Research shows a decreased risk of SIDS when babies are placed flat on their backs for sleeping (specifically, on a firm mattress with no loose bedding).
Can a baby ever safely sleep on his tummy? If so, when?
There is not a universal age for safe tummy sleep because all babies are different with skill development. However, once your baby can purposefully and consistently roll from back to tummy and tummy to back, most pediatricians will say tummy-sleeping is safe. (Ask your doctor though.)
Parents should still continue to place a baby on his back for sleeping, but if he is strong enough to roll onto his tummy, most doctors will agree he is strong enough to lift his head and safely sleep in this position. This same principle applies if your baby seems to be face down after rolling over onto his belly; if he has the strength to roll over, he has the strength to lift or turn his head if he needs to while on his belly (again, ask your pediatrician.)
However, babies MUST NOT be swaddled if sleeping on their tummies for safety reasons. I’ve got a blog just for you on transitioning out of the swaddle that can help. Also, the crib must be free of all loose bedding and bumpers. My safe sleep checklist covers all things safe sleep.
But what if he HATES sleeping on his belly?
You may find that your baby is so accustomed to sleeping on his back that flipping to his tummy and getting stuck there turns him into one very angry little person. This is what happened when my son started rolling over onto his belly, and I remember flipping him over 1,143 times one night! That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it sure felt like that!
So what is a parent to do?
You don't have to go in and roll your baby over onto his back each time he flips to his belly, but expect that it will take time for him to learn to like this new sleeping position.
During the day, practice tummy time frequently.
If he awakens in the night after flipping to his tummy, resist the urge to roll him to his back (or get ready to do it 1,142 more times). Instead, rub his back, pat his bottom, and "shhhh" him to help him learn to fall asleep while on his tummy.
Most likely, this will take about 4-7 nights.
What if we still need some help? Can I use any products that will keep my baby on his back?
There's are two products I love for this: One fabulous transitional item is the Swaddle Sleeves (Use code CARA10 for 10% off.). The sleeves help muffle the startle reflex in the arms while still allowing the baby to move around and get into a comfortable position. Some parents also love Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit. This 3-layered suit provides babies with the comfort they need by helping to muffle their twitches and startle movements that can wake them prematurely. ( Code CARA15 can save you 15%.)
Please note that safe sleep is still our top priority. We don’t want to use sleep positioners or pillows to keep your baby on his back or any weighted sleep sacks.
Rolling over and tummy sleep may begin when babies are 3-4 months old, a time filled with developmental advances and sleep challenges. If you are in this tricky phase, I have a resource for you! Navigating Months 3 & 4 is a 50-page ebook that will guide you through the dreaded 4-month sleep regression and help you on your journey towards more restful nights.
If your baby reaches 5 months and is still struggling, I have classes that can help. The 5–24 Month Collection will walk you step-by-step through a plan to conquer nights, days, and every bump along your sleep journey.
