Is side lying OK for newborns?

The Safety of Side Lying for Newborns
When it comes to the sleeping positions of newborns, safety is paramount. The question of whether side lying is acceptable for infants has garnered significant attention, particularly due to concerns surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Increased Risk of SIDS
Research indicates that side sleeping poses a heightened risk for SIDS, a condition that remains a leading cause of death in infants under one year old. Experts strongly recommend that babies be placed on their backs for sleep, as this position has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that while babies may naturally prefer to sleep on their sides or stomachs, these positions are not safe for unsupervised sleep.
Understanding Side Lying
While side lying may seem comfortable for some infants, it is not considered a safe sleep position. The primary concern is that babies who sleep on their sides may roll onto their stomachs, which is associated with an increased risk of suffocation and SIDS. Therefore, caregivers are advised to avoid placing infants in side-lying positions during sleep, especially when they are unsupervised.
When Side Lying Might Be Appropriate
There are specific scenarios where side lying can be beneficial, particularly during feeding. For instance, elevated side lying is a technique used for bottle feeding preterm infants or those with feeding difficulties. This position can help with digestion and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, this should not be confused with sleep positioning, as the guidelines for safe sleep remain strict.
Encouraging Safe Sleep Practices
To promote safe sleep habits, caregivers should ensure that infants are placed on their backs in a crib or bassinet that meets safety standards. The sleep environment should be free of soft bedding, pillows, and toys, which can pose additional risks. If a baby rolls onto their side or stomach during sleep, it is generally advised to gently reposition them onto their back.
In conclusion, while side lying may have its uses in specific contexts, it is not a safe sleeping position for newborns. The best practice remains to place infants on their backs to sleep, thereby minimizing the risk of SIDS and ensuring a safer sleep environment.

Is it okay for a newborn to lay on the side?

Babies who are younger than four months of age should never be allowed to sleep on their sides or tummy but after one year of age, you don’t have to necessarily position your baby on their back when laying them down anymore.

Is it okay if my newborn rolls on her side while sleeping?

Once a baby is able to roll both ways (tummy to back and back to tummy), it’s okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way in their sleep. If they can only roll one way, you should gently return them to their back if they roll onto their side.

Is my baby okay when I lay on my side?

In the third trimester our advice is to go sleep on your side because research has shown that this is safer for baby. This includes night sleep and day time naps.

What does side lying do for babies?

Position. It is also a really nice way to de-weight Baby skull. If you have a baby with plagiocephaly. So in this example.

Will my baby be ok if I sleep on my right side?

Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Previous studies have linked back and right-side sleeping with a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder that affects the mother.

Can newborns sleep on their side while supervised?

It is never safe for a baby who is unable to roll back and forth unassisted to sleep on their side, even if they are supervised. Studies show that all babies should be put to sleep on their back for the first year of life, regardless of if you’re watching them or not.

Is side lying position safe for newborns?

The Bottom Line. During the first year of your little one’s life, always place her on her back for every sleep. Back-sleeping is the safest sleeping position for your baby. Side-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS.

Is side sleeping a risk for SIDS?

The risk for SIDS is increased predominantly for the prone sleeping position. The lateral sleeping position shows an increased risk intermediate between that for prone and supine sleep for both usual and last sleep, but neither increase is significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Table 1.

Do I need to burp baby after side lying breastfeeding?

There are no rules on when to burp your baby. Some babies need to be burped during their feed while others after. And some may find it easier than others.

What happens to baby when laying on side?

Side sleeping in a baby increases the risk of SIDS, which is a leading cause of infant death. While many factors can cause SIDS, a few simple modifications to a baby’s sleeping environment may help prevent it.