Is it ok for my baby to sleep on their side or stomach?
Infants should only be placed on their backs to sleep until they reach 1 year of age. Back sleeping is the safest position for infants because it reduces the risk for Sleep-Related Infant Deaths (including SIDS and SUIDS). When a child is able to roll over they can begin sleeping on their stomach or in another position. It is therefore not recommended to put an infant under 1 year old to sleep on his/her stomach. This recommendation includes daytime naps. So back to sleep for every sleep.
Note that infants often learn to roll from their back to their side during sleep when they are older than 4 to 6 months of age. You do not need to adjust your infant’s position if they’re able to comfortably roll over on their own. Simply begin each night with placing your child to sleep on their back and in a safe sleep environment free from blankets and other soft or loose objects. Be sure, too, that your baby’s arms are free (not swaddled) during sleep once they begin to roll over – or even earlier.
If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s sleep position, be sure to ask their health care provider.
