so sleeping them on their backs is the safest option unless your healthcare professional has told you otherwise. The risk of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are usually placed on their back to sleep but are sometimes placed on their front or side.
Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep for the first 12 months. Keep an eye out for rolling — once they have mastered rolling both tummy to back and back to tummy (typically sometime between 4 and 7 months old), it is generally okay to let them sleep on their stomach if they roll that way while sleeping. You should still place them on their back for every nap and bedtime until they are 1 year old. While some families report that their baby sleeps more comfortably on their stomach, laying a baby down to sleep on their back reduces the risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating.
To help keep your baby safe, always put them down on their back whenever they sleep until they reach 12 months old. You should not encourage stomach sleeping for any baby younger than 12 months old. For newborns and infants, back sleeping is the safest option and significantly lowers the risk of SIDS.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to place your newborn to sleep on their back for the first 12 months. Once they can roll over on their own, you can leave them in the position they choose after starting sleep on their back.
Sleeping on their back lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and is the safest sleep position for babies. Sleeping a baby on their front or side increases the risk of SIDS.
Tummy sleeping is linked to SIDS and increases the risk of suffocation, choking, and overheating.
