Baby Sleep Positions & Safety Guidelines for Peaceful Nights

Is it not funny how babies can fall asleep anywhere, anytime? Whether the AC is on or off, whether they have a pillow or not, whether they sleep on a bed or a mat – newborn sleeping is a phenomenon that can occur anywhere! They don't even care if they are on their back or tummy.

But particular baby sleeping positions are risky and unsafe for infants. Thus, as a parent, you need to be vigilant about your baby's sleep for the first few months. This article will discuss newborn sleep positions, safe baby sleeping positions, and the risks associated with them.

Sleeping On The Back – Why Is It The Safest Position?

While there is no concrete evidence, some researchers and experts believe that sleeping on the back is the safest position for infants. It is difficult for babies who lack neck control to lift their heads when they have difficulty breathing, as is the case with a newborn sleeping on its stomach. In addition, if a cover or bedding gets over their head or covers their nose, they will not be able to remove it to breathe comfortably.

Sleeping on the tummy can also hinder proper breathing, as pressure on the lungs and blood circulation is affected. This can result in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or an underdeveloped brain. Sleeping on the back can avoid all this, thus making a safe newborn sleeping position (1). Even doctors and experts consider it the safest baby sleeping position.

Safe Baby Sleep Positions and Tips For Low Risk Of SIDS

Here are some tips and a few sleeping positions that can help you reduce or eliminate the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It can be a bit of extra work for the first three months, but a little extra vigilance about the baby's sleeping position is nothing compared to their safety!

1 - Make sure the baby sleeps on a firm surface. Avoid making them sleep on surfaces such as pillows, quilts, bundles, sheets, etc. Their bed or crib should be a flat surface with fitted sheets that do not come off quickly with a bit of tug or pull from your baby.

2 - It is safer to keep your baby's sleebaby'sed/crib separate. Many parents prefer co-sleeping with their baby, but for the first months, to avoid SIDS, it is advised to let the baby sleep in their bed near the parents' bed. Don't use blankets for the first few weeks, or at least for the first three months. Make them wear an extra layer or control the room's temperature instead. Even in the safest newborn baby sleeping position, your baby can have the blanket over their face, making it difficult to breathe and preventing them from removing it independently.

4 - Consider investing in a baby video monitor for their nap times or even night sleep for the initial weeks.

5 - Try swaddling your baby in a soft and breathable wrap such as SuperBottoms Baby Swaddle till your baby learn to roll over.

Flat Head Sleeping

As a parent, you must have heard a million times about flat head syndrome developing when an infant is constantly in the back position. While it is true that babies are born with a soft skull and sleeping on the back for longer durations can change the shape of the head, flattening it from the back, this is not harmful or permanent. You can avoid this by giving them supervised time on their tummy, carrying them in a wrap or sling a few times a day, and avoiding feeding them on their back.

Side Sleeping And Torticollis Risk

You might not have heard this term often as a new parent, but this is a common condition for grown-ups and babies. For example, have you ever woken up with shooting pain and a sprain in your neck due to using the wrong pillow or sleeping position? That is what torticollis is.

The usual baby sleeping position — on the back — does not cause this. This happens when babies sleep on their side, as this position does not correctly support the neck. Thus, for the first few months, ensure you change your baby's position every time they sleep on their back and keep them on their side for longer.

If during the first three months of life you notice any abnormality in how your baby sleeps — such as sleeping on their side or tummy — speak to their paediatrician. Keep correcting their sleeping position till they gain neck control and learn to roll from back to tummy and tummy to back. For more help on baby sleeping, read our article "NSleeping Patterns."

In conclusion, understanding the risks and safety measures associated with baby sleeping positions is crucial for the well-being of newborns. It is essential to prioritise the safest sleeping position for babies to reduce the risk of hazards. The best sleeping position for babies is on their backs, as recommended by paediatricians.

This position helps minimise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensures unobstructed breathing. Additionally, parents should maintain a consistent sleep environment, including a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and a clutter-free crib. Monitoring and following the baby's sleep also provides valuable insights into their well-being. By practising safe newborn sleep positions and understanding their sleep patterns, parents can help create a secure, comfortable sleeping environment for their little ones, promoting healthy development and peaceful rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What is the safest sleeping position for my newborn baby?

Ans. The safest sleeping position for newborn babies is on their backs. This position helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and allows for unobstructed breathing.

Q1. Are there any specific sleeping positions I should avoid for my baby?

Ans. Yes, certain sleeping positions should be avoided. Placing your baby on their stomach or side increases the risk of suffocation and should be avoided, especially during sleep.

Q3. Can I use a pillow or cushion to elevate my baby's head while they sleep?

Ans. No, it is not recommended to use pillows or cushions to elevate a baby's head while sleeping. These objects can pose a suffocation hazard. It is best to provide a firm and flat sleeping surface for your baby.

Q4. How should I position my baby for sleep to prevent flat spots on their head?

Ans. To prevent flat spots on your baby's head, you can alternate the direction you place their head while sleeping. Additionally, supervised tummy time during awake hours can help promote healthy head development.

Q5. What can I do to ensure a safe sleep environment for my baby?

Ans. To create a safe sleep environment for your baby, ensure they sleep on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet in a crib or bassinet. Remove loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals from the sleeping area. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid overdressing your baby.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby's sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.