Is Side Sleeping Safe For My Baby?

SIDS Are The Most Serious Risk.

Okay, let's just get this monster out of way right off the bat: Babies are better off sleeping on their backs than than their bellies. The risk of SIDS and asphyxia is greatly increased when infants sleep on their bellies, and babies can turn over from their side to their stomach with minimal effort thanks to gravity.

Babies between the ages of one month or one year old have SIDS at a higher rate than any other age group. About 3,500 infants inside the United States die unexpectedly each year while they are sleeping.

Sleeping on one's stomach isn't the only cause. An infant's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome increases if

• either the mother smokes while pregnant or the newborn is exposed to cigarette smoke.
• Premature birth of a baby (four times the risk)
• Having the infant sleep in bed with one of the parents is a common occurrence (s)
• When a baby is put to sleep in a child seat or a couch, they often do so in either of these locations.
• parents who abuse drugs or alcohol
• Instead of being breastfed, the infant is fed from a bottle.
• A baby's bassinet or crib has bedding or toys inside it.

To avoid feeling guilty or being shamed, you should never try to exert control over things that are out of your hands. A healthy infant is one that is nourished, whether by mother's breast or bottle.

The great news is that you can influence some of these variables. The first thing you should know is that a bassinet or crib in your bedroom is the safest for your baby to sleep.

Second, always put a sleeping baby on his or her back. Swaddling your baby as early as possible is perfectly acceptable and, in fact, encouraged because it helps your newborn feel safe and secure just like they did in the womb. Then, if they flip over onto their stomach, they won't suffocate as easily if they can move their arms freely.

Putting your baby to sleep on their side is a no-go at this age due to the same risk of tummy napping that makes sleeping on their back a no-go: Babies who aren't yet turning over on purpose can more easily roll from side to stomach than from back into tummy.

It is most common in newborns between the ages of 2 and 4 months, however SIDS can take place at any time up until the first year.

But Doesn't Side Sleeping Keep You From Choking?

If your baby is still sleeping on their back, you may be concerned that they will choke if they vomit or spit up while they are sleeping. But the National Institute of Health (NIH), a highly credible institution with decades of research behind it, says that this belief that sleeping on one's side will keep one from smothering to death is a fallacy.

Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicates that snuffing out while resting on one's back significantly reduces the likelihood of a fatality. Babies should always sleep on their backs because it allows them to clean their airways more easily. Even when asleep, their reflexes will cause them to pony up or swallowed any spit-up.

Consider how quickly and effortlessly your infant can clear his or her throat of spit-up. They have the inherent ability to do this even while sleeping!

Torticollis And Side Sleeping

I'm sorry, but you had me at torti. Although the term "torticollis" may be unknown to you, chances are you've experienced its effects if you've ever woke up with a sore neck after sleeping awkwardly. Torticollis (commonly known as "wry neck") is a condition that can affect babies.

Commonly occurring right after delivery (from improper placement in the womb), it can appear anytime between birth and three months later. When it appears later in life, it may be due to your infant's sleeping position, as side sleeping provides less support for the head and neck.

Babies often show obvious signs of torticollis because they don't yet have much neck mobility. But if your adorable infant suffers from this neck problem, you can see symptoms like:

• a slant of the cranium in a particular direction
• exclusively favoring one side during breastfeeding
• Rather than following your lead, they're looking over your shoulder at you.
• limitation in head movement that prevents full rotation

If your infant has torticollis, it may have trouble falling or staying asleep. A newborn may find it more comfortable to sleep on one bed or to turn their head toward the same side each night. Of course, this is far from ideal. Keep laying your infant down on his or her back.

If you suspect your kid has torticollis, it's important to consult with a pediatrician. Strengthening exercises for the neck are often effective at treating this condition in the home. Also helpful is seeing a physical therapist. Your baby's doctor will want to see you for follow-up visits.

Harlequin Color Variation

Harlequin coloration occurs in about 10% of otherwise healthy newborns when they sleep upon their sides. The baby's face and torso will turn pink or crimson on one side due to this innocuous condition. In less then 2 minutes, your original color will return.

