Question

What are the benefits and risks of babies sleeping on their stomach?

Answer

There are several benefits to babies sleeping on their stomach, including:

  1. Reducing the likelihood of spitting up;
  2. Lowering the risk of aspiration due to spitting up;
  3. Promoting a more aesthetically pleasing head shape;
  4. Assisting in straightening the baby’s head faster. As more and more hospitals recommend stomach sleeping, parents can choose to let their babies sleep in this position to promote good sleep and mood. However, not all babies may find stomach sleeping comfortable. If a baby’s face is flushed and they seem uncomfortable, it is not suitable to force them to sleep on their stomach. Moreover, for babies who cannot yet turn their faces autonomously, sleeping with soft bedding may increase the risk of suffocation. Therefore, parents should closely monitor their baby’s condition and choose a suitable sleep environment and method for their child. As the baby’s neck muscles begin to develop around four months old, parents should try to keep a close eye on the baby.