In general, the safest sleeping position for infants is on their backs, and parents can do several things to encourage this. The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that babies who are placed on their backs to sleep have a reduced risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Even though this might not appear to be the natural position of choice for some infants, parents can use different techniques to make this habit easier to develop.
One of the first steps parents of newborns should do to encourage healthy sleep habits is to place their babies to sleep on their backs while they are still drowsy. Rocking or cuddling a baby until he or she is completely asleep, then placing the baby in the crib, does not help teach the baby how to fall asleep without being held. If a baby who is used to being held until sleeping wakes in the crib, that baby has not learned how to self sooth and fall back to sleep without being picked up again.
Many times parents feel that their infants do not appear as comfortable sleeping on their backs, squirming and fussing more often in this position. Parents can gently and slowly rub the baby’s tummy while the baby is falling asleep on his or her back. This gentle touch can calm a baby, and let him or her know that Mom or Dad is near, without actually holding them. Parents can also decorate the ceiling or wall where the baby can see them with glow in the dark decals as something else to distract babies as they fall sleep.
Babies who have not been burped well can also appear more uncomfortable sleeping their backs. It is important that parents burp their babies well after the last feeding and have them in dry diapers to help them be as comfortable as possible.
Over the years there have been several products on the market for side sleeping, as originally guidelines for safe infant sleeping suggested that side or back sleeping worked equally well at reducing the risks of SIDS. However, follow-up studies did not confirm that side sleeping worked as well, partially because babies could roll to their stomachs much more easily when already on their sides. Some parents also choose to use a rolled towel or blanket to support the baby’s back and sleep on the side. Pediatricians do not generally recommend placing anything such as that in the crib with the infant because of the risks associated with loose blankets and towels.
As newborns grow they will eventually be able to roll from their backs to their stomachs during sleep, and parents can?t stay awake monitoring these movements and constantly placing the babies on their backs again. There are other safe sleeping habits that need to be followed, however. These include keeping the crib free of loose toys and blankets, placing the crib away from window treatments, making sure the baby is not too hot while sleeping, and making sure the baby is not exposed to cigarette smoke (while asleep or awake).
There are some instances, as with babies with special health needs, where other sleeping positions are recommended by pediatricians. Parents should always check with their doctors first, then follow those guidelines. For most babies, sleeping on their backs is the safest position, and parents can help sooth them and encourage this habit over time.
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