Newborns should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Why Is Sleeping Position Critical for Newborns?
Newborns are incredibly fragile, and their sleep position plays a huge role in their safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended placing babies on their backs to sleep. This advice comes from extensive research showing that back sleeping dramatically lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which remains a leading cause of infant mortality.
When a newborn lies on their side, they are more likely to roll onto their stomach, which can obstruct breathing. Unlike adults, infants haven’t developed the reflexes or muscle strength to reposition themselves if they find it hard to breathe. This makes side sleeping risky and generally discouraged by pediatricians.
The concern isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Babies’ airways are delicate, and any position that increases the chance of suffocation or overheating can be dangerous. That’s why understanding the safest sleeping practices is essential for every parent and caregiver.
The Risks Associated With Side Sleeping
Side sleeping might seem like a middle ground between back and stomach positions, but it actually carries significant risks. Here’s why:
- Unstable Position: Newborns lack the muscle control to maintain a stable side position, making it easy for them to roll onto their stomach.
- Increased SIDS Risk: Studies show that babies placed on their sides have a higher chance of SIDS compared to those placed on their backs.
- Choking Misconceptions: Some believe side sleeping reduces choking risk if babies spit up, but research disproves this—back sleeping is safer even in these cases.
In fact, the side position is often called “the dangerous middle ground” because it’s neither as safe as back sleeping nor as stable as tummy time when supervised awake.
How Side Sleeping Affects Breathing
Babies have softer airways than adults. When lying on their sides, gravity can cause the tongue or soft tissues to partially block the airway. The risk is even higher if the baby has any nasal congestion or reflux issues.
Also, when babies sleep on their backs, they’re less likely to rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide trapped in bedding or soft surfaces—a factor linked to SIDS. Side sleepers don’t have this advantage because they can easily turn over onto their stomachs.
What Does Science Say About Can Newborns Lay On Their Side?
Decades of research back up the recommendation against side sleeping for newborns:
| Study | Findings | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| AAP SIDS Task Force (2016) | Back sleeping reduces SIDS risk by up to 50% compared to side or stomach positions. | Strong recommendation for supine sleep only in infants under one year. |
| Dwyer et al., Pediatrics (2001) | Babies placed on sides had a 2-3 times higher risk of SIDS than those placed on backs. | Side sleeping discouraged as an unsafe alternative. |
| Morrell et al., J Pediatr (2006) | No evidence that side positioning reduces aspiration or choking risks. | Back sleeping preferred even for babies with reflux concerns. |
This solid scientific consensus has shaped global safe sleep guidelines over the past two decades.
The “Back to Sleep” Campaign Impact
The “Back to Sleep” campaign launched in the early 1990s revolutionized infant care worldwide. It encouraged parents and caregivers to place babies exclusively on their backs during sleep times. Since then, countries reporting adherence have seen dramatic drops in SIDS rates—sometimes by more than 50%.
This campaign also clarified misconceptions about side sleeping being a safe compromise, emphasizing that only back sleeping provides optimal protection.
The Role of Reflux and Spitting Up in Sleep Position Decisions
A common reason parents consider side sleeping is concern over reflux or spitting up. It seems logical: if a baby spits up regularly, lying flat on the back might worry caregivers about choking risks.
However, medical experts stress that back sleeping remains safest even for reflux-prone infants. Here’s why:
- Anatomy Helps: The esophagus enters the stomach at an angle that prevents easy aspiration when lying flat on the back.
- No Increased Choking Risk: Studies show no increased choking incidents among babies who sleep supine despite reflux symptoms.
- Side Sleeping Risks Outweigh Benefits: The danger from potential airway obstruction or rolling onto the stomach surpasses any perceived reflux benefit.
Pediatricians often recommend elevating only the head of an infant’s crib slightly rather than switching them to a side position. Even then, elevation must be done carefully and under professional guidance.
Safe Handling Tips for Reflux Babies
- Keep baby upright after feeding: Hold your baby in an upright position for at least 20-30 minutes post-feed to reduce reflux episodes.
