The "Back to Sleep" campaign by the American Academy of Pediatrics focuses on putting healthy babies to sleep on their backs. The goal is to minimize Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which may be caused by babies suffocating when they sleep on their stomachs. However, some babies learn very early to roll onto their tummies when sleeping. Because this position causes a potential health risk, it's best to stop babies from sleeping on their tummies whenever possible. Once a baby can safely roll over and back again, you can consider letting her sleep on her tummy if she hasn't yet learned to sleep on her back; this age varies, but generally occurs at about 6 months. The AAP's official recommendation, however, is that babies sleep on their backs until they are 1 year old.
Step 1
Swaddle your newborn. The potential for SIDS deaths peaks between ages 2 and 4 months. Prior to this age, many babies cannot roll onto their tummies. Swaddling can reduce the chances of accidental rolling and keep your baby comfortable and snug when sleeping.
Step 2
Keep the baby positioned on her back with a blanket. Once the baby is in her crib, place a baby blanket no higher than her chest, and tuck it firmly on each side of the crib mattress. This technique prevents the baby from rolling and also prevents the blanket from riding up and creating a potential suffocation hazard.
Step 3
Put your baby to sleep on his back when he's drowsy. If you wait until he's fully asleep, he may try to roll toward your body (if you've been rocking him to sleep in your arms) once he notices the lack of warmth, even while asleep. A baby is aware of his sleeping environment and will sleep in the position in which he is placed, says Dr. William Sears, a noted expert on attachment parenting and sleep.
Step 4
Turn the baby onto her back as needed. If you check on your baby and find her sleeping on her tummy, gently roll her over to her back to get her used to this sleeping position.
Tips and Warnings
- If your baby refuses to sleep on her back, check with your pediatrician to rule out a physical reason that makes this position uncomfortable.
- Though a sleep positioner is a popular option, it increases the potential suffocation hazards in the crib. Similar to a pillow, these items should be avoided.
Things You'll Need
- Baby blankets
