Baby Sleep on Stomach

Sleeping is crucial for babies. It helps in the baby’s growth and development. A lot of development happens while the baby sleeps. As a parent, you need to know how to position your baby while sleeping to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Before 1 year old, your baby shouldn’t sleep on its stomach. Sleeping on the back is the safest position as it reduces the risk of SIDS.

On this page, you will get the following:

• Why is the topic of baby sleep positions important for new parents?
• How have recommendations for baby sleep positions changed over time?
• Can I put my baby on their stomach while sleeping?
• When can I put my baby on their stomach while sleeping?
• What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
• Why is sleeping on the stomach considered risky for babies?
• How does stomach sleeping contribute to overheating, and why is this a concern?
• What should parents do if their baby seems to prefer sleeping on their stomach?
• How should parents address concerns about reflux while sleeping?
• Is it safe for babies with certain medical conditions to sleep on their stomachs?

Why is the topic of baby sleep positions important for new parents?

The topic of baby sleep positions is most significant for new parents. Learning how to position a baby during sleep can confirm the baby’s health, safety, and well-being, and also prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

How have recommendations for baby sleep positions changed over time?

When Sudden Infant Death Syndrome spread in the 1980s, research showed that SIDS occurred because of babies sleeping on their stomachs. Then New Zealand and Australia recommended that parents place their babies on their backs to sleep.

In the 1990s, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended back sleeping for infants. In 1994, the AAP started a campaign for safe sleep (sleeping on the back) to educate parents, caregivers, and nannies about SIDS and safe sleeping practices.

Throughout the 2000s, the AAP and other organizations emphasized back sleeping for babies. They also shared some tips to prevent SIDS:

• Placing the baby on their back during sleep and nap time
• Not keeping anything like toys in the baby’s bed
• Encouraging room sharing, not bed sharing
• Encouraging breastfeeding to reduce SIDS
• Giving a pacifier during sleep to prevent SIDS

Now, the AAP and other health organizations recommend back sleeping for infants because it’s the safest sleep position. The recommendation changed over time, from stomach sleeping to back sleeping, and is based on extensive research. You should follow this to keep your baby safe.

Can my baby sleep on its stomach?

No, you can’t keep a baby on its stomach during sleep. It leads to an increased risk of SIDS. Until the baby becomes 1 year old, the safest sleep position is back sleeping. You can give the baby tummy time for a few minutes while the baby is awake.

When can I keep my baby on their stomach while sleeping?

Until the baby becomes one year old, you can’t keep the baby on their stomach. But when the baby can roll over on their own and they sleep on their stomach, it is okay if the baby can move. Otherwise, until the baby turns one year old, they should sleep on their back.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

SIDS is an unknown sudden death of infants before 1 year old. This happens during sleep. The main factor is unknown, but the AAP and other health organisations have revealed some causes:

• Side sleeping
• Stomach sleeping
• Bed sharing
• Smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth
• Low birth weight or premature birth
• Respiratory infection
• Soft bedding or loose blankets increasing the risk of SIDS

Why is sleeping on the stomach considered risky for babies?

Sleeping on the stomach is considered risky for babies for several reasons:

• It can block the airway, causing difficulty in breathing and leading to SIDS.
• It makes it harder for babies to regulate their body temperature, increasing the risk of overheating and leading to SIDS.
• When the baby sleeps on the stomach, they re-breathe air low in oxygen, which can lead to SIDS.

What should parents do if their baby seems to prefer sleeping on their stomach?

Many newborns and infants prefer to sleep on their stomach. But it’s not safe for them. You need to use some tricks and tips:

• Offer a pacifier
• Use white noise or music
• Put your baby on their back for naps and nighttime sleeping. Do this continuously, and the baby will become habituated slowly.
• Give some tummy time while the baby is awake.
• Stay close to your baby so that you can put the baby back to sleep if they roll over.
• Consult with your doctor for guidelines on how to keep your baby back to sleep.

Using these tips, you may be able to keep your baby on their back to sleep.

How should parents address concerns about reflux while sleeping?

If your baby has a reflux problem, you can still place the baby on their back to sleep. There is no issue with back sleeping for babies with reflux. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) declares that back sleeping does not increase the risk of choking in babies with reflux. So, back sleeping is the safest position for a baby.

Is it safe for babies with certain medical conditions to sleep on their stomachs?

Yes, it can be safe for babies with certain medical conditions to sleep on their stomachs, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider. You can’t do this without medical advice. In this situation, consult with a health provider.