Can newborns sleep on their sides? No, babies should not sleep on their sides. That's the short and simple answer. Side sleeping is veritably dangerous for babies younger than 4 to 6 months, indeed, though it might feel inoffensive or indeed good for precluding spit-up. The American Academy of Pediatrics( AAP) and croakers agree that the stylish way for babies to sleep is on their tails on a hard, flat face, like a hut next to the bed.
We will talk about why side resting is bad for a baby when it might be okay and how to keep your baby from rolling over too soon in this post. We'll also talk about common worries and myths, like the risk of choking and torticollis.
1. Risks of Side Sleeping for Newborns
SIDS is more likely to happen if an infant sleeps on their side. Because babe can not move their heads or necks veritably well, it's hard for them to move if their mouth gets closed. Babies who sleep on their sides are more likely to roll over onto their tummies, which raises the threat of SIDS indeed more.
Among the other pitfalls are:
· Airway inhibition: If the baby is on their side, their head may cock forward, blocking their airway.
· Rebreathing Carbon Dioxide: If a baby falls face down on a soft coverlet or their settee, they may take in air that they've formerly released, which can make them oxygen-poor.
· Torticollis: Torticollis is when the muscles in the neck on one side of the head get tight because you constantly spare to one side.
· Positional Plagiocephaly: When pressure is uneven on one side of the head, it can beget flat spots on the brain. This is called positional plagiocephaly.
Because of these pitfalls, experts explosively advise against sleeping on your side, especially in the first many months of life, which are veritably important.
2. What Is the Recommended Sleep Position for Babe?
In the 1990s, the" Back to Sleep" program helped cut the number of SIDS cases by a huge quantum. The main point of the book is still very important: always put your baby to sleep on their back, whether they are in a cot next to the bed, for naps, or at night.
Among the other suggestions are:
· Use a hard place to sleep, like a crib or cot with a fitted sheet.
· Bedding, pillows, and pet animals that are too soft should not be in the sleeping area.
· Between 68 °F( 20 °C) and 72 °F( 20 °C), keep your baby's room cool.
· You could use a baby serape rather than redundant robes in the crib to help calm the baby down if it starts to move.
Indeed, if your baby spits up, sleeping on the reverse is still safest. Healthy newborns have natural reflexes that help prevent choking while lying on their backs. For even more peace of mind during nighttime feeds, using a bottle warmer ensures your baby’s milk is always at the right temperature—without disturbing their sleep with cold or overheated bottles.
3. When Is Side Sleeping Considered a safe deposit box?
It's safer for your baby to sleep on their side once they can roll over from back to front and front to back on their own. Most babies do this between 4 and 6 months, but it can be different for each child.
Still, it's generally okay to leave them there If your baby rolls over onto their side or back while they sleep at this age. But until they turn one year old, you should still put your baby to sleep on their back.
No matter how well they can roll over, you should never put your baby down on their side on purpose. Once they are strong enough and have good enough movement skills, let them choose a safe place to sleep on their own.
4. Preventing Side Sleeping Before It’s Safe
Many parents notice their babies end up on their sides after being laid on their backs. This is common during the first few weeks due to the baby's startle reflex or natural muscle tone. Here’s what you can do to help keep your baby safely on their back:
Choose a Bedside Bassinet
A firm, flat bedside bassinet offers your baby a safe place to sleep right next to you. This setup is especially helpful for mothers recovering from a C-section, allowing easier access to the baby without having to get out of bed frequently. Compared to typical bassinets that are only used for about six months, the Papablic 4-in-1 Bedside Bassinet is a smart investment. It transforms into four modes: co-sleeper, standalone bassinet, rocking cradle, and playpen, growing with your child up to three years old.
With six adjustable heights (43–65 cm), it aligns with most adult beds for easy access. The breathable mesh sides provide airflow and visibility, while the lightweight aluminum frame and rolling wheels make it easy to move around. Tool-free assembly, a soft mattress, a travel bag, and two elegant color options make this bassinet both practical and stylish. Certified by ASTM and CPSC, it’s a safe and reliable choice for modern families.
Swaddle Your Baby for Better Sleep
A properly fitted baby swaddle can soothe your baby and keep their arms from flailing, reducing the chance of rolling over. Swaddling helps recreate the feeling of being in the womb and lessens the Moro reflex, which often wakes babies. Papablic’s 3 Pack Rainbows swaddles are designed to keep your baby safe and comfortable. Always ensure the hips can move freely and stop swaddling once rolling begins.
Avoid Unsafe Positioning Props
Blankets, cushions, or wedges should never be used to keep your baby in place, as they can increase the risk of suffocation. If your baby frequently rolls to one side, consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying concerns.
5. Baby Side Sleeping FAQ
Side Sleeping Prevents Choking, Right?
This is one of the most common false ideas. Many parents believe that newborns should sleep on their side to prevent choking if they spit up. That's not true, though.
According to pediatric experts, back sleeping is the safest position—even for babies who vomit or have reflux. Babies have a reaction that makes them gag, which keeps their mouths open. Their food pipe is above their windpipe, so if they lie on their reverse, spit-up will roll back into the food pipe rather than into their airway.
Placing babies on their sides or stomachs increases the threat of choking because it makes it easier for spit-up to pool in the reverse of the throat.
Side Sleeping and Torticollis Risk
When a baby's neck muscles get tight, they cock their head to one side, which is called torticollis. However, they're at an advanced threat If a baby is constantly laid down on the same side or favors turning one direction.
Side sleeping makes this problem worse because it makes the head position less even. To reduce this risk:
· Offer tummy time during the day.
· Alternate your baby’s head direction when putting them down to sleep.
· Spend less time in swings, car seats, and bouncers.
If you notice an ongoing head tilt or flat spot on your baby’s head, ask your doctor or a pediatric physical therapist.
Conclusion
In the early months of life, a baby’s sleep position is a matter of safety — not comfort or preference. While side sleeping might appear cozy or logical to help influx, it introduces pitfalls that far outweigh any perceived benefits.
Still, “Can newborns sleep on their side? ” now you know the answer: No — they shouldn’t, If you’ve been wondering. Stick with back sleeping, use the right sleep gear like a quality bedside buggy and swaddle, and always consult with your pediatrician if you have enterprises about your baby’s sleep habits.
Discover more of Papablic’s baby essentials, from our 4-in-1 bedside bassinet to our bottle warmer, thoughtfully designed to make parenting easier and safer.
Sleep safely, sleep well.
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