You may have even wondered if babies can safely sleep on their sides—especially if they’re having trouble staying asleep. But according to pediatricians, parents should start all naps and bedtime by putting their baby on their back—even if they’ve mastered the art of rolling over. Parents should always offer sleep with babies starting on their backs from birth through 12 months old to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome But what about babies that roll to their side after they’re asleep? Should you move them to their back, or can those babies sleep on their sides? We turned to experts to learn everything you need to know. When babies sleep on their side, it is much easier for them to slip onto their stomachs, which also can increase their risk of SIDS. Researchers have found that sleeping on the belly lowers your baby’s blood pressure and reduces their ability to get oxygen to their brain. And, for babies between 2 and 4 months old, the reflex to breathe is even more repressed when they are asleep on their belly Once a baby is developmentally ready to find their comfortable spot and has the skill of rolling from belly to back and vice versa, they may try to sleep on their side Sleeping positions vary from baby to baby, says Becerra. “Some prefer to stay on their backs while others move from one end of the crib to the other. It is typically appropriate for a baby to be moving to different positions—when they can do the moving on their own, that is Sometimes babies have a sleep position preference—some sleep better with their arms swaddled and some may prefer one or both arms over their head. Some infants with acid reflux, for example, might prefer to sleep on their sides. However, it’s still important to place them on their backs initially. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep until they are 12 months old, emphasizes Ferry. Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface (a crib mattress), and keep the space clear of bumper pads, toys, pillows, positioners, and wedges. You also should dress your baby in a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket, avoid overheating, and avoid exposure to smoke.
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