Question
Pediatrics Is side sleeping good for babies?
Answer
Babies have several sleep positions like adults, including supine, prone, and lateral. From a medical perspective, lateral sleeping is most beneficial for a baby’s physical and mental health. Lateral sleeping aligns most closely with the physiological needs of the human body, with the spine slightly curved, shoulders forward, legs bent, and arms freely placed. The entire body’s muscles are in the most relaxed state, allowing the baby to sleep peacefully. Right lateral sleeping is even more reasonable. For babies whose digestive systems are not yet fully developed and who tend to regurgitate milk after feeding, side sleeping can prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract and causing suffocation. When lying on their right side, a baby’s heart is not compressed, and the liver located in the upper right abdomen receives more blood flow. Additionally, this right lateral sleeping position aids in the movement of food from the stomach to the duodenum, fully utilizing the digestive function.