Herbie Murray
The safest position for a baby to sleep in is on their back. Sleeping on their side can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially in the first six months. If a baby is put to sleep on their side, they can easily roll onto their stomach, which can block their airways and impair their breathing. It is recommended that babies sleep on their back for the first 12 months of their life, or until they can roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy). Once they can do this, it is okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way in their sleep.
Is it okay for newborns to sleep sideways?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest position for newborns to sleep | On their back |
| Safe sleeping surface | Firm, flat surface without any loose bedding, bumper pads, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals |
| Safe sleeping location | In a crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents |
| Safe sleeping position for babies under 12 months | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position for babies under 1 year | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position for babies who can roll both ways | On their side or stomach |
| Safe sleeping position for babies who can't roll both ways | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position to reduce the risk of SIDS | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position to prevent choking | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position to prevent overheating | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position for preterm babies | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position for babies with torticollis | On their back |
| Safe sleeping position to prevent Harlequin color change | On their back |
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What You'll Learn
- The 'newborn curl' is a natural reflex and not a sign of rolling
- Side sleeping increases the risk of SIDS
- Babies should sleep on their backs for the first 12 months
- Babies should be placed on their backs until they can roll both ways
- Swaddling is safe for newborns and replicates the feeling of being in the womb
The 'newborn curl' is a natural reflex and not a sign of rolling
The answer is no. The safest position for babies to sleep in is on their backs on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and this is recommended for at least the first six months. This position reduces the risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating.
The newborn curl
The newborn curl is a natural reflex and not a sign of rolling. It is when a baby, having been placed on their back, curls onto their side. It is an involuntary response, a comfortable position they learned in the womb. It is a sign of a healthy full-term baby and typically disappears after a few weeks. It is not a reason to have anxiety, but it is recommended that you gently reposition your baby on their back if you notice they have moved into the newborn curl.
Once a baby can roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it is okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way in their sleep. This usually occurs between 4 and 7 months old. However, you should still always place them on their back until they are 12 months old.
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Side sleeping increases the risk of SIDS
It is important to note that side sleeping is not considered safe for newborns, and the safest position for babies under 12 months old is on their backs. This is because sleeping on their backs reduces the risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old. While SIDS remains unpredictable, there are ways to help reduce the risk. Sleeping on their back is the safest position for a baby to sleep, as it lowers the risk of SIDS. Side sleeping, on the other hand, increases the risk of SIDS because it is easier for the baby to accidentally roll over onto their stomach. This can be dangerous, especially if the baby is younger than 4 months old, as they may be too small to change positions or lift their head, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Additionally, side sleeping can also lead to "wry neck" or torticollis in babies. This condition occurs when the baby's neck and head are not properly supported, and it can be difficult to treat as babies have limited neck mobility.
To reduce the risk of SIDS and create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet.
- Avoid using sleep positioners, wedges, pillows, or rolled blankets to keep your baby on their back, as these can be unsafe and increase the risk of suffocation.
- Share a room with your baby for at least the first six months, but do not share a bed.
- Keep the baby's sleep area free of soft objects, loose bedding, and bumper pads to prevent suffocation or strangulation.
- Breastfeed, if possible, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid smoking during pregnancy and after birth, as infants of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are at a higher risk of SIDS.
- Do not let your baby fall asleep on products not specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers.
- Be mindful of overheating and dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature.
By following these guidelines, you can help create a safer sleep environment for your newborn and reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Babies should sleep on their backs for the first 12 months
It is not safe for newborns to sleep on their sides. The safest position for babies to sleep in for the first 12 months is on their backs. This is to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), suffocation, choking, and overheating.
Babies who sleep on their backs are also less likely to experience torticollis or "wry neck", a condition that affects the neck and head and makes it more comfortable for the baby to sleep on their side. In addition, sleeping on their backs helps prevent the harmless but distressing "harlequin colour change", where half of the baby's face and body turn red due to blood pooling in the smaller blood vessels on the side they are lying on.
It is understandable that new parents may worry about their baby choking on spit-up while sleeping on their back. However, this is not true. Due to the positioning of the oesophagus and trachea, sleeping on the back is still the safest position for a baby.
For the first 3 to 4 months, swaddling is a good way to help babies sleep safely on their backs as it replicates the feeling of being in the womb. However, once the baby starts showing signs of trying to roll over, swaddling should be stopped, and the baby should be placed on their back without any sleep positioners, wedges, or pillows, which pose a serious risk of entrapment or suffocation.
Once a baby has learned to roll over on their own, it is okay to leave them on their side if they have put themselves in that position.
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Babies should be placed on their backs until they can roll both ways
It is not safe for newborns to sleep on their sides. The safest position for babies to sleep in is on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, until they are able to roll both ways. This is because babies who sleep on their backs are at a reduced risk of SIDS, suffocation, choking, and overheating.
If a baby is placed on their back and they curl to their side, this is known as the "newborn curl" or "newborn scrunch". This is an involuntary reflex that occurs during the first two months of a baby's life and is not a sign of rolling. In this instance, the baby can be gently repositioned onto their back.
Babies typically begin to roll around 3-4 months of age. However, this milestone varies from child to child, with some babies rolling as early as 3-4 months, and others waiting until they are 5-7 months old. To prepare for this milestone, babies will start to lift their heads and chests and position their bodies to roll over. They will also develop the necessary muscles through tummy time, which can be started when the baby is a newborn.
Once a baby is able to roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it is generally considered safe to leave them on their side if they roll to their side during sleep. This typically occurs when the baby is between 4 and 7 months old.
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Swaddling is safe for newborns and replicates the feeling of being in the womb
It is not considered safe for newborns to sleep on their sides. The safest position for babies under 12 months old is on their backs, in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. Side sleeping can make it easier for newborns to accidentally roll onto their stomachs, which is unsafe if they are younger than 4 months old, as they may be too small to change positions or lift their heads.
Swaddling is a technique that can help calm infants and promote sleep. It is safe for newborns until they show signs of rolling, as it replicates the feeling of being in the womb and helps babies sleep safely on their backs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swaddling as an effective technique when done correctly. However, it is important to note that swaddling should be stopped immediately if a baby is able to roll over while swaddled, as this can increase the risk of suffocation.
Swaddling is a safe practice for newborns and can be a useful tool for parents to help their babies sleep. It is important to follow safe sleep practices and guidelines, such as placing babies on their backs to sleep and ensuring they sleep on a firm, flat surface without any blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows that could increase the risk of suffocation.
While swaddling can be beneficial, it is not necessary for all babies. Some newborns may not like being swaddled and may sleep better without it. It is important for parents to observe their baby's preferences and adjust accordingly. Additionally, some public health units in Canada have stopped recommending swaddling due to concerns about overheating, suffocation, and strangulation.
In summary, swaddling can be a safe and effective way to help newborns sleep, but it should be done correctly and in combination with other safe sleep practices. Parents should be mindful of their baby's development and adjust their sleep practices accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. Side-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS, and newborns haven't developed the muscles to roll over onto their back if they end up on their stomach.
The "newborn curl" is when a newborn baby sleeps on their side in the fetal position, with their arms and legs tucked in. This is a normal physiological response that typically disappears after several weeks.
Side-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS, especially in the first six months. It can also cause torticollis, or "wry neck", a condition where the baby prefers to sleep with their head turned to one side.
It's important to always put your baby down to sleep on their back. You should also avoid using sleep positioners, pillows, or rolled blankets, as these can increase the risk of suffocation.
Once your baby can roll both ways (from tummy to back and back to tummy), it's generally considered okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way in their sleep. This typically happens between 4 and 7 months old.
