Tummy Sleeping Newborns: What Every Parent Should Know for Safe Slumber
New parents always want what’s best for their little ones. It includes finding the right clothing and baby products and even working on the correct sleeping position. Although sleeping on the back is the best position for babies, some babies would prefer sleeping on their tummy. Many parents deal with a tummy sleeping newborn baby who would prefer sleeping on his tummy.
So, is it good for his health? Should you reposition your baby when they are sleeping? What’s the best sleeping position for a newborn baby? In this article, we have talked about all those queries you might have. So, keep reading.
Why Newborn Sleep Positions Matter?
The proper baby sleeping positions are essential for their growth and well-being.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests parents put their baby to sleep on their back instead of their tummy or sides.
Whether for overnight sleep or daytime nap, infants should sleep on their back until their first birthday.
Several world-famous health organizations, including the AAP, have run multiple scientific research to confirm the proper sleeping position for babies.
As per research, putting babies to sleep on their backs can reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The Importance of the Right Sleeping Position for Babies
Choosing the right sleeping position for a baby is critical. It includes more than just choosing a safe sleeping position. Parents must also ensure that the sleeping area is free of obstacles like toys, stuffed animals, and pillows.
Ensure the baby’s crib has no potential hazards that can cause suffocation. In addition, the baby needs to also sleep on a firm mattress. It should be a firm mattress with fitted sheets rather than a squishy and comfy cushion.
Tummy Sleeping Newborn Babies: Is Tummy Sleep Ever Safe?
The short answer is no; the tummy sleeping position is unsafe for infants and newborns. Babies aged under 12 months should not sleep on their stomachs. Parents must ensure the babies sleep on their backs instead of their tummy.
Although a section of parents believes that putting babies to sleep on their tummy can reduce the chance of spitting up, that’s not entirely true. The potential dangers of putting babies to sleep on their tummies outweigh their perceived benefits.
The biggest risk of putting babies to sleep on their tummy is related to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). But what’s SIDS?
Understanding SIDS
SIDS refers to sudden infant death syndrome. It refers to the unexplained deaths of infants who are otherwise healthy and without any difficult health concerns.
As per different research, tummy, sleeping newborn babies have higher chances of falling prey to SIDS. Here are some factors related to sleeping on their tummy that can potentially increase the chance of SIDS–
- Rebreathing: when sleeping on their tummy, babies have a higher chance of inhaling the same air they are exhaling. This can lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide and lower oxygen.
- Suffocation: Sleeping on their tummy can cause their airways to get blocked. This happens when their face gets blocked by the cushioned bedsheet. They start to feel suffocated as a result.
- Overheated: When sleeping on their tummy, babies start to feel overheated.
Risks of Tummy Sleeping
It’s visible that sleeping on their tummy increases the chances of babies having SIDS. There are several other risks of sleeping on the tummy aside from SIDS.
Increased risk of SIDS
as mentioned above, a tummy sleeping position increases the chances for a little one to have SIDS. Several studies by the AAP and other health organizations, infants sleeping on their tummy have a higher chance of dying from SIDS.
Rebreathing
Even if it’s not leading to death, babies sleeping on their tummy have other problems like rebreathing issues. When sleeping with their face down, they tend to inhale the carbon dioxide they exhale.
Increased levels of oxide in infants’ bodies can lead to several health issues like hypercarbia or respiratory distress syndrome. Rebreathing issues due to sleeping on their tummy are also very common.
Suffocation Hazards
Babies above the age of 12 months can roll over to their tummy and face the soft bedding of the crib. This can lead to suffocation and other types of health hazards.
Overheating
When babies start to sleep on their stomachs, they are prone to overheating. It happens due to restricted airflow in their body.
Developmental Delays
Sleeping on their tummy can also lead to developmental delays. When babies are sleeping on their tummy, it can hinder their opportunity to build their motor skills. They may find it difficult to move their neck or use their back muscles properly. Eventually, it may lead to the babies having a slower development.
How to Transition a Tummy Sleeping Newborn to Their Back
Even after you put them to sleep on their back, babies can roll over and start to sleep on their tummy. When they are 12 months old or younger, it’s best to transition your baby’s sleeping position back to their tummy (even if they prefer the tummy position).
