At what age can a baby sleep on the stomach?

As a new parent, one of the most important things you worry about is your baby’s safety, especially when it comes to sleeping. Sleeping on the stomach is one of the most debated topics in the baby world, with many parents wondering at what age their baby can sleep on their stomach.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be placed on their backs to sleep until they are at least one year old or until they can roll over on their own. This is because sleeping on the stomach has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of death in infants under one year old.

SIDS is a medical term used to describe the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under the age of one. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but research has shown that certain risk factors, such as sleeping on the stomach, can increase the likelihood of SIDS.

It is believed that when an infant sleeps on their stomach, it can interfere with their breathing, as the weight of their head can press down on their airway, making it more difficult for them to breathe. Additionally, sleeping on the stomach can cause overheating, which can also contribute to SIDS.

While the risk of SIDS is highest during the first six months of life, it is still a concern for infants up to one-year-old. This is why the AAP recommends that infants be placed on their backs to sleep until they are at least one year old or until they can roll over on their own.

However, once your baby can roll over independently, they may sleep on their stomach. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Once your baby can roll over, it indicates that their muscles have developed enough to allow them to sleep safely on their stomach.

It is important to note that even if your baby can roll over on their own, you should continue to place them on their back to sleep until they are at least one year old. This is because the risk of SIDS is highest during the first six months of life, and placing your baby on their back to sleep can significantly reduce this risk.

If your baby insists on sleeping on their stomach, there are some things you can do to make it safer for them. First, ensure their crib is free of loose bedding or soft objects, as these can pose a risk of suffocation. Second, make sure the temperature in their room is cool and comfortable to reduce the risk of overheating.

In conclusion, the safest position for your baby to sleep is on their back until they are at least one year old or can roll over independently. Once your baby can roll over on their own, it indicates that their muscles have developed enough to allow them to sleep on their stomach safely. However, even if your baby can roll over, you should continue to place them on their back to sleep until they are at least one year old to reduce the risk of SIDS significantly. If you have concerns or questions about your baby’s sleep position, speak with your paediatrician.