Herbie Murray
Many babies start to roll over and sleep on their tummies from around 4 to 6 months old. While this can be alarming for parents, it is usually fine to leave them in this position if they have put themselves there. However, there are some safety precautions to be aware of. For example, it is important to use a firm mattress designed for infants and to keep the crib free of loose bedding, pillows, toys, and swaddling blankets. Additionally, rebreathing carbon dioxide has been linked to SIDS and infant suffocation, so it is crucial to ensure that babies' arm movement is not restricted, allowing them to push away from the surface if needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when babies start sleeping on their face | 4-6 months |
| Reasons for sleeping on their face | Babies might sleep in this position to keep a dummy in their mouth or to breathe comfortably through their mouth. |
| Safety concerns | Sleeping on their face increases the risk of suffocation, especially if the baby's arms are restricted or the mattress is soft and compressible. |
| Safe sleeping recommendations | Always place the baby on their back to sleep. Use a firm, flat mattress with no loose items in the cot, such as toys, pillows, or loose blankets. |
| Adjusting to a new sleeping position | It is normal for babies to take time to adjust to a new sleeping position. They may wake up crying after rolling over, but they will eventually learn to like this position. |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for babies to roll over and sleep on their tummies
It's perfectly normal for babies to roll over and sleep on their tummies. In fact, many babies start to roll over between 4 and 6 months, with some starting earlier or later. This is a normal part of their growth and development as they become stronger.
Once babies learn to roll over onto their tummies, they often prefer to sleep in this position, and it can be very soothing for them. It's not something that needs to be stopped or prevented, but it's important to ensure that their sleeping environment is as safe as possible. For example, make sure there is nothing soft or loose in the cot, such as pillows, blankets, or toys, and ensure the mattress is firm and flat.
It's recommended that you always place your baby on their back to sleep, at least until they are able to roll both ways on their own. This is because back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, if your baby is strong enough to roll over by themselves, you don't need to worry if they roll onto their tummy during sleep. Babies at this developmental stage have a decreased risk of SIDS, and experts say they usually have the agility to protect themselves from whatever it is about tummy sleeping that increases the risk.
If your baby is rolling onto their tummy to sleep, you should stop swaddling them. Instead, place them on a firm, infant mattress with no loose bedding. If you're concerned about your baby's sleeping patterns or have any worries, don't hesitate to check in with your doctor or pediatrician.
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Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep
It is understandable to be concerned about a 9-month-old baby sleeping on their face. Many parents have shared similar experiences, with some babies sleeping face-down since they were 4 or 5 months old. While it can be alarming, especially for new parents, it is important to remember that if your baby can roll over and get themselves into this position, they often have the ability to move their head to the side or roll back over if needed.
However, it is always recommended that babies be placed on their backs to sleep. This recommendation, advocated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and various health organizations, has been in place since 1994. Placing infants on their backs to sleep has significantly contributed to a reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths. SIDS is the unexpected and unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby, often during sleep, and is believed to be linked to airway blockage and the infant's inability to wake up due to an underdeveloped or malfunctioning brain mechanism. By placing babies on their backs, their upper respiratory airways are positioned above the oesophagus, providing them with airway protection and reducing the risk of choking on vomit or fluid.
To ensure a safe sleep environment, it is advised to use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Avoid loose bedding, such as sheets, blankets, or quilts, and instead dress the baby in comfortable sleep clothing. Keep the baby's bed clear of pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft objects. Additionally, maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, as overheating has been suspected as a potential factor in SIDS.
While it is generally advised to place babies on their backs, it is not necessary to reposition them if they turn over during sleep. If your baby can roll over and adjust their position, they are likely developing the necessary skills to ensure their safety. However, it is still important to monitor their sleeping habits and ensure they have the ability to move their head and adjust their position if needed.
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Mouth breathing may cause babies to sleep face down
It is quite common for babies to sleep on their stomachs or with their faces down. While this is generally safe, it is important to ensure that the baby has a firm mattress to sleep on and that there are no soft or loose items in their cot, as these can pose a risk of suffocation.
