Some people may think that babies can feel comfortable and calm when put to sleep in a prone position. In fact, this position is at risk of causing various health problems that are dangerous for the baby. So, when can babies sleep on their stomachs and what to pay attention to? Training babies on their stomachs is beneficial for their motor development. However, you should be careful. At a certain age, this position can actually be dangerous for your little one, especially when he is left on his stomach for a long time or when he is asleep.

Risks of Baby Sleeping on Stomach

Here are some risks that can befall your baby when allowed to sleep on his stomach:

1. Baby dies suddenly

The prone sleeping position may indeed be able to make the baby sleep more calmly and not easily wake up. However, behind that, letting the baby sleep on his stomach prematurely can increase the risk of the baby dying suddenly or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. The baby's breathing is disturbed

Several studies have shown that sleeping on the stomach in babies can put more pressure on the jaw and throat, narrowing the airways. This can make it more difficult for the baby to breathe. In addition, there is also another theory which states that the prone position can make the baby breathe less oxygen, while the carbon dioxide level in the body increases. Eventually, the baby's body can become deprived of oxygen (hypoxia), and this can lead to SIDS.

3. The baby's body temperature increases

The prone sleeping position is also said to be at risk of making the baby's body temperature increase, so that it is easier for him to overheat. Babies can also overheat when they sleep in thick or layered clothes, thick blankets, or in hot rooms. When hot, babies will feel less comfortable and more fussy so they tend to have difficulty falling asleep or waking up during sleep. In addition, babies who are hot or even cold can also be at risk of sudden death.

Read Too: Prickly Heat in Babies can be Dangerous, Here's How to Overcome it!

However, it's not always dangerous for babies to sleep on their stomachs. Along with the development of age, the baby's ability to control his body will increase. At about 5-6 months of age, babies are usually able to roll themselves forward or backwards. When your little one is able to control their own body movements consistently, there's actually no problem letting him sleep on his stomach or in any position that makes him comfortable.

The Right Sleeping Position for Babies

Although babies aged 5 or 6 months are usually able to control their own bodies, the risk of SIDS is still considered high until the baby is 12 months old. Therefore, for the safety of the Little One, Mother and Father are encouraged to keep him sleeping on his back until he is 1 year old.

Although there is an assumption that putting babies to sleep on their backs can make babies choke due to stomach acid disorders or GERD, the fact is that until now there has been no research that proves this statement. What is clear, the position of the baby sleeping on his stomach is indeed more risky than the position of the baby sleeping on his back.

What if the baby sleeps on his side? This is also not recommended, because there is still a risk that the baby will switch positions so that he is prone during sleep. In addition to making sure the baby sleeps on his back, it is also important to always keep the little one's mouth and nose from being blocked by any objects that might be able to cover his face while sleeping, such as blankets, pillows, bolsters, or dolls.

Tips for Safe Sleeping Babies

The right way to put your baby to sleep can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, when putting your little one to sleep, follow these tips:

Make sure the mattress is covered with sheets that fit and the surface of the mattress is not too soft. In addition, avoid putting your little one to sleep on a water bed, pillow, sofa, or chair.
Do not put extra pillows, blankets, dolls, or other objects around your little one while sleeping.
Do not use bumpers or upholstery on the edges of the crib.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and not layered. Adjust the temperature of the baby's bedroom so that it is not too warm and not too cold, or around 20–21 degrees Celsius.
Keep your little one away from cigarette smoke, dust, and pollution.
Give him breast milk by breastfeeding him regularly.
Give a pacifier or pacifier after your little one is 1 month old to help him sleep. However, don't force a pacifier if your little one refuses.
Putting the baby to sleep in a safe position and condition is very important. If your little one accidentally sleeps on his side or on his stomach prematurely, slowly turn him back to his back position.

If you still have questions about the baby sleeping on his stomach or want to make sure that it is safe for your little one to sleep in this position, don't hesitate to consult a pediatrician.

Read Too: The Wrong Baby Swaddle can be Dangerous for your Little One

Baby Stomach While Sleeping Can Be Fatal

The baby on his stomach is one of the achievements of the little one's growth and development. However, when this is done while they are asleep, then dangerous health risks can lurk for your baby. According to experts, babies who are not taught on their stomach are more at risk for delays in their motor development. On their stomach, babies can learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, keep their head up, and even stand up. But besides bringing benefits, it turns out that the prone position can also harm the baby. Let's take a look at the benefits and risks of a prone baby below.

Benefits of Stomach in Babies

Here are some advantages of prone on babies that you need to know:

Helps strengthen baby's back and shoulders.
Strengthens baby's neck muscles so that he can fully control head movements.
Train your baby to look up, down and around him. It also aims to develop the ability to coordinate and follow things with his eyes.
Prevents the baby's head from being flat on one side only, aka war. This condition is also known as plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.
Help baby move the muscles of the legs, feet, and hands.

But remember, never leave the baby unattended while he is on his stomach, or leave the baby on his stomach to sleep. The sleeping position of the baby in a prone state is actually at risk of causing health problems.

Other Risks of Baby Sleeping on Stomach

Babies who sleep on their stomach or sideways have a high risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This can happen for several reasons, namely:

Stomach allows the baby to breathe again the air that has been exhaled, causing a buildup of carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen levels in the body.
Stomach risks cause blockage in the baby's respiratory tract. This airway obstruction can reduce the supply of oxygen in the baby's body.
Stomach makes the baby hot.

The risk of sudden infant death syndrome itself generally occurs in the age range of 0-6 months. Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are more prone to SIDS. Not only that, babies who suffer from severe stomach acid reflux can also experience sleep apnea if they sleep on their stomach.

To prevent unwanted things from happening, parents are advised to put the baby to sleep on his back until he is one year old. Once your little one is strong enough to roll over on his own and can support his head and body well, you don't have to worry if he suddenly sleeps on his stomach.

Training babies on their stomachs can be started from the age of 2 months. Start the exercise by letting the baby lie on his stomach for 4-5 minutes per day. But remember, don't leave the baby on his stomach for too long, and make sure the baby sleeps on his back to prevent the risk of SIDS.