According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best position for children under 1 year of age to sleep in is on their backs. Back-sleeping is advised because it has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. However, there are some instances when a baby will not tolerate laying on his back and parents need to find other ways to keep their child safe while sleeping.
Step 1
Try placing your baby on her side with her arms in front of her. Many babies who don't like back-sleeping prefer this position.
Step 2
Remove all blankets and toys from your child's crib if she will be sleeping on her stomach. Blankets and soft toys in the sleeping area increase the risk of SIDS.
Step 3
Do not swaddle your baby when she is sleeping on her stomach. This could prevent her from using her arms to move if her face becomes blocked.
Step 4
Purchase a baby movement monitor. While expensive, these monitors sense a baby's movement and can set off an alarm if breathing is not detected.
Tips and Warnings
- It is best to explore other sleeping alternatives before putting your baby to sleep on her stomach. Often children resist back-sleeping if they suffer from reflux. If this is the case, try elevating the head of your child's crib or bassinet, as this can alleviate reflux symptoms.
- Stomach-sleeping is a documented SIDS risk according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Consult your pediatrician before deciding to let your infant sleep on her stomach.
