Is it safe for my baby to sleep on their stomach?
1 min read
No. The AAP recommends always placing healthy babies on their backs to sleep, for every nap and every night, until they turn 1 year old.
Back sleeping is the single most important way to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); since this guidance began in 1992, the SIDS rate has dropped more than 50 percent. Side sleeping is not as safe and isn't advised, and there's no evidence that back sleeping causes more choking, even for babies who spit up. If your baby can roll both ways on their own and rolls onto their stomach during sleep, you can leave them, but always start them on their back.
A safe sleep space matters too: a firm, flat surface with a tight-fitting sheet and nothing soft or loose inside.
What you can do
- Always place your baby on their back for every sleep until age 1.
- Use a firm, non-inclined surface with a tight-fitting sheet only.
- Keep pillows, blankets, bumpers, and soft toys out of the crib.
- Give plenty of supervised tummy time while your baby is awake.
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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