- Avoid overfeeding: Smaller, more frequent feedings can minimize spit-ups.
- Create a calm environment: Stress and overstimulation may worsen reflux symptoms; soothing routines help.
Addressing reflux doesn’t mean compromising safe sleep recommendations.
The Importance of Tummy Time While Awake
Though newborns should never be placed on their stomachs during sleep, supervised tummy time while awake is critical for healthy development.
Tummy time helps:
- Strengthen neck and shoulder muscles;
- Prevent flat spots on the head;
- Aid motor skill development;
Parents should aim for several short tummy time sessions daily once the baby is alert and awake—always under close supervision.
This practice complements safe sleep guidelines by balancing developmental needs with safety priorities.
The Debate Around Sleep Positioners and Wedges
Some parents use wedges or positioners claiming they keep babies safely propped on their sides or backs. However:
- The FDA warns against these devices due to suffocation hazards;
- No evidence shows wedges reduce SIDS risk;
- Pediatricians advise against any unapproved products in cribs.
Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new items into your baby’s sleep space.
The Bottom Line: Can Newborns Lay On Their Side?
Here’s what you need to remember: newborns should always be placed flat on their backs during all sleep times—naps included—to minimize risks like SIDS and airway obstruction.
Side sleeping isn’t stable enough since babies can easily roll onto their stomachs without control. Despite common myths about reducing choking or reflux issues by placing infants on their sides, studies show no safety benefits here either.
Instead:
- Create a firm, clutter-free crib environment;
- Tuck your baby into cotton clothing appropriate for room temperature;
- Add supervised tummy time during waking hours;
- If concerned about reflux or other medical issues affecting sleep positions, discuss options with your pediatrician rather than experimenting alone.
Following these guidelines offers peace of mind knowing you’re giving your little one the safest start possible.
Key Takeaways: Can Newborns Lay On Their Side?
➤ Back sleeping is safest to reduce SIDS risk.
➤ Side position can be unstable and cause rolling.
➤ Use firm mattress to support safe sleep posture.
➤ Avoid soft bedding that may obstruct breathing.
➤ Consult pediatrician for personalized sleep advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Newborns Lay On Their Side Safely?
Newborns should not be placed to sleep on their sides. This position is unstable and increases the risk of rolling onto the stomach, which raises the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts recommend always placing babies on their backs for sleep.
Why Is It Risky For Newborns To Lay On Their Side?
Side sleeping is risky because newborns lack the muscle control to maintain that position. They can easily roll onto their stomachs, which can obstruct breathing and increase SIDS risk. Side sleeping also does not reduce choking risk as some might believe.
Does Laying On The Side Help Newborns Who Spit Up?
Despite common misconceptions, laying newborns on their side does not reduce choking from spit-up. Research shows back sleeping remains the safest position even for babies with reflux or spit-up concerns, as it helps keep airways clear and reduces SIDS risk.
How Does Laying On The Side Affect A Newborn’s Breathing?
Laying on the side can partially block a newborn’s airway due to gravity causing soft tissues or the tongue to shift. This is especially dangerous if the baby has nasal congestion or reflux, making back sleeping a safer choice to ensure open airways.
What Do Pediatricians Recommend About Newborns Laying On Their Side?
Pediatricians strongly advise against placing newborns on their sides to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends back sleeping as the safest practice to reduce SIDS risk. Side sleeping is considered unstable and potentially hazardous for newborns.
Conclusion – Can Newborns Lay On Their Side?
The answer is clear: No, newborns should not lay on their sides during sleep due to increased risks associated with this position. Back sleeping remains the gold standard backed by decades of research and expert consensus worldwide.
By prioritizing proper positioning alongside creating a safe overall environment—firm mattress, no loose bedding—and incorporating plenty of supervised tummy time when awake, you set your newborn up for healthy growth without unnecessary dangers lurking during those precious early months.
Remember this simple rule: Always place your baby on their back until they have full head control and mobility—usually around six months—before considering other positions under professional advice.
Keeping these facts front and center will help you confidently navigate newborn care while protecting your most precious cargo every single night.