What To Do If Your Newborn Is Sleeping On The Side? Get An Answer!
Image: Shutterstock
You’ve just landed home with your bundle of joy in your arms after an exhausting (and completely worth) nine-month-long journey. But no sooner would you have settled at home, a new set of worries and anxieties set in. You’ll need to start looking into each and every aspect of child-rearing like breastfeeding techniques, poop timings, sleep schedules, etc. One such area of worry is your baby’s sleep position. As is with everything else, here too people will give you a lot of advice. Some would say that sleeping on the back is the best position while others would suggest putting the baby on the side or on the tummy. This is because of the overbearing fear of fatal syndromes (Read: SIDS) always lurking in the background. Let us deliberate on this further.
In This Article
What Is SIDS?
Known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it is an unexplained, sudden death of babies under the age of one (1). While a lot of research is still underway with respect to its causes, there is no clear answer to why this occurs. However, some of the reasons associated with SIDS is babies suffocating themselves by rolling over on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows, incorrect sleeping postures, or respiratory issues (like cold and flu). This is why it is extremely important to ensure a proper sleep position for your baby, avoid all infections in general, and respiratory infections in particular.
My Newborn Sleeps On The Side, Is This Normal?
At the onset, as is the general practice, many mothers swaddle their newborns. It helps them sleep better. Often, babies who are swaddled and placed on their backs start rolling over to the side, usually after two months. This is quite a normal progression. But don’t put your baby to sleep on the side after swaddling just because he/she has shown a preference for sleeping in that position. Instead, be on the lookout as to how often your baby rolls over. If this is happening frequently, and you are still swaddling the baby, then this means it is time to phase out the swaddling altogether.
What To Do If My Newborn Prefers Sleeping On The Side Or Rolls Over?
If you are still swaddling your baby and he/she tends to roll over frequently to the side or on the tummy, try different methods of swaddling or phase it out altogether. Because, if your baby rolls over, especially on the tummy, he/she may find it difficult to breathe at times. At this point, with the swaddle on, the baby may not be able to roll back by himself/herself. However, do not try to support your baby with pillows on the sides to help him/her sleep in the preferred position. This may lead to suffocation.
So, What Is The Safe Sleeping Position For My Baby?
The safest sleeping position for a newborn baby is to sleep on the back. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD), sleeping on the back reduces the chances of the baby being unable to breathe well and lowers the risk of nasal congestion, fevers, and any other respiratory issues (2). Placing your baby to sleep on the back is especially important during the first year of life. Because this is when your baby is at the highest risk of SIDS. Quite obviously, your baby will not show any willingness to sleeping on his/her back. However, be persistent in your efforts and soon your baby will adapt to the position. And the sooner you do this, the better for your baby.
Your baby is precious to you. And who better than a mother to protect her baby from all the adversities of life. But don’t let any of the worries and anxieties rob you of living those wonderful moments with your baby to the fullest. Just be cautious, follow the advice listed here, and regularly check with your pediatrician. We are sure it’ll help you in the long run to lead a happy, healthy, and a wholesome family life! Cheers!
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
