Sleeping position for baby and what they mean is one of the most asked questions by new parents, Can babies sleep on their side? Newborn sleeping on the side? Why can’t babies sleep on their side?
Being a new parent is absolutely an exciting and life-changing experience. But you must be wondering what if your Infant is sleeping on the side, or if your baby is a side sleeper Right?
Don’t worry we have tried our best to cover all of your questions in our post. So without further ado, let’s get into the questions you might have once you become a parent.
Whether your baby is 2,3,4,5 months old or even a newborn, sleeping position matters a lot for them.
Can babies sleep on their side?
According to reports, 3,500 infants die from sleep-related accidents each year. Due to concerns about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), parents naturally want to make the best choices for their sleeping baby.
Side sleeping is not safe For babies less than 4 to 6 months old and does not provide any benefits. Back sleeping is the safest position for a newborn to ensure their safety, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Some people believe that side sleeping is safer for babies who vomit or have reflux, but this is not true. Baby with reflux does not choke more with their backs. Babies who sleep on their bellies get less oxygen from a little bedding pocket around their noses.
Best Sleeping Position Of Baby
Babies usually do not sleep in a fixed position and as they grow, they sleep in different positions throughout the night. However, Sleeping in the right position for babies is key to preventing SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) because babies sleep a lot. Children who die from SIDS are usually suffocated or strangled.
According to experts, infants should sleep on their backs because this is the safest position for them to sleep in. If you place your baby on his back to sleep, you reduce his chances of increasing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is the leading cause of infant death in the United States during the first year after birth (beyond the newborn period).
According to research findings, children who sleep on their bellies get less oxygen from the little pocket around their noses.
It is recommended to put the baby on her back throughout the first year of her life. This is especially important during the first six months when the incidence of SIDS is highest.
Baby Side Sleeping Risks
Although side sleeping might appear less dangerous than stomach sleeping, it comes with its own set of risks.
You can read more about the Pros and cons of babies sleeping on stomachs here.
There are 3 things that can happen when your baby sleeps on their side, and while most won’t harm them, others may be harmful.
- Choking
Your baby may choke if he or she is side asleep because it can cause torsion, or twisting, of the trachea which makes breathing difficult.
- Plagiocephaly
A plagiocephaly is an unequal or asymmetrical head shape – a ‘flat head’. A Baby’s flat head is also known as a flattened spot on the back or side. The skull bones of newborns are thin, soft, and flexible.
Thus, newborn babies have easily changing heads. Plagiocephaly occurs when the heads of infants stay in the same position for too long. The doctor might recommend helmet therapy if your baby’s plagiocephaly is severe.
- Torticollis
This condition occurs when there’s a problem with a major muscle in the neck, the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This muscle turns and tilts the head. In torticollis, One side of the SCM is short and strong, while another is long and weak. The Baby’s head may tilt to one side only if this occurs.
Also Read: Why Do Toddlers Sleep On Their Knees?
Now let us take a look at some tips for the safe sleeping of your baby.
Safe Sleeping Tips For Babies
The following tips will help you prevent SIDS in addition to following the AAP’s recommendations on baby sleeping positions:
- Make sure your baby sleeps on their back
The best position for healthy babies is this one. Sleeping on the side or stomach increases the risk of SUDI, including SIDS, and fatal sleeping accidents.
Keep putting your baby to sleep on their back once they are able to roll over (around 4-6 months), but let them find a sleeping position that they prefer.
- When babies are sleeping, make sure their heads or faces aren’t covered
Put your baby’s feet near the bottom end of the cot so they are low down. Make sure the bed sheets don’t cover the baby’s head. You could use a sleeping bag rather than blankets for an infant.
- In a crib or bassinet, leave baby alone
The baby needs to sleep alone on her back without bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets, or pillows.
- Stop swaddling before baby rolls
Always swaddle the baby on her back, and use the correct swaddling technique (don’t worry, it’s simple once you know it). When your baby begins rolling over (or is trying to), which usually happens around 3 to 4 months, you should stop. Older babies who can wriggle out of swaddling pose a threat of strangulation or suffocation.
- Dress your baby in warm clothing that isn’t hot
Skip the socks, hats, and other accessories and put your baby in a basic layer like a one-piece sleeper. Sleepsacks and swaddles are better than blankets. The temperature will be comfortable – but not too warm.
No worries about turning up the heat. The ideal room temperature is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby feels too hot, feel her nape and see if it is swollen or red. Sweating is a sign that she’s too hot.
When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomachs?
If your baby can roll onto his stomach while sleeping, you can let him do so. At this point, his risk of SIDS will be highly reduced. Although, it is advisable to continue putting him down to sleep on his back until he turns 1 year old.
Is It Ok For Babies To Sleep On The Side For 2 Months?
Babies should not sleep on their side at 2 months old. Babies who are too young to support their heads may become stuck against the mattress, making breathing difficult. Infants younger than 1 year of age should always sleep on their backs – never face down or lying on their side. The risk of SIDS increases when a baby sleeps on their stomach or side.
Can Baby Sleep On The Side While Supervised?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby should be able to roll over on their own so that they can sleep on their side. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents put their babies on their backs until they reach the age of one because sleeping on the back reduces the risk of SIDS.
Does A Baby’s Flat Head Correct Itself?
The flathead fixes itself as the baby grows. This happens because as your baby’s head grows and her gross motor skills improve, her head shape will naturally improve.
