As a new parent, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your baby to sleep on their stomach. The answer to the question “when can babies sleep on their stomach?” is that it depends on the age of your baby and what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends.
Let’s take a look at why the AAP recommends that babies should sleep on their back and when it’s safe for them to sleep on their stomach.
Back is best
The AAP recommends that all babies should be placed in a supine position (on their back) for every sleep until they reach 1 year of age.
Research has shown us that this is the safest sleeping position for infants because it reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by 50%!
Additionally, sleeping on one’s back greatly reduces the risk of suffocation, as well as sudden infant death syndrome associated with chest compression.
It also helps reduce acid reflux symptoms and keeps your baby’s airway open.
Furthermore, many studies have found that babies who are put to bed prone (on their stomach) have an increased risk of developing Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome).
When can babies sleep on their stomach?
Once your baby has reached 6 months old, you can start introducing tummy time while they are awake and supervised.
This will help strengthen your baby’s neck muscles and encourage them to develop motor skills.
When they reach 12 months old and become more mobile, you can introduce some supervised “stomach-sleeping” during nap times as long as you don’t cover them with loose blankets or pillows, which can increase the risk of suffocation or SIDS.
Once they turn 1 year old, you can allow them to sleep on their stomach if they seem comfortable doing so – but always make sure there are no loose blankets or pillows in their crib!
It is important to keep in mind that the safest way for your baby to sleep is still on their back until at least one year old.
After that point, if your baby is comfortable sleeping on their stomach then it may be ok – but always make sure there are no loose blankets or pillows in the crib!
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your little one gets plenty of restful sleep without any unnecessary risks!
