Introduction
Side sleeping may be a common adult habit, but is it safe to put your baby to sleep on his side? Find out at what age babies can sleep on their side and why the back sleeping position is recommended.
Your little one will toss and turn in their sleep until they can turn on their side. Find out more information in the article below.
Is Side Sleeping Safe For Newborns?
As a new parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. So it’s understandable that you might have some concerns about side sleeping.
The good news is that side sleeping is generally safe for newborns. In fact, it’s actually the preferred sleep position for babies sleep under 4 months old.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however.
- First, make sure your baby is sleeping on a firm, flat surface. A soft mattress or pillow can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Second, keep pillows and blankets away from your baby’s face to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- If you have any concerns about side sleeping, talk to your doctor. They can help you make sure your baby is safe and comfortable.
What Are Benefits Of Side Sleeping For Newborns?
Protect From SIDS
When you sleep on your side, you help to protect your baby from SIDS. SIDS is a serious problem that can happen to babies safe sleep. But when you sleep on your side, you can help to keep safe infant sleeping baby.
It is believed that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is greatest for newborns between the ages of two and four months, however, the condition can strike at any age up until one year. (Source: HIPPOKRATIA)
Digest Food Better
This is because when you side baby sleeping, your baby’s stomach and intestines are able to work more efficiently. Also, side sleeping can help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Sleeping on your side can help your baby sleep to digest food better. When you sleep on your side, your baby’s stomach sleeping and intestines are able to work more efficiently. This can help to reduce the risk of indigestion and other digestive problems.
Prevent Baby From Flat Head
Sleeping on your side can help to prevent your baby sleep from developing a flat head. As your baby grows, there is more pressure on your sides. This can cause your baby’s head to become flat.
When side sleeping, your baby’s head is supported by the mattress, helping to prevent it from flattening. Additionally, side sleeping can help to reduce the risk of SIDS by allowing your baby to breathe more easily.
Stay Warm
Sleeping on your side can help newborns stay warm and comfortable. When you’re lying on your back, your baby can snuggle up close to your body, which helps them stay warm. Plus, side sleeping gives your baby a chance to stretch out their arms and legs.
Get The Best Possible
When you sleep on your side, it allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. This decreases the chances of experiencing pain in those areas. It also helps to decrease the risk of developing wrinkles.
Avoid Developing Ear Infections
Sleeping on one’s side can help to avoid developing ear infections, especially for newborns. This is because safe sleeping positions allow the drainage of fluid from the ear, which can help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other substances that can cause an infection.
Avoid Developing Colds
Sleeping on your side can help newborns avoid getting sick. When the baby sleeps on your side, your nose and mouth are not blocked by your pillow.
This means that you can breathe easier and your lungs can get more oxygen. Oxygen is important for your body to stay healthy and fight off infection.
The side sleeping position can help to improve your baby’s breathing and prevent congestion. It can also help to prevent your baby from developing colds and other respiratory infections.
Avoid Developing Allergies
The study looked at 1,000 infants and found that those who slept on their side had a lower risk of developing allergies by the age of three, compared to those who slept on their stomachs or back.
While the exact mechanism is not clear, the researchers believe that side sleeping may help to reduce exposure to allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander.
If you’re concerned about the risk of allergies, talk to your doctor about the best baby sleeping position for your child.
Avoid Developing Asthma
The side sleeping position can help to prevent asthma in newborns. This is because the side sleeping position allows the baby’s head to be higher than the stomach, which prevents stomach acid from entering the lungs and causing asthma.
8 Other Safe Sleep Positions For Newborns
There are a variety of different safe sleep positions that you can try with your newborn. Here are seven of the most popular:
1. Supine Position
This is the most common position for newborns and is also the position that is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In this position, the baby is lying on its back on a firm surface.
2. Side-lying Position
This position is also safe for newborns and is often used when the baby is breastfeeding. In this position, the baby is lying on its side, with its head and shoulders supported.
3. Sitting Position
The sitting position is safe for newborns as long as the baby is sitting upright and supported. This position allows the baby to move their head and body freely, and also provides support for their back and neck.
4. The Cradle Position
The Cradle Position is a classic safe sleep position that involves holding your baby in your arms while the baby sleeps. This position is safe for your baby and will help them sleep soundly.
You can hold your baby in this position for as long as you like, but make sure to support their head and neck.
5. The Tummy Position
This position is often recommended for newborns as it helps to prevent them from developing a flat head. To do the Tummy Position, you will need to put your baby on their stomach on a firm surface for a few minutes each day.
You can do this while you are awake and able to watch them, or you can put them in a crib or playpen. Be sure to put a blanket under them to make sure they are comfortable and warm.
6. The Semi-Sitting Position
This position is perfect for babies who are starting to sit up on their own. The benefits of the semi-sitting position are that it helps to develop your baby’s muscles and coordination.
It also gives them a chance to practice sitting up on their own. This position is perfect for babies who are starting to sit up on their own.
7. The Sitting Position
The Sitting Position is the perfect position for babies who are already sitting up on their own. This position allows them to explore their surroundings while still being safe and comfortable.
8. The Swaddled Position
The Swaddled Position is perfect for newborns who need a little extra comfort and security. Swaddling your baby in this position will help them feel snug and safe, and can even help them sleep better. To swaddle your baby in the perfect position, follow these simple steps:
When Is Side Sleeping Safe For Babies?
Babies younger than 12 months should not be put to sleep on their sides. Resting on one’s side was once thought to be a healthy position for newborns and babies.
However, recent research has demonstrated that this position is not nearly as safe as sleeping on one’s back.
While some experts say that it is perfectly safe for newborns to sleep on their side, others caution against it. The best thing to do is to talk to your pediatrician about what sleeping position is best for your baby.
Conclusion
Side sleeping may also be safe as your baby grows and gets stronger. You’ll find your baby getting more and more active in his sleep as his first birthday approaches – thankfully, that’s when these sleeping position worries go away. We hope the above article will be of help to you.
