Every parent wants to do what’s best for their baby, but when it comes to sleeping, there can be a lot of conflicting opinions. When can a baby sleep on their stomach? How much sleep do they need? What is the safest way to ensure they get enough rest each day? In this blog post, we will look into all these questions and more as we explore the “When Can A Baby Sleep On Their Stomach? debate. Read on for expert tips from parents who have been in your shoes!
Is It Safe For Babies To Sleep On Their Stomachs?
When a baby rolls onto their stomach during sleep, many parents and caregivers wonder if this is the safest choice. Though some Baby Prefers Sleeping on their stomachs, and may even be able to do so safely when they reach an age where they can move themselves onto their backs if needed, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends back sleep as the safest way to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
All infants should always sleep on their backs until they are one year old. It is important to keep in mind that creating a safe sleep environment and placing a baby’s head at the proper angles can also help provide infants with a safe place to sleep.
To reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death, parents should abide by these guidelines from the AAP and choose back to sleep for all babies under one year old.
Read More: How To Get Your Baby To Sleep Without A Pacifier
When Can A Baby Sleep On Their Stomach?
As a new parent, it can be daunting to determine when can a baby sleep on their stomach. It’s important to introduce stomach sleeping when the time is right, as there are health risks associated with incorrect sleeping practices. Here’s a guide to help you determine when can a baby sleep on their stomach.
1) Good Head Control
One of the major decisions for parents is when is the right time for their baby to start sleeping on their stomachs. There are a few signs that your baby is ready to make this transition, the most important being good head control.
As long as your baby can hold and move his or her head to each side by themselves, and does not require support while sleeping, they or should be ready to try stomach sleeping. However, even though research has shown that baby sleeping on their stomach tend to sleep longer and deeper than those who sleep on their back, you must stay aware of first-hand stories regarding sleep-related infant deaths associated with stomach sleeping. Keep an eye out for signs your baby is ready to ensure the safest possible environment for them at night.
Read More: Why Do Babies Sleep With Their Mouths Open?
2) Rolling Over Both Ways
Making sure your baby is sleeping safely is of utmost importance. To achieve this, various safe sleep practices should be considered before allowing a baby to sleep on their stomach. Signs that your baby may be ready include being able to roll over both ways while awake and being comfortable in a sleep sack.
Before changing the infant’s sleep position, it’s always wise to check with your pediatrician or another qualified child health professional for guidance to make sure that the environment is safe and appropriate for the age and development of your baby. Additionally, parents should become informed about safe sleep practices and sleeping positions to provide the safe infant sleeping environment possible.
3) No Longer Using A Swaddle
As your baby grows, they progress through different milestones that signal they’re ready to sleep on its stomach. One of the most telltale signs is when they outgrow their swaddle! Babies have a lot of energy, so when they can bust out of a swaddle it can be an indication that they are becoming more active and mobile. Once they learn how to roll over both ways it may be safe to put them on their stomach as long as you put them down awake until completely asleep.
Remember, babies need to be supervised at all times while sleeping making sure there are no blankets or pillows in the crib and that the room temperature is at a comfortable level for them during sleep time.
Read More: Why Do Babies Like To Sleep On Your Chest?
4) Rolling Onto Tummy In The Middle Of The Night
As a new parent, deciding when to start having your baby sleep on their stomach can be tough. After all, a baby’s safety is always the priority. When Babies Sleep on their tummy & being able to roll over onto their stomach from the back during the night, have good head and neck control, and sleep peacefully for longer stretches without shifting around too much.
Although this stage of your baby’s sleep may take some getting used to for parents who are still used to keeping an eye out for their infant when they’re asleep on the back, know that this milestone means that your little one is growing and ready for more independence!
Read More: Why Do Babies Sleep With Their Butts In The Air?
Safe Sleep Tips for Babies
We have listed here some essential tips that include:
1) Get A Bassinet
It is a great way to keep your baby close and safe while they sleep. Not only do they provide a comfortable place for your baby to rest their head, but they also help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Make sure you purchase a bassinet that meets safety standards and is designed specifically for babies.
2) Use A Firm Mattress
To further reduce the risk of SIDS, ensure you use a firm mattress when placing your baby in their bassinet or crib. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of suffocation or entrapment, so always opt for a firm mattress. Also, ensure you use a tight-fitting sheet that won’t come loose while your baby is sleeping.
3) Avoid Pillows & Blankets
Pillows and blankets should never be used in babies’ beds as they could cause suffocation or entrapment risks. Instead, opt for lightweight sleepers or swaddles that are designed specifically for infants. These products will keep your baby warm without increasing its risk of harm while sleeping.
Wrapping Up
So when can a baby sleep on their stomach? It is generally recommended that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your baby has reflux, for example, sleeping on their stomach may be more comfortable and help them sleep through the night. Always talk to your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby’s sleep routine.
Read More: Why Do Babies Smile In Their Sleep?
