Sleep Positions for All Babies

by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of Sleep: The Brazelton Way

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that infants be placed on their backs for sleeping, to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Extensive studies have shown that the incidence of SIDS is reduced when infants sleep on their backs. A national campaign called "Back to Sleep" has promoted this important issue.

In order to get infants used to back sleeping, it must be started from the first. Some infants seem to prefer stomach sleeping, for it helps to keep their arms and legs still whenever they startle. This makes the startles, which are often a normal part of every light sleep cycle, less likely to disturb their sleep. These babies may have difficulty comforting themselves on their backs. Though settling babies for sleep on their backs can make life more difficult for parents, it does help prevent SIDS, so even parents of active, light-sleeping babies will want to try to follow this advice.

Keeping a baby's hands uncovered can help her learn to suck her fingers for comfort while sleeping on her back. Also, swaddling babies firmly from the waist down can reduce the cycling of startles and waking. When babies sleep on their backs, they need to play on their bellies during the day. This is important so that their back muscles will develop well.

Excerpted from:

Excerpted from Sleep: The Brazelton Way © 2003 by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., and Joshua D. Sparrow, M.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Perseus.

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