Is It Safe For My Baby to Sleep on Their Stomach?
According to my mother, I started sleeping through the night at about 1-2 months old. When I got pregnant and asked her how she managed to get me sleeping well so early, I realised that it used to be common practice to put babies on their tummies to sleep. However, modern safe sleep guidelines advise against this, as sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). So in today’s context, it's unlikely you'll want to put your baby to sleep on their tummy.
When the rolling over milestone hits (and it’s such an exciting one!), it can bring about some tricky sleep situations that might leave you with a lot of questions.
Is it safe to put my baby to sleep on their stomach?
For your baby’s first year, always place them on their back to sleep. This is a global recommendation to reduce the risk of SIDS. You should ensure they sleep on a firm mattress with no loose bedding and always on their back, even for babies with reflux.
When can babies sleep on their stomachs?
There’s no fixed age when it becomes safe for babies to sleep on their tummies. All babies reach the rolling over milestone at different times. Once your baby can consistently roll from tummy to back and back to tummy, most paediatricians agree that it’s safe for them to sleep on their stomach. Just remember, once they start rolling over, you should stop swaddling as it increases the risk when they roll.
If your child is strong enough to roll onto their tummy, most doctors agree they’re strong enough to lift their head and sleep safely in that position. The key thing with rolling over is that your baby must not be swaddled for safety reasons.
What should I do if my baby rolls onto their stomach while sleeping?
It can be unsettling to see your child sleeping on their tummy after weeks and months of being on their back. What’s more challenging is that your baby may be so accustomed to sleeping on their back that rolling onto their tummy might make them upset. This could mean you going into the room frequently to roll them back over.
However, if your baby wakes up crying after rolling onto their stomach, you don’t necessarily have to go in and flip them back each time. Like most new things, it will take time for your baby to learn how to sleep comfortably in this new position.
If your child rolls over and seems comfortable, there’s no need to reposition them as long as they are unswaddled, sleeping on a firm mattress, and have no loose bedding around them.
Can I use anything to prevent my baby from rolling in their sleep?
Safe sleep is the priority, and a safe sleep space should be free from anything except a fitted sheet. Sleep positioners, baby pillows, and weighted sleep sacks all pose risks to your baby.
If your baby is beginning to roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling. A good alternative is a sleep sack, which can act as a positive sleep association and provide a bit of extra warmth that your baby might be used to from the swaddle.
It might take some time for your baby to adjust to being unswaddled, especially if they still have the startle reflex. However, as with most new things, your baby will get there before you know it.
Just have faith and trust that your baby will sleep comfortably with the good sleep practices you've been consistent with up until now.
Other FAQs about sleeping on stomach
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No, newborns should always be placed on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. The back-sleeping position is safest during the first year.
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Once your baby can roll, they may find tummy sleeping more comfortable. It could be that this position feels more secure or soothing, but always ensure they reach this stage on their own and that their sleep environment is safe.
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No, it’s not safe to put your baby to sleep face down as this can restrict breathing. If your baby ends up in this position after rolling, make sure they are strong enough to move their head to a safe position. Ensure the sleep space is clear of any objects that might pose a suffocation risk.
