Sleeping Positions for Babies

Due to the dangers of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, it is important that babies sleep on their backs so they don't suffocate. It is not known why SIDS happens, but it is important to take any safety precautions possible to prevent it. SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies under 1 year old.

Sleeping on The Back

• Babies have a better view of their world when laying on their backs.

  Having a baby sleep on her back is the best way to prevent SIDS. Even if she is fussy when she is first placed in bed she will soon get used to this sleeping position. Babies are more free to move arms, legs and look around when they are laying down on their backs. Whenever she rolls over on her side or tummy, just simply roll her back over.

Removing Toys and Pillows

• Baby cribs should be simple.

  It is important to remove toys, pillows and other items from the crib. These items can be suffocation hazards to babies. If she sleeps better with a pillow or a wedge, be sure it is not soft. Items that can cover or tangle around her can be a danger.

Sleeping By Themselves

• Parents should let their babies sleep alone.

  Cosleeping is sometimes fun for mom or dad, but it can be dangerous for the baby. She should sleep on her own, which is the safest option. She could suffocate if she rolls over into mom or dad, or she could get entangled in the parents' blankets or pillows.

About Side Sleeping

• Babies can suffocate when sleeping on their tummies.

  Side sleeping remains safer than sleeping on the stomach for babies, but it is still a more dangerous position. When a baby is sleeping on her side she is more likely to roll over onto her stomach than she is if she is sleeping on her back. If she tends to sleep on her side one way to help keep her from rolling onto her tummy is to make sure the arm she is laying on is placed in front of her tummy, to help make it harder to roll.