Is it safer to put a baby to sleep on their back, side, or stomach?

A baby spends a significant part of his day sleeping. Until the first serious movements, which come at 4-6 months, he will remain in the position in which you put him down until the end of his sleep. When he is able to move and turn over, he will adopt the position in which he feels most comfortable. At that point, it will no longer matter how you put him down, as he can change his sleeping position at any time.

Opinions about sleeping positions vary, but according to current professional recommendations (WHO and American Academy of Pediatrics), putting babies to sleep on their backs is safer for them. Babies have different needs. It is good to adapt to these, as their comfort and restful sleep are paramount. It is also useful to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each position. We are here to help you with this.

Lying on your back

A baby sleeping on their back has complete freedom of breathing because their chest and abdomen are not compressed, their airways are clear. Their face is away from the mattress, which makes them safe to rest.

Since the baby has the greatest freedom of movement in this position, it is possible that he or she may wake up during sleep due to involuntary movements of his or her limbs. Lying on his or her back exposes the baby to the most visual stimuli from the outside world, which both develops the baby and makes it harder for him or her to fall asleep. However, lying on his or her back is the most common position because it is comfortable, safe, and allows the mother to see her baby's face. The fact that he or she does not sleep very deeply is a disadvantage in some respects, but it can be an advantage in terms of respiratory arrest.

Lying on your stomach     

Many parents like to sleep on their stomachs because babies usually sleep more peacefully in this position. The gentle pressure on the tummy itself relaxes the baby, which can be especially good if they are having a tummy ache . If your baby falls, the milk can flow out of their mouth without any obstruction. In case of frequent falls, be sure to put an absorbent textile under their head. Mothers also like to put their baby to sleep lying on their stomachs because the baby's back muscles can strengthen better and they will be able to start lifting their head in this position.

 It should be noted that the majority of the dreaded SIDS cases occur in the prone position, the causes of which are still unknown. The movements of babies who are a few weeks old are still hampered, and if they do not get enough oxygen, they cannot turn their heads and are helpless. Babies sleep more deeply and overheat more easily when lying on their stomachs. If this is combined with certain other factors – underdevelopment of the respiratory center, sleep-wake disorder, muscle tone disorder, lack of oxygen at birth, premature birth – which cause the little ones to stop breathing for up to 20 seconds, then there is a high chance of SIDS.

Source: Maternity blog , Sofa

Side lying

With secure support (preferably a specially designed pillow), this position is not only comfortable for the baby, but also promotes free breathing and the flow of milk during feedings. It provides variety in sleeping positions, which is why many mothers like to alternate between lying on their right and left sides.

Lying on your back too much can cause the back of your skull to become flat. Lying on your side can help correct this otherwise aesthetic problem.

The natural fetal position

From about 30 weeks of age until birth, your baby spends his or her life curled up in the fetal position due to the gradually decreasing space. This is so natural for him or her that he or she will still enjoy the position after birth, with his or her legs raised. The familiar position calms him or her and allows him or her to sleep soundly. There are baby pillows available that can help your little one easily and safely adopt the fetal position.

What is the most common concern?

• When lying on the back, the fear of falling is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The milk that comes up can get into the airways. This is rare, but the chance can be reduced by proper breastfeeding.

• Mothers often avoid side sleeping due to fear of rolling over. A special baby pillow that promotes a stable position can solve this problem.

• Lying on the stomach raises concerns about respiratory arrest. Using a respiratory monitor in this position is recommended and can be reassuring for parents.

 Observe the baby's reactions! 

The best way to make a decision is to observe your baby in all positions during the first few weeks.

How do you like to sleep best? When do you sleep most deeply? When do you wake up feeling rested?

For this to happen, it is necessary that all other conditions are sufficiently soothing for him: silence, air temperature, comfortable clothing. 

It is worth alternating positions so that the body position is not one-sided for him and this is also beneficial for his spine, movement, and skull. From time to time, it is good to try again and again those positions that he did not like before, because it is possible that he will take them with pleasure as time goes on. And when he reaches the age of 4-6 months, he will choose his own sleeping positions.

Precautions

Every sleeping position has its advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages are most often related to safety reasons. Let's learn about the dangers, consider them, and take the appropriate precautions!

 What should we pay special attention to?

Pay extra attention to safety when administering anesthesia on your stomach

 If your baby is not at risk for SIDS (birth with oxygen deprivation, premature birth, etc.) and prefers to sleep on his stomach, the risks can be reduced by following a few rules: 

• The mattress should be hard.
• Don't have a pacifier in your mouth when you sleep.
• There should be no unnecessary toys, textiles, or pillows in the crib.
• Use a breathing monitor every time you sleep!
• Learn infant resuscitation!
• Don't overdress your baby.
• Change sides
• Do not leave it unattended!

(Source: Maternity blog )

Baby blanket should not be placed on the face

A newborn cannot move his blanket, but there comes a time when the increasingly restless baby pulls his blanket on himself by accident. At this point, he gets scared and starts to flail around with his hands and feet. To avoid this problem, it is worth securing the bottom of the fabric at 2-3 points with a simple clip available for this purpose until he is able to roll over. A small blanket with a stiffer hold has difficulty fitting completely over the baby's face if he accidentally pulls it on, so it is safer than a soft blanket.

Avoid overheating your baby!

If the room temperature is too high, the blanket is too thick, or the clothes are not breathable, your baby may overheat. Monitor the air in the room and ventilate it if necessary! Choose baby clothes that are breathable and do not overdress your child.

If you are thinking of a solution that will prevent your baby from overheating while sleeping and from being able to pull the blanket over their face, we recommend our LiaaBébé bamboo sleeping bags , which prevent overheating with their breathable and heat-regulating properties, and are safe with their neckline-following cut.

If you want to lay on your stomach, but you're also careful

Would you like to provide your baby with the movement options of lying on his stomach, but you don't want to put him to sleep in this position? Maybe his tummy hurts often? Use this position during the day when he's awake, and the outside world will also motivate him to move, raise his head, and later on, use the armrest. 

There are only a few common sleeping positions that parents use. By observing your baby's needs and weighing the pros and cons, you will find the most comfortable solution, and remember that what he rejects today, he may love in a few weeks.