How to Stop Babies From Sleeping on Their Tummy

The Back to Sleep Campaign was launched to help lessen the risk of a baby dying because of sudden infant death syndrome. Not all babies want to sleep on their backs, but there are things you can do to help keep your little one from sleeping on his stomach.

Things You'll Need

• Swaddling blanket
• Body positioner

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Instructions

How to Stop Babies from Sleeping on Their Stomachs

• 1

  Wait until your baby is asleep before putting him down in his crib or bassinet. If you put him down while he is awake, he is more likely to move around and sleep on his stomach.

• 2

  Place your hand on your baby's stomach for a few minutes after you lay him down to sleep on his back. This will give him a feeling of the comfort that stomach sleeping offers, and he may be sleeping soundly enough not to roll over.

• 3

  If your baby still moves a lot while he is sleeping, swaddle him to help keep him in place. Don't swaddle him too tightly, but make the swaddling snug enough so he won't be able to use his arms and feet to roll over.

• 4

  Use a sleep positioner if nothing else keeps him on his back while he is asleep. You can purchase one of these at most places that carry baby supplies, and it helps the baby stay in place on his back.