The baby's skin turns harlequin-patterned when blood collects in the capillaries on the side it is lying. As the infant gets older, the condition improves.

You can slow or stop the process of the color shift by not allowing your infant sleep on his or her stomach. The transformation in color is quite safe, but keep in mind that you are working to prevent far more serious problems.

When Is It Safe For Your Baby To Sleep On His Or Her Side?

We've already discussed how placing your infant to sleep by their side can lead to more frequent inadvertent stomach sleep. If your baby is less than four months, this is not always a safe practice. Babies of this age typically can't do things like switch postures or even raise their heads.

As soon аѕ you are able to do so awakening your baby, gently roll them on their back if they only fall asleep one their side (while under your watch).

Don't be alarmed if, after being placed on their back, your acrobatic infant turns over to sleep on their side. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that if your baby can roll over on their own while sleeping on their side, it is safe for them to do so.

Your child's strength and motor abilities will improve after four months. This means they can raise their head to look around, which is exciting for both of you, and they can roll over from their tummy to their back. Babies this age can safely sleep on one side, only if they roll over onto their side throughout the night.

Ultimately, it's best to put the infant to sleep on his or her back for naps and nighttime sleep. During the first year of life, it is not healthy to put a baby to sleep on their stomach, and the side sleeping position is a short cut to the stomach. If your infant is alert and ready to participate in some physical activity, tummy time is the time to do it.

How To Alter A Baby's Sleeping Position

While some infants sleep best on their backs, others prefer their stomachs or sides. Because of this, working in such an environment might be rather risky. Babies tend to sleep more deeply and for longer stretches of time, making them more difficult to wake. It's possible they won't come to if they're having trouble breathing or needing to move around while asleep.

If you want your infant to sleep onto their back, the easiest approach to make the transition is to start the practice now. Nursing the baby before night, caressing their belly, talking to them, or rocking them to sleep can all help the infant adjust to the new position.

No one should use any kind of baby gadget that keeps the infant from rolling over or from being able to move about. When babies use infant sleep positioners, they can suffocate on the device, which raises the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. If a baby is restrained, they won't be able to roll out of a potentially harmful position.

When putting a baby to sleep, it is preferable to have them lie on their back.

Suggestions For Improving Sleep Safety

Even if your baby rolls over during the night and sleeps on their stomach or side, you can keep them safe by following these precautions:

• It's easier to keep an eye on the baby if everyone is sleeping in the same room, so placing a bassinet or cot next to the bed is a good idea. Make sure the baby's sleeping area is secure and free of any pillows or other bed clutter that could smother it.
• Do not smoke; smokers should avoid doing so in any area where the baby is present.
• Weighted blankets and similar products should be avoided.
  Do not use heaters or keep your room overly warm, since this could cause the infant to overheat. Clothe the infant in soft, breathable fabrics rather than many layers.
• Put baby in a swaddle that is snug around the chest but more flimsy around the knees and hips. However, a swaddle should only be used before a baby can roll over onto their stomach.
• Once your baby is able to turn over onto their side, you should cease swaddling them.
• Don't put anything in the baby's crib, not even a sheet.

Bed-sharing

It's a practice that's chosen by some caregivers and parents to have their babies sleep in their own beds. The legitimacy of this method is still up for debate. Although it is a prevalent practice in various societies, U.S. pediatricians strongly discourage this. As the AAP points out, the biggest danger comes from sharing a bed with a newborn before the age of four months.

If you and your partner are considering sharing a bed, La Leche League suggests the following guidelines.

• Do not smoke around the infant or let your partner smoke when the baby is sleeping.
• Do not sleep with a baby if you are drunk or otherwise impaired.
• Do not sleep with your infant in bed unless you are breastfeeding.
• Sharing a bed with a premature infant is not advisable.
• Make sure the infant is sleeping on their back.
• Instead of piling on heavy layers, dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics.
• Don't get too cozy on a couch, armchair, or bed by piling on extra blankets and pillows.

In order to help new parents and caregivers minimize potential harms associated with bedsharing, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that pediatricians bring up the topic. They also point out that the mother or caretaker might get more restful sleep if they share a bed with the baby.

