Can babies sleep on their stomachs?

When choosing the best sleep position for your baby, many parents wonder if it's safe to let their baby sleep on their stomach. Infants should always sleep on their backs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) for your babies.

While some parents worry that their babies will be more comfortable sleeping on their stomachs. Today we will discuss whether can babies sleep on their stomachs. When can a baby sleep on its stomach? And the benefits of baby sleeping on tummy.

• Why can't babies sleep on their stomachs?
• When can I start tummy time with a newborn?
• Can babies sleep on their stomachs?
• When can a baby sleep on its stomach?
• Signs of your babies can sleep on their stomach
• Benefits of baby sleeping on tummy
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why can't babies sleep on their stomachs?

Increase the risk of SIDS

Infants should not sleep on their stomachs as this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When babies sleep on their stomachs, it can make it difficult for them to breathe because they may suck back the air they exhale, leading to carbon dioxide buildup and lower oxygen.

More difficult to breathe

In addition, sleeping on their stomachs can put pressure on a baby's jaw, narrowing the airway and making it more difficult to breathe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends always putting babies to sleep on their backs, as this position has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

When can I start tummy time with a newborn?

Parents often ask when it's safe to start newborn tummy time.

You can start tummy time almost as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital after birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with a few minutes, two to three times a day, while your baby is awake.

The tummy time helps strengthen your baby's neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which is vital to your baby's overall development.

Note: Always watch over your baby during tummy time to ensure their safety.

Can babies sleep on their stomachs?

Parents often wonder if can babies sleep on their stomachs.

Yes, babies can sleep on their stomachs once they can roll over both ways consistently.

When can a baby sleep on its stomach?

Generally, a baby can sleep on their stomach around 6 months of age. Most babies are able to roll in both directions(the right and left sides) by 6 months.

Until then, it's important to always place babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Even after they start rolling over, parents should continue to place babies on their backs to sleep and ensure the sleep environment is safe.

Signs of your babies can sleep on their stomach

Here are some signs that your baby can safely sleep on his or her stomach:

Continuous rolling over:

Your baby can consistently roll over on his own from his back to his tummy, and then from his tummy to his back. The continuous rolling over usually happens around 6 months of age.

Strong head control:

Your baby's neck and head control are well developed and he can lift and turn his head easily to keep his airway open while sleeping on his stomach.

Pushing upwards:

Babies can push upwards with their arms when lying on their stomachs, which helps them move their head and body into a comfortable position.

Unassisted movement:

Babies can move to different positions on their own without assistance, which shows their ability to adjust their position when needed.

Benefits of baby sleeping on tummy

Here are some of the benefits of sleeping on your baby's tummy:

Strengthens muscles:

Sleeping on the stomach helps strengthen your baby's neck, shoulder, and arm muscles as they forcefully lift and turn their heads. This development is crucial for reaching other physical developmental milestones.

Encourages motor skills:

Sleeping on the stomach encourages the development of motor skills. As babies learn to move and adjust themselves while sleeping on their stomachs, they learn coordination and balance.

Enhances sensory development:

Sleeping on the tummy allows your baby to experience different perspectives and sensory input, which helps their overall sensory development and cognition.

Improves hand-eye coordination:

When lying on their stomachs, babies often look around and reach for things, which helps improve hand-eye coordination as they grow.

Promotes sleep in some babies:

Some babies may feel more comfortable sleeping on their backs, and once they are able to roll over and move freely, this position may allow them to sleep more soundly.

FAQs

Q: Can a six-month-old sleep on their stomach?

A: Six-month-old babies can sleep on their stomachs if they can consistently roll over to either side. At this age, many babies have the strength and coordination needed to move themselves into a comfortable position and keep their airways open.

Also important to ensure a safe sleeping environment, with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or soft items in the crib.

Q: What if the baby rolls on the stomach while sleeping?

A: Parents should initially continue to let babies sleep on their backs, even if they roll over onto their tummies during sleep, it is generally safe to keep them in this position.

Conclusion

In summary, babies should generally sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, once babies are able to insist on rolling over to their sides on their own, usually around six months of age, it is considered safe to sleep on their stomachs if they choose to do so. Parents should use a firm mattress and keep the crib free of loose bedding and soft items to ensure a safe sleeping environment.