Should your baby sleep on their back, side or tummy?

In the first few months, babies spend much of their day asleep, so it is completely natural to want to find the safest and most comfortable sleeping position for your little one. You may often wonder: should my baby sleep on their back, side or tummy? Each position has its own benefits, but there are also a few important points worth keeping in mind.

Until around 4 to 6 months of age, before those first bigger movements begin, a baby usually stays in roughly the same position throughout sleep as the one you placed them in. Once they start wriggling and rolling, however, they will begin to settle into the position that feels most comfortable for them.

In this article, we have gathered the key things to look out for at sleep time and how you can help make your baby’s sleep safer.

Which sleeping position is considered the safest?

Opinions around the ideal sleeping position can vary, but current recommendations say that placing your baby on their back is considered the safest choice during the first months. In this position, your baby’s airways remain clear, their face is not close to the mattress or fabrics, and the risk of overheating is also lower.

Most babies can roll independently after around 4 to 6 months, and from then on they will usually choose the position that feels most comfortable for them.

The most important thing is always to make sure the sleep environment is safe: a suitable mattress, well-ventilated, comfortable clothing and a cot free from excess fabrics can all help.

The benefits of back sleeping

When your baby lies on their back, their breathing is unobstructed, as there is no pressure on either the chest or tummy. The airways remain clear, and the face is kept away from the mattress. This is why this position is considered the safest for newborns.

Another benefit of back sleeping is that your baby can move more freely, stretch, and turn their head. Many parents also like this position because it makes it easier to see their child’s face and breathing while they sleep.

That said, some babies may startle more easily from their own involuntary movements, as this position gives them more freedom to move. Lying on their back also means they receive more visual input from the world around them, which can support development but may also make it harder for them to drift off. Even so, back sleeping is the most common position because it is comfortable, safe and allows you to see your baby’s face clearly.

Why do so many babies like sleeping on their tummy?

Many babies sleep more calmly and deeply on their tummy. The gentle pressure on the tummy can feel soothing, especially during periods of tummy discomfort. Parents often notice that their little one seems to relax more easily in this position.

Tummy time during the day, when your baby is awake, can also be especially useful for motor development. Your baby will try to lift their head, which helps strengthen the back and neck muscles.

Baby lying on their tummy on the bed

However, it is important to know that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, may be higher when a baby sleeps on their tummy, especially in the newborn stage. A baby who is only a few weeks old still has limited movement, and if they do not get enough oxygen, they may not be able to turn their head. Babies often sleep more deeply on their tummy and may overheat more easily. If certain other factors are also present, such as immature breathing control, sleep and wake rhythm difficulties, muscle tone issues, lack of oxygen at birth or premature birth, and the baby’s breathing pauses for 20 seconds, the risk of SIDS may be higher.

For this reason, professional recommendations tend to advise back sleeping during the first months. If your baby still prefers to sleep on their tummy, creating a safe sleep environment and paying closer attention become especially important.

When can side sleeping be useful?

Side sleeping can feel comfortable for a baby and may also help with bringing up milk. Some parents like to alternate between the right and left side, so the same area of the baby’s head is not always under pressure. With suitable support, side lying may feel more stable, but it is important to make sure your baby does not roll onto their tummy during sleep.

One possible benefit of side lying is that it may help prevent or improve flattening at the back of the head, which can occur when a baby spends a longer time lying only on their back.

Baby boy in a blue bamboo bodysuit rolling a small wooden toy on a mat, breathable softness for comfy play.

The foetal position can be calming for babies

From around 30 weeks of pregnancy, babies have gradually less space in the womb and naturally curl up. For many of them, the foetal position remains a familiar, soothing posture after birth too, and they often like to settle this way, tucking their legs underneath themselves.

Drawn-up little legs and a gently curled position can give babies a sense of security, which is why some little ones relax more easily and sleep more deeply this way. Babies who can already move around often draw their legs under or beside their tummy when lying on their front.

There are also pillows and positioning aids made specifically for babies that may help make this natural posture more comfortable for them.

What should you pay particular attention to at sleep time?

Whichever sleeping position you choose, creating a safe sleep environment is the most important thing.

When placing a baby on their tummy:

choose a firm mattress
keep soft pillows and toys out of the cot
help prevent your baby from overheating with a suitable temperature and clothing
make sleep safer with a breathing monitor
regularly check on your sleeping child

Baby girl crawling on all fours in a pale LiaaBébé bamboo sleeping bag with feet

When it comes to a blanket, it is important that it:

cannot slip over the baby’s face
is not too thick
does not restrict movement

Many parents prefer to choose a baby sleeping bag instead, because it helps maintain body warmth more safely and cannot ride up over the baby’s face.

Preventing overheating matters too

Clothing that is too thick, a high room temperature or poorly breathable fabrics can lead to restless sleep, overheating and sweating. It is worth choosing natural, breathable materials that help support a comfortable temperature.

Baby boy in a blue bamboo zip sleeping bag, a snug breathable layer that stays on for calm, comfortable rest.

LiaaBébé babywear made from bamboo viscose has become a favourite because it is soft, breathable and allows little ones to move comfortably. It can help regulate temperature, reducing the chance of both overheating and getting too cold.

Breathing monitor next to a baby’s cot

What are your baby’s own needs?

In the first few weeks, it is worth observing how your baby sleeps most peacefully, which position they wake up from feeling rested, and when sleep seems most comfortable for them. Every baby prefers a slightly different position. They can also get to know this for themselves if they have the chance to try different sleeping positions. This is why it can be worth gently alternating them while your baby sleeps. As your baby develops and begins rolling, they will increasingly choose the most comfortable position for themselves.

What do parents say about sleeping positions?

Based on your feedback, many of you initially place your baby only on their back, because this gives you the greatest sense of reassurance. Later, once your baby has started rolling independently, many little ones sleep much more peacefully on their tummy or side. During periods of tummy discomfort, you often mention that lying on the tummy helped soothe your baby.

You also highlighted that the right mattress, a well-chosen baby sleeping bag and comfortable, breathable clothing feel just as important as the sleeping position itself. At this point, you particularly mentioned LiaaBébé baby sleeping bags and sleeping bags with feet.

FAQ, questions about sleeping positions

What can I do if I would like to place my little one on their tummy, but want to be careful?

Use this position during the day, when your baby is awake, and when the world around them can also encourage movement, lifting their head and later supporting themselves on their arms. It may help if your baby has tummy discomfort.

Is it a problem if my baby rolls onto their tummy during sleep?

If your baby can already roll both ways independently, there is usually no need to turn them back over, but the sleep environment should still remain safe.

Should I use a small pillow for a newborn?

In the first months, a traditional pillow is generally not recommended. Instead, a muslin cloth under the head is usually enough. Later on, a thin baby pillow is still the better option.

When it comes to sleeping position, the most important thing is that your baby’s safety and comfort always come first. By watching your child’s cues, you will gradually feel more confident recognising which sleeping position and sleep environment work best for your family.

Written by Mónika Veres

Sources:

The Lullaby Trust – Sleeping position

NHS – Helping your baby to sleep