Colin Snow
The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back. This is because sleeping on the back, also known as the supine position, reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping on the back is recommended for babies under 12 months old. After 12 months, babies are free to explore other sleep positions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest sleep position | On their back |
| Risk of sleeping on the stomach | Increases the risk of SIDS, choking, overheating, and rebreathing their own oxygen |
| Risk of sleeping on the side | Increases the risk of suffocation and rolling onto the stomach |
| Room temperature | Between 68° and 72°F |
| Mattress | Flat, firm, and waterproof |
| Room-sharing | Recommended |
| Bed-sharing | Not recommended |
| Blankets | Not recommended; use swaddle instead |
| Clothing | One extra layer of clothing |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns should sleep on their back
Sleeping on the back is also recommended for babies with reflux. Raising one end of the crib or crib mattress is ineffective at reducing reflux or its symptoms and is dangerous as the baby may slide down, affecting their ability to breathe properly. Keeping the baby on a firm, flat, and level sleep surface is recommended.
Babies who sleep on their stomach may obstruct their airway, hindering their breathing. They are also at risk of aspirating or choking as anything they spit up or throw up can collect at the opening of their trachea. Additionally, a belly-down position may interfere with the baby's ability to distribute heat, leading to overheating, another cause of SUID. Research also suggests that babies who sleep on their stomachs may be "rebreathing" their own exhaled carbon dioxide, reducing their oxygen levels.
To help babies and parents adjust to this position, the American Association of Pediatrics started a campaign called "Back To Sleep". As a result of this campaign, the number of infants who died from SIDS fell by 53% from 1992 to 2001 and then by another 24% from 2008 to 2013.
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Stomach sleeping increases the risk of SIDS
The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back. This position, known as the supine position, is the only safe way for babies under 12 months to sleep. Sleeping on the back greatly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Babies who are placed to sleep on their stomachs are at a higher risk of SIDS because they do not learn behaviours that may lessen their risk of SIDS. Babies who are inexperienced with stomach sleeping are less able to avoid conditions that may trigger SIDS. They spend more time fully face down and are less able to turn their heads to the side to increase their supply of oxygen-rich air.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is important to place your baby on their back to sleep from day one and keep this consistent for every sleep, day and night. It is also recommended that infants sleep in their parents' room, on a separate surface such as a bassinet or crib, for the first six months to a year, when the risk of SIDS is highest.
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Side sleeping is unstable and can lead to rolling onto the stomach
It is crucial to place newborns on their backs to sleep, as this is the only safe position for babies under one year of age. Side sleeping is not recommended for newborns because it is unstable and can lead to them rolling onto their stomachs, which is the position associated with the highest risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Research has consistently shown that placing a baby to sleep on their back significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. As a result, medical professionals now advise parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs, reversing the previous recommendation of tummy sleeping. The American Association of Pediatrics even started a campaign called "Back To Sleep" to spread this message to parents.
The back sleeping position is recommended for all babies, including those born preterm and those with reflux, until they are one year old. It is important to establish a routine of placing your baby on their back to sleep from day one, ensuring they sleep on their back for every sleep, day and night. This is because babies who usually sleep on their backs but occasionally sleep on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS.
While side sleeping may be seen as a comfortable position for adults, it is not safe for newborns. The instability of side sleeping can cause infants to roll onto their stomachs, which is a dangerous position due to the increased risk of SIDS. Some research even suggests that the risk of SIDS is much higher for babies who sleep on their sides and then roll onto their stomachs compared to those who are consistently placed on their stomachs.
Therefore, it is essential to always place newborns on their backs to sleep, reducing the chances of them rolling onto their stomachs and lowering the risk of SIDS. Once babies can independently roll from their back to their stomach and vice versa, they can be left in the position they choose after starting sleep on their backs.
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Tummy time when awake helps prevent plagiocephaly
The safest position for a newborn to sleep in is on their back, known as the supine position. Research has shown that placing a baby on their back to sleep lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is why doctors and medical professionals recommend that babies under 12 months sleep on their back.
Tummy time, when the baby is awake and supervised, is also important for a baby's development. It helps to prevent plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, which can occur when a baby sleeps with their head turned to the same side. Tummy time helps to alleviate pressure on the baby's head and encourages independence in head positioning. It also helps to develop the muscles needed for crawling and sitting up, as well as strengthening their neck muscles.
Plagiocephaly is not a life-threatening condition and usually does not require treatment. It often resolves itself as babies grow and develop. Tummy time can help to prevent or treat plagiocephaly, as it gives babies the strength to reposition their heads during sleep and other activities.
Tummy time can be started just a few days after a baby is born, but it should be done in brief intervals of 2-3 minutes, gradually increasing to 3-5 minutes as the baby gets older. It is important to ensure that tummy time is supervised, and that the baby is placed on a safe surface where they can move freely.
The combination of 'Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play' is a key message for caregivers to ensure the safety and healthy development of their babies.
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Room-sharing is recommended, bed-sharing is not
For the first six months, babies should always sleep in the same room as their parents. This is known as room-sharing, and it is recommended as a safe way to monitor the baby, comfort them, and feed them whenever they are hungry. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to room-share without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing is dangerous because it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other sleep-related deaths.
The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. This position greatly reduces the risk of SIDS. Research suggests that babies who sleep on their stomachs may be "rebreathing" their own oxygen, which can boost carbon dioxide levels and reduce oxygen levels. This can lead to SIDS. Additionally, sleeping on the stomach can obstruct a baby's airway, hindering breathing, and can cause them to choke on their spit-up or throw up.
To ensure the baby sleeps on their back, it is important to place them in this position from day one and keep this consistent for every sleep, day and night. It is also crucial to keep the baby's sleep surface flat, firm, and waterproof. The room temperature should be maintained between 68° and 72°F, and the baby should be dressed appropriately to prevent overheating or coldness.
While room-sharing is recommended, bed-sharing is not due to the increased risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers. By following the guidelines of room-sharing without bed-sharing, parents can create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for their newborns.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest way to put a newborn to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This position is known as the supine position and is the most effective way to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sleeping on their stomach increases the risk of SIDS. Sleeping in this position may interfere with the baby's ability to distribute heat, which can lead to overheating, another cause of SUID. It can also cause the baby to "rebreath" their own oxygen, increasing carbon dioxide levels and reducing oxygen levels.
It is recommended to dress the baby according to the room temperature. The perfect room temperature is between 68° and 72°F. You can also try swaddling the baby.
