For growing babies, the first year of life is all about new learning and development. This can range from regulating sleep cycles to standing, sitting, sleeping, and cot-cracking. Experts say the safest sleeping position is back to prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, as young children grow older, they learn to sleep on their sides or on their stomachs. Is this position safe, and if not, when can babies start sleeping on their stomachs? Experts suggest it’s safe for babies to sleep on their stomachs until they reach one year of age. Parents need to understand that sleeping position affects the safety and health of their young children. Therefore, you need to be careful about your child’s sleeping position. In this article, we will give you a thorough guide to troubles related to sleeping posture! Continue reading below.
What happens when a baby sleeps on his stomach?
If your baby sleeps on his stomach, the following may occur: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) increase. Therefore, if you find your child in this dangerous sleeping position, move him/her to his/her back. Some experts believe that sleeping on your stomach increases your chances of rebreathing air. The air exhaled through rebreathing causes increased carbon dioxide levels and decreased oxygen levels, which can have negative effects on your baby’s health. Such breathing problems can be caused by the wrong bedding, toys, or pillows placed near a sleeping child’s face. Therefore, do not put soft toys or pillows in the crib at night and always make sure that the environment in the room is properly maintained.
Also read: How to put a newborn to sleep?
Why can’t babies sleep on their stomachs?
Placing a growing infant under 1 year of age on their stomach during sleep is not recommended as it has alarming consequences, including:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Placing a small child to sleep on their stomach can significantly increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a health risk factor during the first six months of life, when a growing baby is extremely vulnerable. Although infant mortality syndrome is rare today, parents should not take it lightly. The best way to avoid such health complications is to sleep on your back. Most babies prefer to lie on their stomachs, so it may be difficult to make sure they do so, but it’s not worth the effort.a study Since the launch of the Safe Sleep Campaign, we have seen an astonishing 30% to 83% reduction in the incidence of SIDS. These campaigns encourage parents to put infants to sleep on their backs instead of on their stomachs.
suffocation
The risk of suffocation is higher when your baby is lying on his or her stomach. Rolling over onto your stomach without adequate head control can obstruct your baby’s airway and cause suffocation. Therefore, child experts do not support sleeping on the stomach or side, as this can lead to accidental rolling. If your little one shows signs of rolling over after 12 weeks of age or earlier, we recommend removing their little arms from the swaddle to avoid restricting upper body movement. If a parent swaddles a growing baby beyond rolling over, the baby may turn to the side of the bedding, which can cause problems with proper breathing. Weighted sleep suits carry the same risks, so parents should be careful.
Also read: When should you stop swaddling?
overheating
Babies sleeping on their stomachs may not be able to properly release heat and maintain an appropriate body temperature. This situation can be serious if the infant’s birth weight is low. As your baby breathes, warm breath may collect around your baby’s head and face. Infants cannot move and relax on their own, so they can overheat if too much heat builds up. You may develop a high fever, also known as hyperthermia. Therefore, it is better to avoid sleeping on your stomach and wrap your baby in a light swaddle. When swaddling your baby to sleep, be sure to cover your baby’s face and head and watch closely for signs of overheating. If your little one feels too hot or sweats on their chest, adjust the layers of the blanket.according to the studyhyperthermia (high body temperature increases the risk of SIDS).
rebreathing
When parents put their babies to sleep on their stomachs, they may try to rebreathe air trapped in the crib or bed. Carbon dioxide levels may increase and oxygen levels may decrease. You can also wake your baby up periodically to get some fresh air and feel better. However, all small children are different and are born with different strengths and energies. Some growing babies may be able to respond slowly to these changes in breathing, or may not be able to roll over quickly. This can result in loss of consciousness. This rebreathing process can pose a risk of SIDS.
When can my baby start sleeping on his stomach?
When can my baby start sleeping on his stomach? Parents can place their baby on their stomach to sleep comfortably until the baby reaches 1 year of age. Until this age, children prefer to sleep on their backs during the day and at night. Some growing infants may roll over from their back to their stomach and back again before they reach one year of age. Most children can roll over on both sides by 6 months of age. Therefore, stomach sleeping is safe if your baby has learned and knows how to properly roll over (back to the stomach and then back again from the stomach to the back). There is no risk of SIDS at this time. This means that there is no specific age at which a baby is considered ready for stomach sleep. It’s just a matter of achieving important developmental milestones in their lives. However, parents should still keep their young children on their backs until they are one year old, as prevention is more effective and can significantly reduce the chance of SIDS. Sleeping on your stomach has the advantage of making it easier to sleep comfortably and prolonging your life cycle.
