Is It OK for Babies to Sleep on Their Stomachs?
While you might get comfy and safely fall asleep on your side, stomach or back without any worries, the same isn't true for your baby. If you aren't sure how your baby should sleep at night, during designated nap times or when she simply drifts off during the day, you aren't alone. This common concern includes major safety concerns such as the link between sleep position and sudden infant death syndrome. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics -- on its HealthyChildren.org website -- babies should only ever sleep on their backs.
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SIDS Basics
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SIDS is a primary cause for concern when it comes to how your baby sleeps. According to the National SUID/SIDS Resource Center, SIDS ranked as the top cause of infant death among babies between the ages of 1 month to 1 year in 2010. Although sleep position isn't the only factor relating to SIDS deaths, it -- in combination with other issues -- can add to the cause. The child development experts at Baby Center note that factors such as an underlying issue including breathing difficulties or abnormal heart function may combine with the stress or suffocation possibilities that a face-down sleeping position or soft bedding provides to result in SIDS.
Reducing the Risk
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Although there are some potential SIDS factors, such as an underlying health condition, that you can't do much about, choosing the proper sleeping position for your baby is one way you can help reduce the risk. Additionally, the AAP recommends that moms refrain from drinking alcohol, using drugs or smoking while pregnant, as this may increase the overall risk of SIDS. When it comes to sleeping, choosing a back-down position is a must, according to the AAP. You should also avoid soft or fluffy bedding, blankets, comforters, pillows, loose-fitting sheets or toys in the crib.
Tummy Time
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Even though your baby should never sleep on his stomach, you can give him tummy time during awake play periods as he ages and develops the ability to lift his head. Place your baby on a carpeted floor, blanket or infant gym with his stomach down, allowing him to explore his environment from another angle and improve his gross motor abilities. Always supervise your baby closely during tummy time, and never leave him unattended. If your baby starts to get sleepy or nod off, immediately pick him up and place him in his crib on his back. Never allow your baby to fall asleep and remain on his stomach during tummy time play.
In the Care of Others
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Whether you have to leave your baby at day care, with a sitter or with a relative, you must make sure all caregivers know -- and practice -- proper infant sleeping procedures. Although you would expect that the early childhood professionals at your little one's day care know and follow safe sleeping policies -- such as putting your baby to sleep on her back -- always ask instead of assuming. Additionally, older relatives may not know the newer sleep guidelines and may not understand the importance of your baby sleeping on her back. Instruct all caregivers to never use a stomach-down position during nap times or at night.
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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in children from 1 month to 1 year old, according to KidsHealth.org. SIDS deaths usually occur while babies are asleep, and no single cause of the syndrome has been identified. There a
