When you have a baby, all you want is for the little one is to have a safe and sound slumber so that hopefully you can also catch some quality shut-eye. But when it comes to having a baby one under one year old, it’s not as simple as putting him in his crib and hoping for the best. It’s also about making sure he’s sleeping safely. And while it might seem that your baby falls into a deeper sleep when he’s on his stomach, there are a few criteria he should be meeting before he can sleep in this position.
There’s a lot of different information floating around to answer the age-old question, when can a baby sleep on their stomach? So how do you separate the good advice from the bad? Today we’ll talk about the best baby sleep positions, how to decrease the risk of SIDS, and baby-safe sleeping practices to have in place starting day one to help give you peace of mind.
Best baby sleep positions
Baby safe-sleeping: Best practices
Now that we know what not to do, let’s talk about what habits to get into to help your baby sleep safely.
Back is best
Putting your baby to sleep on his back cannot be stressed enough. Some parents consider putting babies to sleep on their sides to help combat acid reflux. According to Medical News Today, the likeliness of babies choking is no greater for back sleepers as opposed to side sleepers.
Try swaddling
Nothing makes your baby feel more safe and secure than being wrapped up and snug like he was during your pregnancy.
“Swaddling is a wonderful sleep aid. Without it, back-sleeping babies flail their arms and accidentally startle themselves awake again and again throughout the night,” pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp previously told Mom.com.
Leave out the extras
Adding accessories to their crib — like bumpers, extra blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals — isn’t beneficial to helping your baby sleep safely. If you’re worried that he’ll bump his head or flail around, keep in mind that if your baby isn’t rolling yet it isn’t likely he’ll hurt himself sleeping.
Likewise, if you’re concerned your baby will be warm enough during naps and bedtime, consider swaddling or a sleep sack to give him an extra layer of warmth. The last thing you want is for him to wiggle around and accidentally cover his face.
Consider co-sleeping (in a room, not a bed)
Nothing gives moms peace of mind quite like being able to keep tabs on their babies at all times. If you feel better being a few feet away for your little one at all times, consider co-sleeping by keeping the bassinet or crib in your bedroom.