Sleep Alarms

Those who are responsible for the safety of infants often resort to the use of sleep alarms. These alarms are brand new, so there may be studies in the future that support their use, but for now there is no proof that they are effective.

While the asleep alarm may help you fall asleep faster, it is not a replacement for practicing safe sleep habits. If these gadgets make people feel more secure in risky sleeping environments, they could be harmful.

Preventing Side Sleeping Until It Is Safe To Do So

You can see that your baby is going to be independent from the start, and that's exactly how you want it. However, you should keep them from rolling onto their side in bed until you know it is safe to do so. Make use of these suggestions:

• Make sure to sleep on a solid surface. Give your infant a good night's sleep on a firm mattress in a safe sleeping environment like a crib, bassinet, or playpen. You shouldn't worry about your baby's handprints sticking to it. If your baby tends to sink into their mattress, try to get one that is firmer. The ability to roll to a side is enhanced by this.
• Put to use a video monitor for the infant. When your infant is in their room, don't rely on any monitor; instead, get a direct view on them. If your infant begins to shift to sleeping on their side, a monitor could alert you to the change.
• Until your infant learns to turn over, keep them swaddled. Putting your baby to sleep on their back may be easier if you wrap them up like a tortilla. Swaddle loosely enough to allow free movement of the hips. Be aware of when you should discontinue swaddling, as it poses a risk if your baby could roll out of it.
• Get some rest in a sleep sack. If your infant resists being swaddled, a sleep sack may be the answer. It's an acceptable halfway point as well. These remind me of the teeny, tiny sleeping bags babies use. For newborns who are able to roll over, you can purchase sacks without arms, but it's possible that the bag itself will help your child remain face down while sleeping.

Just a firm bed and a snugly fitted sheet are all that's needed to make a crib secure. It may seem obvious to prop your baby up with a pillow or use a baby positioner to ensure he or she sleeps on their back. Considering that the majority of infant car seats come with their own head support cushions.

However, both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Council warn against the use of infant positioners while sleeping. Baby positioners, also known as padded or foam risers, help maintain a consistent head and body angle for your infant.

Baby positioners have been linked to suffocation in 12 cases during the past 13 years.

In a similar vein, don't put anything in the crib that could get caught in your little one and the mattress. A few examples are as follows:

• Huge stuffed animals and teddy bears
• Shock absorbers
• the addition of pillows
• blankets that are too large to fold up or store
• layering up too much

Conclusion

Sleeping on their bellies increases the risk of SIDS and asphyxia. 3,500 US infants die abruptly while napping each year. Simple steps can protect your baby while she sleeps. First, swaddle your baby right away. Then, infants should sleep on their backs to clear their airways.

The National Institute of Health debunks the belief that sleeping on one's side prevents suffocation. Torticollis (wry neck) can affect babies. Sleeping on our sides can hurt young people since their heads and necks need less support. Neck strengthening exercises at home can help. When sleeping on their side, your baby can securely rollover.

Baby should sleep on its back day and night. Some babies slumber on their backs, while others prefer their stomachs or sides. No heat sources, blankets, or sheets should be placed in the baby's cot. Instead, use a video monitor if your infant is learning to roll over or has problems sleeping on their side. Tortillas may help your baby sleep on his back.

