Kirsten Fisch
Co-Founder at - Momentum Health NetworkKirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze-certified childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through postpartum. Passionate about empowering women during their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote health and well-being for mothers and babies.
Welcome, sleep-deprived comrades, to the wild world of newborn shuteye! If you’ve found yourself wondering whether your tiny human can pull off a stomach-sleeping acrobatics routine, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the history, the pillow forts of wisdom, and the lowdown on whether newborns can snooze on their stomachs.
One of the many challenges new parents face is ensuring their newborns get a good night’s sleep. Amidst the countless advice and information available, one question that often arises is whether newborn babies can sleep on their stomachs. The topic has been the subject of much debate and research, with recommendations changing over the years. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, guidelines, and current perspectives on newborn sleeping positions.
Historical Perspective
Traditionally, placing babies on their stomachs to sleep was a common practice. Many parents and healthcare professionals believed it reduced the risk of choking and provided a more comfortable sleep for infants. However, in the early 1990s, a significant shift in recommendations occurred due to research findings linking stomach sleeping with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically during sleep. Following the discovery of a strong association between stomach sleeping and SIDS, health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending that infants be placed on their backs to sleep.
Back to Sleep Campaign
In 1994, the AAP launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which encouraged parents to place their infants on their backs to sleep. The campaign was highly successful and led to a significant reduction in SIDS cases. Subsequent studies confirmed the link between back sleeping and a lower risk of SIDS, establishing the importance of this practice in promoting infant safety.
Current Recommendations
As of the latest guidelines, organizations such as the AAP and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies be placed on their backs to sleep for all sleep periods, including naps. This sleep position is considered the safest and most effective way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
While stomach sleeping is strongly discouraged, the importance of supervised tummy time is emphasized during awake periods to help babies develop strong neck and shoulder muscles. Tummy time should be initiated when the baby is awake and alert, under the supervision of a caregiver, and on a firm, flat surface.
The evidence is clear: placing newborns on their backs to sleep is the safest position and significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Though the “Back to Sleep” campaign has been successful, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed and follow the most current guidelines provided by reputable health organizations. While the temptation to place a baby on their stomach may arise due to perceived comfort or concerns about choking, it’s essential to prioritize the safety of the infant above all else. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance based on the individual needs of your baby.
Kirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze-certified childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through postpartum. Passionate about empowering women during their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote health and well-being for mothers and babies.
