When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach

Babies sleeping on their stomach are considered to be soothing. Even for certain ages, this kind of sleeping position can be dangerous. There are many risks of health problems that might occur if the baby is left to sleep on his stomach prematurely. So, when can a baby sleep on his stomach and what needs to be considered?

The most vulnerable age range for prone sleep is when new babies are 1-4 months old. Babies sleeping on their stomach at 1-4 months of age can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Risk of Breathing Respiration

From several studies, the rate of sudden infant syndrome has proven to be higher in babies sleeping on their stomach. One theory states that babies who sleep on their stomach will put pressure on the jaw, thus narrowing the respiratory tract.

Another theory says, babies in the syndrome breathe back the air that has been released. This makes the oxygen level of the baby's body drop, while carbon dioxide increases. Finally, the baby's body becomes deprived of oxygen and triggers sudden infant death syndrome.

However, not always the baby sleeps on his stomach dangerous. Along with the development of age, the ability of the baby to control his body will also increase. Around the age of five months, the baby will begin to be able to roll his body towards the front or back. At this age, it is not impossible for the baby to change his own sleeping position to his stomach.

The right position

The risk of SIDS is still considered high, until the baby is 12 months old. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep your baby in a recumbent sleeping position until the age of one year. Be sure to keep the mouth and nose unobstructed by things that can cover his face.

Some parents worry, babies sleeping on their backs can choke or swallow vomiting that should have been expelled. However, American child health organizations emphasize that there does not appear to be an increase in this risk in infants who sleep on their backs.

What if the baby sleeps on his side? This is also not recommended by experts, because there is still a risk that the baby will move during sleep.

When the baby sleeps on his back, there is a possibility that the hair growth in the back of the head becomes blocked, until it appears bald. However, no need to worry, this condition can be overcome by occasionally changing the baby's sleeping position under supervision, or with tummy time, which is playing in a prone position.

Safe Tips to Sleep the Baby

How to put a baby to sleep properly can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Things that need to be considered in putting the baby to sleep, among others:

• Make sure the baby mattress is not too soft and uses the right bed linen. Never put the baby to sleep on a water bed, pillow, sofa, chair or other soft surface.
• Don't put extra pillows, blankets, or dolls, and don't use bumpers or linings on the edges of the baby crib.
• Wear clothes that are comfortable and not excessive on the baby. Adjust the temperature of the baby's bedroom, so as not to be too warm and not too cold.
• Avoid babies from secondhand smoke or other smoke.
• Try to breastfeed your baby. Scientific evidence shows that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome can decrease by giving breast milk to infants. The reason for this is because breast milk protects babies from infections that increase the risk of SIDS.
• Give a baby pacifier or pacifier after one month of age, to help him sleep. The baby pacifier is thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, if the baby refuses, don't be forced.
• Babies with gastric acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are likely to sleep on their stomach better. Consult with your pediatrician for the best sleeping position.

Sleeping the baby in a safe position and condition is very important. We recommend that you remain vigilant when the baby is sleeping on his stomach, also pay attention to the environment around the baby crib. Get rid of excessive objects or accessories that can be harmful to the baby, so they can avoid the risk of causing respiratory problems in your baby.

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