Content Summary

• Perhaps your infant won't sleep unless you lay them on their side.
• Your excitement has turned to worry, and no amount of advice about securing your baby's position in bed or preventing sudden infant death syndrome is calming you down.
• Although if your baby isn't a "back sleeper" from birth, you're doing a wonderful job.
• Babies do best when they sleep on their backs.
• As your child gets older and stronger, they can safely transition to sleeping on their side.
• While that happens, you can do a few things to ensure your little angel is safe while she sleeps.
• Let's take a quick look at why it's best for babies to sleep on their backs and when it's okay.
• Okay, let's get this monster out of the way right off the bat: Babies are better off sleeping on their backs than their bellies.
• The risk of SIDS and asphyxia is greatly increased when infants sleep on their bellies, and babies can turn over from their side to their stomach with minimal effort, thanks to gravity.
• About 3,500 infants inside the United States die unexpectedly each year while sleeping.
• An infant's sudden infant death syndrome risk increases if the mother smokes while pregnant or the newborn is exposed to cigarette smoke.
• You should first know that a bassinet or crib in your bedroom is the safest for your baby to sleep.
• Putting your baby to sleep on their side is a no-go at this age due to the same risk of tummy napping that makes sleeping on their back a no-go: Babies who aren't yet turning over on purpose can more easily roll from side to stomach than from back into the tummy.
• If your baby is still sleeping on their back, you may be concerned that it will choke if they vomit or spits up while sleeping.
• But the National Institute of Health (NIH), a highly credible institution with decades of research behind it, says that this belief that sleeping on one's side will keep one from smothering to death is a fallacy.
• Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicates that snuffing out while resting on one's back significantly reduces the likelihood of a fatality.
• Babies should always sleep on their backs because it allows them to clean their airways more easily.
• Torticollis (commonly known as "wry neck") is a condition that can affect babies.
• When it appears later in life, it may be due to your infant's sleeping position, as side sleeping provides less support for the head and neck.
• Babies often show obvious signs of torticollis because they don't yet have much neck mobility.
• If you suspect your kid has torticollis, it's important to consult with a pediatrician.
• Strengthening exercises for the neck are often effective at treating this condition in the home.
• The baby's face and torso will turn pink or crimson on one side due to this benign condition.
• You can slow or stop the process of the colour shift by not allowing your infant to sleep on their stomach.
• As soon as possible, awaken your baby and gently roll them on their back if they only fall asleep on their side (under your watch).
• Don't be alarmed if your acrobatic infant turns over to sleep on their side after being placed on their back.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics states that if your baby can roll over on their own while sleeping on their side, it is safe for them to do so.
• This means they can raise their head to look around, which is exciting for both of you, and they can roll over from their tummy to their back.
• Babies, at this age, can safely sleep on one side only if they roll over onto their side throughout the night.
• During the first year of life, putting a baby to sleep on their stomach is not healthy, and the side sleeping position is a shortcut to the stomach.
• If your infant is alert and ready to participate in some physical activity, tummy time is the time to do it.
• If you want your infant to sleep on their back, the easiest approach to make the transition is to start the practice now.
• Nursing the baby before night, caressing their belly, talking to them, or rocking them to sleep can all help the infant adjust to the new position.
• Even if your baby rolls over during the night and sleeps on their stomach or side, you can keep them safe by following these precautions: It's easier to keep an eye on the baby if everyone is sleeping in the same room, so placing a bassinet or cot next to the bed is a good idea.
• Make sure the baby's sleeping area is secure and free of any pillows or other bed clutter that could smother it.
• As the AAP points out, the biggest danger is sharing a bed with a newborn before four months.
• If you and your partner are considering sharing a bed, La Leche League suggests the following guidelines.
• Do not smoke around the infant or let your partner smoke when the baby is sleeping.
• Do not sleep with a baby if you are drunk or otherwise impaired.
• Do not sleep with your infant in bed unless you are breastfeeding.
• Sharing a bed with a premature infant is not advisable.
• Please make sure the infant is sleeping on their back.
• Those who are responsible for the safety of infants often resort to the use of sleep alarms.
• Make use of these suggestions: Make sure to sleep on a solid surface.
• Give your infant a good night's sleep on a firm mattress in a safe environment like a crib, bassinet, or playpen.
• If your infant begins to shift to sleeping on their side, a monitor could alert you to the change.
• Until your infant learns to turn over, keep them swaddled.
• Putting your baby to sleep on their back may be easier if you wrap them up like a tortilla.
• Get some rest in a sleep sack.
• A sleep sack may be the answer if your infant resists being swaddled.
• A firm bed and a snugly fitted sheet are all needed to secure a crib.
• It may seem obvious to prop your baby up with a pillow or use a baby positioner to ensure they sleep on their back.
• However, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Council warn against using infant positioners while sleeping.
• Baby positioners have been linked to suffocation in 12 cases during the past 13 years.
• Similarly, don't put anything in the crib that could get caught in your little one and the mattress.