The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs for the first year of life. This is because back sleeping is the safest position for babies to sleep in, and it helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
However, some babies may prefer to sleep on their side. This is usually okay once your baby is older than 4 to 6 months and can roll over on their own after being placed on their back.
If your baby prefers to sleep on their side, there are a few things you can do to make sure they are safe:
- Make sure your baby's crib or bassinet is firm and flat.
- Remove any loose bedding, blankets, or pillows from the crib or bassinet.
- Position your baby on their side with their head facing up.
- You can use a positioning wedge or rolled-up towel to keep your baby on their side.
It is important to note that side sleeping is not as safe as back sleeping, and there is still a risk of SIDS. If you are concerned about your baby sleeping on their side, talk to your pediatrician.
Additional information:
- Babies who sleep on their sides are more likely to roll onto their stomachs. This is because babies' heads are relatively large and heavy, and their necks are not yet strong enough to support their heads. Sleeping on the stomach is the most dangerous position for babies to sleep in, and it increases the risk of SIDS.
- Babies who sleep on their sides are more likely to develop a flat head. This is because the baby's head is constantly pressed against the mattress on one side. Flat head syndrome is usually not a serious medical condition, but it can be corrected with a helmet in severe cases.
- If you are concerned about your baby sleeping on their side, you can try to encourage them to sleep on their back. You can do this by placing them on their back when you put them to bed and by gently rolling them back onto their back if they roll onto their side during the night.
Conclusion:
The safest position for babies to sleep in is on their backs. However, if your baby prefers to sleep on their side, there are a few things you can do to make sure they are safe. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and for guidance on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