Mouth breathing in babies can be caused by various factors, including congestion due to colds or allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, anatomical problems such as a deviated septum, or thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use. Mouth breathing can have short and long-term impacts on sleep, speech, facial structures, and other facets of development. It can also lead to health issues like oral health problems, behavioural issues, and possibly impact a child's mental development.
If your 9-month-old baby is sleeping face down, it could be due to mouth breathing, which may be caused by congestion or allergies. Mouth breathing can cause babies to seek a comfortable position to breathe, which may result in sleeping with their faces down. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice persistent mouth breathing or any red flags, such as rapid or noisy breathing, as it could indicate underlying respiratory issues.
To address mouth breathing, proper hydration is essential, especially with breast milk or formula for babies under 12 months. This can help alleviate congestion and improve sleep. Additionally, increasing tummy time when your baby is awake can promote the development of stronger neck and upper body muscles, enabling them to adjust their sleeping position more easily.
In summary, while it is common for babies to sleep face down, mouth breathing may be a contributing factor. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns, and focus on proper hydration and creating a safe sleep environment to support your baby's breathing and overall well-being.
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A firm mattress with no loose items in the cot is recommended
It is normal for babies to sleep on their stomachs or with their faces down. This usually starts when they are around 4 to 6 months old and have learned to roll over. Babies develop strong neck and upper body muscles at this age, which enables them to roll back over if they need to.
While it is generally safe for babies to sleep on their stomachs once they have started rolling, it is recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep until their first birthdays. This is because sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
To ensure your baby is safe when sleeping on their stomach, it is important to provide a firm mattress with no loose items in the cot. A firm mattress ensures that your baby's nose does not sink into it, blocking airflow. It is also important to make sure that your baby is unswaddled and has their arms free so that they can move freely and roll back over if needed.
Additionally, it is recommended to give your baby extra tummy time during the day while they are awake and supervised. This helps to strengthen their neck and upper body muscles, making it easier for them to roll back and forth.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleeping position or notice any breathing difficulties, it is always best to consult your paediatrician or a healthcare professional.
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Babies can usually get themselves out of a face-down position
It is common for babies to sleep on their stomachs, with their faces down, and this can be alarming for parents. However, it is important to remember that babies are usually able to get themselves out of a face-down position if they need to. As they grow and develop, babies gain better head control and movement, allowing them to turn their heads to the side or lift their heads if they need to. This means that even if they end up with their face flat on the mattress, they can still breathe.
That being said, it is always important to prioritise safe sleep practices for babies. While it is generally recommended that babies sleep on their backs for the first year, if your baby is rolling in their sleep and is comfortable sleeping on their stomach, you don't necessarily need to intervene. However, it is crucial to ensure that the sleeping environment is safe. This includes using a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding and ensuring that the baby is unswaddled.
To ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby, it is recommended to use a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with a firm, flat surface. Remove any soft objects, toys, or loose bedding that could increase the risk of suffocation. Additionally, avoid using sleep positioners, pillows, or weighted sleep sacks, as these can pose a risk to the baby's safety. Instead, a fitted sheet can be used on the mattress.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleeping position or breathing, it is always best to consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide personalised advice and guidance based on your baby's specific needs and development. Additionally, if your baby is mouth breathing or has a dummy/soother that falls out while they sleep, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to explore any potential underlying causes.
While it can be worrying to see your 9-month-old sleeping on their face, it is reassuring to know that by this age, most babies have developed the strength and coordination to adjust their position if needed. This allows them to breathe comfortably and safely, even when sleeping face-down. However, it is always important to prioritise safe sleep practices and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is generally safe for babies to sleep on their faces, it is important to ensure that they are not swaddled and that their mattress is firm and free of loose bedding, pillows, or toys.
Babies often sleep in certain positions to keep a dummy in their mouth or to breathe comfortably. If your baby is mouth breathing, consult a healthcare professional.
You can try to turn your baby's head or place them on their back, but they may simply return to their preferred position. Instead, focus on creating a safe sleeping environment by using a firm mattress and removing any loose items from their cot.
Use a mattress designed for infants, which has a firm surface and is designed to keep babies safe. A breathable mattress can also provide peace of mind.
