Can baby sleep on its side?
When it comes to putting our little ones to sleep, there are many questions that may arise in our minds. One of those questions is whether it is appropriate to let your baby sleep on his or her side?
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the recommendations from the Danish Health Authority regarding babies' sleeping positions.
The Danish Health Authority advises against letting babies sleep on their sides.
The Danish Health Authority has clear recommendations regarding the sleeping position of babies. They advise against letting babies sleep on their sides unless they are sleeping under supervision. The main reason for this is to avoid the risk of SIDS.
Since 1991, the Danish Health Authority has recommended that babies sleep on their backs in order to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death syndrome.
Baby should sleep on his back
Although the side sleeping position is safer than the stomach sleeping position , the back is still the safest position for babies to sleep in. Research has shown that babies who sleep on their backs have a lower risk of SIDS compared to those who sleep on their side or stomach .
It is important to understand that babies do not have the same ability as adults to react and protect themselves if they are placed in an inappropriate sleeping position. Therefore, it is recommended to put the baby to sleep on their back to increase comfort and safety for the little one.
The importance of turning the baby's head
When babies sleep on their backs, it is a good idea to alternately turn their head from one side to the other. This helps prevent the development of a flat or crooked back of the head.
Babies' skulls are still soft and malleable in the first few months of their lives. If your baby always sleeps with their head turned to the same side, it can lead to a crooked head shape. By alternating turns of your baby's head, you can help maintain a symmetrical head shape.
When baby can turn over on his own – even in his sleep
When your baby reaches a certain developmental milestone and is able to turn over on his or her own, you can start considering putting your baby to sleep on his or her side. It varies greatly when children are able to do this, but it is a good idea to keep an eye on this. The Danish Health Authority recommends that children under 12 months of age should always be put to sleep on their backs.
Avoid pillows and loose objects in bed
No matter which sleeping position you choose for your baby, it is crucial to create a safe sleeping environment. The baby's bed should be free of pillows, loose blankets, toys or other objects that could pose a safety hazard to the child.
It is also recommended to avoid using a pillow for the baby, as it can increase the risk of suffocation and affect their breathing. The baby should also sleep on a firm, flat mattress that fits the bed, and the duvet should be light. When the baby is at least 6 months old, you can consider replacing the regular baby duvet with a baby weighted duvet if the baby has restless sleep.
This is what you should take with you from the guide
By creating a safe and secure sleeping environment and following the recommendations from the Danish Health Authority, you can give your baby the best possible conditions for safe sleep and minimize the risk of potential dangers. If you have any further questions or concerns about your baby's sleeping position, you should reach out to your health visitor.
