Introduction
There is no need to take a vote among the parents in your group to determine whether or not the position is secure. It is absolutely acceptable for a baby to sleep on their stomach once they have mastered the ability to roll onto their stomach and then back onto their back.
The following is further information regarding the several postures in which babies can sleep while napping as well as the age at which infants can begin to sleep on their stomachs.
The Problem: When Is It Safe For Infants To Start Sleeping On Their Stomach?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, many parents are unsure when it is safe for their infants to start baby sleeping on their stomachs.
It is strongly recommended by medical professionals that infants should only sleep on their backs until they reach the age of one year. Infants are at the lowest risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when they are placed to sleep on their backs. (Source: Pubmed)
When a child reaches their first birthday, they are old enough to start sleeping on their stomach or in another position of their choosing.
The best way to determine when it is safe for your infant to start sleeping on their stomach is to talk to your child’s pediatrician. Your pediatrician will be able to give you specific guidance based on your child’s health and development.
7 Ways To Safely Transition Your Infant To Stomach Sleeping
1. Use A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is essential for stomach sleepers because it provides the support your infant needs to avoid developing flat head syndrome.
This is a condition where the head becomes flat in spots because of pressure on the back of the head. A firm mattress can help prevent this by providing the support the head needs.
2. Sleep On Their Back First
You should always put your baby sleep on their back first. This will help them to get used to the position and will also help to avoid any potential problems with their airway. Additionally, infants who sleep on their backs are less likely to experience Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
3. Use A Pillow
This will help to prevent your infant from developing a flat spot on their head. Pillows are not just for adults.
Using a pillow can help to prop your baby sleep up and will also help to keep their head in alignment with their spine. This will help to prevent your infant from developing a flat spot on their head.
4. Use A Sleep Positioner
A baby sleep positioner will help to keep your infant in the correct position and will also help to prevent them from rolling over onto their stomach. This is important because sleeping on the stomach can increase the risk of SIDS.
5. Use A Blanket
Using a blanket will help to keep your infant warm and will also help to prevent them from rolling over.
A blanket can also be used as a way to create a safe space for your infant to sleep in. By placing a blanket over the crib or playpen, you can create a barrier that will help to keep your child from rolling out or falling out.
In addition to using a blanket for warmth, you can also use it as a way to block out light. By draping a blanket over the crib or playpen, you can help your child to baby sleep better by creating a dark and quiet environment.
6. Don’t Use A Pillow
If you don’t use a pillow, your infant will be less likely to roll over onto their stomach. This is because when you use a pillow, it elevates your head and shoulders, which makes it easier for your infant to roll over.
So, to prevent your infant from rolling over, don’t use a pillow. This is important because sleeping on their stomach can increase the risk of SIDS.
7. Use A Sleep Sack
A sleep sack is a bag that you can put your baby into sleep. It will help keep your baby warm and also help to prevent them from rolling over.
Benefits Of Stomach Sleeping For Infants
Reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS is a leading cause of death in infants, and stomach sleeping can help reduce the risk. When an infant sleeps on their stomach, they are less likely to rebreathe their own carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide buildup is a leading cause of SIDS, so by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide an infant breathes in, stomach sleeping can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Sleep More Soundly And Deeply
There are many benefits to stomach sleeping, including the fact that it can help your infant sleep more soundly and deeply.
Stomach sleeping also allows your infant to get the best possible night’s sleep by improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of SIDS.
Reduce The Risk Of Ear Infections
This is especially true for young children, who are more susceptible to ear infections. Stomach sleeping can help reduce the risk of ear infections by keeping the Eustachian tubes open.
These tubes connect the middle ear to the throat and equalize pressure in the ear. When you sleep on your side, the pressure in your ear can become unequal, and this can lead to an ear infection.
Digest Food More Efficiently
Sleeping on your stomach can help your infant digest food more efficiently. When your infant sleeps on their stomach, gravity helps move food through their digestive system more quickly. This can help reduce the risk of indigestion and other digestive problems.
Develop Strong Muscles.
Sleeping on their stomach helps infants develop strong muscles in their back, neck, and head. This position also allows them to stretch out their body and move their arms and legs.
Can Newborns Sleep On Their Stomach If Supervised?
Yes, newborns can sleep on their stomachs if supervised. This is because the risk of SIDS is highest when babies are sleeping on their stomachs.
However, it is important to make sure that you are supervising your baby while they are sleeping on their stomach. This means that you should be in the same room as your baby and be able to see them at all times.
What To Do If Your Baby Rolls Onto Their Stomach During Sleep?
If your baby rolls onto their stomach during sleep, there are a few things you can do:
- Try to gently roll them back over onto their back.
- If they keep rolling back over, put a pillow or rolled-up blanket behind their back to prop them up.
- Make sure they are sleeping on a firm surface, such as a crib mattress, to prevent them from rolling over too easily.
- If your baby is able to roll over on its own, you may want to consider transitioning them to a toddler bed.
- Always supervise your baby when they are sleeping, to make sure they are safe.
5 Sleep Positions Are Good For Infants
There are many different sleeping positions that are good for infants. Some of the most popular include:
- Sleeping on the back. This position is good for infants because it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Sleeping on the stomach. This position is good for infants because it helps to reduce the risk of GERD and reflux
- Sleeping on the side. This position is good for infants because it helps to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Sleeping in a bouncer seat. This position is good for infants because it helps to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Sleeping in a swing. This position is good for infants because it helps to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conclusion
Even though there is no specific age at which it is known for certain that sleeping on one’s stomach is safe, a baby who is able to roll over onto their stomach in the middle of the night is able to sleep comfortably in that position.
We have high hopes that the material presented here will be useful to parents.
