Sleep is a very important bodily function. People’s brains and bodies can relax and revive. Especially babies, they sleep most of their days away. This is why the baby sleeps longer that will grow fast and better, but the baby who sleeps less is often stunted.
A lot of things can affect sleep quality like sleepwear, sleep environment, sleep position, etc. The different effect has different sleep solution. And sleep position is the topic for today. Some mothers may have many confusions. How should babies sleep? What is the worst sleeping position? And what is the best sleeping position for posture? Let’s talk about them one by one.
1. Sleep on the stomach
Can babies sleep on their stomach? Babies under three months old can not turn over by themselves freely. Sleeping on the tummy is easy to make them have difficulties breathing. If your baby vomits milk, it is easy to cause accidental suction, resulting in the occurrence of suffocation. Therefore, mothers should not let babies keep this sleeping position for a long time. Especially for newborns, mothers should help their babies turn over in time. And when turning over, mothers should feel the back of the baby's neck to check if it is sweaty or cold. And change thick sleepwear or reduce the clothes as appropriate.
Besides suffocation, sleeping on a tummy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2. Sleep on the side
Can babies sleep on their side? Compared to sleeping on a tummy, sleeping on the side can prevent choking. But it may affect your baby’s head shape because the first 3 months is a critical period for a baby's head to be shaped. Parents should often change the sleeping position of their babies between lying on the left side, the right side, and the back. Remember not to let the baby sleep on his or her back.
Babies usually don't need pillows until they are 3 months old. You can put a better-textured cotton towel under your baby's head to relieve head pressure.
In order to promote your baby's bone development, you can give the baby appropriate supplemental calcium and vitamin D and let your baby get more sunshine.
When the baby sleeps on his/her side, it is easy to press his/her arms. So parents need to pay more attention to pulling out the baby's little hands and putting them in front, which will make your baby more comfortable.
3. Sleep on the back
The best sleeping position is sleeping on the back. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that infants should try to sleep on their back. Because it is the safest position and it can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Babies under three months have not yet appeared with physiological curvature. They do not need to use a pillow when lying on their backs. The baby's neck and shoulders can be slightly padded to keep the head and neck stretched and breathing smoothly.
In addition to keeping the baby sleeping on his back, parents should also avoid using soft bedding for the baby. Because the baby may flip when sleeping and the baby may bury his face in the quilt or soft toy accidentally. Babies will have difficulty in breathing. For babies under one-year-old, it is safer to use a sleep sack than to use the quilt.
A good, suitable sleep sack can play a helpful role in a baby’s sleep. Kaiya Angel recently launched a new newborn sleep sack that is made of bamboo fiber. Bamboo fiber is an ideal fabric for a baby. It is super-soft, breathable, thermoregulation, hypoallergenic, and moisture absorbing. Mothers don’t need to worry their babies will have allergies. The ergonomic design with anti-startle reaction. Babies can keep an arm-up sleep position. And they also can feel snug and comfortable. It is easier for them to have a safe, restful sleep.
If you are worried about how to keep baby's arms warm in a sleep sack or how to keep baby's hands warm in a sleep sack, you can safely select this sleep sack.
This sleep sack has three beautiful neutral colors that are all perfect for both baby girls and baby boys. They are creamy white, grayish blue, and dark pink. Mothers can choose a preferred color for their babies.
TOG 0.5
comfortable for a restful sleeping
Bamboo Fiber
soft, breathable, thermoregulation, hypoallergenic, moisture absorbing
Ergonomic
anti-startle reaction for a longer, restful sleep
4. Tummy Time
Tummy time is a common daily activity in the United States that can reduce the risk of the out of shape of baby’s skull and help improve his motor skills.
4.1 the origin of tummy time
In the U.S., pediatricians will suggest parents have their babies have tummy time every day. Babies should try to be in the prone position as often as possible when they are awake and supervised by their parents.
In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics pointed out that babies sleeping on their backs was one of the main causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So parents were encouraged to adjust their babies' sleeping positions to sleep on the back. But sleeping on the back is not a perfect sleeping position. Because if the baby sleeps on his back for a long time, it will cause his head to be flattened.
Some doctors are beginning to advise parents to try to get their babies to adopt a prone position when they are not sleeping. On the one hand, lying in a prone position can reduce the risk of the out of shape of skull. On the other hand, it helps to improve the baby's motor skills. Babies can learn to roll and crawl as soon as possible.
4.2 How to help your baby have tummy time?
pay attention to choosing the right time
Parents should make their babies feel happy during tummy time. So it is best to pick a time when your baby is happy, such as an hour after your baby has just finished drinking milk. But don't do it just after drinking milk, or your baby will easily vomit. You also can choose the right time after your baby has just finished changing a clean diaper.
Do not let your babies do tummy time when they are hungry, tired, or feeling unwell. If your baby cries during tummy time, parents can try to soothe the baby first. If the baby still continues to cry, do not force him to continue. You should pick up the baby to calm him.
parents can do the tummy time together with your baby
If you want your baby to feel comfortable while doing tummy time, the best way is to do it together with your baby. Mom and dad can lie down on the floor or bed together with the baby and try to talk to the baby. Babies will feel safe and happy easily.
Parents can also let the baby lie on their tummy to do tummy time. If your baby has reached four months, he can lift his head by himself. Parents can have more physical interaction with the baby, which can help improve the relationship between babies and parents.
make your baby feel fun during tummy time
Never let your baby feel boring during tummy time. You can put a small mirror in front of the baby. Your baby can see himself in the mirror, which can make him feel funny. In addition, the mirror is good for the baby to self-discovery and encourages his cognitive skills. Parents also can buy a play mat for their baby. Play mats can promote babies’ motor skills.
pad a tummy time pillow under your baby
A three-month-old baby can start to lift his head. But it's still difficult for him to fully support his body with his arms. So parents can pad a tummy time pillow under their baby’s body to help him support his upper body and gain a new horizon.
always observe your baby's condition
Parents should always observe their baby’s condition during tummy time. Check if the play mat is comfortable, if your baby is wearing suitable clothes, etc. Some babies are happier when they are naked for tummy time. Some babies are more willing to do tummy time when they are sucking on a pacifier. Parents need to create a comfortable environment for their babies during tummy time.
Last but not least, be sure to pay attention to your baby's safety during tummy time. If you are putting your baby do tummy time in bed, pay attention to taking care to prevent him from falling down the bed. When your baby is doing tummy time, parents must watch over him the whole time to keep him safe.