It’s not easy to transition your baby back to a sleeping position on their back. However, there are tips you may try to build a habit around the right sleeping position.
Here’s how you may start –
Start Little by Little: start with a sleeping habit. Put your baby on their back when you put them to sleep during the day or at night. If they roll onto their tummy, gently reposition them without interrupting their sleep.
Comfortable Sleep Environment
A comfortable sleep environment can make all the difference. Have a firm and solid mattress on the baby’s crib to avoid any chances of them feeling suffocated during sleep. Avoid soft bedding at all costs.
Constant Bedtime Routine
Start with a consistent bedtime routine. This will help your baby create a sleeping pattern and also adjust to the right sleeping position, which is on their back. You can help by singing a lullaby to them or reading a story to them.
Check their Sleep Patterns
Monitor the sleep patterns of your little one to build the right sleeping habits. If you see them constantly rolling onto their stomach, it’s best to consult your paediatrician for the right advice.
Provide Practical Tips for Encouraging Back Sleeping
Encouraging back sleeping can be challenging but is essential for your baby’s safety.
Here are some tips:
Give them Tummy Time
It’s okay if your little one needs some tummy sleeping time. But it’s only best when they are awake, and you can supervise them. Your little baby can strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles with regular tummy time when they are awake.
Use Sleep Sacks
Should I let a newborn sleep on my tummy on my chest? Yes, it works if you wear a sleeping sack where the baby is safe and comfortable without any breathing issues.
You can also help them sleep better by using a sleep sack or blankets specially designed for infants. Avoid using loose blankets that increase the chances of suffocation or health hazards.
Positioning Devices
While many parents use positioning devices like wedges and positioners, they are only sometimes safe. You can use rolled-up towels when your little ones are awake and place them beside your baby. This will create a sense of security and make it less likely for them to roll onto their tummy when sleeping.
Stay Consistent
It’s important to follow all the right practices for napping until your little one is one year old. Unless you practice the right sleeping habits, the baby won’t learn to sleep.
Consistency is key when it comes to establishing safe sleep habits. Always place your baby on their back for every nap and nighttime sleep until they reach one year of age. That’s the safest practice for building the proper sleeping habits for your little one.
When Can Babies Start Sleeping on Their Stomachs?
Yes, sleeping on the back is the best practice for babies aged under one year. But the baby will change its sleeping position at some point. Here’s when your baby can sleep on their tummy –
After 1-Year-Old: as per the AAP, babies can start to sleep on their stomachs when they are one year old or younger. This is the best time since they have also built enough strength to roll on their tummy and roll back again.
Rolling Over on Their Own: when the baby is strong enough to roll over and feels comfortable while sleeping, you can let them be. They also develop this skill when they are one year old or older.
Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
Even with the AAP confirming the best sleeping position for babies, there are several myths still alive among some parents. Some of them are as follows –
Myth 1: Tummy Sleep Reduces Chocking
Some parents believe that parents have a lesser chance of spitting up and choking when they are lying on their tummy. Research shows that babies don’t’ choke on when spitting up due to their reflexes. So, there’s no need to put them to sleep on their tummy for that.
Myth 2: Tummy Sleeping is More Comfortable
Some parents think that sleeping on the tummy is more comfortable for babies. However, that’s not true. In fact, it increases the chance of SIDS.
Myth 3: It’s okay If They Roll Over:
It’s okay if they roll over when they are above the age of one year. However, babies might be at greater risk if they are below one year and rolling over when sleeping. It’s unsafe for them yet if your little one is younger than 1 year.
Conclusion
Putting your little one in a safe sleeping habit requires more than just putting them in the proper sleeping position. However, it starts with building a habit of sleeping on the back and without any distractions around your baby.
Although the guidelines for the healthy and right sleeping position for babies are available everywhere, it’s best to consult a pediatrician. They are equipped with the proper knowledge to provide guidance regarding what works for your baby. To sum it up, putting your little baby to sleep on their back is indeed the right practice for their better health.
You May Like To Read This:
Already have an account?
Sign In
Create your account
User added successfully. Log in