When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach?

For the first year of life, why should babies sleep on their backs?

For the first year of life, babies have to rest on their backs because sleeping on the stomach raises the risk of SIDS. According to studies, babies who sleep on their stomachs have lower control over their blood pressure and heart rate, are less sensitive to outside noise, and may experience heart problems and abrupt drops in oxygen levels. Babies who sleep on their stomachs typically spend more time in deep sleep and are less active, both of which can raise their risk of SIDS.

Make sure the mattress is level, flat, and firm, and only have a sheet on it for your baby's safety. Don't put extra blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers in the crib. To prevent overheating, make sure your baby is dressed appropriately and that the room temperature is comfortable.

Strict adherence to the back-sleep rule is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS during the 1–4 month period, when the risk peaks.

What should you do if your baby rolls onto their stomach while sleeping but can't roll back?

When your baby first learns to roll over, you might notice that they occasionally roll over and sleep on their stomach, but they are unable to roll back.  When a baby rolls over, many parents will instantly put them back in the supine position because they think it's safer.  In fact, if you interfere too much, the baby might become uncomfortable.

The most important thing at this stage is to watch the baby's response. You can soothe the infant and gently put them back in the supine sleeping position if they cry when they turn over because they are uncomfortable. However, if the infant is lying on their stomach by themselves and exhibits no overt signs of discomfort, they can continue to sleep in the prone position as long as they are able to independently move their head and face and maintain unhindered breathing.

It’s important to remember that babies' spinal and muscle development takes time, so if they seem to struggle or feel uncomfortable, provide plenty of tummy time during the day to help their development.

For peace of mind, consider using a JUAN JA2303 Baby Monitor to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep. A JUAN JA2303 Baby Monitor with night vision and 2-way audio allows you to hear and see your baby from anywhere in the house, ensuring that you’re always aware of their sleep position and well-being.

When can parents stop stepping in to help their babies sleep on their stomachs?

Usually, babies begin rolling over on their own in both directions: from tummy to back and back to tummy. Parents can safely let their baby choose their sleeping position once they are able to roll both ways without help. If your baby is comfortable rolling onto their stomach at this point, there's no need to step in. Their bones and muscles are mature enough to support a variety of sleeping positions by this point.

It's crucial to keep your baby sleeping on their back until they can roll over on their own because sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of suffocation or SIDS.

How to help your baby sleep better?

To help your baby develop good sleep habits, consider these tips:

1. Stop using swaddles: To prevent limiting your baby's movement, stop using swaddles as soon as they start rolling , which usually happens between the ages of four and six months. Allowing them to move freely is important for their development because swaddling may make it more difficult for them to begin rolling.
2. Use a pacifier: Using a pacifier could lower the risk of SIDS, according to studies. Despite the fact that each baby is unique, pacifiers can offer solace and facilitate sleep.
3. Create a comfortable, quiet sleep environment: Make sure the space where your baby sleeps is peaceful, quiet, and well-lit. An appropriate setting can support your baby's physical and mental development and enable them to fall asleep quickly.
4. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine helps your baby establish regular sleep patterns. Gentle activities like soft rubbing, soothing words, or reading a short story can help your baby calm down and prepare for restful sleep.

Conclusion

During the first year after birth, a baby's sleep is important and they have to rest on their back. Parents have to concentrate more on creating a peaceful sleeping environment and encouraging healthy sleep habits. Engage in play and exercise with your baby throughout the day. You won't have to worry as much about your baby's sleeping position once they can roll around on their own and have the strength to raise their head.