Some people may think that babies can feel comfortable and calm when put to sleep in a prone position. In fact, this position is at risk of causing various health problems that are dangerous for the baby. So, when can babies sleep on their stomachs and what to pay attention to?
Training babies on their stomachs is beneficial for their motor development. However, you should be careful. At a certain age, this position can actually be dangerous for your little one, especially when he is left on his stomach for a long time or when he is asleep.
Risks of Baby Sleeping on Stomach
Here are some risks that can befall your baby when allowed to sleep on his stomach:
1. Baby dies suddenly
The prone sleeping position may indeed be able to make the baby sleep more calmly and not easily wake up. However, on the other hand, letting the baby sleep on his stomach prematurely can increase the risk of the baby dying suddenly or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2. The baby's breathing is disturbed
Several studies have shown that sleeping on the stomach in babies can put more pressure on the jaw and throat, narrowing the airways. This can make it more difficult for the baby to breathe.
In addition, there is also another theory which states that the prone position can make the baby breathe less oxygen, while the carbon dioxide level in the body increases. Eventually, the baby's body can become deprived of oxygen (hypoxia), and this can lead to SIDS.
3. The baby's body temperature increases
The prone sleeping position is also said to be at risk of making the baby's body temperature increase, so that it is easier for him to overheat. Babies can also overheat when they sleep in thick or layered clothes, thick blankets, or in hot rooms.
When hot, babies will feel less comfortable and more fussy so they tend to have difficulty falling asleep or waking up during sleep. In addition, babies who are hot or even cold can also be at risk of sudden death.
However, it's not always dangerous for babies to sleep on their stomachs. Along with the development of age, the baby's ability to control his body will increase. At about 5-6 months of age, babies are usually able to roll themselves forward or backwards.
When your little one is able to control their own body movements consistently, there's really no problem letting him sleep on his stomach or in any position that makes him comfortable.
The Right Sleeping Position for Babies
Although babies aged 5 or 6 months are usually able to control their own bodies, the risk of SIDS is still considered high until the baby is 12 months old. Therefore, for the safety of the Little One, Mother and Father are encouraged to continue to put him to sleep on his back until he is 1 year old.
Although there is an assumption that putting babies to sleep on their backs can make babies choke due to stomach acid disorders or GERD, the fact is that until now there has been no research that proves this statement. What is clear, the position of the baby sleeping on his stomach is indeed more risky than the position of the baby sleeping on his back.
What if the baby sleeps on his side? This is also not recommended, because there is still a risk that the baby will switch positions so that he is prone during sleep.
In addition to making sure the baby sleeps on his back, it is also important to always keep the little one's mouth and nose from being blocked by any objects that might be able to cover his face while sleeping, such as blankets, pillows, bolsters, or dolls.
Tips for Safe Sleeping Babies
The right way to put your baby to sleep can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, when putting your little one to sleep, follow these tips:
- Make sure the mattress is covered with sheets that fit and the surface of the mattress is not too soft. In addition, avoid putting your little one to sleep on a water bed, pillow, sofa, or chair.
- Do not put extra pillows, blankets, dolls, or other objects around your little one while sleeping.
- Don't use bumper or upholstery on the edges of the crib.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and not layered. Adjust the temperature of the baby's bedroom so that it is not too warm and not too cold, or around 20–21 degrees Celsius.
- Keep your little one away from cigarette smoke, dust, and pollution.
- Give him breast milk by breastfeeding him regularly.
- Give a pacifier or pacifier after your little one is 1 month old to help him sleep. However, don't force a pacifier if your little one refuses.
Putting the baby to sleep in a safe position and condition is very important. If your little one accidentally sleeps on his side or on his stomach prematurely, slowly turn him back to his back position.
If you still have questions about the baby sleeping on his stomach or want to make sure that it is safe for your little one to sleep in this position, don't hesitate to consult a pediatrician.