The Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleeping Positions

Read this guide to learn more about baby sleeping positions. Know what’s safe and what isn’t, as well as tips on how to help them sleep safer and better.

If you’re a new parent reading this, “Congratulations on your bundle of joy!” Besides being over the moon with your baby's arrival, you’re likely also worried about how best to respond to their needs.

One of the most critical needs is ensuring they sleep safely, comfortably, and well. Babies spend a large part of their day asleep. Their sleep position greatly influences their safety and overall growth and development.

Babies are naturally curious. They tend to experiment with different sleeping positions. So, as a parent, knowing which sleeping positions are safe and beneficial is essential because they need your guidance and attention.

There’s the conventional supine position (sleeping on their back) or the fetal or elevated positions. Each one has its benefits and risks. We’ll explore each in this guide so you can make informed decisions for your baby’s safety and comfort.

Key Takeaways

• The safest sleeping position for babies is sleeping on their backs.

• The most unsafe baby sleeping position, according to experts, is laying them down on their stomachs.

• Back sleeping for babies lessens the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• In some instances, your healthcare provider might recommend other positions, such as the elevated sleeping posture.

• There are certain baby sleeping positions to avoid, such as stomach sleeping and bed-sharing.

• Newborn babies must sleep on their backs, requiring careful monitoring and repositioning.

Table of Contents

• What’s the Best Position for a Baby to Sleep?

• Baby Sleeping Positions and Reflux

• What’s the Baby Sleeping Elevated Position?

• What’s the Baby Sleeping in Fetal Position?

• What’s the Baby Sleeping Position on Stomach?

• What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Baby After Feeding?

• What’s the Best Sleeping Position for a Baby with a Cough?

• What Are Bad Sleeping Positions for Babies?

• What’s the Newborn Baby Sleep Position?

• Conclusion

What’s the Best Position for a Baby to Sleep?

So, what’s the best sleeping posture then? Experts agree that the safest sleeping position for infants is lying on their backs. Sleeping in the supine position is universally the best option for minimizing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encouraging healthy breathing.

We would be remiss if we didn’t explain what SIDS is in more detail. The Mayo Clinic defines it as “Sudden infant death syndrome is the unexplained death of a baby. The baby is usually less than a year old and seems to be healthy. It often happens during sleep.⁽¹⁾”

Putting your baby to bed on their back opens their airway for maximum airflow. It lowers the risk of suffocation or inhaling exhaled air. Plus, lying on the back also decreases the risk of your baby developing flat head syndrome, as it evenly spreads pressure across the back of the head.

Babies often resist sleeping on their backs. It’s essential to design a cozy, comfortable sleeping space using a flat, firm mattress and breathable bedding.

However, avoid loose bedding and clear your baby’s sleeping area of toys to prevent accidental suffocation. You may also want to swaddle your baby or use a sleep sack to help them feel safe and prevent them from rolling over.

Baby Sleeping Positions and Reflux

Infants experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and spit up frequently. Putting them to bed in the correct sleep posture for comfort and health is essential. If your infant has GERD, experts still recommend positioning them on their backs.

However, you can help minimize their GERD by burping them after every feeding. Also, Healthline says, “Rocking your infant in an upright position until they’re drowsy and almost asleep can help soothe them and may lessen symptoms of GERD or acid reflux.⁽²⁾”

There are instances where your pediatrician might recommend placing them in an elevated position. Usually, a wedge pillow, adjustable mattress or positioning device does the trick. Keeping their head and upper body slightly raised may help prevent their stomach contents from traveling back up to the esophagus.

However (and this is important), you shouldn’t do this unless explicitly stated by the baby’s healthcare provider. Putting them down to sleep on their backs is still your safest bet!

What’s the Baby Sleeping Elevated Position?

Now, you’re likely wondering why some doctors recommend elevated sleeping in the first place.

Pros of Elevated Sleeping Position

As we mentioned earlier, it may minimize GERD symptoms. It may also help infants who have respiratory problems or are congested. A slightly raised position might help them breathe better.

Risks of Elevated Sleeping Position

Now, let’s move on to the potential dangers of the baby sleeping in an elevated position.

A raised sleeping area makes your baby prone to rolling or slipping off, leading to injury. If you elevate them too much, it might also do the complete opposite and compromise their airway. It could also lead to them inhaling exhaled air.

Also, there’s the risk of overheating. A positioning device or wedge pillow might trap heat and overheat your baby.

Remember, you shouldn’t try the elevated position without advice from your pediatrician. Putting your baby to sleep on their back is still the safest option.

What’s the Baby Sleeping in Fetal Position?

Remember when we said that babies might resist sleeping on their backs? Well, some instinctively adopt the fetal position.

The baby curls up with their legs pulled close to their chest and their arms tucked inward in this posture. It might make them feel more secure. If you think about it, it’s how they are in the womb.

This position is only safe when your baby can roll over independently (typically 4 to 6 months). They can roll from side, back and stomach, then back again. If this is the case, there’s no need to reposition them on their backs. However, if they can’t switch positions by themselves, you’ll need to move them from the fetal to the back sleeping posture.

And why is that? According to Medical News Today, “The main risk of putting a baby to sleep on their side is that they will fall onto their stomach. When a baby is too young to support their head, this may mean that their face becomes stuck against the mattress, making it hard to breathe.⁽³⁾”

Even if your baby can roll over independently, you must still create a safe sleeping space. Again, ensure the surface they are sleeping on is firm and flat. Clear away loose bedding and toys.

What’s the Baby Sleeping Position on Stomach?

We’ve emphasized the safest sleep position for babies, which is on their backs. Now let’s move on to the one that poses the most risks — sleeping on their stomachs. It’s the position that’s most associated with SIDS and suffocation risks.

