At what age can babies start sleeping on their stomachs? Baby sleep experts say that babies can start sleeping on their stomachs as early as 12 months old. When your baby is born, he or she will likely sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But around 10 to 12 months old, your baby will start to develop the muscles necessary to turn over from his or her back to his or her stomach.
Once your baby can comfortably roll over both ways, you don’t need to worry about what position he or she sleeps in. Generally, the baby prefers sleeping on the stomach when he or she is first learning to roll over. This safe sleeping position gives your baby a sense of security and comfort. However, some babies may not be able to roll over from their backs to their stomachs until they are 2 years old. If your baby is having trouble rolling over, you can help by placing a pillow under his or her chest and head.
For newborn babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that they should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In most cases, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) occurs when the baby is sleeping on his or her stomach or side. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that you should keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area to reduce the risk of suffocation. If you have any concerns about your baby’s sleeping position then this blog is for you.
In This Article
- What age should be appropriate for baby stomach sleeping?
- Is it safe for the baby to sleep in the stomach position?
- What are the benefits of the stomach sleeping position?
- 1. Build up strength
- 2. Improve their digestions
- 3. Longer Sleep cycle
- 4. Helps baby stay warm
- 5. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
- 6. Avoid blockage of baby’s airway
What age should be appropriate for baby stomach sleeping?
As we said above, the age group that is most appropriate for stomach sleeping is after 12 months. This is when your baby’s muscles are developed enough to lift their head and turn it from side to side if they need to. When your baby rolls over on their own, you can stop putting them on their back to sleep.
Additionally, a baby sleeping on the stomach can also help reduce the risk of flat head syndrome. When your baby sleeps on their back, their head can rest in the same position for long periods, which can cause their head to become flat. Baby sleeping on stomach allows their head to move around more or preventing flattening at appropriate age. Baby sleep position is important for overall health, so follow the guidelines to ensure your baby is getting the best sleep possible.
If your baby is younger than 12 months old, you should place them on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Also, follow safe sleep practices, like using a firm mattress and keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the baby’s crib. Providing a safe sleep environment and practices for your baby is the best way to ensure a restful night for everyone.
However, before 12 months placing a baby’s sleep on their stomachs can lead to some dangers like choking and rebreathing. Choking usually happens when a baby vomits while sleeping on their stomach and the vomit goes into their lungs. Rebreathing is when a baby inhales their own exhaled carbon dioxide, which can cause risk of SIDS. To avoid these risks, always monitor your baby closely when they are sleeping on their stomach and consult with your pediatrician.
Is it safe for the baby to sleep in the stomach position?
Yes, it is safe for babies who can sleep on their stomachs when they are 1 year old. But before that infants’ sleep position should be on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Baby sleep positions can affect a baby’s health, so it is important to know the right way to put your baby to sleep. When you teach your baby to sleep on their backs in their tummy time position, it will help them to develop the muscles they need to eventually sleep on their stomachs.
Moreover, most babies’ sleep position will eventually change on their own by the time they are 11 or 12 months old. If you use a baby sleep sack, it will help to keep them in the stomach position. The sleeping baby on the stomach also helps to relieve colic. Many peer-reviewed studies have shown that sleeping on the stomach is comfortable for babies until they reached the estimated age.
There are a few things you should keep in mind, such as making sure your baby’s head and neck are supported, and that there are no pillows, quilts, or blankets nearby that could suffocate your baby. Also, be sure to place your baby on their soft mattress, crib bumpers to avoid accidental suffocation risk.
Although sleeping on the stomach is safe for babies, it’s still important to keep a close eye on them to make sure they are not in any danger. So, it recommends putting babies to sleep on their backs until they are at least 1 year old to reduce the risk of SIDS. After that, you can let them sleep in any position they like. As a parent is your responsibility to keep your sleeping baby safe and comfortable.
What are the benefits of the stomach sleeping position?
The stomach sleeping position is one of the most popular positions for babies and toddlers. There are many benefits when your baby sleep on their stomach after reaching the appropriate age. For child health and development, it is essential to learn about these benefits so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a sleeping position for your baby and they are:
1. Build up strength
When babies sleep on their stomachs, they are working against gravity. This strengthens the muscles in their back, neck, and abdomen. Also, for good head control, you should avoid bumper pads because they can cause the flat head syndrome. As well, it assists the baby in lifting their head, which helps them develop the muscles needed for crawling. Moreover, back sleeping after your baby’s first birthday is no longer recommended as their muscles have become strong enough.
2. Improve their digestions
Sleeping on the stomach is often thought to be helpful for those with GERD or other digestive issues. When your baby’s sleeping position, can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with these conditions. Additionally, it may also help to reduce colic and gas. In your baby’s tummy time while awake can also help with digestion. For tired parents, this sleeping position is often a relief and can help with a good night’s sleep.
3. Longer Sleep cycle
Babies who sleep on their stomachs tend to sleep through the night better. This is because sleeping on their stomach helps them to avoid waking up when they move into a different position. The sleep cycle is important for babies as it helps them to get the rest they need. Furthermore, having a proper sleep cycle will help your baby’s development and health.
4. Helps baby stay warm
When your baby has learned to sleep on their stomachs, it can help keep them warm throughout the night. This is because babies tend to sleep with their heads uncovered, which can make their heads and necks cold. When they are on their stomachs, their entire body will be covered, keeping them warm all night long. The unexplained deaths of some infants are often due to them becoming cold during their sleep. So, the stomach position is recommended by some doctors to prevent this from happening.
5. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
One of the biggest benefits of stomach sleeping is that it can help prevent Flat Head Syndrome. This is a condition where the baby’s head becomes flat on one side due to them constantly sleeping in the same position. When babies sleep on their backs, this is more likely to happen because their heads are constantly tilted to one side. When they sleep on their stomachs, their heads are not as tilted and are therefore less likely to develop Flat Head Syndrome.
6. Avoid blockage of baby’s airway
Although another benefit of the stomach sleeping position is that it helps to avoid blockage of the airway. When your baby is on their back, their chin can fall towards their chest and block the airway. This can cause difficulty in breathing and may even lead to death. However, when your baby is on their stomach, they are less likely to experience this problem as their chin is not as likely to fall towards their chest. So, if you are concerned about your baby’s breathing, then recommend putting babies to sleep on their stomachs.
The Conclusion
Therefore, after 12 months of age, it is safe for babies to sleep on their stomachs. As we said above putting your babies to sleep on their stomachs is not recommended before this age. But if they manage to roll over by themselves, it is safe for them to continue sleeping in this position. Always make sure that the surface they are sleeping on is firm and free from any objects that could cause them harm. Babies are more likely to choke on their spit-up if they are sleeping on their stomachs so always keep a close eye on them if you choose this sleep position. Parents should always consult their pediatrician before making any changes to their baby’s sleep routine. We hope the above-given information will be helpful for you. If you have queries or doubts, please feel free to ask us in the comments section below.
