Sleeping Positions...Which Ones are Safe?

When I was a new mom and my daughter decided to roll to her tummy at night for the first time, panic set in. For months she was content on her back and I didn't need to worry about whether or not she would be sleeping safely and soundly. But then things changed. I know rolling over is huge milestone and one to celebrate, but having her move around so much at night got my thoughts racing..and not in a good way. Can she breath? Should I go in to roll her back over? If I go in, it might wake her up be the start of a long night. Is she comfortable? There were no monitors that told me whether or not she was breathing, so I would quietly ninja my way into the nursery to make sure she was still breathing.

When it comes to baby sleep, understanding the positions they naturally adopt can help nervous parents ensure a safe and comfortable sleep environment. So let's explore the different sleep positions babies may get into, why they adopt these positions, and whether they are safe.

Common Baby Sleep Positions

Back Sleeping: In this position baby sleeps flat on their back, with their face and belly facing upward.

Why They Do It: This is often the default position when parents place babies down for sleep.

This is the safest position for babies, as it significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends placing babies on their backs for all sleep times (naps and nighttime).

Side Sleeping: In this position baby sleeps on their side, sometimes rolling into this position during sleep.

Why They Do It: As babies start developing muscle control and rolling abilities, they may naturally roll to their side.

Safety: While side sleeping used to be a recommended position, it's no longer considered the safest. Side sleeping can lead to babies rolling onto their stomachs, which increases the risk of SIDS. If a baby rolls to their side on their own after being placed on their back, it's important to still place them back on their back if they’re not rolling comfortably from back to tummy and tummy to back.

Stomach Sleeping: In this position, baby sleeps on their stomach with their face down or to the side.

Why They Do It: Babies who have developed the ability to roll may end up on their stomachs during sleep. It can be more comfortable for some as they start moving more.

Safety: You never want to place baby onto their stomach when putting them down into the crib. This position is associated with an increased risk of SIDS due to restricted airflow and the potential for babies to rebreathe exhaled air. However, if a baby can roll onto their stomach ON THEIR OWN (and back to their back), it is okay for them to sleep in that position. The ability to do it on their own tells us that their neck and core muscles are strong enough to use if they need reposition themselves. This may be safer once they reach developmental milestones (usually around 6 months).

Frog Position:  In this position baby lies on their back or side, with their knees pulled up toward their chest and arms bent, resembling a frog.

Why They Do It: This is a common position for newborns as it mimics the fetal position they held in the womb, providing a sense of security and comfort.

Safety: This position is generally safe as long as the baby is lying on their back. However, care should be taken to avoid excessive swaddling or placing the baby on their side, which can lead to rolling onto their stomach.

Rolling and Sleeping in Varied Positions: As babies grow and become more mobile (around 4-6 months), they may roll during sleep and end up in a variety of positions—on their back, side, or stomach.

Why They Do It: This is a natural part of motor development. Babies learn to roll over, shift positions, and adjust during sleep to find comfort.

Safety: Again, if your baby can roll onto their side or stomach and back again on their own, it's generally considered safe. Parents should always place babies on their backs to sleep, but once a baby can roll independently, they don’t need to be repositioned.

Ensuring Safety in Baby Sleep Positions

Always Place Baby on Their Back: Placing babies on their backs to sleep is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Once they can roll over on their own, it's okay to let them find their preferred sleep position, but always start them on their back.

Keep the Sleep Area Clear: Avoid pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumpers in the crib, as these can pose suffocation hazards. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is all that should be in the crib.

Swaddling and Sleep Sacks: Swaddling is safe for newborns but should be discontinued once babies show signs of rolling. After that, sleep sacks are a great alternative to keep babies warm and secure without restricting movement. I recently sent out our favorite swaddles and sleep sacks to our subscribers! Click here to join the mailing list.

Monitor for Rolling Milestones: Babies usually begin to roll from front to back or back to front around 4-6 months of age. Once they can roll consistently, it’s safer to let them find their own comfortable position during sleep.

Hopefully knowing more about these sleep positions and why our babies are doing them gives all you parents out there a little more sense of peace whenever you see your baby trying out new position at night.