Babies should not sleep on their side because it significantly increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Side sleeping is an unstable position that makes it easy for a baby to roll onto their stomach, which is the most dangerous sleep position. Only back sleeping is recommended for the first year of life.

Why is it bad for babies to sleep on the side?

Some research suggests that the SIDS risk for babies who sleep on their sides and then fall onto their stomachs is much higher than the risk for babies who are always placed to sleep on their stomachs. Babies should be placed wholly on their backs for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Is it okay if baby rolls onto side when sleeping?

It's common for babies at that age to roll over in their sleep and sleep on their tummies. Lots of babies (but not all) prefer to sleep on their tummies and sides. The general rule of thumb for safety is that if they are able to get into that position on their own, then it's safe for them to sleep that way.

Is side sleeping linked to SIDS?

Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and increases the chance that infants will roll onto their stomachs7—the sleep position associated with the highest SIDS risk. The AAP Task Force recommends that infants be placed wholly on their backs to sleep—for naps and at night.

At what age are babies allowed to sleep on their side?

Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep until they are 12 months old, as side sleeping increases SIDS risk, but if a baby rolls onto their side or stomach on their own after learning to roll, it's generally considered safe to let them stay there, as long as they started on their back and the sleep space is clear of hazards like blankets or bumpers. The key rule is to always place them down on their back, but once they can roll independently, they can sleep in other positions they choose. 

The Truth About Tummy Sleeping - What Parents Need to Know

What are signs of SIDS?

SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs. Babies who die of SIDS seem healthy before being put to bed. They show no signs of struggle and are often found in the same position as when they were placed in the bed.

What to do if my newborn keeps sleeping on his side?

Since the safest position for babies under 12 months old is on their backs, you can gently reposition them if you see it happen. If your little one is able to roll both ways (tummy to back and back to tummy), it's generally okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way while sleeping [4].

What is the 5 3 3 rule for baby sleep?

Another sleep training method is the 5-3-3 method, or 5-3-3 rule. This technique involves setting a specific sleep schedule where a baby is asleep for five hours, awake for three hours, and then asleep for an additional three hours.

What week is riskiest for SIDS?

Ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur within the first 6 months of life, with the rate peaking between 1 to 4 months. Death comes suddenly and unpredictably, usually during sleep. In most cases, the baby seems healthy before death.

What is the 5 8 5 rule for babies?

The "5-8-5 rule" for babies is a science-backed method to help soothe crying infants and encourage sleep, involving 5 minutes of steady carrying/walking, followed by 5 to 8 minutes of sitting/cuddling, then gently laying the baby down to sleep, capitalizing on a specific sleep stage transition after about 8 minutes of calm sleep onset. This technique aims to transition babies from high arousal to a more stable sleep state, reducing fussiness when they are put down. 

What is the #1 cause of SIDS?

The cause of SIDS is unknown. But it may be caused by problems in the area of an infant's brain that controls breathing and waking up from sleep. Researchers have found some things that might put babies at higher risk. They've also found some things you can do to help protect your child from SIDS .

What are the risks of side sleeping for newborns?

The dangers of side sleeping for babies

Side sleeping puts babies at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to the AAP. “When infants sleep on their side—defined as rotation of the hip and shoulder of one side of the body—it's easier for them to roll onto their stomach,” explains Mallick.

What to do if baby won't sleep on back?

Back-sleeping is the only position recommended by the AAP to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. What should I do if my newborn won't sleep on their back? Try swaddling, white noise, and gentle transfer techniques. Avoid tummy or side sleeping — back is always best.

Why is SIDS more common in 2-4 months?

Why Does SIDS Peak at 2-4 Months? The widely accepted explanation for the SIDS peak has to do with the timeline of brain development. “Up to 4 months old, the part of the brain that controls breathing and wakefulness is under a lot of development,” Juliet explains.

What is the hardest month for a baby?

The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage. The more responsive you are, the more secure your baby will feel.

What is the 9 minute rule for babies?

Depending on age, children need at least 9 total minutes of eye-to-eye “face time.” It may be 9 minutes straight, or a minute here and there. Babies need a lot of contact with their parents—look at them and talk with them often (it doesn't matter what you say).

Why is SIDS so low in Japan?

Japan's low SIDS rates are attributed to a combination of genetic factors (East Asian ALDH2 gene polymorphism offering infection protection), strong public health systems, widespread use of maternal-child health handbooks, high literacy, and a culture of close infant care and monitoring, though cultural factors like co-sleeping and parental behaviors also play a role, alongside potential diagnostic differences.

Does tummy time prevent SIDS?

Tummy Time for a Healthy Baby. Babies need tummy time! Although it does not directly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), tummy time is an important way to help baby grow and develop.

What is the oldest a baby has died from SIDS?

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant between the ages of 1 month and 1 year old that doesn't have a known cause, even after a complete investigation.

What are the red flags for autism in newborns?

Making little or no eye contact. Difficulty in following objects with their eyes. Hearing their name does not produce a response. Having limited or no reaction to loud sounds, or not turning their head to locate sounds.

What age do danger naps start?

Personally I think the idea of the danger nap should be avoided when your child still has relatively short wake windows. So definitely before 12 months and maybe even later up to 18 months depending on your child's tolerance for being awake/tired.

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