Recommended Sleeping Position For Infants
Jason Rickard
The dreaded SID (Sudden Infant Syndrome) has caused alarm to
parents worldwide. This also moved medical experts to look
closely into the sleeping habits of infants. For the longest
time, it is believed that the best position for babies is to
sleep on their stomach. This is actually not the case. Modern
studies attested that sleeping in this position could cause
some medical issues since the infant’s mouth and nose, which
are the vital organs for proper airflow, are somehow blocked
because their heads are faced down.
Since 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly
recommends that babies should sleep on their backs. Recent
studies show that the instances of SID’s are reduced by almost
50% once parents are advised to change their baby’s sleeping
position from sleeping on their stomach to sleeping on their
backs or side.
Suffocation is a possibility when a baby sleeps on his stomach.
Some babies have weak neck muscles and once they turn their
heads, it may cause them to suffocate. It would be better if
babies were allowed to sleep on their backs. It is important to
keep their face up and not faced down.
Sleeping on one’s back can cause some minor discomfort for
babies. During their sleep, they may have some involuntary
reflexes that can startle them and cause them to wake up in the
middle of the night. To prevent this, you can swaddle them with
a blanket. Just make sure to wrap them properly and avoid
covering their face.
A good sleeping position ensures your baby a good night’s sleep
and help prevent the chances of SID. In addition to this,
quality beddings could also promote good sleep. Choose a
mattress that is firm and avoid putting in stuffed toys in your
baby’s sleeping area. Unnecessary stuff in their bed, like toys,
is a hazard. Babies tend to move at night, and when they do,
these things can go to their face and block their airways. As a
safety precaution, it is also recommended to use sleepers
instead of blankets.
It may not be always possible to watch your child during his
sleep. This is why it is important to ensure that his bed is
safe for them to sleep on. Always practice proper sleeping
positions for your baby as this doesn’t only make up for a good
rest for them but can ensure that they are in great health.
About The Author: Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite
Shop -
http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise
and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health -
http://www.hapahapa.com for more articles.
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