When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach?

Research has shown us time and time again that the safest baby sleep position is on their backs. But what happens if, during their nap or at night, she ends up rolling on to her stomach? According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, if your baby is old enough (between 4 to 6 months) and can roll herself from back to front and back again, there is no need to move her back into a back-down position for sleeping.

On the other hand, if you find that your baby only seems to roll to her tummy while she sleeps but hasn’t hit the milestone where she can roll herself back, you should gently move her back.

While the risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome, known as SIDS, has dramatically decreased over the past few decades, these unfortunate deaths still happen. Babies who are most at risk are 12 months old or younger. Keep in mind that the most any parent can do to reduce the risk of SIDS is to follow safe sleeping guidelines from day one. Which includes simple safe sleep habits like putting babies to sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface.

“Something I was told is that supervised unsafe sleep is still unsafe sleep. It kept me from falling into the mindset that if I was watching my baby, then she could sleep unsafely and still be fine. But the truth is I couldn’t watch her every second of every day. You’re better off having safe sleeping habits from day one,” mom of one, Ashley F., told Mom.com.

Now that we know what not to do, let’s talk about what habits to get into to help your baby sleep safely.

Back is best
Putting your baby to sleep on his back cannot be stressed enough. Some parents consider putting babies to sleep on their sides to help combat acid reflux. According to Medical News Today, the likeliness of babies choking is no greater for back sleepers as opposed to side sleepers.

Try swaddling
Nothing makes your baby feel more safe and secure than being wrapped up and snug like he was during your pregnancy.

“Swaddling is a wonderful sleep aid. Without it, back-sleeping babies flail their arms and accidentally startle themselves awake again and again throughout the night,” pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp previously told Mom.com.

Leave out the extras
Adding accessories to their crib — like bumpers, extra blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals — isn’t beneficial to helping your baby sleep safely. If you’re worried that he’ll bump his head or flail around, keep in mind that if your baby isn’t rolling yet it isn’t likely he’ll hurt himself sleeping.

Likewise, if you’re concerned your baby will be warm enough during naps and bedtime, consider swaddling or a sleep sack to give him an extra layer of warmth. The last thing you want is for him to wiggle around and accidentally cover his face.

Consider co-sleeping (in a room, not a bed)
Nothing gives moms peace of mind quite like being able to keep tabs on their babies at all times. If you feel better being a few feet away for your little one at all times, consider co-sleeping by keeping the bassinet or crib in your bedroom.