i heard sleeping flat on the back was bad because they may gag on their spit-up, and that on their stomach they may suffocate, so what would be a good position?
2006-12-04 05:02:37 · 11 answers · asked by as12jk34 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
You heard WRONG! Only put a newborn on his back to sleep unless there is a deformity and your doctor tells you otherwise. This gagging on the spit-up thing is an old wives's tale.
Since the BACK-To-Sleep campaign started in the US, SIDS deaths in the US have reduced by more than 50%.
Tell your friends, parents, anyone. All healthy babies MUST be put to sleep on their backs.
2006-12-04 05:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by smartygirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. The best way for a newborn to sleep is on the back. Safest way. If your baby has GERD/reflux, and the baby is sleeping in a crib, put a few towels or a small pillow UNDERNEATH the crib mattress to raise the baby's head up a little (look for information on-line about this and talk to your doctor). Also, there are special baby positioners (found at Babies R US or online) that can even help a baby sleep on his/her side if he/she prefers that. It will also keep the baby from rolling over onto the tummy. Do not use pillows or blankets in the crib. Just dress the baby appropriately for the temperature of your home. Personally, I'd avoid putting a baby on the tummy except during supervised play time when the baby is awake. The baby needs daytime "tummy-time" to avoid the flat head that can come with being in a carrier and on his/her back all the time. Hope this helps. Remember.. your pediatrician has good answers and if they don't care to answer your questions... get a new pediatrician! : )
2006-12-04 13:17:19 · answer #2 · answered by A mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on their back is best, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or (sids) is much lower. generally when a baby is sleeping on their back most of the time their head is turned to the side so gagging is reduced by most of the spit-up coming out of the side of their mouths. on their stomach the risk is much greater for suffocation due to babys turning their heads, and having their nose and mouths covered by crib bedding and the actual crib.
2006-12-04 14:03:57 · answer #3 · answered by Maddie and Jacobs mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that we should accept the current wisdom and put the babies on their backs to sleep. Who knows, tomorrow it could change, and I guess we'll all do that! :-) Although, my babies just INSISTED on sleeping on their stomachs...stubborn like their mama.
Another thing that most people overlook which is probably more responsible for suffocation deaths than sleeping on their stomachs is extra objects in the crib with the baby. DO NOT USE ANYTHING EXTRA IN THE CRIB WITH THE BABY, INCLUDING PILLOWS, STUFFED ANIMALS, AND ESPECIALLY BLANKETS, INCLUDING ROLLED UP BLANKETS TO PROP BABIES ON THEIR SIDES. Instead of a blanket, dress your baby in a footed sleeper, which they won't kick off and get cold AND there is no danger of it getting wrapped around the baby's head and suffocated them. Also, babies don't need a pillow, and they don't need stuffed animals to look at. Opt for a nice colorful mobile out of their reach instead.
2006-12-04 13:14:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Babies are ALWAYS supposed to sleep on their back due to the reduction in the occurance of SIDS. Babies naturally turn their heads to the side when they spit up while lying on their backs, so don't worry about that. NEVER put your baby to sleep on their stomach.
2006-12-04 13:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are medical studies that support the "on their back" position to prevent SIDS, other studies recommend on their side to prevent choking with regurgitation. Anyway... SIDS is caused by an immaturity of the Hypothalamus which can be helped to mature...believe it or not, buy rocking your baby on your arms. Nature knows best!
2006-12-04 13:21:20 · answer #6 · answered by morganna_f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On there back is the best, you can get special pillows for Toys r us that allow newborn to sleep on there sides but on the back is what doctors recommend.
2006-12-04 13:06:14 · answer #7 · answered by Jody 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While sleeping put the baby on it's side (not on the arm though) with like one of the baby blankets behind them for support. Remove all articles in front of them so they won't suffocate. You only want to put the baby on it's back if you are awake watching him/her.
2006-12-04 13:07:27 · answer #8 · answered by beauty 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I always rolled up a blanket and put my baby's on their side and the blanket behind them. They have pillows out now that are shaped like a roll try that .
2006-12-04 13:13:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i thought it was their back? I would be careful getting pillows...i heard they can roll or move in sleep and suffocate.......im about to have a baby in march. Thanks for asking this question its one i had too
2006-12-04 13:07:27 · answer #10 · answered by mommy2be in march! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