Back to Sleep Placing an infant on his or her back to sleep has been known to reduce the risk of sudden infant death for many years. Back sleeping is a learned behaviour. Babies learn to sleep in the position they are placed in from birth. It is very important to start Back to Sleep immediately! Unaccustomed tummy sleepers have an 18 to 20 times greater risk of SIDS the first or second time they are placed on their tummies to sleep. It is important to tell everyone that is caring for your baby that they should always place baby on their back to sleep.
Everyone loves to hold and cuddle a new baby, often on their shoulder. Remember - this means baby is sleeping on their tummy. Instead, cuddle and love your baby, but once they fall asleep, flip them into the crook of your arm onto their back.
For parents struggling to get their infants to sleep on their back, never give up! Your baby will learn to sleep on their back!
Additional Advantages of Back Sleeping
Studies have shown that babies who sleep on their back:
Swallow more often
Have fewer ear infections at 3 and 6 months
Experience less stuffy noses at 6 months
When Babies Roll to their Tummies...
At about 5 months of age, many babies begin to roll from their backs to their tummies. This is normal growth and development and you should not try to prevent this from happening. Tummy time should be increased so baby associates sleep with back and play with tummy. (see Tummytime)
Parents should start by placing babies on their backs to sleep. If the baby rolls onto its tummy, parents need not flip them back…
The MOST IMPORTANT point to remember is when they roll, they do so in a safe sleep environment - free from soft bedding, pillows, stuffed toys and other objects
Once baby is asleep, take a light blanket and firmly tuck it down the sides of the crib. This makes a secure pocket for baby to sleep in and reduces the risk of him turning over to his side or tummy
Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket for babies
Place a mobile type hard toy on the side of the crib for baby to look at while going to sleep. Be sure it is out of baby's reach