Sleeping on their stomach means the mattress or bedding might obstruct your baby’s airway. They’re also more likely to rebreathe exhaled air and overheat (another risk factor for SIDS, by the way).

Some babies might prefer sleeping on their stomachs. In cases like these, these safety tips will help:

• Use a firm, flat mattress and avoid using loose bedding.

• Make sure their sleeping space is clear.

• Monitor them regularly and make sure to reposition them on their side.

You should indeed avoid putting your infant to sleep on their stomach. But it’s also important to understand their sleep behaviors and developmental stages. If your baby frequently rolls onto their tummy, talk to their healthcare provider for custom recommendations and safety measures.

What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Baby After Feeding?

Following a yummy meal, it’s even more important to consider positioning your baby for sleep. Remember that feeding may naturally cause reflux or spit-up. Here are some guidelines to follow for safe sleeping in this case:

• Burp your baby after every feeding.

• Maintain your infant upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding.

• Keep them upright by cradling them to your chest, or use a baby carrier before putting them to sleep.

• Consider putting them in the elevated sleep position, but only if their doctor recommends it.

Remember that your baby should be on their back during routine sleep times. As always, seek advice from your pediatrician if you have worries regarding your baby's sleep posture or feeding patterns.

By the way, if you’re a mom considering co-sleeping, read our guide on safe co-sleeping with your baby.

What’s the Best Sleeping Position for a Baby with a Cough?

Okay, what do you do when your baby has a cough or cold? (It’s heart-wrenching, we know.) You need to position them in such a way that will help them breathe easier. Again, the back-lying position is best for safe sleep, but some adjustments may help ease cough symptoms — provided you consult with your baby’s doctor first.

A slightly elevated position might help babies with congestion or respiratory issues. Place a wedge pillow under the mattress so their head is raised somewhat, ensuring it’s not overly elevated. Pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, tells WebMD, "This keeps the mucus draining in the right direction and helps ease coughing.⁽⁴⁾”

Apart from the correct sleeping position, there are a couple of other ways to soothe your baby when they’re sick:

• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. It’ll help loosen mucus and reduce cough symptoms.

• Give them lots of fluids. Formula or breast milk is best if your baby is under 6 months.

• If they’re having trouble falling asleep, try using a white noise machine to soothe them.

Note that the tips mentioned here are for short-term relief. They’re not a remedy to your baby’s cough or cold. Talk to your doctor immediately if your baby's cough continues or intensifies, which may indicate an underlying medical issue.

What Are Bad Sleeping Positions for Babies?

So, now you’re aware of what baby sleeping positions are best. It’s time to delve into what you should avoid because they could endanger your baby.

As mentioned earlier, experts say that stomach sleeping is the most unsafe of all positions for your baby. It raises the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.

Putting your baby to sleep on a couch or armchair is a no-no. It increases their likelihood of suffocation or getting stuck in the crevices.

While it might be tempting to do so, don’t put your infant to sleep in a car seat. These seats are made for safe travel and not for long sleep periods. Your baby can fall into a position that obstructs their breathing passages.

Although bed-sharing is a common and personal decision, it isn’t safe. If you want to keep your baby close, don’t let them sleep with you in your bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “The safest place for a baby to sleep is on a separate sleep surface designed for infants close to the parents’ bed.⁽⁵⁾"

What’s the Newborn Baby Sleep Position?

Regarding baby sleeping positions, how you position your newborn is especially important. Babies are most vulnerable at this stage. Like with older babies, back sleeping is the safest for a newborn. Here are some safety measures and tips to keep in mind:

Swaddling your newborn (Like a burrito!) creates a secure, womb-like atmosphere. Swaddling lessens startle reflexes that might cause them to roll onto their stomachs. Remember to learn and apply proper swaddling techniques. You can stop swaddling when your baby starts trying to roll over.

Newborns are limited when it comes to moving independently. They require extra monitoring and careful repositioning (on their backs!) while they sleep. This helps clear their airway and prevents them from becoming trapped or entangled in bedding.

Again, ensure they have a safe sleeping environment by keeping their sleeping surface clutter-free. Use a firm and flat mattress. Also, get rid of loose bedding and toys.

Experts recommend room-sharing for newborns (not to be confused with bed-sharing) until they’re 6 to 12 months of age. Set up a separate sleeping surface in your room.

Babies are at their most fragile at the newborn stage. It's crucial to follow safe sleep guidelines and constantly keep your pediatrician in the loop.

Conclusion

Your baby’s safety and comfort are a top priority, and a suitable sleep position is important. Understanding the different baby sleeping positions and their pros and cons will help you make informed choices that benefit your child.

Remember that the back sleeping position is the safest. It minimizes the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It also promotes optimal breathing. However, there are times when different positions might help, especially for infants with reflux, breathing difficulties, or certain medical conditions. It’s crucial to consult with your baby’s healthcare provider before attempting these on your own.

(Oh, and if you’re an expecting mom, this article on sleeping positions while pregnant may be helpful!)

Here’s wishing your baby sweet and safe dreams. You got this!

Sources:  

(1) "Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800. Accessed 28 August 2024.

(2) “GERD in Infants: How Can I Help My Baby Sleep?” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/gerd/infants-sleeping. Accessed 28 August 2024.

(3) “Baby sleeping on side: Risks and changing positions.” Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/baby-sleeping-on-side. Accessed 28 August 2024.

(4) “Tips to Comfort Your Sick Baby.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/comfort-sick-baby. Accessed 28 August 2024.

(5) “Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment.” American Academy of Pediatrics, publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022. Accessed 28 August 2024.

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