Herbie Murray
It is natural for new parents to worry about their newborn's safety, especially when it comes to sleep. While it is important to let your baby develop their sleeping habits, it is crucial to ensure that they are sleeping in a safe position. Sleeping on their front or side can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation, so it is generally recommended that babies sleep on their back. However, once a baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest sleep position for newborns | On their back |
| Risks of sleeping on the front | Suffocation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Safe sleep environment | Clear of anything that might stop the baby from breathing easily, including things that pose strangulation or suffocation risks |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat, and level |
| Bedding | Safe and tight-fitting |
| Mattress | Firm, flat, and waterproof |
| Blankets | Lightweight and tucked in securely at the baby's chest level |
| Room | Smoke and vapour-free |
| Sleeping arrangement | In the same room as the parent for the first 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping on their back is the safest position for newborns
- Newborns should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months
- A newborn's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level
- Newborns should be kept smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth
- Once a newborn can move themselves from their back to their front, they can find their own sleeping position
Sleeping on their back is the safest position for newborns
It is natural for new parents to worry about their newborn's safety, especially when they are sleeping. One of the most important things to know is that sleeping on their back is the safest position for a newborn baby. This position is known as the supine position and is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and the NHS.
The supine position is the best way to ensure your baby is sleeping safely. The reflexes that keep a baby's airways open, such as swallowing, stirring, and waking, work better when they are sleeping on their back. This position also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Research has shown that babies who sleep on their backs but sometimes on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS. Therefore, it is important to place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night, and to ensure that anyone else caring for your baby, such as family or babysitters, is also following this method.
It is also important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. This includes using a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a mattress in a cot or bassinet, and safe bedding. The sleep environment should be clear of anything that might stop your baby from breathing easily, including things that pose strangulation or suffocation risks, such as pillows, soft toys, or loose blankets. It is also important to keep your baby's environment smoke and vapour-free, as exposure to smoke and vapour is linked to an increased risk of SUDI.
Once your baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position. In the early days of flipping and rolling, it is important to make sure your baby has the strength to manoeuvre themselves if their face or nose gets blocked and they find it harder to breathe. It is also a good idea to give your baby tummy time during the day to help with their development, but always supervise them while they are doing this.
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Newborns should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly suggests room-sharing for at least the first 6 months, as it can cut the risk of sudden death by 50%. This is because the reflexes that keep a baby's airways open work better when they sleep in the same room as their parents.
However, it is important to distinguish between "room-sharing" and "bed-sharing". While room-sharing is encouraged, bed-sharing is not recommended by the AAP due to the risks of suffocation, strangulation, and accidental smothering. Bed-sharing also increases the likelihood of pulling a baby into bed and having loose bedding nearby, which are known risk factors for SIDS.
To create a safe sleep environment for newborns, they should be placed on their backs on a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a crib or bassinet, with their feet at the end of the cot or bassinet. Their face and head should remain uncovered, and any blankets should be tucked in securely at chest level.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep the baby's environment smoke and vapour-free, as exposure to second-hand smoke or vaping increases the risk of SUDI. Overall, while room-sharing for the first 6 months is recommended, parents should also prioritize their well-being and make decisions that work best for their family.
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A newborn's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level
It is critical to follow safe sleep advice for newborns, especially if the baby was born prematurely or at a low birth weight. The safest sleep position for a newborn is on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a well-fitting mattress in a cot or Moses basket. This position helps to keep the baby's airways open and reduces the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents.
It is important to avoid soft bedding, inclined surfaces, and bed-sharing. The sleep surface should be clear of any objects, including pillows, blankets, or soft toys, which could pose a suffocation or strangulation risk. A tight-fitting sheet over a waterproof mattress protector is recommended. The baby's face and head should remain uncovered, and any blankets should be tucked in securely at chest level.
Additionally, it is recommended to keep the newborn in the same room as the caregiver for the first six months to ensure close monitoring. The sleep environment should be smoke-free, as exposure to smoke and vapour can increase the risk of SUDI.
While it is important to prioritize the baby's safety, it is also understandable for parents to worry about their baby developing a flat spot on the back of their head from sleeping on their back. To address this concern, it is recommended to provide tummy time during the day while carefully supervising the baby. This can help reduce pressure on the flattened part of the head and encourage the baby to turn their head to the non-flattened side.
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Newborns should be kept smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth
It is unsafe for newborns to sleep on their front due to the risk of suffocation and strangulation. The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back, in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as their caregiver.
Keeping newborns smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth:
It is crucial to maintain a smoke-free environment for newborns during pregnancy and after birth. Exposure to smoke, including secondhand smoke, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and poses serious health risks for the baby. Here are some measures to ensure a smoke-free environment:
Avoid smoking during pregnancy:
Quitting smoking before or during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to protect the baby's health. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. It also doubles the risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, endangering both the mother and the baby. If you are unable to quit entirely, reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day can lower the risk of SIDS.
Keep newborns away from secondhand smoke:
Even after birth, it is essential to maintain a smoke-free environment for the newborn. Keep them away from areas where people are smoking, and do not allow smoking near the baby. This includes ensuring that the home, car, and any other places the baby frequents are smoke-free.
Avoid bed-sharing if smoking:
If the caregiver or anyone in close contact with the newborn smokes, it is crucial to avoid bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS, especially when the baby is exposed to secondhand smoke. It is recommended to maintain a smoke-free sleep environment for the baby, including their sleep surface and bedding.
Seek support to quit smoking:
Quitting smoking can be challenging, and it is essential to seek professional help if needed. Speak to a midwife, health visitor, or a local stop-smoking service for guidance and support. Services like the National Smokefree helpline offer valuable assistance and resources to help individuals quit smoking effectively.
By following these measures, caregivers can provide a smoke-free environment for newborns, significantly reducing their risk of SIDS and other health complications associated with smoke exposure.
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Once a newborn can move themselves from their back to their front, they can find their own sleeping position
It is natural for parents to worry about their newborn's sleeping position and whether it is safe. The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. This is because the reflexes that keep a baby's airways open work better when they are on their back. These reflexes include swallowing, stirring, and waking up if their airways become blocked. Sleeping on their back also ensures that the baby is less likely to re-breathe the air they've just breathed out.
However, this does not mean that a baby should always be placed on their back to sleep. Once a newborn can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they can find their own sleeping position. The first few times they roll onto their tummy, parents can gently turn them back, but they do not need to get up all night to check on them. It is important for babies to have tummy time during the day, as this helps with their development, but they should always be carefully watched during this time.
It is also crucial to ensure that the baby's sleep environment is safe. The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level, with a tight-fitting sheet over a waterproof mattress protector. The baby's face and head should be uncovered, and there should be no soft toys, pillows, or loose bedding in the cot that could pose a suffocation or strangulation risk.
Additionally, it is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months to one year of life. This helps to keep them safe and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While it is important to prioritize safe sleep practices, parents should also focus on soothing and calming strategies to help their baby sleep better.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe for newborns to sleep on their front. Sleeping on their back is the safest position for a baby. This is because the reflexes that keep a baby's airways open work better when the baby is on their back.
The safest way to put your baby to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. Their head should be uncovered, and any blankets should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is because babies are at risk of suffocation when sleeping on their front.
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