Now that you have the answer to when can babies sleep on their stomachs, it’s time to look for answers to the worrying question of what parents should do to make sure their babies feel most comfortable when sleeping on their stomachs. Masu.
Also Read: The Science Behind Healthy Sleep for Babies: Understanding Sleep Cycles and Patterns
What if my baby is most comfortable sleeping on his stomach?
Some babies have a Moro reflex, which can cause them to wake up easily if they are placed on their back. This may lead to your little one preferring to sleep on their stomach as it is much more comfortable for them. However, sleeping in this position is not safe. It is believed that some babies sleep peacefully on their stomachs, making it difficult for them to wake up if their breathing reaches a critical point. It may be dangerous to your health. Therefore, if your little one is not ready to sleep on his back, use effective tricks to increase safety. The best way to make them comfortable is to tap their calming reflex, the button that turns off their irritation. You can do this using swaddles. A thin swaddle will make your baby feel happy as if they are inside the womb. Turn on white noise to block out disturbances such as the sound of a fan or TV, making it easier for your baby to sleep on his or her back. the study It states that pacifiers can prevent the risk of SIDS.
Also Read: 10 Best White Noise Machines of 2024
What should you do if your baby turns on his stomach during sleep?
When your baby reaches 6 months of age, he or she will be able to easily roll into your womb on their own. In this case, you can change the position. Also, before bedtime, make sure your child sleeps on his back in a safe environment without soft objects or overly loose blankets. Parents may panic when they see their baby sleeping on their stomach in the middle of the night, but fortunately, the incidence of SIDS is dramatically lower in infants who can roll over from back to stomach, so stress can be reduced. It may be free. When a growing child has enough strength to change positions, they have the power to sense a problem and protect themselves by moving to a safer position. It is important to remember that once your baby is more mobile, swaddling should be avoided.
Also read: Newborn sleep schedule: Tips for a restful night
Is it okay for my baby to sleep on my stomach?
Are you looking for an answer to the question “Can a newborn sleep on his stomach?” If your baby sleeps on his stomach, there is a higher chance of SIDS. The same can be said for the side you sleep on. In this sleeping position, infants can easily roll onto their stomachs and doze off in this position all night. Therefore, if parents see their baby sleeping on their stomach or side, it is very important to put them on their back. However, as your baby grows older, he or she will begin to press against your back after lying on your side or stomach. Parents don’t need to make children look up if they are comfortable doing so. Make sure there are no objects other than your small child in the crib.
Also read: 3 Month Sleep Regression Explained – Symptoms, Duration and Relief Strategies
summary
In this article, we answered the question: when can babies start sleeping on their stomachs? It turns out that caring for a baby takes a lot of effort. The safest way to put a young child to sleep is to put them back to sleep once they are one year old. Although there is no set age when it is safe to sleep on your stomach, infants who can roll over from their backs to their stomachs at night can maintain that position. Parents don’t have to turn them away. However, to prevent the risk of SIDS, it is best for your child to sleep on his back until he is one year old. If your growing baby is facing problems during sleep or you are exhausted trying to get your baby to sleep comfortably, remember that it’s time to consult a qualified pediatrician. They will be able to provide you with helpful guidance and resources.
FAQ
When can infants start sleeping on their stomachs?
Infants can sleep on their stomachs by rolling over to different sides. Some babies master it before the age of 1, but most babies can master it by 6 months.
Can a 6 month old baby sleep on his stomach?
Placing a small child on their stomach at six months of age can increase the chance of SIDS. Therefore, it is better to wait until your child is one year old.
Is it okay for a 4 month old baby to sleep on his stomach?
No, babies cannot sleep on their stomachs. This reduces the chance of breathing air, which can lead to SIDS.
Can babies sleep on their stomachs?
No, babies cannot sleep on their stomachs. This reduces the chance of breathing air, which can lead to SIDS.
At what age can babies sleep on their stomachs?
Experts recommend that one year of age is the best time, when your baby is ready to sleep on his or her stomach.
Should infants sleep on their backs or stomachs?
It is always recommended to place infants on their backs for nighttime sleep and naps. This reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related problems.